Break the Seal - 40 Pack

BREAK THE SEAL
 
As I recall, I was sitting in my friend’s living room when I heard someone cry out "break the seal." That guy happened to be a drinking buddy, who would occasionally come around bringing a bottle of whisky with him. This friend of mine happened to be in his early 40's and to see him you would probably say he was "over the hill" somewhat like an old pair of broken-down slippers that should have been replaced a year ago! I remember giving him the nickname “everyday” due to the fact that he drank (hard whisky), every day!
 
In the Bible, Proverbs 23:29-35, we find a description of someone in their drunkenness, a drunkard:
Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions (heated disagreements)?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
Those who linger long at the wine,
Those who go in search of mixed wine.
Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it swirls around smoothly;
At the last it bites like a serpent,
And stings like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange things,
And your heart will utter perverse things.
Yes, you will be like one who lies down
in the midst of the sea,
Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
“They have struck me, but I was not hurt;
They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?” (NKJV)
 
Can you relate to the above description of drunkenness? Or, do you know someone who has shown signs of being an alcoholic (drunkard)?
 
Have you personally experienced drunkenness? My personal experience was loss of memory, uncontrollable rage, dizziness - head spinning, light-headed, feeling faint (like being sea sick).
 
In my experience, after being drunk, after the head spinning and the vomiting, I would swear not to have another drink, only to find myself drunk again the next day! Proverbs 23:35 says, “When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”
 
Many of us have seen movies where someone is portrayed as an alcoholic (drunkard). "A drunkard is someone who is intoxicated with alcohol in that he loses control over mental and physical functions."
 
I recall an event in my early life that left a lasting impression on me. It was a night like many others, sitting with so-called friends in a bar, having a round of drinks. Near closing time, we (me and two others) decided that it was time to leave. Once outside, I felt that a short conversation was in order. Well, I guessed wrong. After a few words came out of my mouth, I felt a very strong pressure on my face. I wasn’t quite sure of exactly what happened? As I stood and watched my two so-called friends run off, I realized I had just been punched in the face by one of the two with whom I had just spent a few hours drinking. Proverbs 23:35 says, “They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.” Talk about a sobering moment, as I watched the two guys now in flight. My thoughts were, “You drunken cowards, taking advantage of an innocent drunk like me.”
 
We have a strong warning given to us in Habakkuk 2:15: 
“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor,
Pressing him to your bottle,
Even to make him drunk,
That you may look on his nakedness (unguarded emotions)!"
 
It is when someone is drunk that you are given the opportunity to witness unbridled, uncontrol-able, unconstrained emotions.
 
As I look back on my life and my experience with drunkenness, I find myself thankful to God for rescuing me from my shameful self-indulgence and drunkenness.
 
In Galatians 5:21, we have drunkenness placed in the same category as murders and other works of the flesh. And these strong words of warning appear in the same verse, “I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Talking about getting straight to the point, Paul (the Apostle of Jesus Christ) spoke very clearly on the subject of drunkenness.
 
Perhaps you've given some thought about leaving the bottle in the past and launching out where a new life awaits you with hope, peace, gladness, and a prosperous future. This sounds good, but you feel like you don't have the strength, you can't do it on your own, you need a hand up.  I have good news for you found in Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge (shelter, or protection from danger or distress) and strength, a very present help in trouble.” And Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I (God) know the plans I have for you” - this is the Lord’s declaration - “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” And Exodus 14:14 declares, “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace (i.e. you need only to be still).” In other words, trust God to do what only God can do!
 
Our Lord's promise to those who are looking for strength and peace of mind is found in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me (Jesus), all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
 
God’s Word says drunkenness is a sin, but it also says that He forgives sins (1 John 1:9).
 
A sinner’s prayer: Father God, I realize that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I now turn from my sin and turn my life over to your Son Jesus. I believe that He gave His life for me on the cross of Calvary and that He was raised from the grave on the third day and that lives forevermore, in Jesus name I pray. Amen. 
 
Is this your prayer? If so, find a Bible-believing church that preaches and teaches that there is power to live a new life in the name of Jesus.  Amen.
 
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!