Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Finding Freedom from Addiction 

Bible Reading: : Proverbs 23:19–35

Key verse:  26

"My son, give me your heart  And let your eyes delight in my ways."

DEVOTION

What is the meaning of addiction? Addiction can be defined as a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance or behavior. In today's world, addictions are many — substance abuse, excessive phone use, alcohol, pornography, and more. This Bible passage talks about the seductions of life, alcohol abuse, and the perils of it. Addictions can set themselves up as idols in our lives. Many family lives have been shattered by addictions, and families struggle when loved ones are caught up in them. One of the many reasons for homelessness in America is substance abuse. Verse 35 says, "...When will I wake up so I can find another drink?" Here, the author is warning that once started on this path, all thoughts will be consumed by the next drink. Every addiction first started out as a harmless thing, and then — like a serpent — it coils around the person tighter and tighter. How can we be safe from addictions? As Christians, we are to run everything we do through a Christ lens. We have to ask ourselves: does this action or thought bring me closer to God or draw me away from Him? This helps to orient our actions and keep our hearts centered on God. Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." His command is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. Thus, loving God must also be reflected in keeping His commandments  which will keep us from addictions. George W. Bush struggled with excessive drinking until he had an encounter with Jesus after a conversation with Billy Graham, the evangelist. Soon after, he was completely free from his addiction to alcohol. We also see how Saul went from persecuting Christians to becoming a faithful apostle for Christ after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Freedom from addiction can only happen when there is a heart change. The truth will set us free, as it says in John 8:32. When our hearts are centered on Christ, then we are truly free. Anything that sets itself up in our lives against Christ is an idol. Verse 26 says, "...give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways." Giving our hearts in total surrender to the Lord and daily delighting in Him alone will set us free and guard us from addictions.

PRAYER

Lord let peace and tranquility rule  in  our hearts to embrace a new life devoid of all evils  ,temptations and addictions in our life every day to the end.


Thought for the DAY

Are we delighting in the ways of the Lord, or are we delighting in the ways of the world? Let us seek to delight in the Lord alone each day.

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Mrs  Rebecca Joseph, Sehion Mar Thoma church of Dallas

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