Social gatherings can be a major source of triggers and fantasy. Stefanie Carnes, president of the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, addresses the role of misguided social interactions for the person who struggles with unwanted sexual behaviors. She writes, “Some sex addicts engage in risky behaviors such as sending sexually provocative texts and…
Do you ever hit a wall in your recovery? There’s hope! Michael Jordan said, “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” When he hit the wall, the psalmist remained positive. “By…
Let’s consider the parable of the archer. The archer pulls out an arrow and places it in his bow. Then he fires that arrow at a target the arrow cannot see. And the arrow is okay with that. Like the arrow in the hand of the archer, you are secure in the hand of God.…
Two months ago, the Ohio legislature considered a bill that would criminalize “distracted driving.” During a Senate hearing on the subject, a state senator participated in the meeting via Zoom – while driving in his car. Of course, given the topic of discussion, the senator didn’t want his colleagues to know that he was driving…
Don’t focus so much on recovery. Huh? I meant what I just said – don’t focus so much on recovery. Instead, focus on the things you must do that result in recovery. Here’s why. Who you are tomorrow is the predictable outcome of the things you do today. Charles Stanley was right: “Where you are…
Trying to hurt me by bringing up my past is like trying to rob my old house. I don’t live there anymore. Seneca said, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” Carrie Underwood adds, “Every day is a new day, and you’ll never be able to find happiness if you don’t move on.”…
Never let an experience with God come before God himself. Don’t live for the exceptional moments. These unusual touches of glory are surprises, which God only brings our way when he sees that we are no longer in danger of being led away by them. The extravagant can lead to complacency and self-assurance. Oswald Chambers…
A boy stood on the baseball field and proclaimed, “I am the greatest hitter of all time!” He then tossed a ball into the air and took a huge swing. He missed. Strike one. He repeated, “I am the greatest hitter of all time!” Again, he tossed the ball into the air, swung, and missed. …
I love this simple promise from God: “I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go” (Jeremiah 45:5). It is when we abandon our own plans and dreams for God’s plans and dreams that we find glorious freedom. Abandonment means to refuse yourself the luxury of asking any…
The prophet asked, “Do you seek great things for yourself?” (Jeremiah 45:5). I suspect all of us would answer this question with a resounding “yes.” But true happiness does not come from seeking things. It comes from seeking God. Oswald Chambers said, “There is nothing easier than getting into the right relationship with God, unless…