"Recognizing the Truth"

In a society where there are countless individuals seeking to recover from drug addiction, one of the most important tools used are the resources and information that individuals use to recover; resources such as literature, specific guidelines and steps, and of course other people’s experiences.  One of society’s resources for people with drug addictions is Narcotics Anonymous. This organization has been around since 1936 and has helped countless people in their recovery process, but there are some disturbing things about the literature that is being promoted to the people in recovery. As I was reading the Narcotics Anonymous (How It Works) literature, I found something that was quite disturbing to me because it contradicts the Word of God. The literature states, [There is one thing more than anything else that will defeat us in our recovery; this is an attitude of indifference or intolerance toward spiritual principles. Three of these that are indispensable are honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. With these we are well on our way. We feel that our approach to the disease of addiction is completely realistic, for the therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parallel. We feel that our way is practical, for one addict can best understand and help another addict. We believe that the sooner we face our problems within our society, in everyday living, just that much faster do we become acceptable, responsible, and productive members of that society. The only way to keep from returning to active addiction is not to take that first drug. If you are like us you know that one is too many and a thousand never enough. We put great emphasis on this, for we know that when we use drugs in any form, or substitute one for another, we release our addiction all over again.] One of the first thoughts after reading this was to discern the truth in God’s word to what has been stated in this literature. The very first statement says, “There is one thing more than anything else that will defeat us in our recovery; this is an attitude of indifference or intolerance toward spiritual principles. Three of these that are indispensable are honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness.” In other words, one of things that will defeat a person in recovery is having a mindset that has no concern for spiritual principles, and a mindset that is unwilling to or refuses to accept people who have different views, beliefs or lifestyles. Personally, I have some strong concerns about this statement because of the three principles that were named, which are honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. I have no problem with following spiritual principles, but I do have a problem when those spiritual principles having no foundation or reference to the True and Living God by which we come through Jesus Christ for salvation and restoration… Of course there are many different beliefs and views concerning the spiritual standards we should live up to, but where are these standards coming from and what are they rooted in? As I read Galatians 4: 8-9, it revealed the truth, which says, “Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world?” No matter what we hold to be true in our own minds, we must pull from what the bible says is the standard of truth. Respecting another individual’s views, beliefs and lifestyle is not a problem, but it becomes a problem when those views, beliefs and lifestyles oppose the word of God, and the believer is then exposed to the lies within the minds of these individuals. Granted, everyone grows and recovers at a different rate, but as it says in Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” As a believer of Jesus Christ, this scripture is clearly warning those who have accepted Jesus to be cautious of others who may in fact deceive them through any system of belief, values, or tenets, and according to the traditions of men, according to the basic values of men. The bible goes on to say in Colossians 2:20, “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations.” Here is where my concern is. Individuals who are in recovery, who have given their lives to God through Christ are no longer subject to these basic, human viewpoints, and ways of life that are encouraged and promoted in the Narcotics Anonymous program. Some, if not most people in recovery have not truly understood their identities and positions in Christ. Are we really identifying ourselves with the cross of Jesus Christ, Do we know the benefits and authority we have been given in and through Him? In the book of Hosea 4:6, it says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shall be no priest to me.” The blue letter bible explains that the word ‘knowledge’ in this text means, “for want of the knowledge of God”. This to me says more than enough. How are we suppose get the true knowledge of God through the different views, beliefs and lifestyles of others in the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous. We must depend on our personal relationship with God, through Christ if we are to grow spiritually and recover from the Stronghold of addiction. If anyone is directing others in a way which leads them away from Christ and causes doubt and confusion, then it’s time to come out from among them and be ye separated. The second statement in Narcotics Anonymous literature that contradicts the truth in God’s word is, “The only way to keep from returning to active addiction is not to take that first drug.” This statement is not altogether true at all. Denying yourself of the use of drugs is not the only way, it is however one of the things you must be accountable and responsible for while in your recovery process. I know for a fact that abstinence alone can’t keep a person from picking up that first drug. If that statement were true, then there would be no relapsing in recovery. By what power can a person not use a drug that they continuously confess they are powerless over, and it remain permanent. The word of the Lord came to Zechariah saying, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Only by the spirit of the Lord can a person permanently keep themselves from returning to active addiction. I don’t care how much will power a person thinks they have against this unseen enemy that tries to pull us back into active addiction; if you don’t have the Power of the Holy Spirit working on the inside of you, you will, most often than not, relapse at some point in your recovery. Our minds must be set free and renewed by the word of God, by the Power of the Holy Spirit as it says in Romans 12:2. But let’s look at what the word of God says concerning the root of relapse (returning to active action) and the cause of it. I will say this with confidence, “Our deliverance is connected to our thinking” and the only way to keep from returning to active addiction is to “Renew your Mind” with God’s word.  In Romans 7:15-17 says, “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.  If then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good.  But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. Here is the root cause!! We must realize that the flesh is not something we can take off like a watch or a pair of pants; the flesh is part of who we are, not all of who we are, and it can be used to do good, but the issue comes when we put all of our human effort into not using, and totally ignore the Grace of God and the word of God. In John 6:63, Jesus says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” In other words, the words that Jesus has left to us in the bible are not merely words on paper; they are spirit and they are life.  Jesus is not talking about just any spirit; he’s speaking of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God. Let’s just be honest, Romans 7:15 applies to all of us, “For what I would do, that I do not.” This says, the thing that I would allow that’s good for me, I end up not doing it or not allowing it. But here’s the real crazy part; what I absolutely hate doing, I find myself doing that very thing.  For example, you know smoking cigarettes is an addiction and unhealthy; you want to stop, but you keep smoking. You hate being broke, but you won’t get a job. Instead you continuously rely on your old mindset, which says, “My man will take good care me”. You hate being lonely, but you won’t stop sleeping around with different men/women. All of these examples show us just how the sin that lives within us operates, but without the mind of Christ, we have no Power. Our carnal minds, our old mindsets struggle with following God’s word and living for God. So let’s step into the new mind as it says in Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Time out for allowing others to dictate who we are in Christ. Nowhere in their literature does it reference Jesus Christ or the word of God. Let us realize and be honest amongst ourselves and know that NA is the world’s resource/ tool used to help or rather assist in the recovery process, not the final authority as to how we live our lives.  I’m trying to figure out what is really being implied when they stated, “We put great emphasis on this, for we know that when we use drugs in any form, or substitute one for another, we release our addiction all over again.” Now for a nonbeliever this may be true because the Holy Spirit is not at work inside of that person, but how can we, as the body of Christ, release an addiction that was crucified with Christ. (Gal. 2:20) Our identities are not based on performance, but it is rooted in our rebirth through Christ. In no way are we held under subjection to the power of sin because we have the Power of the Holy Spirit working inside of us, which helps us in our recovery and sanctification process. Releasing the addiction would mean that it is still laying dormant inside of us, but Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” The quote unquote “disease of addiction” cannot live together with Christ; for what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2Cor. 6:14)
Grace is our defining factor. If we subscribe to these sets of human standards, people are bound to fail in their recovery process.  This is but another form of bondage; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. In Isaiah 53:5 says, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” And what about what it says in Colossians 2:13-15, “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,  having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.  Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Are we going to believe the word of God or are we going to allow the world to dictate to us who we are? I know that there literature says “they feel that their way is practical and that one addict can best understand and help another addict,” but the word of God says in Luke 6:39-42, “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.” Now this scripture right here can in no way be misinterpreted, and if it is or has been; let me clarify it from what the Holy Spirit revealed to me. The first statement concerning the “blind leading the blind” means one mentally blind person leading another mentally blind person. So why allow someone with an unrenewed mind to lead you to a truth they don’t know; both will fall and fail in their efforts to do so. It also says we are not above of our teacher Jesus Christ, but everyone who is equipped and prepared will be like his teacher. This says to me that each and every follower of Christ will become more like him as we are led and prepared according to His word through our personal relationship with Him. But then He goes on to ask why do you look at the faults in your brother path, but do not look at the faults in your own path. How can an individual say, let me remove the faults that are in your path when you don’t even see the faults of your own. In other words, “How can you tell me how to stay clean, when you haven’t successfully stayed clean yourself?”First remove the faults you have in your path and then you will be able to see how to remove others faults. So if you’re blind to the Truth in God’s word which frees us, then how can you lead anyone out of their bondage? Why would anyone sit around and be complacent with abstaining from addiction when Freedom is available? Why would anyone keep silent about the freedom that Jesus so freely gives? Who has more influence over your life, the rooms of NA or Jesus Christ? Someone has got to know and share the truth of Christ in the rooms. It’s time out for wanting to fit in and all the while withholding the truth, simply because everyone doesn’t believe in your God. I will conclude my plea with 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

