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Freedom Starts Today: Overcoming Struggles and Addictions One Day at a Time
Every church is filled with people who are struggling--often secretly--with addictions of all kinds. Porn, pills, food, money, alcohol, social media, body image, status, sex, anxiety--the list goes on and on. John Elmore is no stranger to addiction. Fifteen years ago, he put a loaded shotgun to his head and later had three doctors tell him he was going to die of alcoholism. More than 15 sober years later, he leads the world's largest weekly recovery gathering, where people journey toward healing in Christ.
In Freedom Starts Today , he makes a huge promise to the you can be free from your struggle, and much sooner than you may think. Through easily digestible readings grounded in Scripture and the practice of daily surrender, Elmore shows you how to break the cycle of addiction, make war against sin, and find your identity in who you are and not the shame of what you have done--one day at a time.
Leave behind struggles, addiction, and shame as you walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the love, mercy, and forgiveness of the God who is not only by your side but on your side.
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"Revival is a hard thing to quantify, but it always includes a growing devotion to the Lord and repenting of sin. And that is the fire God will start in you as you live out what you'll read within the pages of this book."-- Jennie Allen , New York Times bestselling author of Get Out of Your Head ; founder and visionary of
"John has walked the road of recovery and helped countless others do the same. I am thrilled that he has put a resource in our hands that can help all of us!"-- Ben Stuart , pastor of Passion City Church DC; author of Single, Dating, Engaged, Married
"I've personally witnessed God use John Elmore to set prisoners free by the thousands. The methods in Freedom Starts Today are proven and effective at helping anyone walk in the abundant life that Jesus promises." --Jonathan Pokluda , bestselling author of Welcome to Adulting ; host of Becoming Something podcast; pastor of Harris Creek in Waco, TX
In Freedom Starts Today , he makes a huge promise to the you can be free from your struggle, and much sooner than you may think. Through easily digestible readings grounded in Scripture and the practice of daily surrender, Elmore shows you how to break the cycle of addiction, make war against sin, and find your identity in who you are and not the shame of what you have done--one day at a time.
Leave behind struggles, addiction, and shame as you walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the love, mercy, and forgiveness of the God who is not only by your side but on your side.
****************************
"Revival is a hard thing to quantify, but it always includes a growing devotion to the Lord and repenting of sin. And that is the fire God will start in you as you live out what you'll read within the pages of this book."-- Jennie Allen , New York Times bestselling author of Get Out of Your Head ; founder and visionary of
"John has walked the road of recovery and helped countless others do the same. I am thrilled that he has put a resource in our hands that can help all of us!"-- Ben Stuart , pastor of Passion City Church DC; author of Single, Dating, Engaged, Married
"I've personally witnessed God use John Elmore to set prisoners free by the thousands. The methods in Freedom Starts Today are proven and effective at helping anyone walk in the abundant life that Jesus promises." --Jonathan Pokluda , bestselling author of Welcome to Adulting ; host of Becoming Something podcast; pastor of Harris Creek in Waco, TX
272 pages, Paperback
Published January 19, 2021
69 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 17, 2021
You Can Find Freedom!!
The focus of John Elmore's book is exactly where it needs to be - daily, one-day-at-a-time, dependence on the Lord. Freedom Starts Today is an honest, biblical, practical guide to overcoming addictions and struggles. As someone who's struggled with overeating his own life, I'm so encouraged by the daily dependence and wisdom John provides.
Who's this book for? In some ways - everyone! We all have some struggle, addiction, or bad habit we're walking through. I'm going through this book with one of my sons. Find someone to read Freedom Starts Today with, and follow John's wisdom and counsel in this book, knowing his wisdom and counsel come from the Lord.
The focus of John Elmore's book is exactly where it needs to be - daily, one-day-at-a-time, dependence on the Lord. Freedom Starts Today is an honest, biblical, practical guide to overcoming addictions and struggles. As someone who's struggled with overeating his own life, I'm so encouraged by the daily dependence and wisdom John provides.
Who's this book for? In some ways - everyone! We all have some struggle, addiction, or bad habit we're walking through. I'm going through this book with one of my sons. Find someone to read Freedom Starts Today with, and follow John's wisdom and counsel in this book, knowing his wisdom and counsel come from the Lord.
June 5, 2021
This book changed the way I think about fighting sin, and it’s nothing special about Elmore’s words that do so, it’s the biblical truths that are practically applied to practice daily surrender to the Lord and to fight sin using the Lord’s strength alongside community to hold you accountable in the fight against sin. Gal 5:16!!
February 1, 2021
People pleasing. Approval of others. Alcoholism. Fear. Pornography. A daily stop at Sonic. Pride. Anxiety. Social media. Substance abuse. Little white lies. Self hate. Codependency. Food addiction. Chances are one of those words or a hundred others I could have listed made you catch your breath or feel shame. Almost all of us have a bad habit or struggle we could easily name. You can find freedom from whatever that thing is in your life, but it will require being brave enough to admit it and depend on something other than your own strength. What could a life of freedom look like for you? The author will lead you one day at a time to a life of freedom.
