Do the Next Right Thing: A Christian In Recovery's Perspective
Author: Rusel D.
Date: 2006-03-08T06:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Chistian; Recovery
Description: A small booklet about being a Christian In Recovery.
Publisher: Aardvark

Table of Contents

- A letter from my pastor:
- To The Reader,
- Introduction

- What it was Like

- 7 Deadly Sins

- What Happened

- Struggling with Sin

- The Twelve Principles:

- What It’s Like Now

- FAITH
- Imagination
- An Attitude of Gratitude

- Summary

- Power for Recovery

- Christians In Recovery Meetings

- CIR Meeting Preamble
- Users Guide and The 12 Steps
- Life Recovery Bible Preface

- Appendix

- 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

- Gospel Street Mission Web Page

Do the Next Right Thing:

A Christian In Recovery’s Perspective

By Rusel D.

Send Correspondence and Contributions to:

mailto:GospelStreetmission@hotmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/GospelStreetMission
http://www.GospelStreetMission.org

Published by Aardvark Publishing Company

First Edition

Copyright©2006 by Rusel D.

International Standard Book Number: 1-59971-609-7

Italics in Scripture quotations are the author’s emphasis.

Scripture is from the HOLY BIBLE, King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,

New Living Translation Copyright © 1996.

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.,

Wheaton, Illinois 60189 All rights reserved

Printed in the United States of America

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:

D., Rusel

Do the Next Right Thing :

A Christian In Recovery’s Perspective / by Rusel D.

TX-355-730

ISBN 1-59971-609-7

A letter from my pastor:

I am so pleased that Rusel has chosen to share with us a portion of his life story. Rusel has been an encouragement to our congregation here at First Baptist Bonham. His humility and honesty have been a good example for us to follow.

Rusel has been a key leader in our Christians in Recovery program. He has been in charge of several of our meetings. He and others have organized and operated this ministry to the addicts of our community. They have used Biblical principles as the basis of their twelve step process.

I would personally invite you to read Rusel’s book and consider asking him to share with you either individually or as a group. His story will minister to you and help you to see how someone can be used by God.

Morgan Malone

Pastor

First Baptist Church, Bonham,Tx

To The Reader,

I have been called to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to reach people affected by dependencies and to convey the healing power that God has to offer.

I would like to encourage the reader to have an open mind and recognize how the 12 steps can be applicable to everyone. It’s also important to see where religious people are right and take advantage of what they have to offer.

In an evangelistic style, my mission is to break the chains of dependencies by leading others to Christ and equipping them for ministry.

After 25 years of struggling with dependencies, I've been able to experience Christian recovery and enjoy a happy, joyous and free life, one day at a time.

I would like to announce my availability to share my testimony and uplifting encouragement to "Do the Next Right Thing.”

For Correspondence ,
mailto:GospelStreetmission@hotmail.com

I pray that you will be blessed and that God will work miracles in your life.

Sincerely,

Rusel D.

Introduction

I was born in Dallas, TX in 1960. I have three older sisters and I had a happy childhood. I didn't experience any abusive behavior towards me. I went to church with my aunt and uncle and learned some basic things that helped me get along with others.

I was a good student in school and kept my grades up. I was motivated by fear--Fear of what my mother would do to me if I failed. I learned the Golden Rule, "Do to others as you would have them do to you," and the Ten Commandments.

By going to church with my aunt and uncle, I learned I could die and go to Hell. I thought I would have to die on the Church steps in order to make it to heaven. I still remember Brother Daniels yelling and sweating. This wasn't the message he was trying to teach, but it was the lesson I learned.

I didn't really have a clue about death until my grandfather suddenly died of a heart attack. This was traumatic. The reality of my own and other loved ones’ mortality was brought to my attention.

Shortly afterwards, my sister took me to some different churches. The spirit-filled churches we attended taught me about Jesus. I accepted Him as my savior and I had some peace of mind about death, but I didn't make Jesus the Lord of my life. I had learned about God but didn't develop a relationship with Him.

The knowledge of God is far from the love of God.

I didn't continue going to church, or develop a strong prayer life, and I didn’t read the Bible. The self-examination and commitment to Jesus didn't take. I went back to my self-absorbed life and didn't think too much about God's will.

What it was Like

When I was fifteen I started experimenting with sex, drugs and rock-and-roll. This lifestyle led to stronger drink, harder drugs, and more self-destructive immoral behavior.

