This blog discusses the role of generational curses as it relates to alcohol. First I will define a generational curse and then discuss alcoholism.
Generational curses: curses that are passed down from one generation to the other as a result of sin.
Exodus 20:5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them (idols), for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,
Numbers 14:18. ‘The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.’
In generational curses you will notice a correlation between the area of sin and the generational curse. For example I noticed that a "spirit of alcoholism" seemed to run on one side of the family. My grandfather was said to drink heavily and to my understanding died of liver complications brought on by drinking. After further examination I noticed that other family members abused alcohol and some even had their children taken away and placed in foster homes.
What is alcoholism? According to the CDC alcohol abuse is “a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work” (http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm)
The CDC list the following manifestations of alcohol abuse:
•Failure to fulfill major responsibilities at work, school, or home.
•Drinking in dangerous situations, such as drinking while driving or operating machinery.
•Legal problems related to alcohol, such as being arrested for drinking while driving or for physically hurting someone while drunk.
•Continued drinking despite ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by drinking.
•Long-term alcohol abuse can turn into alcohol dependence.
The CDC also discusses alcohol dependency which is a result of repeated alcohol abuse. Alcohol dependency is an addiction. The CDC describes alcohol dependency as a chronic disease. Manifestations of this are as follows.
•A strong craving for alcohol.
•Continued use despite repeated physical, psychological, or interpersonal problems.
•The inability to limit drinking.
The CDC lists the following effects of alcohol.
•Chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis (damage to liver cells); pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas); various cancers, including liver, mouth, throat, larynx (the voice box), and esophagus; high blood pressure; and psychological disorders.
•Unintentional injuries, such as motor-vehicle traffic crashes, falls, drowning, burns and firearm injuries.
•Violence, such as child maltreatment, homicide, and suicide.
•Harm to a developing fetus if a woman drinks while pregnant, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
•Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
•Alcohol abuse or dependence.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Tearing down an old foundation
Yesterday at church a woman prophesied about the Lord enlarging His people. She stated that God must first tear down the previous foundation that was too small to support His vision for our lives. This allows Him to build a newer, larger foundation that can sustain the vision.
This spoke volumes to me because we often find ourselves in circumstances where God tears down old habits and behaviors that hinder us. He even may cut off certain friendships that are not beneficial to our growth. I have seen God do both in my life. This is often referred to as the pruning process.
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes (trim), that it may bear more fruit. John 15: 1-2
The pruning process is part of building the new foundation. It can be a difficult transition because God shakes up our comfortable surroundings. People that you use to love to spend time with all of a sudden become very irritating to be around. You very family may be discouraging you from your dreams all in the name of “looking out for your best interest”. That job you were once so secure in is now suffering lay-offs. God often allows these situations to challenge us in ways that will bring about growth. God even told Abraham to arise from among his family and go to a distant land where the Lord can make him a great nation. He had to separate from the very people that raised him, the very breasts he suckled at as a baby in order to become great.
One thing to remember is during the pruning process we must trust God and not focus on the “pruning” but on the fruit that will result after that painful trimming is over.
Proverbs 3: 5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
This spoke volumes to me because we often find ourselves in circumstances where God tears down old habits and behaviors that hinder us. He even may cut off certain friendships that are not beneficial to our growth. I have seen God do both in my life. This is often referred to as the pruning process.
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes (trim), that it may bear more fruit. John 15: 1-2
The pruning process is part of building the new foundation. It can be a difficult transition because God shakes up our comfortable surroundings. People that you use to love to spend time with all of a sudden become very irritating to be around. You very family may be discouraging you from your dreams all in the name of “looking out for your best interest”. That job you were once so secure in is now suffering lay-offs. God often allows these situations to challenge us in ways that will bring about growth. God even told Abraham to arise from among his family and go to a distant land where the Lord can make him a great nation. He had to separate from the very people that raised him, the very breasts he suckled at as a baby in order to become great.
One thing to remember is during the pruning process we must trust God and not focus on the “pruning” but on the fruit that will result after that painful trimming is over.
Proverbs 3: 5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sleep on it
Yesterday a situation arose that came to challenge my peace of mind. When the problem first reared it’s ugly head, my first instinct was to go into panic mode. I thought of ways of “correcting” the situation. My whole day was spent worrying about my problem. I then talked to different people to get their opinion and still couldn’t get no peace. I said a quick “help me Jesus” and proceeded to worry some more. At the end of the night I said a quick prayer and went to sleep.
When I woke up the next morning I had the answer. I even had understanding as to why God allowed this problem to take place. Sometimes God put’s His children in places were they are an advocate for someone else. Sometimes your “problem” is beyond you, and is to help someone else. Let’s say the issue is on the job, and your supervisor is just being difficult. Sometimes it takes you to be the bold one and not allow that behavior to continue. Other co-workers may be scared but you may be the one God uses to bring about a change.
So when problems arise instead of going into panic mode and reacting quickly, give it some time and “sleep on it”. God can work miracles overnight.
