Dr. Johnson. Org
Are you an alcoholic?
Most people start out to have
a drink casually for pleasure, for enjoying company or for relieving stress.
But once the habit catches on, it threatens to destroy a persons' body, soul
& spirit. Some never realize unless it too late and at that stage they are
helpless because death would have already grabbed them with its deadly
tentacles.
So, have you been drinking
lately?
It's better to stop before
its too late. Perhaps you may laugh at my advice telling me to mind my own
business. But wait a minute! Let me tell you some interesting stories about
people who took to the vice and destroyed themselves and their families. But
for a moment, read this verse from the best selling book on earth - The Bible.
"Wine is a mocker and
beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."(Proverbs 20:1)
How interesting isn't it?
This verse from the Bible
describes the nature and potential evil of fermented drink. As you gulp it,
it's constantly mocking you of how it can overpower you soon and make you do
things it wishes.
If that is the case, then the
intoxicating drinks that you drink, have a power of their own. It's an evil
power or a power of darkness or evil spirit actually that mocks you as you have
the drink. The evil spirit of Alcoholism has many slaves and perhaps you are
one of them. There are 1 peg slaves, 2 peg slaves and bottle slaves.
The "evil spirit of
alcoholism"challenges the one drinking the intoxicating drink to do things
that person would not even imagine of doing when he is sober. The Bible says
"Beer is a brawler"
That proverb is self
explanatory and has been acted out millions of times in all ages. Brawls,
fights and killings all have resulted after people have temporarily ceased to
think and reason properly because of the effect of alcohol on their brain. Once
sober, many who drink are remorse and
guilt ridden that they have hurt others - perhaps the wife or the children or
friends. This guilt and repentant behavior lasts for varying periods in the person's
life and then once again the story runs the same course. The "evil spirit
of alcoholism"is cunning and catches its prey by the throat and will not
usually let go unless God intervenes.
And God is always wishing to
intervene if you go to him in all humility and tell him,
"Dear Jesus, I have a
problem with alcohol. Help me and free me from its clutches."
The Bible says,
"So if the Son (Jesus,
son of God) sets you free, you will be free indeed."(John 8: 36)
Just for fun! People say, just for fun! But
finally the fun is over when Cirrhosis (degeneration of liver cells ) or Cancer
sets in.
A 35 year old man walked into
my clinic one day for minor pain in the abdomen and indigestion. I got his
story for the records - he had been drinking for 10 years just to get an
appetite ( otherwise I have no appetite
for food, he said ). He seemed to be fine as he sat next to me, normal pulse,
B. P. and clear chest on examination. Just to get the examination overwith and
prescribe some medicine, I asked him to lie down on the examination table. As
soon as I placed my hand on his abdomen I was shocked and knew the diagnosis -
Cancer of liver. His liver was enlarged and hard as stone. I felt pity for him.
I sent him for a scan the same day. Advanced cancer was reported. He lived
barely 3 months after that.
Remember the Bible says
clearly.
"Wine is a mocker and
beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."(Proverbs 20:1)
Dear Brother, take a decision
today. Say "I will touch that thing no more."It will save your life
and save trouble for your family too.
Some people think that
intoxicating drinks are acceptable, good, healthy or safe when taken
moderately. But that is a lie because not many know the difference between
mild, moderate and severe.
Here's a warning found in the
Bible for those who consume such intoxicating drinks -
"Who has woe? Who has
sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has
bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes
down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your
eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will
be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the
rigging."(Proverb 23: 29-35)
Have you been mixing drinks
just for gaining popularity or is "on the rocks"your favorite?
The Bible says that though it
goes down smoothly, in the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.
And the poison gets deposited
in every part of the body, right from the hair on the head to the soles of the
feet. Are you experiencing the poison of this 'viper' called 'alcohol' in your
body these days? It's time to take a firm decision. No more of it. You may not
be able to subdue this "evil spirit of alcoholism"by your human power
but there is a person called JESUS who has all authority in heaven and on
earth. He will defeat this devil that is tormenting you. Are you willing to
give your problem into Jesus' mighty hands? He will set you free!
Prayer for deliverance from
alcoholism.
Dear Father in Heaven,
I have sinned against you by
polluting my body which is your temple by consuming alcohol. I have hurt others
by my drunken behavior. Kindly forgive me my sins. Wash me with the blood of
Jesus. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, was buried and was
resurrected. You have given him all authority on earth and in heaven. Dear
Lord, your Word says that if Jesus sets me free I will be free. Through Jesus,
deliver me from this evil spirit of alcoholism this day dear Lord according to
your promise. Fill me with your Holy
Spirit and help me to live a life, holy and faithful to you.
Lord, let your Holy Spirit
strengthen me in body, mind, soul and spirit so that I can resist all
temptations for consuming alcohol in the coming days.
Keep me from falling dear
Lord and let your name be glorified.
In Jesus name, Amen.