I knew Proverbs 23:21, but didn't think it applied to me. I could stop before things got that bad.

Pro 23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty:

I knew Proverbs 23:31-33, but didn't think it applied to me. I thought the sting and bite meant the hangovers and poor choices. I didn’t realize that it was also talking about shortening your life.

Pro 23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

Pro 23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

Pro 23:33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

When I started drinking I didn't drink every day, but I always drank for the effect--to get drunk. I started binge drinking only on weekends. That's like saying "Its okay, I'll only sin on the weekend."

I experimented with many drugs but always said I could stop before getting hooked. I would use one drug and switch to another to avoid becoming addicted. This was a futile effort since I was just replacing one drug for another. All this time I was still drinking.

When I was nineteen I started a promising career in telecommunications. At twenty, I met a man at work who witnessed to me. I sobered up, attended church for a little while, and got married to my first wife. Shortly afterwards I started drinking and drugging again.

A few years later we lost our first child. God was there to provide comfort and peace. With God’s help, we survived our loss and later He blessed us with two more children.

My drinking and drugging progressed, despite the warning signs--missing work, frequent fights at home, and feelings of depression, loneliness, and despair. My sin had become a disease. My wife quit making excuses for me. She made me become more responsible for my own behavior until I’d had enough. I missed work again and feared I would lose my job so I admitted myself into a treatment center for alcoholism.

The treatment center introduced me to a twelve step program; and after spending ten days in the center, I was cured. Or so I thought. I stayed sober for a few months and then I went back out--I back slid. The drinking and drugging became more frequent.

Things got worse quickly and I became sick and tired of being sick and tired. I sobered up for a couple of years. Although I attended 12 step meetings, I didn't work the steps thoroughly. I thought I was cured. It started with just one drink and I was back into my disease again. One drink is too many and a thousand is not enough.

I stayed out for about ten years. During that time I divorced and remarried. I was blessed with another son, but was not a good husband or father. I got divorced again and things got much worse... Each time I went out, my drinking, drugging and behavior became more destructive. I had first hand experience with the seven deadly sins.

7 Deadly Sins

Pride is excessive belief in one's own abilities that interfere with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity.

Envy is the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation.

Gluttony is an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires.

Lust is an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body.

Anger is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath.

Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness.

Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work.

With two failed marriages, a foreclosed house, being homeless, fired from a promising career, financial problems, losing respect from everybody, having health problems, unable to write my own name, and my sanity slipping away, I couldn’t imagine continuing life with my current lifestyle. I had reached rock bottom. I wanted to die, but didn’t want to kill myself. Drugs and alcohol were killing me. The feelings of depression, loneliness and despair were overwhelming.

I called my sister for help. She took me to the VA hospital in Dallas. In the mental ward I decided I wanted to sober up and change my life. I was willing to do anything to stop the torment.

What Happened

At this point I was willing to do whatever the staff at the VA told me to do. They told me when to eat, sleep, work, and to go to Twelve Step meetings.

In meetings I learned that I had the disease of alcoholism and addiction. It affected all parts of my life, mental, physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual. There is no cure for alcoholism and addiction. I needed divine intervention to learn to live with the disease and not die from the disease.

I needed to know how to work the steps. I got a sponsor and he told me HOW stands for Honesty, Open-mindedness and Willingness. He stressed that I should be thorough and honest.

Here are the suggested steps for a successful program of recovery.

1. We admitted we were powerless over our dependencies – that our lives had become unmanageable.

At step One I was told to answer this question, “If I drink or do drugs I eventually get drunk and I do what?”

If I drink or do drugs I eventually get drunk. I might be able to white knuckle it and avoid getting drunk by an attempt at controlled drinking for a little while, but eventually I’ll get drunk.

When I get drunk I’ll blackout. I won’t know when the blackout will start. I won’t know what I’ll do during the blackout. I’ll go to any extreme to get more drugs and alcohol, and I won’t know when the blackout will end.

If I drink or do drugs I am powerless over them.

Considering my unemployable state, my poor health, and being homeless, I was spiritually, financially, and emotionally bankrupt. It was easy to see that my life was unmanageable. I had to swallow my pride and admit it.

I was prejudiced about Christians and thought they wouldn’t understand anything about dependencies. I was wrong. They may not understand the disease, but they do understand temptation. The apostle Paul wrote Romans 7:14-25:

Struggling with Sin

Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Some people suffer from emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they are thorough and honest.

