Addicted - 40 pack

Here is a story of victory given through the eyes of the maniac of Gadara (Mark 5:1-20).
 
ADDICTED
 
Since my encounter with Jesus, I knew that something had changed, that something was different.  My mind was no longer enslaved.  The powers that had directed my steps were no more.  My mind was clear.  The voices that had tormented me night and day were gone as well.  My shame, my guilt, and my embarrassment were all in the past.  I now had something to live for.  I was a new man.  “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”  (2 Corinthians 5:17)
 
Only joy stirred my redeemed soul “... for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b)  I was no longer a victim but a victor!
 
As I remember, I spent many nights and days in the mountains and in the tombs crying and cutting myself with stones (see Mark 5:5).  I was like a maniac, out of my mind, out of control, and in misery with suicidal tendencies. I was bound with shackles and chains, and the shackles and chains could not hold me. I had often broken them in pieces (see Mark 5:4). 
 
I was a madman with supernatural power through the spirits that had me captive, and oh, those chains were so heavy and harmful to my body.  
 
I was a lost soul without any hope of peace in sight.  Then one day, the unexpected happened, a true miracle!  The spirits that held me captive for all those years saw Jesus, then ran and worshiped Him, “and cried with a loud voice, and said, ‘What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of the most high God?’” (Mark 5:7a) and begged not to be tormented and asked for mercy.  
 
You should have been there.  It was like a Red Sea experience!  Then the spirits in me spoke, "Thou Son of the most high God.”  Jesus’ voice was like the sound of mighty rushing water, e.g. Niagara Falls.  His eyes were like a cleansing fire that burned right through me “for He (Jesus) said unto him, ‘Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.’” (Mark 5:8)  The spirits named “Legion” could not make a move without permission from the God of heaven (Mark 5:10-13).
 
Well, the rest is history.  I was sitting and clothe in my right mind and they (witnesses to this miracle) were afraid (Mark 5:15b).
 
They had witnessed a true act of love, “but God commended (proved) His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  
 
I asked Jesus if I could stay with Him but He said, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and has had compassion on you.” (See Mark 5:18-19).  
 
The true story is that I was addicted.  The shackles and chains that held me captive were of my own making.  This is my story.  Now, what’s your story?  My Jesus is waiting for you to call on Him.  “Seek ... the LORD while He may be found, call ... upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6).  He wants to make you whole!
 
~  B.V.M.
 
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”  (John 6:37)
 
You Can Have a New Life in Christ
ADMIT that you are a sinner.
Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short (missed the mark) of the glory of God.”
REALIZE the penalty of your sin.
Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
BELIEVE that Jesus Christ died to pay the price for your sins and rose from the dead.   
Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
TRUST and RECEIVE Christ alone as your Savior. 
Romans 10:9, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
 
WHAT’S NEXT?
Just as a newborn baby grows physically, in a similar way you can grow spiritually, by taking the following steps:
READ THE BIBLE – starting with the Gospel of John, read a chapter each day.
PRAYER – Spend time each day talking with God.
WORSHIP - Regularly attend a church that honors Jesus Christ and teaches you the Bible.
FELLOWSHIP – with Christians who will help you grow in faith.
WITNESS – Tell others what Jesus Christ means to you!