CIR KBs

Christians in Recovery Knowledge Base article

Types of Recovery Support Group Ministries

Every day, recovering people meet at a variety of locations—churches, homes and community centers. No pre-registration is required for these meetings. Interested individuals simply locate a group that focuses on their particular problem and then attend the meeting. Group participants remain essentially anonymous; they need not reveal any personal information except their first names. During the meetings, they are free to speak openly and honestly about current issues in their lives or to remain silent and listen to others. In this environment, participants don’t have to pretend their lives are perfect and free of problems.

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The School of Pain


Everyone has sorrow. Being a Christian does not exempt anyone from grief. But faith in Christ brings a transformation of sorrow. Not only are we taught to endure the sorrows that come to us patiently and submissively–but we are assured that there is a blessing in them for us, if we accept them with love and trust.

One of the deepest truths taught in the Bible–is that earthly sorrow has a mission in the sanctifying of life.

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AA: A “Christian Program”

If you have known anyone in Alcoholics Anonymous, you may have been struck by the rapidity with which men and women catch on to what they often call “The Program.” A new person will come into a meeting and listen to two or three talks by alcoholics who tell about what life was like before they met AA, what happened to them through AA, and what life is like now. As one hears several such talks, it emerges that there is a kind of program which seems to consist of knowledge and experience.

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Twelve Steps to Power

Note: This is one of Sam Shoemaker’s most helpful articles which shows how “the program” so effective for alcoholics can work for all of us.

One of the most remarkable phenomena of our time is the growth of the movement called Alcoholics Anonymous. My interest in it is personal as well as objective, for the men who set it in motion first found the spiritual experience which changed their lives in my own church, though the first actual group of Alcoholics Anonymous was formed in Akron, Ohio.

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Learning to Change

I have birds, little Red Bishops, that came to eat outside my window. I have a feeding tray for the small seed eaters.

Most of them have changed colour, all ready for the mating season.

But there are still a few that do not have the full new plumes and some have just began (late bloomers). And I seem to be like these always changing never coming to any kind of conclusion or completion.

Don’t want to remain in the old plumes they are too drab and painful.

Don’t want to change to the new ones because that requires responsibility and bringing up a new generation.

Plus if I am a bit of both…. great !!!! don’t have to make a choice to be either or…..????

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Grace and Guilt: God’s Invitation to Break Free of Regret – Workshop Transcript

29:02 Obie-host Welcome to CIR’s Workshop “Grace and Guilt: God’s Invitation to Break Free of Regret”
29:12 Obie-host Our presenter this evening is Rich Dixon. Rich’s web site is: http://RichDixon.net
29:22 Obie-host He authors many articles and Blog entries for Christians in Recovery.
29:37 Obie-host We strongly suggest you get a copy of his latest book “Relentless Grace”
29:44 Obie-host http://richdixon.net/Order%20Page.htm
29:55 Obie-host It is a true story which vividly details his own struggle with tragic injury and hopelessness.
30:04 Obie-host Relentless Grace reminds readers that only God can heal and change people.
30:15 Obie-host The book is about God, forgiveness, and about promises made and kept even in the midst of grief and loss.

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What is Jesus Asking You to Quit?

What do you think Jesus wants you to do?

I’m not thinking of specific choices like whether to have pizza or turkey for lunch (I don’t think He cares). But in terms of overall life choices and directions, what do you think He wants? There are probably a lot of answers to that question, but I’m thinking of one right now that I’ll bet nobody else mentioned.

I think He wants me to quit. (It’s okay if you’re surprised.)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

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