 You do not and will not fit in! You have been called out, now Stand Out and recognize the truth from a lie.

Anonymous Conversation

Anonymous:

Anonymity [secrecy] frees us.

My rebuttal: (The final authority/ the word)

Uhhh, wait a minute; this is not what the word of God says. How can we be freed from this stronghold of addiction by way of secrecy? We can’t because it says in John 8:31-32 ^“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the TRUTH shall make you free.” We must continue in God’s word and apply the truth to our lives; not some spiritual principle that man comes up with, which is rooted in foolishness. For it says in 1 Corinthians3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with god. For it is written: He catches the wise in their own craftiness.” If a man lacks wisdom let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and ungrudgingly, without faultfinding and it will be given you. So, it seems obvious that many people in this organization desperately need to seek the wisdom of God, through Christ. Time out for leaning on our own understanding and taking on the ways of this world.

Anonymous:

If God is guiding my actions, and I truly respect the other folks, then I honor the anonymous God that stands behind 17 years clean. Actions always speak louder than words.

My rebuttal: (The final authority/ the word)

This statement almost floored me as I read it. I sympathize with this persons attempt to be humble concerning the guidance of his actions, which should be confidently lead by God, and not hesitantly. Now as far as this anonymous God goes, I am in total awe of this mindset, because it has the potential to render a person powerless in all that they do. In Matthew 10:33 it says, “But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my father who is in heaven.” When you have been set free from such an affliction as Drug addiction, there is no way you can keep it to yourself. Personally, I have every intention of sharing my journey and the God of my journey with everyone who will listen. I believe the word when it says, “Seek Him while he may be found.” Our lives and the lives of others depend on it!!! So this anonymous god that is spoken of in this conversation brings to mind 2 Corinthians 4:4 (the message version), “If our message is obscure to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won't have to bother believing a Truth they can't see. They're stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we'll ever get.”

Anonymous:

I sponsor folks with many different spiritual backgrounds from different parts of the world. My God wants me to accept them as they are, and I have been a student of spirituality as soon as I got out of God's way.

My Rebuttal: (The final authority/the word)

My response to this had to be carefully addressed and rooted in God’s word. Because of the second statement made concerning God accepting people as they are, I had to first focus on the first statement, which indicates that this person backs up or rather supports various spiritual backgrounds. In spite of the many different types of information and beliefs concerning spirituality, we can only base or rather pull from what the Word of God says. In Romans 6:11, it says, “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Being a student of Spirituality and having a relationship with Christ are two different concepts. I say this because of the different beliefs that exist in the rooms of NA. Anything can be your God in the rooms, as was told to me in a previous conversation; Even a door knob!!!! Go figure! So what does spirituality profit us without Christ? For it says in Ephesians 2:12, “In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship [residency] among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope.” So in reality, this person has yet to get out of God’s way, not to mention out of his or her own way. If you’re going to be effective while sponsoring another person’s life concerning pulling down the stronghold of addiction, you must beware of deceitful practices. As it says in, Colossians 2:8-10, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

This introduces us to Spiritual Discernment through Christ!!!!

Anonymous:

I love my God to much then try to shove him down someone’s throat at a meeting. This is why we have so many problems in the fellowship (only does NA), but it is always about saying I am right and you are wrong. I love all of you, whether you like me or not. I will keep coming back, because I learn through your experience, judgments, and problems just like you learn through mine. God brought me to recovery, why do you think that I have outgrown the addicts that he has chosen to teach me? Keep coming. Addicts love to isolate from our tribe and die being right. That is what I did before my last relapse. I will keep coming back because I owe it to God, the old-timers, newcomers and my kids.

