2023 | Discussion Starter #149

Tonight’s Discussion Starter

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This powerful verse serves as a timely reminder for us to examine our hearts and attitudes. Pride can easily sneak into our lives, leading us astray and causing division in our relationships with others and with God. It is essential to reflect on the dangers of pride and its potential consequences. So, let’s dive into a thought-provoking discussion on how we can cultivate humility and guard against the destructive force of pride in our lives.

Meditation:

Take a moment to reflect on the times when pride may have caused harm in your life. Consider situations where your own arrogance hindered personal growth, damaged relationships, or even led to missed opportunities. Humility, on the other hand, is a virtue that opens doors to wisdom, understanding, and deeper connections with those around us. As you meditate on Proverbs 16:18, ask yourself how you can actively embrace humility and let go of pride. Let this reflection guide you towards a humble heart that seeks to serve and build up others rather than seeking recognition or exalting oneself.

Evening Prayer:

Gracious Lord, as we come before You in prayer, we humbly acknowledge the destructive power of pride in our lives. We confess the moments when we have allowed arrogance to cloud our judgment, harm our relationships, and hinder our spiritual growth. Help us to cultivate humility and embrace the wisdom that comes from acknowledging our limitations and relying on You. Teach us to value others above ourselves, to serve with genuine love, and to find joy in humble acts of kindness. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for Your grace and mercy, guiding us away from the path of pride and towards a life that honors You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

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60 years old – 34 years of Bible-based recovery

31st May 2023

On Wednesday this week, I will begin a new podcast series, based on my experience, strength, and hope of living life in recovery.
Over the years I have shared parts of my with different individuals as I have gone through the process but no one knows the whole story.

Through this podcast series, my aim is to tell my story of recovery and how God’s intervention has impacted my life, not just in recovery but in all areas of my life.

In 2005, God gave me the ministry of Living Life Recovery with the slogan ‘Recovery is about learning to live life. Living life is more than just recovery.’ Over the years I have been involved in and encountered many forms of recovery fellowship. For some the dependence on the recovery group as the only means of continued recovery for me was unhealthy, I needed more!

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous showed me how to achieve recovery, but on their own they did not lead to life-changing transformation. For that, I needed to experience the healing power of Jesus Christ and the daily guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Over the years I have used many curricula in my spiritual walk of living life in recovery. Through this upcoming podcast series, it is my intention to use a number of them to express what God has done in my life and hopefully encourage others to pursue Bible-based recovery in their lives or the lives of a loved one or a friend.

With each episode, I will also provide a recovery worksheet to help apply the God-given inspiration to their lives.

Lord Grant Me Courage

2023 | Discussion Starter #148

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Fear is a powerful emotion that can hold us back from living our fullest lives. It can paralyze us, keeping us stuck in our comfort zones and preventing us from pursuing our dreams. However, it is essential to remember that fear is not a permanent state but rather a temporary obstacle that can be overcome. Embracing the courage within ourselves and acknowledging that fear is a natural part of life is the first step towards conquering it.

MEDITATION FOR TODAY

In today’s meditation, take a few moments to sit in a quiet and comfortable space. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing it to calm your mind and body. As you breathe in, imagine yourself inhaling courage and strength. Feel the fear dissipating with each exhale. Visualize yourself standing tall and confident, ready to face any challenges that come your way. Embrace the idea that fear does not define you; it is merely an opportunity for growth and transformation.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I come before you today seeking strength and courage to overcome the fears that hold me back. Help me release the limiting beliefs and doubts that hinder my progress. Fill my heart with unwavering faith in myself and in your divine guidance. Grant me the resilience to face my fears head-on and the wisdom to learn from the lessons they bring. May I embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation, trusting that I am capable of achieving great things. Thank you for your constant love and support. Amen.

Remember, living a life free from fear is not about never experiencing it but rather about finding the strength within yourself to rise above it. Each day is an opportunity to face your fears, learn from them, and grow stronger. By adopting a positive mindset, nurturing your inner strength through meditation, and seeking guidance through prayer, you can overcome fear and embrace a life of courage and fulfillment.Regenerate response

Are you ready to let God help you?

STEP SIX: After discovering my sinful habits and attitudes and confessing them, I am now willing to let God change me.

2023 | Morning Harmony #147

The Bible teaches that separation from God is a consequence of sin and disobedience. Sin creates a barrier between us and God, disrupting the intimate relationship that He originally intended for us.

– Here are some verses highlighting what causes separation from God in our lives.

  1. Isaiah 59:2 (NIV): “Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”This verse highlights how sin creates a separation between us and God, causing Him to turn His face away.
  2. Romans 6:23 (NIV): “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin leads to spiritual death, further illustrating the separation from God caused by our disobedience.
  3. Ephesians 2:12 (NIV): “Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.” Before accepting Christ, we are described as being separate from Christ, without God and without hope.
  4. Colossians 1:21 (NIV): “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.” This verse emphasises the alienation and enmity that existed between humanity and God due to sinful behavior.