I remember being in my hospital room and feeling hopeless. I went to my knees in prayer and heard a quiet voice that everything would be ok. A feeling of peace came over me and I felt relieved. My hope was restored.

3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.

After I was sober about eight months I went on a church mission trip to help build a church in Colorado. On our way there, everybody in the van was sharing stories and laughing. I realized that I didn’t have any stories to share. These people had been living life and enjoying it while I had been just existing to drink and drug.

While in Colorado I spoke with a friend of mine. I explained to him that I was ready to take my third step and wanted his help. We had a short prayer together. I asked Jesus to come into my heart and help me do God’s will.

Step Three was an opportunity to rededicate my life to Christ. In the past I didn’t know what that meant. After all, football stadiums are dedicated to famous players or coaches. Turning my will and my life over to the care of God made sense.

Accepting Jesus into your heart is the only way to salvation and is available to everyone.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Before I turned my will and my life over to Christ, I spent all my mental power thinking selfish or evil thoughts. I was always scheming or planning how I would get my next drink, more sex, or more money. I was obsessed with the works of the flesh.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

After I made the decision to turn my will and my life over to God, I had a change take place in my heart. When we are saved it will be known by the fruit we bear.

Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

The changes in your heart will be made by the Holy Spirit and it will be recognized by your actions and attitudes.

The Fruits of the Spirit

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

I do steps One, Two and Three each morning. One day at a time I work these steps. Matthew 6:34 (NLT) states:

Mat 6:34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.

This is working for me so I’ll keep doing it. It is the next right thing to do. Step Three is also a commitment to complete the rest of the steps; to Keep it Simple and do the next right thing.

4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory.

When I did the fourth step I utilized my sponsor to keep me on track. He kept me from getting into self-pity or the other extreme, self-righteousness. I found that selfishness, self-centeredness, and fear were the roots of most of my problems. Ego was the culprit. Ego stands for Ease God Out.

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

My fifth step was taken with my sponsor. He had already heard most of it while I worked on my fourth step. The only new question was, “Did I have any secrets?”

6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Character defects, like lust, greed, and pride are manifested from our sinful nature. These sins originate from selfishness, self-centeredness, and fear.

7. We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

I imagine a shortcoming as a field goal attempt that doesn’t make it far enough to score. It falls short. Not living up to our God given potential is a shortcoming.

Whether it’s a shortcoming or a character defect, they are sins that can only be overcome with God’s help. I confessed these sins to God and asked Him to make me into “Who He wants me to be.”

I was relieved to know that God’s forgiveness is unlimited.

Psa 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

I had to prayerfully consider steps Eight and Nine before making any amends. On some occasions the apologies went well while on others they weren’t as pleasant. In any case, no amends should be made if it stirs up resentments or hurt feelings for someone. The idea is to clean my side of the street and not dirty up someone else’s.

The next three steps are considered maintenance steps, like the first three. I take steps Ten, Eleven, and Twelve each day, as needed.

10. We continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness. We had to be free of anger and resentment. For those of us with dependencies, these things are poison.

11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out.

I talked to my doctor and she reported that my alcoholism was in remission. My disease is in remission only as long as I keep doing the next right thing. What I have is a daily reprieve dependant on the maintenance and growth of my personal relationship with God.

I was told to take care of spiritual matters first, then the other things will fall into place.

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

What is a Spiritual awakening? Is it the arousal of our feelings or is it being born of the spirit?

Before I worked the steps, I made decisions based on how I felt. My feelings were under the influence and were not based on facts, therefore poor choices were made. After I thoroughly worked the steps, I can usually depend on my feelings as guides. If I feel something is wrong, it normally is. Today, I try to make decisions based on the facts.

While under the influence of my addictions I didn’t understand the spiritual realm. My eyes and ears were closed to these things.

1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

After the Holy Spirit worked in my life, I went through a change of heart. Jesus described this change as being born of the Spirit.

Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Step Twelve says we are to carry this message to others. We should make ourselves available to minister to people with dependencies, to model an abundant joyful life, and to fulfill the great commission.

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Step Twelve also says we are to practice these principles in all our affairs.

