Bible Discussion Thread

Is there scripture in the Bible that talks about drug use and people who choose them and get addicted to them like (Meth). ? Or, people who can't get away from the addiction and all the evil that follows? Or people who know God, and became addicted? This is in regards to a 32 year old who was raised Christian. Or even more helpful ..Family that continue to help and rescue him and divisions this causes. Thank you!

Hi Cynthia.

I would like to add to what has been shared. I intended to respond earlier but got side tracked.

What drugs do other than being harmful for your health is influence the flesh as well as drunkenness from alcohol.

Ephesians 5:13-18. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

( AND BE NOT DRUNK WITH WINE, WHEREIN IS EXCESS; BUT BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT; ) I believe to be Awake, walk circumspectly, and to understand the will of God is when the Holyspirit is present in you. Alcohol and drugs voids us of the Spirit working in our lives.

Another verse that may go with that is Matthew 12:43-45.

Here the Lord is using the actions of an unclean spirit to draw a picture that parallels with Israel for the Pharisees.

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. ( The unclean Spirit. )

Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. ( Void of the Holyspirit. )

Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

I believe this goes for any thing that may have us in bondage/Darkness. You turn from Darkness to Him who provides the light. "Christ in you"

I pray that helps, God bless.

Hi, Thank you for this info and for responding. Please see my reply to David, and if you have other scripture regarding stopping helping him, please respond back.

Cynthia,

I do not know of any Scripture that speaks directly to addiction to drugs or even alcohol (which we are to use in moderation and not for drunkenness) In Revelations 21:8, it speaks of sorcery and the word is translated "pharmakia" (maybe mi-spelled) which means "the mixing of potions. So , here it speaks of the one compounding the drugs, but not to addiction.

I believe that addiction is a work of the enemy. He uses a physical substance that affects the brain in a certain way to enslave the person into dependency after repeated use. So, there is a spiritual element to it along with the physical and mental addiction. Some people are miraculously healed from addiction, but others make a determined effort to get help. Also, some people are past the point of being able to help themselves. But in all of this, prayer and fasting for such people is what many believers are called to do as intercession for the one addicted.

Families often get caught up in the addicted persons problems because they love them, they may enable them and bail them out of trouble. Often the addicted person will steal, abuse and disrupt family life of those related to them to the point that the family has to step away and severe contact with the person for safety and financial stability sake. We had to do this with my brother who was severely bi-polar since he was 14 and involved with drugs and criminal behavior that harmed other people, both inside and outside of our family. I prayed for him for years and years and he finally was delivered by finding a woman who helped him get into treatment and they then married when he was around 50.

Whenever I see homeless people on corners and around "camps", I extend my hand out to them and pray for God to intervene and send the right person to them to help them, since some I have seen on the street for several decades and they are past the point of being able to help themselves.

God works, sometimes, quickly, and sometimes slowly.

Yes, Gigi, he can't help himself, please see the reply to David and let me know if any biblical insights come to you. It's a very emotional problem that we face daily.

I'll give you these Scripture to meditate on: 1 Peter 5:6

Cynthia, if this person is your husband, then, this must be terribly troublesome for you, especially having the 6 children tat you do. My advice, please be very careful about letting him return to the family home before he receives treatment and is recovering well. You may put the custody of your children in jeopardy by having him living with you. These little ones need their Mom more than ever since their Dad is not only unable to parent them, but may be damaging to them with his addiction.

I also advise you to meet with your pastor, if you have one, and/or someone you know who is a believer and can be supportive to you and your children as a prayer warrior, and also a practical help, such as caring for your children when needed, helping with household meals, and other such matters. You are in a huge fight right now and cannot take care of everything and everybody in your life to your best. So, a dear friend is a treasure. Many on this site are praying for you and your husband. May God deliver him soon.