The Bible also reveals God’s redemptive plan to reconcile humanity back to Himself:

  1. John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice to reconcile humanity to Himself, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him.
  2. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NIV): “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” Through Christ, God offers reconciliation and forgiveness, not counting our sins against us.
  3. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV): “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Through faith in Jesus, believers are assured that nothing can separate them from the love of God.

In summary, the Bible acknowledges that sin creates a separation between us and God, it also presents the good news of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, we can be restored to a close and intimate relationship with God, never to be separated from His love.

Step six says “I am ready to let God Help.” To turn my will over to His care, because I know He cares and I can trust Him completely. Are you ready.

Understanding God’s Grace in All Its Truth

Colossians 1:6 that has come to you. All over the world the good news is bearing fruit and growing. It has been doing that among you since the day you heard it. That is when you understood God’s grace in all its truth.

In today’s blog post, we explore the transformative power of the good news and the profound impact it has on our lives. From the moment we first hear it, the good news begins to bear fruit, spreading and growing within us. Join me as we delve into the significance of understanding God’s grace in all its truth and the far-reaching effects it has on individuals and communities worldwide.

Today’s verse highlights the remarkable growth of the good news, emphasizing that it has been bearing fruit since the day we first heard it. This growth isn’t confined to a single moment or individual. Instead, it extends its reach across time and place, inspiring countless hearts and minds. The good news continues to resonate with people from all walks of life, bringing hope.

At the heart of the good news lies the profound concept of God’s grace. It is a concept that transcends human understanding and defies our limited comprehension. God’s grace is the unmerited favour and love extended to us, despite our flaws and shortcomings. It is through His grace that we find redemption, forgiveness, and the opportunity for a restored relationship with Him.

Understanding God’s Grace in All Its Truth:

This verse emphasizes the importance of comprehending God’s grace “in all its truth.” It implies a depth of understanding that goes beyond mere knowledge or superficial awareness. When we grasp the truth of God’s grace, it transforms our perspective, shaping our attitudes, actions, and relationships. It moves us from a place of self-reliance to a posture of humility and gratitude,

Understanding God by way of learning applying the Twelve Steps reveals to us, or it did to me, how God, through His grace has always had His hand upon me. Leading me to the way He wants me to live.

The difference today is me seeking to find and to do His will in my life. Changing my agenda to His agenda. @archieboyle

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Created for a purpose

“We love each other because he loved us first.” 1 John 4:19

God created us with a purpose. To love Him and to love others.

Jesus told us all the other commandments are built on these two.

Recovery is about gloryfying God in every area of our lives, and helping each other where and when we can.

Isaiah 43″7_8 says, “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’” Bring out the people who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf.”

Step Twelve is about service to God and others. SERVICE is our purpose, but not until we ‘get well’ ourselves.

Recovery takes time! Don’t get ahead of yourself. Take time daily to take personal inventory and talk to God about it.

Starting next week on Living Life Recovery.

Beginning on 31st May 2023
I will start a new podcast series!
Beginning by sharing my story of recovery over the last 34 years and then sharing my daily walk of Living Life In Recovery.

RECOVERY IS A CHOICE

Step Three is about deciding (Choosing) to walk the path of recovery and life transformation.

In 1987 I commenced my search for sobriety, unsuccessfully. It wasn’t till 1989 following a relapse that I received recovery through the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit moving in and through my life.

Psalm 16:2 says, I say to God, “Be my Lord!” Without you, nothing makes sense.” It was through submission to Him I received recovery. Proverbs 16:9 says, “We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.” Through seeking His will and His purpose for my life “I am a new creation, the old has gone, the new has begun.” And I would like to share it. If God can change me, anything is possible.”

Want to know more? Then join me next Wednesday. HERE!

God wants us to start a ne life.

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Isaiah 55:8

God doesn’t think like us. Nor does He act like us.

Through the process of recovery He is calling us to change our thoughts and behaviours to be more like His.

God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground. Genesis 1:27-28

He created us in His image, and blessed us to rule over the earth as He does. According to His plan and His purpose.

“Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Even when we got it wrong He brought us back to Himself. Gave us a way to a fresh-start through personal relationship with Jesus and daily interaction with the Holy Spirit

I believe that God loves me, cares about me, can and will lead me to His way of living if I put me faith and trust in Him and follow wherw He leads me in His name with His guidance and help.

2023 | Discussion Starter 140

FINDING REFUGE

Welcome to Living Life Recovery! In today’s blog post, we delve into the comforting words of Psalm 62:8, which reminds us of the importance of placing our trust in God and seeking refuge in Him. In a world full of uncertainties and challenges, finding a safe place becomes essential for our well-being and spiritual growth. Let’s explore how we can experience God’s unwavering protection and peace by trusting Him with our problems.

Trusting in God’s Faithfulness: The psalmist begins by urging us to “always put our trust in God.” Trusting in God means acknowledging His faithfulness throughout history and in our own lives. He has proven time and time again that He is worthy of our confidence. As we face difficulties, whether big or small, we can find peace in knowing that God is with us, ready to guide and support us through every step of the journey.