My Rebuttal: (The final authority/ the word)

Granted, I have no problem with an individual loving God, but to be honest, this individual thinks, that by me sharing an article I wrote concerning our identities being determined by birth and not performance, I am somehow shoving God down people’s throat. Well, I can say this much, when people have been exposed to Narcotics anonymous literature, along with the 12 steps and principles, I have found that any other belief that contradicts what they have conceived as truth is automatically smacked down and considered an attack to them. Whenever an individual shares what the Truth of God’s word says it will cause conflict and separation. According to Matthew 10:34-35; Jesus says, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.  For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Jesus’ statement clearly depicts his agenda, which is to separate the Truth from the Lie, and not only that, but to cause the ones He has called and purposed to stand against the evil practices of this world. So the problem comes not because I or any other Christians needs to be right, It comes when people solely believe in human wisdom and knowledge in efforts to deem themselves as righteous and good on their own. I was really floored by the comment that stated, “God brought me to recovery, why do you think that I have outgrown the addicts that he has chosen to teach me?” What is that about???? Do I sense pride? The word of God clearly says in Romans 12:3, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” And it also says in Philippians 2:3, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.” I am in no way attacking this person, but I am however, standing against the mindset/stronghold that is displayed in this person response. It sounds to me as if this individual has experienced a lot in their process of recovery concerning others experiences, judgments and problems, but that is no reason to hold yourself at a higher or rather lofty place. Excessive pride and being boastful about personal ones abilities is not Godly wisdom, as it says in Romans 12:3. What absolutely gave me great concern was what I read at the end of their comment. [Addicts love isolating from our tribe and die being right] Now what sort of nonsense is that to say? This comment was clearly directed at me as if I was supposed to succumb to the identification of being an addict nonetheless. This individual adamantly wants to put me in the same closed box that I am trying to help people get out of and is obviously assuming that I isolate myself away from fellowshipping and I will eventually die as a result of that isolation. But again, the word of God tells me in Ephesians 5:8-11, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” By posting my article, “IDENTITY IS DETERMINED BY BIRTH, NOT PERFORMANCE” caused this person to show just how much this organization lacks Godly Wisdom. After reading that I noticed the next statement says, [That is what I did before my last relapse.] It sounds to me as if this individual has had many previous relapses. So because this person relapsed, they are actually saying that the reason for it was because they isolated themselves trying to be right…And they are implying that I am doing the same. To be honest I believe the relapse may have occurred because he or she CHANGED THEIR MIND and gave into the temptation. As for me, I have not relapsed since I was delivered from addiction because the relationship and knowledge I have comes from Christ. [And I’ve been separated from the TRIBE of NA for 5 years] To be honest, I can only take credit for applying the Truth of God’s word, not creating it. After all that was said and done, this person clearly has no clue that they have been deceived with half truths and flat out lies. Then the person had the nerve to say  “Keep coming back.” I sure will, but it won’t be to stroke your egos, or to gratify their flesh or compromise the truth. When people stop relapsing and dying from the stronghold of Drug Addiction, I’ll shut up, but until then I will endure hardship as a good soldier.

WHERE THE BATTLE RAGES

Satan fights to maintain control of the kingdoms of the world.  He does not want them to come under God's authority.  The battle also rages within the hearts, minds, and souls of men and women.  Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers and attacks believers in the areas of worship, the Word, their daily walk, and their work for God.

With that being said, any believer [In recovery] who knows that we are in a spiritual battle and knows or even assumes that the enemy does not want others to come under God's Authority, in my opinion, should use any open opportunity to minister to individuals about the Love and Power of Jesus Christ. We are Ministers of Reconciliation, as if God were pleading through us to unbelievers. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Whenever and wherever strongholds are evident, believe me there is some sort of spiritual battle going on that causes that individual to see there circumstances as unchangeable, impossible and hopeless. I have come to realize that just because I can see in a realm where I  identify these certain spirits at work, doesn't mean others can see it or will even agree with me about it, because spiritual things are not carnally discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

In the book of Roman 12:2, it says, "And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed but the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what  is that good, ACCEPTABLE, and perfect will of God. Notice the word acceptable is in bold italic form. This passage says to me, now that I have given my life to Christ, I now have to present myself as a living sacrifice unto God and that I must not fashion or form myself  to the worlds way of thinking, but I am to pattern and change myself by applying the Word of God to my mind, heart and spirit. In saying that, I want to share Ephesians 5:8-11, which says, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is ACCEPTABLE to the Lord. And have NO fellowship with the unfruitful WORKS of darkness, but rather expose THEM. Please notice how these two passage accent and complement one another. We are told to be transformed by renewing our minds, which means the old mindset has to go and the new mindset has to enter. Then we are reminded in Ephesians 5:8-11 that we were previously walking in darkness (without Christ). We are told to walk according to WHO we are and the writer goes on to tell us the characteristics of who we are and what it produces; and by these characteristics we find out what is acceptable to the Lord. But verse 11 is what most people have a problem with or would rather not touch when is come to fellowshipping with unfruitful works of darkness. For what does light have to do with darkness (2Cor.6:11-16)

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful WORKS of darkness, but instead, we should expose them...Well let's focus on the word "THEM"  I believe the word them in this  passage means "the unfruitful works". 

Most of the time people relate the word 'THEM" with people, but because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, this is not the case. So I understand why I have been misunderstood in my assignment to "EXPOSE THE ENEMY IN RECOVERY" Nevertheless it will not stop what the Lord has called me to do in the Kingdom. As quoted by Bishop T.D. Jakes, "Some of the things the Lord has called you to do; people are not going to accept it. Some of the things you're saying to people that you're about to do can't be perceive by them because they haven't stepped into the shift YET." 

My main concern is the double mindedness of believers exposing themselves to the unfruitful works of darkness, the lies of the enemy, which tells people that they are what they have done (Addicts) and tells them that your God is Anonymous. "So keep it simple stupid", is what is said. But if your not going to be a light in a dark place and plead with others to come out from among them, then what is your purpose for fellowship in that particular place? These are my concerns and I will serve in the capacity in which God has predestined me to do, by the AUTHORITY he has given me...

Be Blessed and have a Powerful Day!!! 