Hi Gigi, No, I don't have 6 children, David on this feed does, and I was just commenting on that. Sorry for the confusion. Thank you for the feedback it helps a lot, however we are seniors now, have raised our kids, and where I disagree with my Spouse is letting him come back in his condition without help. He can't or won't help himself, looses his wallet, money, etc. all the time. He is hoping we will come rescue him again, I am sure, and that is just the problem, because he is literally living in a tent we provided ( 3 times now) because he claims people steal it, if not for all we have done for him constantly and our prayers, I am sure it would be worse. So, I am not willing to sacrifice my life to the point of wrecking mine to care for him, however I can endure to help him get stabilized to hopefully get help. I try to believe and put my trust in God, I just don't think God wants us to sacrifice everything for him ( like my husband is doing). He thinks I am hard hearted about the Son, well, I don't know what I am anymore except feeling lost and damaged myself. I am deeply dreading this whole situation of him coming back, because I do not want to get stuck with him here and all his problems and issues forever. Anyway thanks for letting me vent, and for your advise. Happy Holidays.

Hi Cynthia God Bless Having a little understanding of your situation, I had a step son that in teenage years got into dope which enhances the mind set of rebellion, and it always starts small. One day my wife and I set certain rules down

and told him if he ever did ABorC he's moving with His father. The day came he was 18 assaulted the principle of the school in the mouth and was almost caught with pot in His locker, that day we packed His belongings and to his father which it turned out for a brief period of time to be good. Then on occasion we would hear from him and always ask could we send him money, when ask why no reply. For Him it took hitting rock bottom details not worth it he was put in a forced situation but today he's sober as a judge and doing O.K.. When we talk he apologizes for the way he was, I told him don't relive what you can't change, take care of what God gave you now. My wife and I are thankful he's currently not the person he was. As was stated before your house your rules Gods Grace, pray that God Opens His Eyes and cclears His Mind.

Hi Cynthia If your husband or you are not capable for any reason to physical do what I shared, because its very



challenging in a number of categories then don't because its not best for both of you and you may have to involve the

authorities. Protect yourselves first so that your lives are blessed remember Firt commandment with promise.

Ok Cynthia, thank you for clarifying. It is your son who is trapped in addiction and you husband and you are at odds about having your son move back home. Is that correct?

Our family went through this with my brother who is severely bipolar. His troubles began to manifest at about 14 years of age and he got involved in drugs and began criminally offending. He abused is girlfriends, stole from my Mom and Dad and siblings, would come home to stay and then get in trouble. My Dad passed away in 1989. My Mom tried to help my brother, but he just took advantage of her and other brothers. I lived out of town from my Mom, so I was left alone by my brother, thankfully, since my kiddos were very young. My brother was homeless for quite a while, lived in the woods by my Mom's house for some time. He refused to get treatment or take meds once he was released from police custody.

So, eventually, about 2000 my mom got a 10 year restraining order on him, thinking that by the time the order was up for renewal she'd had died. But she remains alive now at 88. Before the restraining order was up for renewal, my brother became involved with a woman who helped him get treatment. He did successfully and they married about 5 years ago. My Mom was happy that she did not have to renew the restraining order and that my brother is now safe to be around. She is enjoying having him live just a few miles from her and he helps her all the time.

I prayed for him since the time he was a teen. My prayers were not fulfilled until he was in his mid 40's. But God did answer them. This is my story.

I hope that God will bring you and your husband to a united front to deal with your son in the best way. I will remember you in my prayers. This is such a heartbreaking and difficult ordeal for your family. I don't know that much about meth, but I do know that it does alter the brain negatively. He need healing on so many levels. May God deliver and restore him healthwise, and in is faith

It's amazing , but not in a good way ! that so many of us on here have had such similar experiences with a family member and drugs and mental illness etc . I may be wrong but I'm sure I remember Mishael telling us of a similar situation to yours , with his family . His post was quite a while ago though so I could be mistaken , I'm sure he will let me know if I've got it wrong and maybe mixed him up with some one else . I'm glad everything turned out ok for your family .

