FREED FROM COCAINE AND ALCOHOL!

"I have overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus) and by the word of my testimony. Praise God." (Revelation 12:11)

"When I was out there in the world, I was on cocaine and alcohol. I had more friends than I knew what to do with. But glory be to god for His mercy. I started having dreams of me at my own funeral. My parent, children, and family were looking into my casket. I knew it was God telling me to get my life straightened out and to stop wondering in the wilderness. All of a sudden the things of the world weren't fun anymore. I knew I had to make a choice. Thank God that choice was Jesus. He's now my savior, my Lord, my Husband, my Protector, my Best Friend - He is everything to me! My life is complete and full of peace, joy, prosperity and happiness. I have been saved for over a year. Without Jesus, I would never have been able to make the right choice of turning away from cocaine and alcohol. Thank you Jesus!

I would like to share these Scriptures that helped me a lot. I pray they will help those of you still suffering in bondage."

ROMANS 8:13 - "For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

JAMES 1:2-3 - "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produce patience."

PHILLIPIANS 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

PSALM 55:18 - "He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many that were against me."

"... I decided to become a member of (Christ Church) and participate in a group within the church called the Overcomer's Group. Since that time, the eyes of my understanding have been opened.

I was a person who suffered physically and mentally with one heartache after another. It was only God who sustained and kept me from going over the edge. God's gracious, merciful, kind and loving care has placed me in a safe place, where I learn of Him and trust Him to loose me from my emotional hang-ups. He teaches and assures me not to be afraid to express the things of my heart.

The Holy Spirit reveals to me defective areas of my character God wants corrected, such as: hate, bitterness, resentment, fear, and negativity. I would close myself off from relationships because of past hurts, thinking that I could protect myself from any future hurts. But who could love and protect me better than Jesus? No one.

As I continue to allow the Holy Spirit to help me in those areas, I can see myself as an 'overcomer'. those walls and barriers that I built are coming down, in Jesus' name. He is birthing within me the miracle of His love. Each new day I awake, my heart and spirit is a little lighter. As I surrender my will to Jesus, healing is taking place, and God is freeing my from those bondages. I'm experiencing the freedom in knowing Jesus and His love, and my soul is filled with joy and excitement.

Only God can perfect those things that concern us. I'm not perfect, but the God I serve is, and I press towards Him. There is no way I can show my gratitude for His goodness and mercy, except to freely give my life to Jesus and do as He wills. "

MY BODY IS GOD'S TEMPLE

I've been a cigarette smoker since I was 15. Many times I said I would quit and didn't. I didn't have the will power.

I have a tape by Candie Staton who sings "YOUR BODY IS GOD'S TEMPLE". She sings: "Your body is God's home away from home. I must keep it spotless for Him. It must stay ready for His coming, swept clean with truth and love; for sin doesn't live here anymore. God's temple must stay holy." I would play that song continuously, not knowing why. I had heard my pastor say the same thing. But still I didn't understand.

Then one Sunday Pastor gave a message on "How to Defeat One's Goliath". It was a powerful message, and it helped me to finally understand that my body is God's temple. Every time I smoke a cigarette I'm giving Him cancer. I'm causing Him to have difficulty breathing. I'm defiling God's temple by smoking.

I asked God to help me quit and He did. I know it's not going to be easy, but with the love of my brothers and sisters in the Overcomer's Group and my faith and belief in God, I can overcome anything! I give Glory, Honor Praise and Thanks to my Savior, JESUS CHRIST.