The Twelve Principles:

1. Relationship with God (Spirituality)

2. Honesty

3. Hope

4. Faith

5. Courage

6. Integrity

7. Willingness

8. Humility

9. Brotherhood

10. Justice

11. Perseverance

12. Service

When I talk about recovery and my relationship with God, they are synonymous. I can’t have one without the other. I must nurture them both. If I drink or do drugs I have blocked the sunlight of the spirit and lose conscious contact with God. Without God there is no recovery--only repeated failure and disappointing substitutions.

What It’s Like Now

I want to stress that I don’t claim to know God’s will. I believe it is a quest, to first “seek Him”, and second to “Do the next right thing.”

In recovery I’ve heard people say that God works through people, places and things. I believe it is more accurate to say God speaks to us to reveal His will by the Holy Spirit through prayer, the Bible, the church, and circumstances.

I seek God’s will in his word, the Holy Bible. In the past, I read the Bible to see what men did. Now, I study the Bible to see what God does. He is still at work today. God’s will is revealed to us as we seek Him.

I was pointed to a list of things not to do in the Bible,

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17)

Exo 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

Exo 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Exo 20:12 Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Exo 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.

Exo 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Exo 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.

Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.

And a list of things to do Jesus gave us in Matthew 22:37-39.

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.

Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

We are commanded to love the Lord and each other. But, “What is love?” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NLT) tells us:

1Co 13:4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud

1Co 13:5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.

1Co 13:6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

1Co 13:7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1Co 13:8 Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[3] and special knowledge will all disappear.

So, how do we love the Lord? John 14:15 says “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” This is “Doing the next right thing.”

Are you doing the next right thing?

FAITH

Faithful Actions Increase Trust and Hope

Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:3-34 (NLT) Gives us many examples faith

Heb 11:3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

Heb 11:4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. God accepted Abel's offering to show that he was a righteous man. And although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us because of his faith.

Heb 11:5 It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying--"suddenly he disappeared because God took him."[1] But before he was taken up, he was approved as pleasing to God.

There are more examples including Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob

I’m certain that Noah heard a lot of teasing from his neighbors, but he walked in faith as God directed him. He pressed on and built the arc to save humanity and God’s creatures, because he trusted God.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

When I walk in Faith, it increases my Trust in God and my Hope for eternity. Walking in Faith can be perpetual, giving us more opportunities to do the next right thing.

Are you walking in Faith? Are you doing the next right thing?

Imagination

How do you use your imagination? Are you worrying? Do you spend time dreaming about the “What if’s?” or the “Woulda, coulda, shoulda’s?” It takes fewer mental resources to meditate on God’s word than it does to worry.

Genesis 1:26 tells me we were created in God’s image. This is another way of distinguishing us as different from the rest of creation. Our minds give us the ability to be creative and imaginative.

Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Our imagination can obsess over spilt milk and other ungodly thoughts or we can put it to use constructively. Meditate on God’s word. Be creative and remember God’s blessings. Sometimes I find myself “in the weeds”, imagining unhealthy thoughts. He knows my needs and I use the simple prayer, “God please help me with my thinking.” And He does.

I was taught prayer was talking to God, while meditation is listening. Improper use of our minds and imagination can take any compulsion and turn it into an obsession. Obsessions quickly become temptations that are difficult to flee from.

The proper use of our imagination should be constructive and loving towards the Lord. Knowledge of God is far from the love of God. Just because you know about God doesn’t mean you love Him.

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Matthew 22:37 reminds us to love the Lord with all our mind. This includes our imagination.

The next question is, “What do I use my imagination on?” Philippians 4:8 gives us examples of things to think about.

Phi 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Isaiah 26:3 tells us “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Are you using your imagination to do the next right thing?

Temptation

Satan can misdirect our thoughts or cause circumstances to tempt us. He does not know our thoughts. God knows everything. He knows my thoughts and motives. The Devil doesn’t.

It is a battlefield of the mind. God’s power can always save you from temptation. He has already won the battle. When tempted I frequently use the simple prayer, “God please help me with my thinking.” And He does! Prayer is the next right thing.

James 4:7 and 2 Timothy 2:22 remind me to resist the devil and he will flee from you while youthful lusts or circumstances should be fled from.

Jam 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2Ti 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says if you are tempted while doing the right thing God will always give you a way out, if you look for it. James 1:12-13 says that you will be blessed if you overcome temptation. God allows temptation that you can overcome. God does not tempt us. God never puts you in a place where you’re not covered by His grace.