The Inclusion of AA & NA literature in The Body of Christ

After being bound by the stronghold of addiction for 17 years, I was freed by the Power of the Holy Spirit when I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. In the beginning of my recovery process, after being discharged from inpatient rehabilitation I attended many Narcotics Anonymous meetings for at least 7 months. Most of the meetings I attended were held in the basement of churches where the rooms were filled with people desiring to be free from what the NA book calls, “The Disease of Addiction”. In no way did I feel comfortable standing up confessing my past affliction as my identity in Christ and I couldn’t understand why others did so. After experiencing being shut down by others when sharing my story, I decided not to attend these meeting anymore. People seemed to be brainwashed and led astray by the literature of this program. Now I was the newcomer in these meetings and all I heard was, “Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth.” In other words, “Sit down, shut up and listen, because you don’t know nothing.” Now what kind of thing is that to say to a person who is fresh in recovery? Well, I may not have known what they have learned in their 1 to 20 years in the program of NA, but I knew one thing they didn’t know, and His name is “JESUS” I could clearly see that this was going to be a challenge for me because I wanted to share about Christ, but others would say, “This is an anonymous program and people have different religions and beliefs in these rooms.” Anything can be your Higher Power. After experiencing this rejection from some of its members I decided to forsake the fellowship of NA and stick with Church fellowship with people who could lead me closer to Christ and teach me how to maintain my deliverance in Christ. Because surely, in my mind, no one in the rooms could help me…If your blind to the truth about your identity, then how are you suppose to lead me and show me how to stay clean and live life without the use of drugs? This is my story people! I believe I was set apart from the madness, lies and deceit that could have become a part of my mindset as a result of being a part of this fellowship. I now know that all I had to go through was nothing but a divine set up in which God purposely set aside His purpose and calling for my life. Others may say that I'm making too much of this program because it has helped so many people in the past. But to be honest with you, when has the enemy ever directly come into the midst of anything or any situation as himself. He’s not going to show up and tell you his agenda. It’s in disguise! 2 Cor. 11-14 “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” But my concern is, “Why has the Body of Christ adopted the 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous and does the church know the dangers of allowing this type of spirit inside it’s walls. So much of its literature contradicts the word of God when you consider the foundation and origin of its beliefs. In one of my most recent articles, I shared what one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous spoke of as an experience. His name was Bill Wilson and his words still ring in my ears as a deceptive spirit, “If you are an alcoholic, you have an obsession that condemns you to drink; an allergy that condemns you to die. Your only resource is a spiritual experience. If there is a God, will he show himself! And then came the miracle. The room instantly lit up, in a blinding glare of white, white light. I was seized by an ecstasy such as I have never known. It seemed to me that I then stood on a mountain top, where a great clean wind was blowing. I thought to myself, but this is not air; this is spirit. This is the God of the preachers. I felt myself filled with the consciousness of the presence of spirits, of God.”  What!!!!!  This sounds to me like an all out deceptive, seducing spirit and of course it also sounds like some sort of bad trip from using a hallucinogen. From a Christian point of view, I can better explain why we should be careful when adapting these worldly traditions as our own; without discernment no one can tell if this is the spirit of God in operation or a demonic spirit in operation. His experiences sound as if they are valid, but let’s look at the fruit of it. Matthew 7:15-16 says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?” Now let’s look at the fruit of AA’s program, which was partially developed by a man named Jimmy Kinnon who was considered one of the founders of Narcotics Anonymous. Although he was never considered a founder he wrote several parts of the Little Whit Booklet, which formed the basis or foundation of NA’s basic text. Here is just a portion of the fruit of their literature, “Most of us realized that in our addiction we were slowly committing suicide, but addiction is such a cunning enemy of life that we had lost the power to do anything about it. Many of us ended up in jail or sought help through medicine, religion, and psychiatry. None of these methods was sufficient for us. Our disease always resurfaced or continued to progress until in desperation we sought help from each other in Narcotics Anonymous. After coming to NA we realized we were sick people. We suffered from a disease from which there is no known cure.”  This statement comes from the “Who, What, How and Why” booklet. Notice they are speaking in past tense, but in this same booklet it defines who an addict is, which states, “Most of us do not have to think twice about this question. We know! Our whole life and thinking was centered in drugs in one form or another—the getting and using and finding ways and means to get more. We lived [past tense] to use and used to live. Very simply, an addict is a man or woman whose life is [present tense] controlled by drugs. We are [present tense] people in the grip of a continuing and progressive illness whose ends are always the same: jails, institutions, and death.” The Word of God, however, refutes this by saying in Galatians 5:1 which says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” Why come out of one bondage, and go straight into another form of bondage, by claiming your past performance as who you are (your identity). In spite of the lack of this program distinguishing the past tense from the present tense, lets look solely at what the word of God says. In Matthew 11:29 it says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” In other words, Jesus is saying receive in you, what I have already suffered and learn from me and in doing this we will find rest in our minds, our will and our emotions. There is no need for us to live in fear of using again, living in fear of suffering from an incurable disease, because Christ was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM and with his stripes we are healed.
Still the question in my mind is, “Why adapt the 12 steps if it opposes the truth in God’s word?” How can one adapt part of it without the foundation being a hindrance to the Body of Christ? We cannot mix and match the truth of God’s word with the traditions of men. Scripture says in     James 1:8, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” We must not appear to the world or to unbelievers that we, as the church, need to borrow from the world’s ways and traditions as if the “Word of God” alone is inadequate. In my opinion, that’s what we are implying when we adopt and subscribe to Narcotic Anonymous literature. Many disagree with me and will probably fight me to the ends of the earth, but I know that all will not embrace the Truth in God’s word because some people have the mindset of “What’s true for you, is not necessarily true for me.” It all comes down to this, if we, as the body of Christ continue to adopt the 12 steps of NA, we have then validated their literature and beliefs in having a God of your own understanding. Anyway you get to God is fine, since we have subscribed to the steps, why not go all the way with it. That’s like picking out certain parts of scripture that suits you and profits your agenda, but cutting out the rest that you don’t want to apply. This bothers me to no end and my voice will be heard through whatever means the Lord sees fit for me to use. Because Narcotics Anonymous is such a large organization and is evidently thriving in our communities, and taking the message of recovery to the still suffering addict, what manner of spirit is behind promoting Anonymity and a God of your own understanding? Ephesians 6:2 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” So it’s not people we’re fighting against, but 4 specific things in the spirit realm. Principalities is defined as that by which anything begins to be, the origin, and the active cause. Another translation is the territory or jurisdiction of a prince. Powers is defined as the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed) (universally) or (authority over mankind). After much study and prayer concerning what or who is behind the influence of this organization set of principles and guidelines, It was revealed to me that this is a territorial spirit with it’s own agenda which by the way opposes Jesus Christ. It’s a universal program that welcomes all beliefs, not just one. So what does this mean, you might ask. First let me tell you that there is not a single instance in the Bible where someone actively sought out a demon in order to engage it. My intentions are to expose the lies of the enemy with the Truth of God’s word and Prayerfully hoping that the light of God’s word will open the hearts and minds of those who are called by His name (Jesus). As quoted by Pastor Monica Vaaltyn, “Territorial spirits” is a term some Christians use to identify demonic occupation of a specific geographic location. Interestingly enough, and perhaps ironically, it is also a term pagans use to describe an otherworldly presence believed to be residing in a specific geographical location. The Christian concept of territorial spirits comes from passages such as Daniel 10; John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11; Mark 5:10; and Ephesians 6:12. All of these passages imply that fallen angels have been given some type of responsibility over a certain area. Thus, they seem to be territorial. However, we need to remember that this is by inference; the Bible never explicitly defines a hierarchy of demonic authority and control in the world. What the Bible is clear about is that demons are definitely at work in the spiritual realm and that believers are very much involved in a battle against them.” All of what Pastor Vaaltyn shared in her article intrigued me, so I had to look up those scripture references for myself just to make sure. From my own research I have found that seducing spirits afflict the mind, soul, and spirit of man, influencing him to believe false doctrines as indicated in 1Timothy 4:1. These spirits seduce people to believe a lie and be damned to eternal punishment. They are spirits of false doctrine, cults, false Christ’s, and false teachers; However evil or unclean spirits are responsible for immoral acts, unclean thoughts, oppression, possession, depression, and other strategies of Satan. They also afflict the mind and the soulish nature of man. (Matthew 10:1; 12:43; Mark1:23-26) Both unclean spirits and seducing spirits fall under the category of Principalities, Powers and rulers of darkness of this world.  In saying all of that, I want to further share with you something Bishop David G. Evans shared in his teaching, “Failure and Success are both systems.” Bishop Evans says, “Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." If you are failing continually, you have adopted a system of failure, which includes an attitude, which includes an opinion, which includes a mindset, which includes experience. An experience is a collection of events. So if you have a collection of events that have led you to fail, then you’re STUCK in a system of Failure. But the system of failure exists and you don’t have to participate in it. So how many times do my sisters and brothers have to fail, relapse, get clean, go into inpatient, come out again, do some meetings, quote NA lingo and then relapse again before we all get the BIG picture.  

