12 Steps

1. God loves you more than anyone else does. He will let you hit bottom if it takes that to get your attention. He is the hound of heaven, but he never forces anyone. You are free to choose hell.

2.  Repentance is a "must" step to get right with God.  Repent. Stop sinning. Ask the Holy Spirit for supernatural power to cleanse and overcome sin.

3.  Signs of true conversion: love for others, insatiable desire for the Bible, grateful heart to God.

4. Desire to do God's will. Desire to do what is right. Desire for righteous living.

5. Immediate conviction of sin in your life. The Holy Spirit points out one area at a time for you to work on. Addictions are the first to be addressed.

6. So, addictions. God cares. Pray for an immediate loathing for the substance. Pray for strength to never touch it again. Children, don't ever THINK about trying an addictive substance. It is the seeds of thought that begin the journey to slavery. Take those thoughts "captive" as Scripture says. Just ask God to help you figure this out. I say "Take that captive, Lord" and seek immediate distraction. God has honored that for me. He will show you how.

7. Confess your sin. You need the help of God's family. You are not to do it alone. Show your spiritual family your vulnerability and let them keep you accountable.

8. Cry out to God. This is the example of Biblical saints. It works. God hears your cry of repentance and weakness. He gets the glory in your weakness, and He is jealous of His glory. This isn't about you. It's about Him. That is who He is. Get over yourself.

9. Back to the Word. If you are filled with the Holy Spirit you will have fewer desires to be filled with carnal desires. RUN to the Word for strength.

10. Do the next thing, as Elisabeth Elliot said. Go clean house, start a project, read a book! Think of ways to go the extra mile at work. Just DO SOMETHING.

11. Eyes fixed on Jesus. Remember His sacrifice for YOUR sin. Don't cheapen that sacrifice by continuing in sin. STOP sinning. When you do sin, you have an advocate. Jesus. He covered it. But STOP sinning.

12. Rest in His power. Keep a clear conscience. Take everything to Him. Pray constantly. God has promised to show you His power, but be prepared for tribulation. It's part of the deal. Your surf board is His power to get over the waves of tribulation. That is the most exciting thing in all of life. Think of all the stories written down about this supernatural help. Tap into that power, hope in it, and give God the glory.

You are loved.