Addictions and Deceptions

Many people today, are addicted to practically everything around them. Some more than others, here just a short list of some common ones; cell phone calling and texting, computer Internet, watching TV, video games, sugar, coffees, chocolates, junk food, over eating, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, work and religion. The thought of going a week without one of these or other additions, would seem like the end of the world for many of these addicts (I had my share of addictions too). Most additions are harmful, some more so than others. There is damage is done whether we believe it or not, either to our body, our mind or our spirit.
 
In western civilizations, people take great pride in their freedom, when in truth they are not really free, they're just like many others in bondage. Most people don't realize what it is like to be truly free, because they have become slaves to their additions and sins. The majority are bound in their minds, by the lies and deceptions of their beliefs. Many people believe if others do it or think that way, it must be OK. It's part of their life style, even if its done in secret. When people compare themselves to others, they often feel better about themselves. And others just don't care anymore. Unfortunately, many of these people have no desire to be free of their addictions, unless a doctor or God says so; or until its too late. That in itself, shows the power of these addictions and deceptions have over people's minds.
 
God never intended for his children to be controlled by desires for things, habits or religion. In the beginning when he created man and women, His plan was that we walk together in freedom and contentment. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve's mistake changed that, but thanks to the cross and the blood of Jesus Christ we can still walk together in total freedom and power over our enemy and addictions. Satan would try to persuade us that he has a better alternative, or there is no harm by it. Compared to what Jesus offers and the guideline He has set. That guideline is agape love. We are to love God, love others and be kind to our body which was designed to be God's temple. How we take care of it is important to Him, and it should be important to us also. It's one way for us to show respect and honor to Him.
 
God has given us the power to break the chains and set us free of all addictions (both physical and spiritual addictions). Physical addictions effect our body and religious addictions effects our spiritual body. Both will harm and some will kill you but the latter is eternal. (Rom. 8:12-17). But, it does requires an effort on our part and faith in his love for us. Often, this is can be made easier with the aid of another brother or sister in Christ, to help and encourage, but not necessary. We should all desire to live as long and healthy as God intended for us, to serve His purpose on earth and when our time up, he will call us home. Once we really begin to understand God ways we will see how foolish we were, but grateful just the same for His patience. Jesus should be our only desire everything else will find its proper place in him. He satisfies all our needs.


"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusts in Him." Psalms 34:8

Free Indeed

"Can you think of the way that we used to be
We were young, full of hope and full of dreams.
Look around what has happened in between
Living life can steal your hopes away it seems.


Dream again
Oh, your like a child who's waiting to become


The Son has come to free us
So set your eyes on Jesus
Your free now


To love as He has loved you
To live like He's among you
To dream now
Know that you are free indeed


When your world is a dark and lonely place
Turn your eyes from yourself and seek His face
There's a hope in His open arms you'll find
And a peace that gonna free your heart and mind."



Written by; David Cleveland; Grant Cunningham; Mat Huesman
Sung by, Point of Grace

Looking for True Happiness

Are you still looking for true happiness? What motivates you to get up each day? Have you found in life what you are looking for? Or have you given up the search like so many others who have become content until something upsets their mundane lives. Others often fear something bad could happen at any moment like a tornado or loosing their job. What are you looking for?

Older people are just happy to be alive. Some of them live alone or are abandon in rest homes. Others have pets to keep them company. Young people used to have dreams or ambitions, many still do, but that too is changing as some see what appears to be futility ahead. Many are choosing to live for the moment, not caring about the future.

Then there are the children who go hungry and are scared as they see their homes, families and relationships break up. Many have no idea of what true happiness is or a sense of security. While other people will be stuffing their houses, minds and bodies with things they don't really need, and they don't seem to care about the waste or the damage it causes them. At times life just doesn't seem fair, as people struggle to make sense of it all or find some kind of happiness.

Government leaders and officials seem to be at a loss also as they search for answers for how to solve the ever-growing problems and corruption in their countries, or how to correct the hurting lives and wasted resources that they have been entrusted with. Many people have less and less hope or confidants in Government being able to help them or others resolve or deal with the real issues of life. Some are wondering whether there is such a thing as true happiness.

True answers and happiness seems to be an illusion along with most people's dreams. So in the meantime, they try to have a little fun along the way to give their emotions a boost. Whether it is an affair, exploits on the Internet, beer parties or making a little extra money on the slide, people continue to do foolish things in meaningless searches for true happiness.

Religious leaders struggle with the same problems as do many of their members, as they try to encourage one another. Yet, it seems everyone is pretending that everything will be alright. Even though they have seen thousands of unanswered prayers go by the wayside, and don't know or understand why. However, their hope is still in heaven and it seems to be their ultimate goal, eventually.

As King Solomon said, "Vanity, vanity all the ways of man are vanity!" (Eccles. 1:2)

If we want to see change, restoration, fulfilled promises and dreams for a better and happier future, then the Heavenly Father has and is the answer. He is determined to bring true happiness to this world. He's waiting for us and wants us to seek him with all our hearts, but most of all he desires a simple and honest relationship with Him. We need to come to realize who he really is, the all loving and powerful Heavenly Father. Then we will see answered prayers and experience true happiness that only the He can give.

There is soon coming a mighty move of God. When you see it, jump in and grab it with both hands, for it will be an experience that can last for eternity. Don't miss it! When all you see are problems or feel life is hopeless, you need to change your focus." Look up, lift up your hands and cry out to God, because your redemption draws near." (Luke 21:28) Why are you still looking and waiting?

Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life, and that you have it more abundantly." (John 10:10). And God doesn't lie. (Num. 23:19).