Why am I so concerned about who a person believes in and how they recover. Well, I’ll be more than happy to tell you. I just want others to experience the freedom in Christ that I have experienced and it’s available to them as well. God is no respecter of person; he doesn’t have picks or favorites. God shows us favor because we are His children, but as it says in Romans 10:14, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? ¹⁵ And how shall they preach unless they are sent? All persons who have been reconciled to God through Christ are ministers as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.”  My focus and concerns are based on what the Father has given me to do, which to expose the lies of the enemy and reveal the Truth of God’s Kingdom. I however will not allow the enemy to creep in our sanctuaries in disguise, trying to push his views, his agenda or his thoughts on the people of God.

The Truth shall "Make You Free"

Media Room - Survivors Casting Down Strongholds Ministries

Media Room - Survivors Casting Down Strongholds Ministries

EXPOSING THE ENEMY IN RECOVERY “Abstinence alone can’t keep you”

According to Matthew 12:43-45, “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through dry places seeking rest and does not find it. The same passage goes on to say, ‘I will return to the house I left.’

When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”As quoted by Pastor Harvey Burnett, “This scripture doesn't refer to a saved person. It's referring to a person who undergoes self help and self restoration. When Jesus comes in he doesn't leave the house EMPTY. He moves in with all his furniture. The scripture is describing someone who has done many good things, but hasn't been saved and is therefore empty and powerless against the devil. That's why the devil can come back and bring 7 more of his friends.”

So, why don't the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) promote the true spiritual concepts of recovery? Is it because they do not incorporate scripture in their organization, or do they simply rely solely on Spiritual Principles? Where do these spiritual principles come from, if not from the Bible? I won't address the answer to that question as of yet, but I will, however, inform you of how this program is lacking in reference to being whole and delivered, as opposed to abstinence and staying clean. There is a difference. Keep in mind that NA is a universal program that welcomes many different backgrounds and beliefs of different people; therefore, speaking the name of Jesus is taken as an offense in most cases. Let’s look at the first three steps of the in Narcotics Anonymous’ 12 -step Program.

1. We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable. I definitely agree with this first step to an extent. I was powerless over my addictive behavior, and every time I decided to try to be a productive member of society, I failed miserably. After I had given my life to Christ, the Holy Spirit led me to seek help and gave me the courage, the ability and the Power to take steps towards my recovery process. I believed the word when it says in Colossians 2:8-10, “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that comes from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So, you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” This step is not rooted in Christ, and isn’t what is seems to be. By admitting you are powerless, you give the right of entry for some sort of change to begin. You have opened the door for what step 2 describes as “a power greater” than ourselves. Well, to be honest, the stronghold itself is a power greater. One could go as far as to choose another person as that greater power. In the rooms of NA, it’s all left up to that individual. Leaving this most important principle open to our own interpretation is not what the Father intended concerning restoration and recovery. We must not continuously admit powerlessness every time we stand up to share our experiences with others. Confessing that you are an addict is exactly what this statement means, that you are “Powerless”. 1Peter 5:10 says, “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus.  So, after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” And for this reason, I am dedicated to exposing the lies of the enemy by sharing the truth of God’s word to any and everyone who will hear it and discern it.

2. We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Step two was one of the most enlightening statements in my recovery. The power that came to my mind during this process was Jesus. I have always held a belief in Christ, but never confessed him as my Lord until I found myself suffering tremendously from heroin and cocaine abuse. Until people truly believe that Christ can restore them, they will continue to lean on their own understanding of what "A Power Greater" than themselves truly means. Our final authority is rooted in Christ and God's word, not human philosophies and spiritual principles that do not reference God's word. When I was released from a treatment facility after 35 days, I began to read and study the word of God.  One day I was led by the Holy Spirit to read Romans 12:2, which says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” After that I realized that the “POWER” of the Holy Spirit could restore me to sanity.

3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Now, this step was the last and final step that I completed. After reading this I decided; through what I believe was the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to truly turn my life over to God through Christ. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that the end of this statement that says, “as we understood Him" is written in the form of past tense. Personally my previous understanding of God was simply that he died for my sins. Everyone does not have that same understanding, if any understanding at all. Fortunately I had given my life to Christ by faith through grace, and was led directly to the word of God. So if these first three steps led me to my true identity in Christ, then I am confident that others must know the truth. We do not have to remain powerless over addictive behaviors. In Christ there is FULL RECOVERY and not simply Abstinence. When we give our lives to Christ, we are no longer addicts. It is in Him that we live, move and have our being. Our spirits immediately become new, but our minds have to be constantly renewed by the Word of God and the POWER of the Holy Spirit. I know that this is simply touching the basics, but people need to be informed of the reasons why most people relapse and have no idea why they DECIDE to change their minds once they have been clean. Relapse starts in the mind. If you have no knowledge regarding who you are and you don't have Christ, you are undergoing self help and self restoration. We cannot continue to consider ourselves to be Addicts and repeatedly confess our affliction when we share in groups. The word of God says in Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Obviously, people do not know this and have not been told the truth. So, what you don’t know will hurt you, so to speak. Hosea 4:6 speaks so profoundly, it says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.” Hosea’s purpose involved alerting Israel to their sinful condition and to bring them back to God. The only way God’s people will not be destroyed by their lack of knowledge would be to bring the knowledge of God to the rooms. For it says in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” And without Faith it is impossible to please God. Ephesians 2:11-12 (Amplified Bible)