Thank you, Sacha,

I think it is becoming more common as the rebelliousness of our younger generation seems to be increasing. I could see the difference over the years as a teacher of Kindergarten. As time went by, more and more kiddos came into the school system with increased and more amplified behavior problems. So sad to encounter. I just hope that I was able to touch them with the love of Christ the year I had them in my class.

Hi there,

Thanks for that info, it is helpful, and I appreciate the prayers. I will say this, you can't rely on emotions, or go looking for a sign that God is there. I am very thankful for the Holy Spirit, and faith to know that he is always here, regardless of how things look or feel. I guess it tells me a lot about my faith and relationship with him when I doubt or think its an impossible situation. Bless your Mom! I know she endured a lot. Thanks for taking the time to help!

Sometimes when we are in the middle of a storm, the best we can do is just hold on to Christ. He knows our sorrows and grieves with us through painful times.

Hello Cynthia This is a challenging field of deliverance because some so-called christians think if God put it here he wanted it used, the other challenge is it has become [acceptable] in society. The word sorcery is pharmacia but keeping things in balance not everything used medically is dope. How to handle an individual on that stuff is to lovingly ask why they do it, but the reality is until they want delivered like us before being born again, pray for them that father intercedes.

I had a friend who was a believer got tricked into doing dope hard core I picked him up and he moved in and promised to clean up His act. I told him make the promise to God I also told Him any trace while living with me he's leaving. Three days later he packed his bags I looked at Him in tears because i knew i would never see him alive again.

Six months later he was gone, God will do everything he can to keep someone out of the soup, but they have to want it. The reason I say tricked because who intentionally really wants to slowly kill themselves.

Thank you David for your comments. We struggle because the addiction has now turned into schitzophrenia and hearing voices. It is even hard to tell if he is straight. He does not know what is real most of the time, and cries over visions and things that he thinks has happened but have not. So if he needs help ( he is homeless now) and we have spent thousands on helping him and rescuing him many many times for many years, ( and now its more of a mental health issue) I am wondering biblically if we are wrong to stop helping him. He is our son by the way, and my husband and I do not agree on what to do. Thanks for any scripture that stands out to you.

Hi Cynthia The first and great commandment actually ties into this and in reality all of life, to Love God with all our heart soul mind and strength and love thy neighbor as thyself. I had to learn before I can bless anyone else have got to love me with the love God First, this is not implying you or your husband don't!

I consider at times this walk to be very hard at times mentally and emotionally because when someone you love, especially family does things contrary to Gods Word which is life,and we are aware because of whats written the outcome we still to the best of our ability stay with scripture. True love[agapeo is not easy] especially in our society and world the way it has become.

Things to remember James 5:16 second Half The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth

much, also if you can talk to your son, share with him what God can do not all the things he is doing wrong, we build up not tear down. Remember the love of God thinketh no evil, that still I have a hard time wrapping around my head.

Don't listen to people who say no one can help Him that's a Lie from our enemy, There is no pit so deep that He Jesus Christ is not Deeper still. Focus on what you can do for Him not what you can't. Last my wife and I have six kids I'm thankful that 2 are Born again and doing well and two are sitting on the fence so to speak and two haven't made up there minds. There all loved equally. Just thought I'd share some heart. P. S. This has always blessed me Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus look Full In His Wonderful Face And The Things Of Earth Will Grow Strangely Dim In The Light Of His Glory And Grace. Walking with God is More Inspiration than Perspiration. God Bless

Thank you David! This is exactly what I needed to hear today, because contrary to what everyone tells us, we keep coming to his rescue. He has asked to come home, and I am the one saying no, even though I am grieving and sad about the whole situation, but how can we just say no, since he has nothing and no help. So..it looks like we will try again. It really is about denying yourself and serving in this life, and it is very hard, so thanks again, and I am sure you will hear from me again..I will update you, and my goodness 6 children! Bless you, and yours!

Hi Cynthia I apologise for forgetting this point the reason don't mention God or the Bible at this point is he Won't be receptive that takes time, just keep loving and praying and believe for Gods intervention.

