|  Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) 
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What is Freedom in Christ? Restored by Love Ministries firmly believes the bible teaches that true lastly freedom from addiction, and other strongholds is found in Christ alone. It is, first, through our personal response in faith to His free gift of salvation that our freedom journey begins. Without first acknowledging our need for Christ, true, lasting freedom from life's strongholds is not possible. It is when we put Christ first place in our lives and our central focus that we find freedom in Him from addictions, depression, eating disorders and anxiety.
Don't take our word for it...check out what God's Word has to say about freedom! "You have been set free from sin..." (Romans 6:1-23, Romans 8:1-11) "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free..." (Galatians 5:1) "So if the Son [Christ] sets your free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:31-36) "Do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature..." (Galatians 5:13) "This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:3-5)
The Five "R's" of Freedom Recognize: Recognize there is a problem Repent: Choose to change and turn from sin Renounce: Affirm your separation for the sin Remove: Avoid tempting situations Rejoice: Thank for the Lord for the freedom that He gives
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Life Hurts, God Heals - 8 Steps Doug Fields, Megan Hutchinson, John Baker (used with permission - check out their program at Life Hurts, God Heals)
Step 1: Get help. I admit that I am powerless on my own and that I need help.
Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor. (Matthew 5:3)
Step 2: Open your heart. I now know that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He is the only One who has the power to heal my pain.
Happy are those who mourn. God will comfort them. (Matthew 5:4)
Step 3: Depend on Christ. I realize I need to turn my life over to Christ. I need to depend on Him in the all areas of my life, including all that I say, think, and do.
Happy are the humble. (Matthew 5:5)
Step 4: Hear and speak. I agree to evaluate my life and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone that I trust.
Happy are the pure in heart. (Matthew 5:8)
Step 5: Embrace God’s way. I will stop doing things my way and put my life on the path that leads toward God’s way.
Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires. (Matthew 5:6)
Step 6: Ask for forgiveness. I will offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me, and I will ask for forgiveness for any wrong I’ve done to others.
Happy are the merciful. Happy are the peacemakers. (Matthew 5:7,9)
Step 7: Live for God. I will set aside some time for God each day to examine my life, read my Bible, and pray so that I have the power to live God’s way.
Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor. (Matthew 5:3)
Step 8: Share with others. I will take the message that God heals to others in need and share it by my words and actions.
Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires. (Matthew 5:10) |
Thoughts on Freedom by Dawn Shay
Ungodly vs. Godly Beliefs
Ungodly beliefs are negative beliefs or lies that Satan puts in our heads that go against God’s Truth. All of us have ungodly beliefs at work in our lives to some degree. Many times these are hidden within and we are not aware of them. Establishing a list of Godly beliefs will help in the renewing of our minds which is a vital part of growing in the fullness of Christ. God's word is so powerful that when we speak it over our lives, it takes deep root in our hearts and we begin to see change.
1. Start by listing all the ungodly beliefs or lies that you are convinced of about yourself. 2. Recognize and repent for the believing of those lies. 3. Next, write a Godly Belief to replace each lie and begin meditation and memorization on each Godly belief until it is settled into your heart and the transformation process has begun.
Recommended Reading Romans 8 - talks about our power for Victory over sin! Satan has been defeated! Victory is ours!
Prayer
Prayer is key to begin a walk in Freedom. It takes surrendering through prayer down on our knees to turn to God for healing. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Worship
Praise Him! It's amazing what a little thanksgiving and praise will do for you! It fills your heart with joy and it doesn't take long for the petty stuff and even some of the doubts, fears, and anxieties and struggles to seem to dissipate as we fix our eyes back on CHRIST!
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Accountability is so important in your road to recovery from self-harm. When you are struggling with the temptation to self-harm, we encourage you to fill out our no self-harm contract form by clicking on the link below. 