Therefore, remember that at one time you were Gentiles (heathens) in the flesh, called Uncircumcision by those who called themselves Circumcision, [itself a mere mark] in the flesh made by human hands. [Remember] that you were at that time separated (living apart) from Christ [excluded from all part in Him], utterly estranged and outlawed from the rights of Israel as a nation, and strangers with no share in the sacred compacts of the  promise [with no knowledge of or right in God's agreements]. And you had no hope (no promise); you were in the world without God.

Now that we are alive in Christ and know the truth of God’s word, it is imperative that we go back and strengthen our brethren. This scripture is the reason and the core of my writings. The Holy Spirit told me, "Don't go back and live the lie, Go back and change the lie." ENEMY EXPOSED!!!!

 Casting Down Strongholds Recovery Page

Pulling Out The Truth

Heroin Addiction Withdrawal
[Withdrawal from heroin can be particularly nasty and unpleasant, and this obviously contributes to the tendency to acquire dependence and addiction. Typical withdrawal symptoms will resemble the flu, although different people may experience different symptoms. For example, one addict my have extreme tremors and vomit frequently during withdrawal, while another addict my not experience those symptoms at all, but instead experience stomach cramping and anxiety. Nearly everyone who withdrawals from heroin will experience some amount of body pain, including aches and pains in their bones and joints. But other than general body aches and pains, it really depends on the person as to what symptoms they will experience.
The discomfort of withdrawal is what pushes people to return to using the drug. One way to avoid doing so is to go to rehab and be detoxed from the drug, though there is no guarantee that the person will stay clean from heroin after this. Successful treatment requires an active program that goes beyond simply abstaining from chemicals.]{ Even the professionals have admitted that there are additional requirements when recovering from Heroine. Abstinence alone cant keep us. There are Psychological issues that must be dealt with after using Heroin; physical withdrawals are not the only issues. There are mental and spiritual concepts of recovery that must be addressed and or exposed in order for the mind to be renewed, regardless of the type of drugs used.}

Reference: http://rehab-international.org/heroin-addiction

Crack Addiction Withdrawal
There really is no physical withdrawal from crack cocaine, but the psychological withdrawal is such that it perpetuates the vicious cycle described above. In other words, if a crack addict goes into any of our drug rehab centers, they will typically not even put them in detox at all, but instead have them go straight into residential rehab treatment. There are no significant physical withdrawal symptoms from the drug, only psychological ones.
This is a big part of what can make recovery from crack addiction so tricky. Many addicts struggle with achieving long term sobriety with Crack because it is such a lifestyle drug. In other words, they are not so much physically dependent on the drug, but instead they are addicted to the lifestyle that is associated with crack. {Ummm NO...People are addicted to the feeling of the drug itself. The type of lifestyle is the end result of the using, which is ultimately why most people begin to seek recovery in the first place. If the lifestyle association were the case; why even use the drugs if the lifestyle was the controlling power of their addiction.} They like the late nights, the parties, the relationships, and everything else that went along with their lifestyle.
Many crack addicts struggle with the idea of cross addiction.{This may be true in an alternate world to say the least, most people who are addicted to crack have a mindset of, "My drug of choice is MORE," so to say that there is a struggle with using another drug does not ring altogether true in most cases. Most people who use crack prefer to have something to bring them down from that high, which ultimately causes them to be addicted to two different drugs, with two or three different types of withdrawal symptoms.} They believe that they are not really susceptible to other drugs,{ Ummmmm..NO they have their drug of "choice", which is what they will seek first to regain the feeling they want from that high. It's not that they believe they are not susceptible; they want their first Love so to speak} such as marijuana or alcohol, because they generally do not have a problem with those substances compared to the devastation they experienced with crack cocaine. { So what if a person has two drugs of choice and can't use one without the other. For example, In my case I used Crack cocaine and Heroine together; a drug with Psychological withdrawals and a drug with Physical withdrawals. I didnt have any problems in my recovery because of using two different drugs. People are searching to be set free from this controlling power, they dont want to hear that their my be some problems in your recovery because you used two different drugs. All they want to know is can you help me to be "FREE"; not "Houston, we have a problem"} check out the next sentence:  This can lead to problems in recovery if they happen to use other drugs, because they will eventually lead the person back to crack in some way. This is especially tricky because there is no physical dependence, there are alot of crack addiction health risks one being the psychological battle that occurs due to the fact that this is such a lifestyle based drug. [Sin is the Lifestyle in which they should be speaking of.]

Reference: http://rehab-international.org/crack-addiction

Some people say that Religion can't be the solution to all of the problems and issues when seeking recovery. We can't be so heavenly minded that were no earthy good,but Religion is not what kept me for 6 years..My Personal Relationship with Christ is the reason for my victory and deliverance from both of these substances and the lifestyle that developed as a result of it. God has lead me to renew my mind and guided me to the areas within me that needed renewing. When we put our faith solely in the world's methods we tend to miss out on what the Lord really wants us to receive...And I believe he wants his people FREE, WHOLE, and Walking in Victory, not reclaiming our old mentality of being an Addict on a daily basis.
God is no respecter of Person. If he did it for me, what makes other individuals think he cant do it for them, their sons, their daughters, nieces, nephews, Aunts or Mothers.

Hosea 4:6 (King James Version)
 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
[We always read the first part of this scripture, but without reading the entire word, you miss the FULL meaning. If we continue to initially seek the knowledge and the wisdom of the world; we reject God and his knowledge and wisdom. This is the reason for the destruction in our daily lives. I dont know about you, but I dont want God to reject me and forget my children. I desire to know what God thinks about every issue I have and how I am to address them...When we do it God's way, it may hurt, it may even make you feel like a real punk, but in the end he promises if we Love him with all of our hearts and mind and Love our Neighbor as we love our self, we would overcome it all through Christ Jesus...