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Jam 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Jam 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Doing the next right thing is easier to do if you’ve just finished doing the right thing. Doing the wrong thing takes a path all of its own. Like a small lie can cause you to perpetuate more lies.

Are you doing the next right thing?

An Attitude of Gratitude

Ever since that Wednesday afternoon in Colorado when I did my third step prayer for the first time with all my heart, I have been blessed. I didn’t notice it at the time, but in hindsight I see that my life has significantly changed.

I cannot go into detail about all the things God has done for me since that day, but I can fill you in on a few major topics.

· God has given me new friends and a Church family.

· I met my wife at a Church function and we dated for almost two years before we got married.

· My children like me better.

· My health has been restored.

· My spiritual growth has been very rewarding. I continue to pursue a personal relationship with God and I am blessed repeatedly.

When I have an attitude of gratitude I cannot simultaneously think about things of the flesh, like coveting, lusting, or taking that first drink. It is impossible for me to be grateful for the things God has provided for and also covet my neighbor’s new car at the same time.

With an attitude of gratitude, I can successfully wage spiritual warfare and the results are always favorable. Jesus has already won the battle.

In the past I had an attitude towards Christians of me and them. Now I realize that I am one of them. I am living a happy, joyous, and free abundant life.

Psa 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

This verse promises me the desires of my heart. God has changed my heart. So I want God’s will and desire good things.

I give God the glory for the changes He is making in me. I claim progress not perfection.

Do the next right thing.

1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Summary

I can know The Golden Rule and the Ten Commandments. I can know about the Twelve Steps, and I can even know about God and Jesus. But just knowing these things will not bring me salvation. To be saved and go to heaven when I die, I need a personal relationship with Christ.

To obtain a personal relationship with Christ I must:

1. Admit I am a sinner Romans 3:23

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

2. Understand that eternal life is a free gift from God Romans 6:23

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. Because of love, Jesus paid the death penalty for my sins Romans 5:8

Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

4. Confess Jesus as Lord & believe God raised Him from the dead. Romans 10:9-10

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

5. Ask God to save you. Invite Jesus into your heart. Romans 10:13

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Are you doing the next right thing?

If your “Next Right Thing” is to dedicate your life to Christ, and turn your will and your life over to the care of Christ, then say this simple prayer with me:

Lord, I am a sinner. I don’t deserve eternal life, I know Jesus died for my sins and was raised from the dead. I invite Jesus into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Help me to do your will and do the next right thing. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

If you prayed this prayer, you’ll need to find a church home and attend regularly, read the Bible, develop a healthy prayer life, and Do the Next Right Thing.

Power for Recovery

If you want power in your recovery, I strongly suggest finding a church home. Attending church regularly provides Prayer companions, Obedience accountability, Worship services, Evangelic outreaches and Read the Bible curriculum. Church also offers support groups, mentoring, discipleship, and fellowship.

Pray – Prayer is our way of talking to God. We can bring anything to Him in prayer and if it is His will it shall be granted. 1 John 5:14-15 (NLT).

1Jo 5:14 And we can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will.

1Jo 5:15 And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.

I know it is God’s will for me to be sober today, so if I ask God to help me stay sober, He will. I also need to remember to thank Him for keeping me sober.

1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Obey - Obedience is not a dirty word. God gave us commandments to protect us from undesirable consequences. For example, if a man commits adultery, he could contract an incurable disease or lose his family. If he loses his family, he will miss blessing. He could miss out on his daughter sitting on his lap, looking up to him with big blue eyes, and saying “I love you, Daddy.”

Obedience is also one of the ways for us to show God we love Him.

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Obedience and experience brings you closer to God as He accomplishes His work through you.

Worship - Worship pleases God and invigorates my soul. Participating in church worship service is inspirational and recommended for everyone. It teaches me songs of praise and worship that can be sung at any time wherever I am.

Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Evangelize – Being in recovery offers special ministry opportunities. I can relate to others with dependencies and show them a better way of life. After establishing a relationship, I can bring them the message of salvation.

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Read - I seek God’s will and His teachings by reading the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible is God’s word. My spiritual growth is directly proportionate to the amount of Bible study I participate in.

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

For my spiritual growth I attend Church, participate in a weekly small group Bible study and individually read the Bible daily.

Christians In Recovery Meetings

I have made it a habit to attend Christian twelve step recovery meetings. They offer more than a support group, they also offer fellowship and biblical studies.

