There are several solid advent devotionals available, but none directed to those struggling with the heart desires rooted in addictive issues.
With a biblical perspective that seeks to glorify God and keep Jesus Christ as the centerpiece of Christmas, Shirley Crowder and I wrote these meditations as an aid to help anyone join in worshipping God by acknowledging the majesty, the beauty, and glory of God through the symbolism of Advent season.
Reflecting upon God’s grace, mercy, goodness, love, and justice helps joy to spring forth!
Every day of the Advent season is special when you look to heaven by reading God’s Word and this devotional book helps you do that.
Remembering the trustworthy character of God encourages patience as one waits for the triumphant return of Christ.
Focusing upon Christ in a topsy-turvy season is our goal.
The traditional things we Americans do in the weeks leading up to Christmas can easily become distractions turning our attention away from Christ – which is ironic since the holiday is named after Him! How easily we forget to keep the main thing, the main thing!
Starting on November 24th of this year, (2024) our Advent: Meditations for Addicts book can help you incoprorate the daily process of directing your thoughts to Christ. Will you join us?
A unique aspect of the devotional is an emphasis upon praise for God as we include a focal point of hymns written ages ago. These biblically accurate lyrics are sure to guide you to the throne of grace as you worship the majestic God of the universe.
(Available in print and ebook)
What others are saying about ADVENT Meditations for Addicts by Shirley Crowder and Mark E. Shaw:
“Shirley and Mark are two of the most biblically reliable sources I know on how to minister to addicts. With the onset of the Christmas season, many people sadly do not share the joy of the season. Addicts and former addicts are certainly no exception, and they, too, need the hope of the Savior. Advent: Meditations for Addicts takes a season that may commonly be associated with sadness, loneliness, and painful reminders of loss for the addict, and lovingly points them to Jesus Christ. I encourage each reader to take the time to write out the practical exercises and review them frequently. Follow Shirley and Mark’s lead as they help you connect to the most wonderful truth ever (the Gospel) and the season that celebrates its advent (or coming).”
—Tim Keeter, Elder, Grace Community Church, Huntsville, AL; ACBC Certified
To utilize the podcasts where Shirley and I discuss each section of the book also, head over to The Addiction Connection’s Special ADVENT YOUTUBE playlist found here!
Mark E. Shaw, D.Min., CABC, ACBC, IABC, CADAC II, is a biblical counselor, ordained minister, speaker, and author of 29 books and booklets of hope and help. Dr. Shaw has been involved in counseling since the early 90’s. He served in residential care and medication assisted treatment centers (methadone), but Biblical Counseling became his passion in 2001.
Dr. Shaw’s resources are found at Focus Publishing and Christian Book Distributors. He can also be found at amazon.com/author/markeshaw
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