Key Steps in the Recovery Process

1. Admit the problems

2. Seek support 

3. Detoxification 

4. Develop new ways to face the challenges of life

5. Address underlying issues - explore the roots of addiction through therapy 

6. Build a relapse prevention plan

7. Engage in aftercare - Aftercare is a way to practice the changes you have experienced .

8. Maintain a sober lifestyle - Establish new routines that maintain our life without the addiction.

Christ's Church Counselling Center - (417) 673-0090

Developing a Soft Heart with God

Surrender and Keep in Step with the Holy Spirit (Gal 5) 

Confess and Repent of Sin (Hosea 14)

Forgive and Bless Others (Eph 4:32)

Resolve Conflict and Avoid Pride/Judgement  (James 1:19-21)

Immerse Yourself in God's Word and Worship (Ps 1)

Practice Humility and Service  (Mt 20:28, Phil 2:1-11)

Pray for a Soft Heart  ( Ps 51:10)

1. Prayer and Trinity
   1. Prayer is communication between God and you
      1. Use of the word in prayer – Lectio Divina (show notes) – Praying through a passage and asking God for direction
      2. Lord’s Prayer as a template for prayer (show notes)
      3. Silence and solitude
         1. Silence - ceasing inner thoughts and emotional responses to be still before God (Ps 46:10; 62:5; Habakuk 2:20).  We quiet ourselves to be able to hear the Lord speak even if he chooses his “still, small voice” - 1 Kings 19:12 (Hebrew - a sound silent, soft, light, gentle).  Silencing the inner voice and emotion that we feel prepares us to be fully concentrated on God.   
         2. Solitude - to be fully present to God and not paying attention to anyone or anything else. We might be alone or in a group. Solitude is more a state of mind and heart than it is a place (Foster, Celebration of Discipline).
   2. Trinity – a Three-In-One God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. 
      1. Scripture affirms that the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all God
      2. They mystery of Who God is can be seen in 
         1. Jesus as separate from the Father 
            1. Earthly ministry
            2. His sacrifice for our sins  Ps 22 and in the passage on the Man of Sorrows of Is 53.  
            3. Resurrection
            4. 2nd Coming
         2. The Holy Spirit as separate from the Father and the Son
            1. Acts 2:38 – because our sins are forgiven, the Holy Spirit lives in us 
            2. Transformation passages are all Holy Spirit related
            3. Our fellowship with God is because the Holy Spirit lives in us

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Catalysts and Bible

1. Catalysts 
   1. Meditation on Scripture
   2. Journaling
   3. Solitude 
   4. Fasting 
   5. Sharing your story
   6. Be accountable
2. Bible
   1. Inspiration – God is a relational God who wants to be known
   2. Psalm 1 – meditation and the transformation process
   3. Journaling – characteristics you’d like to see grow in yourself, prayers, questions that arise from reading, thoughts you have, commitments you want to make.

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