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Subject: Addiction Author: Hillbilly [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: 21:47:56 05/19/14 Mon 1 Corinthians 16:15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) Webster's 1828 Dictionary ADDICT'ED, pp. Devoted by customary practice. From Dictionary.com Addicted: adjective devoted or given up to a practice or habit or to something psychologically or physically habit-forming From the definitions above we can readily see that we all have addictions. We are all subject to habits. I was once addicted to cigarettes. I am now mildly addicted to caffeine. I love coffee. Regardless of what our physical addictions are we need to examine our spiritual lives and see if we have any addiction. Let's take the definition by Dictionary.com as our standard definition. Devoted or given up to. Daniel had a made it a habit to pray three times a day, on his knees with his windows open toward Jerusalem. He could have prayed more times a day or less. It was his choice but he made it a habit to pray three times a day and just any spot wouldn't do. It had to be at his open window, on his knees facing Jerusalem. It got him in trouble but he would not do it any other way. (See Daniel chapter 6) His "addiction" was so strong that he would rather die as lion food than break this devotion he had toward God. ` Think about Daniel's situation. You know all Daniel had to do was to pray in secret by closing his windows. No one would have seen him praying yet he could still pray to God three times a day with his body facing west toward Jerusalem. Daniel would not break his way of praying even if it cost him his life. Have any of us an addiction for serving God that is this strong? Paul's devotion to God cost him dearly but do you think he would change even if it cost him his life? Well he didn't change and it did cost him his life. Same for Peter and the other Apostles. How strong is our addiction? If you were told you could not read your Bible any more on pain of death would you still read your Bible? If you were told you could no longer attend Church, would you defy authority and do it even if it might cost you your life? Where the Muslims have gained power in many places this is a real choice. There is a pregnant Christian mother sentenced to death right now who can live if she recants and converts to Islam. She is refusing. Jesus means more to her than living and raising her children. Could we be that strong? The house of Stephanas was addicted to ministering to the other saints. They were doing so in a time when it was dangerous to associate with Christians. It could easily cost them their lives and may have eventually done so. Many Christians were martyred during this time. If the Jews didn't kill you the Romans would. These folks all lived during a time when they had to make hard choices in serving God. Their addiction was on the solid foundation of faith in Jesus. I am not talking about a passive faith but an active one of service that was fraught with danger. Any addiction to serving God in our day is readily easy in this country. We might be ridiculed and mocked but seldom would we be in physical danger. Why is it then that so many tend to hide what addictions are held in serving God? Is it the desire not to offend? Hey, they don't mind offending us We need to realize that we might be the tool God would use to keep some of these folks out of hell and get their reservation set up in heaven if we would offend them with the Word of God more often. Wouldn't that make it worth it? In Matthew 23 Jesus called the scribes and Pharisees snakes, hypocrites, blind guides, fools, whited sepulchers, vipers etc. and He was offending them greatly. Do we follow Jesus? Do we call ourselves Christians? Why then do we act so timid when Jesus gave us examples to follow and one was to speak up against religious harlotry where Christians act like devils. Jesus was very much addicted to doing the will of His Father in Heaven. If we have an addiction to serving God then let's don't treat that addiction as if was a drug or alcohol addiction. Let's let the world know we are Spirit filled Christians addicted to our Lord and Saviour and not ashamed to stand for what is right. Time is running out! [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

[> Subject: It is indeed running out Author: dori [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 09:56:09 05/20/14 Tue One day the mocking and ridicule being endured by Christians will turn to outright denial of their right to practice their faith. Are we going to allow that to happen? I'm afraid we might.

[> [> Subject: Sadly Author: Hillbilly [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 10:11:34 05/20/14 Tue It is already happening. Satan is the head of the Islamic faith and Islam has greatly infiltrated the government under this fool we call a president.

[> [> [> Subject: And there are plenty of fools willing to go along Author: dori [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 20:12:53 05/20/14 Tue We can't offend anyone, ya know. LOL! Hey, HB... I'm going to be away from the PC for a few days, so you can either go on a break or post to your heart's content. 8-) I'll be back late Saturday. xo

[> [> [> [> Subject: Have a good time Author: Hillbilly [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 21:20:06 05/20/14 Tue and stay safe.

[> Subject: Hi Author: Caren [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 14:37:57 05/21/14 Wed I've been in Florida at my sister's and going home soon. Will read here more tomorrow on my day off. Looks like I have some catching up to do!

[> [> Subject: Looking forward to your Author: Hillbilly [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 20:23:32 05/21/14 Wed being back. Trust you hac a wonderful time.

[> [> [> Subject: Yes Author: Caren [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 22:45:22 05/22/14 Thu I had a Wonderful time with my whole family and various other extended family. It had been a long winter here and was 40 degrees when I left - in the 80s in FL and delightful. Returned in time to find warmer weather had finally found its way here. I had the day off today and was out and about in it. So enjoyable.

[> [> Subject: Hi Caren! Author: dori [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 10:14:18 05/23/14 Fri Glad you had a nice visit in Florida and that it had warmed up for you on your return. It's a bit nippy here in Chicago, but sunny and we're headed out to the botanical gardens. Have a nice weekend, everyone. I'll be back late Saturday night. xoxo

[> [> [> Subject: Thanks Dori Author: Caren [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 02:02:45 05/24/14 Sat We could use you at the billboard when you return...Dave's on vacation and Velvet and Bill are quiet. We could chat about our adventures!

[> [> [> Subject: I'll see you there tomorrow, Caren Author: dori [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 21:38:46 05/24/14 Sat I'm worn to a frazzle. 8-) Hi, Hillbilly! I'm home! *-)