Pouring Out Our Hearts: Verse 8 continues, “Tell Him all your problems.” This simple yet profound instruction reminds us that God is a loving and caring Father who desires to hear our every concern. He longs for an intimate relationship with us, and prayer is the means through which we communicate with Him. When we pour out our hearts to God, we experience a release from the burdens that weigh us down. In His presence, we find comfort, guidance, and strength.

God, Is Our Place of Safety: The psalmist proclaims that “God is our place of safety.” In a world where safety seems elusive, God offers us an unshakable refuge. He is our stronghold, a fortress where we can find shelter from life’s storms. In times of trouble, anxiety, or fear, we can run to Him and find peace. His presence brings reassurance and security, enabling us to face life’s challenges with courage and confidence.

Experiencing the Safe Place: To truly experience God as our safe place, we must actively cultivate a relationship with Him.

Here are a few practical steps we can take:

  1. Seek God’s presence through prayer and meditation. Spend time daily in conversation with Him, pouring out your heart and listening for His guidance.
  2. Study God’s Word. The Bible is a rich source of wisdom, encouragement, and promises. Dive into its pages to discover more about God’s character and the ways He provides refuge for His people.
  3. Surround yourself with a supportive community. Connect with fellow believers who can walk alongside you on your spiritual journey. Together, you can encourage one another and remind each other of God’s faithfulness.
  4. Practice trust and surrender. Trusting God involves relinquishing control and surrendering our worries and fears into His capable hands. It is an ongoing process that requires faith and a willingness to let go.

As we conclude this ‘Discussion Starter’ on Psalm 62:8, let’s remember that in God, we find our safe place. Trusting Him with our problems brings us peace, security, and hope. He is faithful, always ready to listen and provide comfort. May we continually seek refuge in Him, knowing that in His presence, we are safe.

Thank you for joining us today. We hope this post has encourages and reminds you of the safety and peace that come from trusting in God. May your journey of recovery and faith be filled with the assurance of His loving presence. May you find refuge in the arms of our Heavenly Father.

M.E.S.S.

M – Mercy: The Bible teaches us about God’s great mercy and compassion towards us, even when we fall short of His standards.

E – Endurance: As followers of Christ, we are called to endure in our faith, even when faced with trials and challenges.

S – Salvation: The message of the Bible is one of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again.

S – Surrender: To truly follow Christ, we must surrender our lives to Him and allow Him to guide us in all things.

As we reflect on the word “mess,” we can be reminded of our need for God’s mercy and the importance of enduring in our faith through life’s challenges. We can also be encouraged by the message of salvation through Christ and the call to surrender our lives to Him.

God’s Grace is Sufficient!

2 Corinthians 12:9, states: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

This verse reminds us that as we confront the mess of our past, we can find strength in Christ’s power by embracing our weaknesses and relying on his grace. We don’t have to try to hide or cover up our weaknesses or past mistakes, but can instead bring them to Christ and allow him to work in and through us.

Here are some practical ways to apply this principle:

  1. Acknowledge your weaknesses: Take an honest inventory of your weaknesses and past mistakes. Recognize that you can’t overcome them on your own, but need Christ’s help.
  2. Lean on Christ’s grace: Remember that Christ’s grace is sufficient for you. He has already paid the price for your sins and weaknesses, and his power is available to you if you ask for it.
  3. Boast in your weaknesses: This might sound counterintuitive, but when we boast in our weaknesses, we are actually acknowledging our need for Christ’s strength. We are saying, “I can’t do this on my own, but I know Christ can.” This shifts the focus from ourselves to Christ and his power.
  4. Surrender control: Sometimes our past mistakes and weaknesses can make us feel like we need to be in control of everything. But when we surrender control to Christ and trust him to guide us, we can find freedom and strength.
  5. Seek support: Don’t try to navigate your past on your own. Seek out the support of trusted friends, mentors, or a counselor who can help you process your emotions and experiences and point you towards Christ’s power and grace.

The promise of God’s forgiveness and purification is a powerful source of hope

How does the promise of God’s forgiveness and purification from unrighteousness give us hope and motivate us to move forward in our recovery journey? (1 John 1:9)

The promise of God’s forgiveness and purification from unrighteousness, as mentioned in 1 John 1:9, can give us hope and motivate us to move forward in our recovery journey in several ways.

Firstly, it reminds us that no matter how far we have strayed from God’s path, we can always turn back to Him and seek His forgiveness. This can give us hope that no matter how deep our struggles or how many mistakes we have made, there is always a way to be reconciled with God and start anew.

Secondly, the promise of forgiveness can motivate us to continue our journey of recovery, even in moments of weakness or discouragement. We can be assured that God is with us, offering His grace and strength to help us overcome our struggles and make progress toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Finally, the promise of purification from unrighteousness can give us a sense of freedom and release from the burdens of guilt and shame that often accompany addiction and other destructive behaviors. Knowing that God can cleanse us from our sins and make us new can help us let go of the past and move forward with confidence and purpose.

Overall, the promise of God’s forgiveness and purification is a powerful source of hope and motivation for anyone on a recovery journey. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that with God’s help, we can overcome any obstacle and find healing and wholeness in our lives.