The Science of the Disease of Addiction v/s The Truth of God’s Word concerning Strongholds

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, [Groundbreaking discoveries about the brain have revolutionized their understanding of drug addiction, enabling them to respond effectively to the problem. As a result of scientific research, they know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior. The NIDA have identified many of the biological and environmental factors and are beginning to search for the genetic [hereditary] variations that contribute to the development and progression of the disease] I believe that the professionals and scientists have their place in searching for preventive measures concerning addiction, but to label addiction as a disease takes the responsibly and accountability away from the individual all together; by labeling addiction as a disease you lead the individual to think they are unable to control their actions, and as a result, the individuals mindset has been influenced to think in opposition to what God has said concerning this stronghold.
As quoted by NIDA, “At the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), we believe that increased understanding of the basics of addiction will empower people to make informed choices in their own lives, adopt science-based policies and programs that reduce drug abuse and addiction in their communities, and support scientific research that improves the Nation’s well-being.” We see in this article, which is written by the researches of this national organization, that they suggest our society adopt or rather accept and agree to the science-based policies and programs to reduce drug abuse and addiction in our communities, but as I stated previously, I believe the professionals have their place or rather their position when searching for preventative measures in recovery. The NIDA’s research article also informs us of how science provides solutions for drug abuse and addiction. The article states, “Scientists study the effects [results] that drugs have on the brain and on people’s behavior. They use this information to develop programs for preventing drug abuse and for helping people recover from addiction. Further research helps transfer these ideas into practice in our communities.” All of the studies provided by the NIDA are and have been very beneficial in addressing the issues of drug abuse and addiction, but these studies cannot and will not be our final authority concerning pulling down the stronghold of addiction. The actions [results] in addiction are only the expression of the deeper problem that only the word of Life can fix. Developing programs based on the results that drugs have on the brain is not what solves the problem. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! When we accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, our identity is found in him and the truth is revealed concerning the root of this spiritual battle. In Romans 6:12-13 it says, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Here lies the root, which is “SIN”

By: Carole Scott Rouse

Late Nights with Divine Praiz 04/18 by Maximum Exposure Mag | Blog Talk Radio

Late Nights with Divine Praiz 04/18 by Maximum Exposure Mag | Blog Talk

Late Nights with Divine Praiz 04/14 by Maximum Exposure Mag | Blog Talk Radio

Late Nights with Divine Praiz 04/14 by Maximum Exposure Mag | Blog Talk Radio

Exposed: An Approach To Recovery Using Alchemy And The Twelve Steps

An Approach To Recovery Using Alchemy And The Twelve Steps

As you read this article I am sure you will find that the writers approach to Recovery is but another form of self reliant efforts that cannot produce what God intends for his people to experience. Without Christ and the POWER of the Holy Spirit, people will continually thirst for Restoration. 

EXPOSING THE ENEMY IN RECOVERY 2

An New Way of Saying the Serenity Prayer

Grant me the serenity
To accept the people I cannot change,
The courage to change the one person I can,
And the wisdom to know that
that one person is me

I will not disclose where I obtained this information of how the Serenity Prayer is suggest to be said, but i will, however expose the enemy for who he really is. As I began to read this, The first words out of my mouth was, "God grant me the serenity," but then I noticed that the word "GOD" had been taken out, which suggests to me that this well known prayer has been distorted and made to fit into a society that doesn't need God to grant them anything. Since I am not at liberty to disclose the who and where of this alternative serenity prayer, I will simply allow you to give your opinions on what is being implied as the alternative way of saying the serenity prayer. In most cases of recovery from drugs and alcohol, this prayer is said in many of Narcotics Anonymous meetings and Recovery Programs throughout the world. It is mostly used as a quote while the members of the organization holds hands and bows their heads in prayer. With this being the case, let's look at the suggestion..."Grant me the serenity", Okay, Who are the individuals praying to if "God" is taken out. I don't think I should have to take this any further. In my opinion, only Atheist make their stand from this point of view. So it all starts with a seed, then is grows and produces a harvest. What kind of Harvest do you think will be produced from this so obviously Godless Prayer...I say this is trash at best. It is an attempt to lead individuals who suffer from Addiction into a self reliant state of mind and away from Christ. Having an addiction is hard enough to recover from, but this, to me means all out Spiritual Warfare. I could go on but I will end my note in these words:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
(Although known most widely in its abbreviated form above,
the entire prayer reads as follows...)

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
Sounds like this prayer reveals JESUS to me...

ONE WITH EACHOTHER IN CHRIST

I have often wondered why the body of Christ isn't further along as it should be. I have also often wondered why do we talk about, condemn, judge and gossip amongst ourselves. As I scrolled through facebook and even reflect on past experiences as a Christian, I have noticed alot of discord between Christians, which I myself have had my part in as well. I do not exclude myself. This is the reason for my writing this. As I search the word for an answer to this question, or rather a solution to this problem, I found this in
Mark 3:23-25 (Amplified Bible)
[And He summoned them to Him and said to them in parables (illustrations or comparisons put beside truths to explain them), How can Satan drive out Satan? And if a kingdom is divided and rebelling against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided (split into factions and rebelling) against itself, that house will not be able to last.]
Because Jesus made this statement I realize that as long as we fight and bicker amongst ourselves, we are our own problem. Most of the time, I believe we misunderstand each other and do not give one another the benefit of the doubt. Do we really believe that Love COVERS a multitude of Sins or does that belief change when were offended and become angry. It clearly states in
Proverbs 15:18
"A hot temper starts fights: a calm cool spirit keeps the peace."
Also in James 1:19
[ Qualities Needed in Trials ] So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
So if we continue in this manner, HOW VICTORIOUS do you think we will be? Will what the Lord wants built in and through us be able to stand? If we continue to allow Satan to operate from his strongholds, that he has so obviously built in us, we will not see the full Promise of what our Father has in store for us. Keep the Working Faith and  continue to Cast down every imagination and every High thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
SELAH

