The Trap
Today's Scripture
"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
Thoughts for Today
People who become entrapped by life-controlling issues tend to follow a predictable pattern. At the beginning we are usually lured into experimenting with a dangerous substance, behavior or relationship because it is accompanied by a "high." It makes us feel good. The experience may involve alcohol or other drugs, illicit sex, pornography, work, sports, gambling, excessive spending, or any other avenue to addiction, but the pattern and end result are similar.
We call the pattern "The Trap" because it often snags its victims before they realize what is happening. Every person has the potential to experience a life-controlling problem. Addiction is death on the installment plan. No one ever plans to fall into The Trap, yet it happens all the time.
The best time to deal with a life-controlling problem is before it begins.
Consider this …
Are you falling into the trap of a behavior, substance or relationship that is gaining more and more control in your life? Now is the time to recognize it. Now is the time to admit it. Now is the time to get help.
Remember, God loves you unconditionally. Ask him to show you the way out. Seek and you will find his love, his forgiveness and his help.
Lord, your Word tells me that you will provide a way out from every temptation. Until now, I haven't really wanted that way out, but now I am ready. Please forgive me and help me. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Living Free by Jimmy Ray Lee, D. Min. and Dan Strickland, M. Div. This updated version is presented in two parts. It offers information for anyone who either has a life-controlling problem or has a loved one with a life-controlling problem:
Part 1: Learning to Live Free
- Defining Life-Controlling Problems
- Mastered and Trapped by Issues
- Walls of Protection
- Family Influences
- Helping or Harming?
Part 2: Helping Others to Live Free through Small Groups
- The Small Group Strategy
- Effective Facilitation and Communication
- Launching a Living Free Ministry
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