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HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED . . . Why I need God to help me kick my bad habits? What does the Bible say about the dangers of addiction? What can I do to get a fresh start in life? How can I develop the discipline to keep following a recovery plan? We all have questions like these from time to time. What better source to turn to for answers, help, and support than the Bible? TouchPoints for Recovery puts God's answers to your most pressing questions right at your fingertips. Inside this little book, you'll find answers, words of encouragement, and Bible promises on more than one hundred topics dealing with life recovery-from hope, temptation, and anger to fear, guilt, and self-control. Whether you read this book straight through or use it as a handy reference guide for those days when life throws you an unexpected curve, you'll be amazed at the impact God's Word can and does have on your journey through the recovery process.

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TouchPoints FOR RECOVERY

TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC.

Contents

Abuse..........................................3Addiction......................................13Burnout........................................16Damaged Relationships..........................20Depression/Sadness.............................26Discouragement.................................30Grief..........................................32Guilt..........................................33Past...........................................35Shame..........................................37Sickness/Damaged Health........................39Acceptance.....................................44Faults.........................................45Forgiveness....................................49Future.........................................50God's Love.....................................53Hope...........................................54Meaning........................................57Obedience......................................59Prayer.........................................61Presence of God................................62Strength.......................................65Trusting God...................................69Step 1.........................................71Step 2.........................................79Step 3.........................................86Step 4.........................................95Step 5.........................................100Step 6.........................................104Step 7.........................................108Step 8.........................................110Step 9.........................................114Step 10........................................122Step 11........................................126Step 12........................................137Another's Addiction............................138Forgiveness....................................140Health.........................................142Temptation.....................................143Memories.......................................144Christian Community............................146Goals..........................................147Work...........................................150Anger/Hatred...................................152Apathy.........................................153Assumptions....................................155Backsliding....................................156Bitterness.....................................158Boredom........................................160Comparisons....................................162Deception......................................163Desires........................................165Dishonesty.....................................168Disobedience...................................169Drinking.......................................170Evil...........................................175Fear...........................................177Guilt..........................................178Habits.........................................180Hiding Your Sins...............................182Hopelessness...................................185Laziness.......................................186Pretending.....................................188Procrastination................................189Quitting.......................................192Regrets........................................196Respect for Authority..........................197Sexual Sin.....................................200Sin............................................203Spiritual Dryness..............................205Temptation.....................................209Weaknesses/Vulnerabilities.....................213Humility.......................................214Attitude.......................................215Perspective....................................218Prayer.........................................221Motives........................................223Convictions....................................225Surrender......................................226Hope...........................................228Faith..........................................230Courage........................................232Vision.........................................233Motivation.....................................235Self-Control...................................238Confidence.....................................239Trust..........................................240Patience.......................................242Endurance......................................245Thankfulness...................................247Stability......................................249Responsibility.................................251Potential

Chapter One

How do I heal the wounds of abuse?

PROVERBS 24:29 | Don't say, "Now I can pay them back for what they've done to me! I'll get even with them!"

LAMENTATIONS 3:59 | You have seen the wrong they have done to me, Lord. Be my judge, and prove me right.

ROMANS 12:19 | Never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the Lord.

EPHESIANS 4:31 | Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words.

If you have been a victim of abuse, you know that the hurt is real and that there are scars, both physical and emotional. When justice doesn't happen as it should, when life doesn't seem fair, that's when bitterness can consume you. But bitterness and the desire for revenge poison your own soul. It's essential to recognize and deal with the bitterness before it overwhelms you; otherwise, you might not be able to find healing and recover. You can be sure that God will bring justice. Leave that to him so you can focus on healing.

MATTHEW 5:43-44 | [Jesus said,] "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"

MATTHEW 6:14-15 | If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

LUKE 23:34 | Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."

This may be the hardest act of the Christian life: forgiving those who have wronged you terribly without any expectation that they will change. Forgiveness is the only way to purge your soul of the toxins of bitterness and a vengeful spirit. When you forgive others, your heart is changed so you can move on. When you forgive, you are not saying that the hurt isn't real or that the event didn't matter or that you will put yourself in a position where you might be harmed again. Forgiving the abuser simply means that you refuse to let the abuser have any more control in your life. The person who hurt you doesn't even need to be told-the act of forgiveness occurs between you and God. Leave your hurt with God and allow his power to heal you from the inside so that you can recover.

PHILIPPIANS 4:8 | Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

As you fill your mind with good and pleasant thoughts of what your future can hold, you have less room and less time to dwell on the past. Focusing on the future will speed up your recovery time.

Part Two Questions for God

ACCEPTANCE...