WHY GO BACKWARDS

In many cases involving recovery; whether it’s from drug addiction, alcoholism or gambling, people are returning to their old behavior after being abstinent for a number of years. I applaud the effort and determination that people have demonstrated in order to change their destructive behavior, but the question that sticks in my mind is, “What causes people to relapse?” According to Dr.Daniel Gatlin, the Director of Renaissance Malibu, relapse starts in the mind. Somewhere in the process of recovery people have allowed life’s challenges to change the way they think, as a result they respond to the challenges with the same destructive behavior that once had them bound. According to (Webster’s New World Thesaurus) relapse means to fall into again, weaken, sink back, or to be overcome. Instead of continuing in the recovery process, which is designed to encourage and produce change; I believe fear of the unknown creeps in and hinders their process. Regardless of what I believe could be the cause, we will look at other reasons why people retract to their former behavior. Let’s first look at some of the causes people go back to using drugs. According to information found in (Treatmentthatworks.com), there has been scientific research done that has proved when a person uses drugs over a period of time, the body is unable to completely abolish all traces of them. Drugs are broken down in the liver into substances referred to as metabolites, and this substance is removed quickly from the bloodstream, but they become trapped in the fatty tissue. Unfortunately, the small amount of metabolites that remain in the fatty tissue for years, are the number one cause for relapse. This particular article left me speechless. Now, let’s look at another cause of relapse. I have discovered, through personally speaking with individuals who have relapsed after being abstinent for a number of years; that their cause of relapse was simply going through a stressful situation and not knowing how to handle it, so when the temptation came, they simply changed their mind without considering the consequences. I believe that if all individuals who are tempted to go back to their previous behavior, would just humble themselves and take as much time as they need to pray for God to help them overcome the temptation at the exact moment they are being tempted, they would not give into the temptation. It all starts with the individual recognizing that they have come too far to revert back to their old behavior. Always remembering the tools that were taught to them while in recovery. Maybe some habits need to be changed, or even the people they have been associating with. Whatever the case, change must occur in an individual’s mind when they have practiced destructive behavior for a number of years. No one, who has diligently worked towards changing their life, wants to purposely go back to being entangled again in the yoke of bondage. Nonetheless, people are choosing to return to their former addictions, consequently their lives become worst than it was previously. People who live in this world respond to life based on what they believe. (Proverbs 23:7) Whatever is conceived on the inside, will manifest on the outside. Renewal of the mind has to take place in order to stop this vicious cycle. Continuing to do the same things and expecting different results is insanity. If people would just take time to analyze themselves and find out what is it about them that has to change, relapse wouldn’t become an option at all. Repeating the same cycle, to me means that you are stuck in a never ending series of events, where you can never accomplish or experience anything new in life. Life is full of changes. So I believe people should take the challenge and fight the good fight, no matter how much of a struggle it is. There’s an old saying, “Anything worth Having Is worth Fighting For.”

FREEDOM FROM STRONGHOLDS

As stated by Tony Evans, Author of Let It Go, [The world's word for things that hold people hostage is Addiction.  We hear it said that people are addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, or whatever it may be. The problem I have with this word is the implication it often has that we are powerless victims of our circumstances.  In other words, calling something an addiction suggests that we have an excuse for what we are doing, either because we don't have the ability to break it, someone else caused it and thus it isn't our fault, or we have bad genes or a bad environment that sets us up for this problem. Some people may even say their addiction has all of these elements]. In my opinion Tony Evans has offered us the truth concerning freedom from what the world calls addiction. I have first hand experience with having a stronghold on my Life. I have listened to all the confessions of being powerless in the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous. Never would I have believed that I would take part in the meetings, but in the beginning of my recovery process I did not believe that I was an Addict, I would not confess that over my life in the rooms of NA. I studied the word, which told me who I was and what I was to become.  So I continued to walk in my newness and victory, even though it opposed everything this institution had set up. Tony Evans also states in his book that he believes the average person thinks of an addiction as something that is somehow not the victim's responsibility, which often helps the person dodge the real issue. He also states that calling something an addiction doesn't address the spiritual dimension of the problem, which is needed to find the answer. Tony Evans final paragraph in this chapter of the book states, " The word Stronghold  takes us to the real issue because it takes us to our spiritual makeup and to the Word of God. When we get the spiritual part of the equation fixed, the emotional and the physical parts, will begin to fall in Line.
I believe this is the reason why I was so against the ways and literature of Narcotics Anonymous. I had given my Life to Christ before I went to treatment. My spirit had been renewed in the Lord and I was told who I am through Christ. People need to be spiritually awakened  and Know that they are Kings and Queens. Your past does not define who you are, or who you will become. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation, Old things are past away, Behold, all things have become new....
This is the first scripture God gave me to meditate on. I knew at that very moment that I was FREE.

IDENTITY IS DETERMINED BY BIRTH

According to Tony Evans book, Free at Last, [The world wants us to believe that people are homosexuals by birth, not by choice. But a homosexual who believes that has badly confused identity with performance. That's what Satan wants, because he knows we will function based on our perception of ourselves[ what we believe ]. Once he gets us thinking we are someone we're not, he's got us. Nobody is born a drug addict or a homosexual. Christians may be performing in these unacceptable ways, but that's not who they are.It's an identity issue. Don't misunderstand. Just because we are not to identify ourselves by our actions doesn't mean we can deny or excuse our wrong actions. Make no mistake, a Christian who is battling the sins I mentioned above, or any other problem, needs to confess it and deal with it, no matter what takes place. But the principle still stands. Identity is determined by birth.] It reminds me of the late Teena Marie. Teena Marie is white by birth and most of her friends were black. She grew up in West Los Angeles in a neighborhood that was nicknamed, "Venice Harlem" because of the heavy black population (http://www.starpulse.com/Music/Marie,_Teena/Biography/).  Her mentor was the legendary Rick James. I remember when I first heard her voice, I couldn't tell if she was black or white. Her voice didn't sound like any white women I have ever heard. But when Teena fills out an official form that asks for her race, guess what race she marks? Not black, even though her" performance" is black. Teena marked white because that's what she is by birth, not performance, that determines identity.
Now the born again experienced could be explained in the same manner.  2 Corinthians 5:17 states, " If any man be in Christ he is a new creation, old things have pasted away behold all things have become new.
So who are you inspite of your sinful actions that are covered in the blood of Jesus. This is what Gods grace is for. Time to get it right and to walk in your TRUE IDENTITY.

EXPOSING THE ENEMY IN RECOVERY

The only way to expose the enemy is to reveal the truth to the deceived.[counterfeit]
According to Proverbs 23:7, "As a man thinks in his heart...he is!" In other words, unless a person in recovery pulls away from the "ADDICT" identity, he will maintain a mentality that will make it convenient to use drugs. (Hunt, 2010)
I'll use another example so you can grasp at this analogy a little better. If a man thinks of himself as an adulterer, then he is not surprised to find himself in bed with someone other than his wife. If he is confronted with this issue, he will simply think to himself, "This is who I am." This type of identity crisis must be exposed and turned towards Christ. Individuals must lose their identity of "Drug Addict" and embrace their true identity as "A child of God."
Our past does not define who we are. What are your thoughts concerning the importance of your identity in recovery?