In Bonham, Texas we have weekly Christians In Recovery meetings held in the fellowship hall of my church. We are not affiliated with any other causes, but we have the support and encouragement from First Baptist Church Bonham, Tx.

On more than one occasion I have witnessed people in Christians In Recovery meetings start attending Sunday school and church services. It’s a great outreach and a pleasure to be a part of the ministry.

Christians In Recovery (CIR) of Bonham, Texas uses the Life Recovery Bible as its basic text. At the beginning of each meeting we read the meeting Preamble, The User’s Guide and the Twelve Steps, and the Life Recovery Bible Preface.

CIR Meeting Preamble

Hello, my name is _______________and I am a Christian In Recovery. Welcome to the ___________ meeting of Christians In Recovery of Bonham, Tx.

Christians In Recovery is a fellowship of men and women who share their testimonies with each other that they may spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help others to recover from their dependencies. The only requirement for membership is a desire for recovery. CIR is autonomous regarding its meetings and does not wish to engage in any controversy. Christians In Recovery’s approved literature, The Life Recovery Bible, will guide us through Recovery Principles, the Twelve Steps, and Serenity Prayer Devotional Reading Plans. Our primary purpose is in love and soundness of mind, lead others to Christ, and equip them for ministry.

Please join me in a moment of silent meditation followed by the Serenity Prayer.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

Please respect the individual’s right to express their thoughts and ideas while also respecting others’ right to listen. Please identify yourself before sharing with the group and limit your speaking to 3 – 5 minutes so everyone will have an opportunity to share. When sharing, please address the group and not an individual. Individual discussions can take place after the meeting.

I have asked a friend to read the Users Guide and the 12 steps.

I have asked another friend to read the Life Recovery Bible Preface.

Do we have any newcomers that wish to be recognized?

This week we are discussing ______ on page ___ of the Life Recovery Bible. I have asked ___________to read the text and begin our discussion.

(If time permits after everyone has shared, new material me be introduced for discussion.)

We are about out of time. Does anyone have anything they need to share with the group?

I have asked ____________________ to close the meeting in prayer, after which we’ll all join in the Lord’s Prayer.

Users Guide and The 12 Steps

The Holy Bible is a book about recovery. It records how the world began and how God created it to be good. Then it tells us about the beginning of sin – about the first time people decided to reject God’s plan. It spells out the fatal consequences that result from rejecting God’s program. But the Bible doesn’t leave us in despair. It reveals a plan for recovery and the source of the power to accomplish it. It provides us with the only pathway to wholeness – God’s program for reconciliation and healing.

The Twelve Step Devotionals used in the Life Recovery Bible have been adopted from the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous originally published in 1939. Here are the suggested steps for a successful program of recovery.

1. We admitted we were powerless over our dependencies – that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3. We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.

4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory.

5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

7. We humbly asked Him to remove out shortcomings.

8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. We continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Life Recovery Bible Preface

The Bible is the greatest book on recovery ever written. In its pages we see God set out a plan for the recovery of his broken people and creation. We meet numerous individuals whose hurting lives are restored through the wisdom and power of God. We meet the God who is waiting with arms outstretched for all of us to turn back to him, seek after his will, and recover the wonderful life he has for each of us.

Many of us are just waking up to the fact that recovery is an essential part of life for everyone. It is the simple but challenging process of daily seeking God’s will for our life instead of demanding to go our own way. Recovery is letting God do for us what we cannot do for ourselves while also taking the steps necessary to draw closer to our Creator and Redeemer. It is allowing God to heal our wounded soul so we can help others in the process of healing. All of us need to take part in this process; it is an inherit part of being human.

Let us set out together on the journey toward healing and newfound strength – not strength found within ourselves, but strength found through trusting God and allowing him to direct our decisions and plans. This journey will take us through the Twelve Steps and other materials designed to help us focus on the provisions our powerful God offers for recovery. The Life Recovery Bible will enrich our experience and expand our understanding of God who loves us and sent his Son to die that we might be made whole.

Without God there is no recovery, only disappointing substitutions and repeated failure. We pray that the resources within these pages will help us all better understand who God is and how he wants to heal our brokenness and set us on the path toward wholeness.

Appendix

12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

1. We admitted we were powerless over our alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

The Twelve Steps are reprinted and adapted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (AAWS) Permission to reprint and adapt the Twelve Steps does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only - use of the Twelve Steps in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non-A.A. context, does not imply otherwise.

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