 Best Alternatives: Read Scripture (Psalms or Romans 8 are great choices!) Pray (God understands even when we don't!) Write "God loves me because I'm me" 100 times Help someone - sometimes our problems don't seem so big when we reach out to someone else Let a parent or trusted friend know that you are struggling with the temptation to self-harm
Other Alternatives: Call or go out with a friend Go for a walk or jog Write Poetry Chat with us on SDB Take a relaxing bath or treat yourself to a manicure Take a nap Make a contract with someone not to self-harm Write yourself an "I'm Worth it Because..." letter Listen to upbeat music or play a musical instrument
When Your Angry:
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So you struggle with self injury? You may be asking...what can I do to stop self-harming? What steps do I need to take? How do I handle the temptation or urge to self-harm? Most importantly, what does God say about the issue and how we can overcome self-harm addiction? Are YOU ready to grab hold of freedom from self-harm? Choose freedom!
Every minute that goes by that you choose to not self-harm is an accomplishment; those minutes will turn into hours and those hours to days and those days to weeks! |
What does God have to say about self-harm and the temptation to self-harm? "...you are not your own, you were bought with a price therefore honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) "Do not offer the parts of your body for sin...but offer yourselves up to God." (Romans 6:13) "...we have One [Christ] who was tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15-16) "...God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear..." (1 Corinthians 10:13) "He himself bore our sins in His body...by his wounds we are healed." (1 Peter 2:24) |
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How to Overcome a Negative Body Image: Any thoughts about body negativity come from Satan, and we HAVE to dismiss them. You can take control over those thoughts by reminding yourself that you want to have a healthy heart, and a healthy mind. Trust that with healthy eating and exercise, God will regulate your weight. "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) |
How to Overcome Bondages from your Past Way of Living: Learn to rest in the fact that God is in charge of everything. Nothing surprises Him, nothing happens apart from Him. He loves you and He does what is best for His children. Rest assured that where you are is where you are supposed to be. Reflect upon the good things that God has done in the past. Reflect on all the good things that have happened to you in the past: the great and the small things! Let God in and He will transform and renew your mind. Christ defines who you are, because you were created by HIM. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 (NIV) "Therfore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV) |
How to Overcome Attention Seeking: Losing the "Eating Disorder" identity isn't easy, and it takes time with daily renewal of your mind. We renew our mind by constantly being in the Word and in prayer. That's the ONLY way. If you need attention you can do GOOD things and that will create the positive attention from those around you. "For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to the himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:7-8 |
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Are you struggling with an eating disorder? Eating disorders quite frankly, do not fall into line with Scripture. They reject a Creator whose love from us transcends worldly body ideals. For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. I have plans for a hope and a future. Choose freedom!
Message to Girls Struggling with Eating Disorders: There is hope out there for everyone. If God can heal someone as lost and guilt ridden as me then He can definately heal you too!!! Never EVER give up hope!!! There is hope...you can change, you can have peace and joy, you can be healed!!! The thing is you have to want it, and you have to be willing to let go of all the junk in your life that is holding you back, be willing to do what it takes to let go and completely surrender to God. But I promise you its more amazing than you could ever imagine!!! I live a life now that my dreams couldn't touch! If you are struggling with disordered eating issues I advise you to seek help, and pray for God's help. God is AMAZING! All glory goes to Him!!! -Dawn Shay (SDB Online Ministries Mentor)
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Recommended Reading: A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression by Gary E. Nelson 
Stomping Out Depression by Neil T. Anderson 
Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh 
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Are you trapped in darkness and can't seem to find your way out? How can you break free from depression? When darkness is looming and everything seems hopeless God is always there with you. He longs for your life to be filled with joy and not sadness and despair. You can...Choose freedom!
What God has to say about Depression... "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." Job 23:10 (NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 43:5 (NIV) "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 (NIV) |
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What the God says about how to deal with anxiety... "...Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear...but seek first His kingdom and and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) |
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We live in a high pressure society. The world is full of anxious people. Anxiety is something that Satan likes to produce in us, it is not from God and we need to deal with our anxious feelings in light of what God's Word says. You can have freedom from your anxiety. Choose peace from your anxious thought life. Choose freedom!
Recommended Reading Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer 
Freedom from Fear: Overcoming Worry and Anxiety by Neil T. Anderson 
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Disclaimer This site is for informational purposes only, and not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a medical doctor. We are more than willing to speak with you, support you, and pray with you. However, we are not professional counselors. If you are in immediate danger or having suicidal thoughts please take a courageous step and call 911, a suicide hotline or tell a trusted parent, youth pastor or adult friend. |
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