Isaiah 60:1 (Amplified Bible)
Arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you---rise to new life! Shine and be radiant with the glory of the LORD, for your light has come and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
It takes the empowering presence of God to free us from the emotional, mental and physical chains of addiction.
It takes the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit to not only free us, but fill us with new life so that we can rise up from the destruction we have created through our choices of the past.
Isaiah 61:4 reads: And they shall rebuild the ancient ruins. They shall raise up the former desolations and renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. This new life in Christ is about taking all the ashes of our past life and using them to build a new one. To learn how to live life on God's terms rather than our own passions and selfish desires. To rise!
Memories of the past become a powerful weapon that is used against us when we move toward recovery and a relationship with Jesus. These old memories bring up emotional pain, which can be even more debilitating than physical pain. Guilt and shame cover us when we remember the things we have done.
Guilt is directed toward our past behavior. We are covered with a feeling that can define our own self worth as well as distort our view and understanding of God. "Why would God want to do anything for me? Look at the decisions I have made."
Shame is directed toward us a person. "I am a terrible person. If I wasn't, I would not have done the things I've done. I don't deserve to live." Such thoughts as these are an everyday tape that plays in the minds of those in addiction. It truly takes a POWER greater than ourselves to break this vicious cycle of thought. That POWER is found in Christ alone.
When Jesus died on the cross, he paid the price for our sin. His was the only death capable of freeing us from the destruction of our past deeds. More than that, His was the only death that can free us from the intent and motive inside of each of us that drives our thoughts and deeds.
Jesus paid for the power of sin by becoming a greater POWER. Who can break and destroy a power except one that is greater? He is the ultimate deal breaker when it comes to sin and the kingdom of darkness.
Jesus paid for the presence of sin in our life through his death and resurrection. Isn't it incredible that when we confess, repent and turn to Christ that our old way of living is replaced by a new way of living? Jesus does that through the giving of God's Holy Spirit to us. We are filled with Him. Did you catch that? Filled? Filled up to overflowing. If I am filled with something then there should not be room for anything else to be introduced. I am filled with His Spirit to overflowing. No wonder I am a new creation.
Are you filled today?
Are you spilling over with the presence of God in your life?
Today is the best day to begin.
God on you.....
mb
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