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AREAS OF PRAYER FOCUS
ADDICTIONS AND
GRACE
by Clare Cooper
We continue to pray for addictions.
Each one of us is addicted to something. We
need to act differently because we are under the power
of the Holy Spirit. Addictive behavior demands some
self-control on our part.
Gal. 5:22 reads, “But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control:
against such there is no law.” Love is the first fruit
mentioned, but self-control helps keep them all in
place.
Our personal worth and value, our capacity
to love and be loved, and our ultimate core and
protection are all things that have been given to us by
God as our birthright. When we feel bound to extract
these qualities from people and substances, something is
wrong. We, in our culture, seek some kind of security
within the realms of possessions, power and
relationships. Rather, we need to control our life and
hear God’s voice as to how and in what direction we are
going. Are we honest and accepting? Do we accept that
we have addictions? Do we accept that the problem
exists, and admit it is true?
Taking responsibility for ourselves means
taking action: we need to seek grace, reach out for it,
and act in accord with it. If we respond authentically
to God’s love, we will seek nothing less than
fulfillment of the great commandments. We will do all
that is in our power to love God with our strength. We
will act with kindness towards others, seeking the image
of God that lives within them. And we will be as gentle
and compassionate with ourselves as we possibly can. We
will try to forgive ourselves. We will live out of
consecration, accept our responsibilities, and turn our
hearts to God as we say “Yes” to Him.
Some of the preceding thoughts were from the book,
Addiction and Grace, by Gerald G. May, M.D. |
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NOW WORD
“Reclaim My Joy.”
(NOW WORD
11-12-2008)
by Clare Cooper
Some of the words of Jesus that help us reclaim His
joy are from John 15:1-4, “Do not let your hearts be
troubled. Have faith in God and faith in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places;
otherwise, how could I have told you that I was
going to prepare a place for you, and then I shall
come back to take you with me, that where I am you
also may be. You know the way that leads where
I go.”
We need to always
remember these words of Jesus, and remember how much
the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit love us. Let us
keep the joy of the Lord in our hearts always and
realize He is always there for us. He is saving a
place for each one of us. Jesus died on the cross
so you and I can go to heaven.
Just think about
that. He will come back to get us. Remembering
this promise is joy for us. We need to sing and
praise God for the joy of the Lord. We must keep
thanking Him ahead of time for all the blessings He
will give us.
Thank you, Jesus, for all you have done for the
world, especially my family. Thank you for the
United States of America. Thank you for your joy
that is available to all the people in this world.
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