When I woke up the next morning I had the answer. I even had understanding as to why God allowed this problem to take place. Sometimes God put’s His children in places were they are an advocate for someone else. Sometimes your “problem” is beyond you, and is to help someone else. Let’s say the issue is on the job, and your supervisor is just being difficult. Sometimes it takes you to be the bold one and not allow that behavior to continue. Other co-workers may be scared but you may be the one God uses to bring about a change.
So when problems arise instead of going into panic mode and reacting quickly, give it some time and “sleep on it”. God can work miracles overnight.
Friday, September 30, 2011
God wants to make an appointment with YOU
Even though I’m not a Jew, my church incorporates the Hebrew teachings of Jesus and we celebrate the feast days just like Christ did. “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.” (Lev 23:1-2). So we celebrated Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) this Wednesday and now we are in the 10 days of Awe (this is the second day).
The 10 days of Awe is a historic time in Judaism where the children of Israel did a lot of introspection and repentance. It is a time of prayer and fasting. How fervently they sought God during this time determined what God would seal in His book concerning their lives for the upcoming year. This is the time when God makes decisions such as whether a person has success or failure, blessings or curses, life or death, etc.
However, God does not sit in Heaven like some spiritual Santa Clause and say Rhonda has been naughty this year so I’m going to give her a hard time next year. No, even if Rhonda has been naughty or made mistakes there is hope. God gives us these 10 days of fasting and prayer. I can repent and get things right with God. Repent means to turn away¸ so I can turn completely away from sin. It doesn’t mean I am not going to be tempted by it, or even make a mistake. Repentance means that I am intentionally seeking not to do those wrong things. I have completely turned away from them. I have recognized my error and put forth the effort not to walk in error. It means that I look to God to equip me with strength when I’m weak
Our Pastor teaches that the feast days are special to God. It is a time where He personally visits each and every one of His children. You know sometimes God may feel far away in outer space. However, this one of the times He promises to make an “appointment” with you.
So your success for the upcoming year is dependent upon you seeking God. You have to think on things that have occurred over your life this past year and seek God to improve your circumstances.
Some people have made life altering decisions that were not in the Plan of God. However, God has grace; there is nothing too hard for God. Whatever “mess” you got yourself in during the past year God Himself can deliver you out of it.
He just wants a heart truly turned to Him.
The 10 days of Awe is a historic time in Judaism where the children of Israel did a lot of introspection and repentance. It is a time of prayer and fasting. How fervently they sought God during this time determined what God would seal in His book concerning their lives for the upcoming year. This is the time when God makes decisions such as whether a person has success or failure, blessings or curses, life or death, etc.
However, God does not sit in Heaven like some spiritual Santa Clause and say Rhonda has been naughty this year so I’m going to give her a hard time next year. No, even if Rhonda has been naughty or made mistakes there is hope. God gives us these 10 days of fasting and prayer. I can repent and get things right with God. Repent means to turn away¸ so I can turn completely away from sin. It doesn’t mean I am not going to be tempted by it, or even make a mistake. Repentance means that I am intentionally seeking not to do those wrong things. I have completely turned away from them. I have recognized my error and put forth the effort not to walk in error. It means that I look to God to equip me with strength when I’m weak
Our Pastor teaches that the feast days are special to God. It is a time where He personally visits each and every one of His children. You know sometimes God may feel far away in outer space. However, this one of the times He promises to make an “appointment” with you.
So your success for the upcoming year is dependent upon you seeking God. You have to think on things that have occurred over your life this past year and seek God to improve your circumstances.
Some people have made life altering decisions that were not in the Plan of God. However, God has grace; there is nothing too hard for God. Whatever “mess” you got yourself in during the past year God Himself can deliver you out of it.
He just wants a heart truly turned to Him.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Stress and the importance of resting in God
God has made me aware of how important it is to cast all of our cares on him and rest in Him. These couple of weeks I have been going through a lot but I wasn’t casting my cares on God. Then suddenly I started having a case of the “runs” (diarrhea) out of the blue. I wasn’t sick and I didn’t eat anything that would cause this. So I turned to God to see what was going on and He quickly let me know that it was stress. I asked God to forgive me for worry and anxiety and fully repented by actively casting my care on Him. I spoke to the situation instead of worrying about it. Instead of obsessively googling ways to resolve my problem or toiling ideas around in my head I just talked to God. And I tell you that those “runs” left.
Some other forms of stress that I have experience in the past is neck pain. Like the situation will become a “pain in the neck”. So God has been showing me that stress, whether you acknowledge it or not, takes a toll on our bodies. Here are some encouraging scriptures to meditate on to relieve stress.
Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken”.
1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you”.
Matthew 6:27 “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
Some other forms of stress that I have experience in the past is neck pain. Like the situation will become a “pain in the neck”. So God has been showing me that stress, whether you acknowledge it or not, takes a toll on our bodies. Here are some encouraging scriptures to meditate on to relieve stress.
Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken”.
1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you”.
Matthew 6:27 “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
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