Hi Cynthia This is where it gets challenging, if your husband and you are christians believers we uphold the Word, if he wants to come that's good under your conditions. You don't tell him what to do you always ask, we aren't demanding we are loving. This is where biblical tough love comes in, you make the rules I.E. be there for meals keep things in order, do what your husband and you ask. You love him don't let him manipulate, don't give an inch he'll try for a mile. Nothing valuable around him. If he plans to stick around he has to get a job even if its Mickey Ds if you don't work you don't eat.

If he wants money why, you control the situation. Last before he moves in talk to him about the rules if he does not agree no deal. We are the forgiving people, but the individual has got to want the help. Also this may sound odd mention nothing about religion or God I don't believe at this point its wise. These are just suggestions been there done that.

Hi Cynthia , is it at all possible that the schizophrenia came before the drugs ? I have a relative by marriage that I have known since we were teens . She was hearing voices by the time she was seventeen but didn't tell any one , she used marijuana to try to stop the voices and relax and be able to sleep , so the schizophrenia came first and then she tried to self medicate it away . I don't know how things work in the U. S. A . but in the UK we have a free health service for all our citizens , we pay for it through taxes etc , so by the time she was 21 she had a diagnosis and good meds and a psychiatrist to talk to . I'm so sorry if that's not available were you are . It was an awful time for us all , she is also paranoid , which isn't treatable with meds . I watched my step sister disappear and she was replaced by this poor wretched soul who we didn't know how to help . She leads a reasonably normal life now . She has a husband and an almost grown up son and as long as she takes her meds she is fine . It was a very hard and distressing road for us all though , you will have to try and toughen up and steel yourself to be very strong , you have to learn to fight for your loved one when they are unable to fight for themselves . Pray day and night for God's help . It will come .

therevelationofchristchurch DOT Org

Binding-the-Strong-Man DOT pdf

Demons run in gangs. This gives us an idea how to pray for someone who is "oppressed". It is a slightly incomplete CHART but we will see these names are mentioned in the Bible when we use the SEARCH BOX.

It didn't mean Christian people are PO-ssessed. It means a doorway is open & we need to close it. Everyone needs to get rid of anything that speaks of any kind of occult: old records, books, mags, jewelry, even beer tshirts.

In my experience, demons will flee if we plead the blood of Jesus. But if we don't close the "doors", they'll return.

With my astrology stuff, I told the Holy Spirit "these are worth a lot of money?" He said someone will buy them and believe as you did. I'm still bargaining.. but then I said, I'll throw them in the trash. He said someone will find them and believe as you did. I had a 35 gallon metal trash can that I loaded up. I needed a witness and a day later a Christian friend came over and I told that I had been saved!! God provided a windstorm so no one would see the smoke. I poured over charcoal lighter and lit it up. It burned a couple of hours. I said: God I do this for You!

Not everyone has this much trouble. As we see on this chart, the inner workings of the demonic realm. It's FRUIT.

I came home one night full of Holy Ghost joy, sat on the bed to read the Bible a few. A demon manifested in my 10' high closet. It was like a refrigerator shape and appeared to be twisted branches and roots. Fear oozed from it. I got mad. Did it think I was going to run screaming from the room? I leaned over and kicked the door shutprayingtake your fears and GO into outer darkness and roam forever! In Jesus Name.

We have to know who we are in Jesus? Victorious!! And deal with it as it happens. They come back periodically to see if we still mean it?

Read your Bible and model your life after Jesus, and the Apostles & Paul.

Mishael

Hi Cynthia My heart goes out to you, there is a point where it has to be put in Gods hands, if not we get drained of

emotions and yes finances. I have a daughter that went through a personal heartbreak and ever since then her wake up so to speak cock tail is double capacino in morning followed by zanac followed by [medical high powered marijuana] this started at 19 shes now 32. She has to smoke pot before going to sleep, it is affecting her memory slowly

and when she talks sounds like she's 18. I pray for God to intervene because its the only way she will get delivered but she has to want it.