January 31, 2023
Great book for anyone walking through the biggest and smallest sins, addictions, or struggles. This isn’t a quick fix book, but what it does fix is the way you surrender those things to God. If you feel like you’re too far gone or that you’ll just deal with your struggle forever, this book is a great place to start in reminding yourself that God loves you and can help you walk towards “replacing an addiction of sin with your affection for Him.”
March 13, 2025
1st sentence: I put a shotgun to my head because I wanted my life to end.
January 18, 2021
Freedom Starts Today was both easier and harder than I wanted it to be. It was easier to tackle 1 day at a time to conquer a struggle of mine. It was easier to digest the content and make it part of a regular discipline in my life. It was easier to continue the journey to complete the book and tackle the overcoming process. On the other hand, it was harder. It was hard because it helped me uncover some roots that were causing me some stumbling. It was hard because it caused me to really sort through my junk and admit that it exists. It's hard being real with myself (I'm an enneagram 7...so hard things are not my forte). It was hard because it was necessary.
I'm a BIG FAN of John's story not being a story of someone who has "arrived" but rather a person who works one day at a time to continue overcoming. This is going to be an annual read for me.
I'm a BIG FAN of John's story not being a story of someone who has "arrived" but rather a person who works one day at a time to continue overcoming. This is going to be an annual read for me.
October 17, 2024
A daily battle waged by Gods strength. A principle that will literally change the way I live the rest of my life. Freedom is not a possibility but a promise if we walk by the Spirit! Gal. 5:16
May 25, 2021
Next level book about overcoming addictions and pursuing king Jesus
October 14, 2021
Ask any addict: recovery is difficult. It requires vigilance. It requires retraining your mind, your body, your habits. It’s not just an acute problem, resolved by one decision to quit or go to rehab or turn over a new leaf or whatever decision it is. It’s a chronic problem, one that has to be addressed day by day. Freedom Starts Today is a ninety-day devotional that understands that mentality. General enough to work with addictions and recoveries of all kinds, yet specific enough to be relevant and transformative, Freedom Starts Today is the perfect beginning of the day devotional for those in recovery at whatever level to learn to live in freedom.
The architect of Freedom Starts Today is John Elmore, the director of re:generation, the world’s largest weekly recovery program. John speaks openly about his own past, making the devotional conversational and informal. Devotionals have this aura as stiff and formal, but Elmore’s vulnerability and willingness to use his current academic and vocational expertise to talk about his past life in addiction creates a relaxed atmosphere and makes the book seem like a conversation rather than a ritual.
Each entry is about 750-1000 words and is in typical devotional style: a relevant quote starts you off, followed by the body of the devotion, then an opportunity to write a prayer based on the devotion’s theme. The last section of every devotion is the same, encouraging readers to text or call a friend to let them know if you’ve managed to make the last 24 hours free from bondage and that you are committing the next 24 hours to the same.
Freedom Starts Today acknowledges that God doesn’t necessarily set people supernaturally free from addiction. While the book is saturated in Scripture, it also follows tried-and-true therapy techniques. Elmore writes as a pastor, but also as a counselor and that academic expertise in mental health adds depth and power to this book. Churches have often treated mental health, like addictions, as sins that one should easily get over. Elmore treats it like the disease it is, never shaming, never being angry, never suggesting that struggling with addiction makes someone less a Christian or less than holy. It’s the proper, appropriate tone and position to take and Elmore makes it loud and clear.
While the devotionals themselves are rather generic—they have to be to appeal to a wide audience and also not include scenarios or stories that might trigger addictive behaviors—to anyone actively working to overcome an addiction, they are helpful and affirming, offering solidarity and encouraging companionship. It tells the reader that they are not alone. This would be my go-to book for recovering addicts wanting to get their lives back on track. It’s not a substitute for therapy, but it’s a daily way of reaffirming the path that one has chosen toward freedom.
The architect of Freedom Starts Today is John Elmore, the director of re:generation, the world’s largest weekly recovery program. John speaks openly about his own past, making the devotional conversational and informal. Devotionals have this aura as stiff and formal, but Elmore’s vulnerability and willingness to use his current academic and vocational expertise to talk about his past life in addiction creates a relaxed atmosphere and makes the book seem like a conversation rather than a ritual.
Each entry is about 750-1000 words and is in typical devotional style: a relevant quote starts you off, followed by the body of the devotion, then an opportunity to write a prayer based on the devotion’s theme. The last section of every devotion is the same, encouraging readers to text or call a friend to let them know if you’ve managed to make the last 24 hours free from bondage and that you are committing the next 24 hours to the same.
Freedom Starts Today acknowledges that God doesn’t necessarily set people supernaturally free from addiction. While the book is saturated in Scripture, it also follows tried-and-true therapy techniques. Elmore writes as a pastor, but also as a counselor and that academic expertise in mental health adds depth and power to this book. Churches have often treated mental health, like addictions, as sins that one should easily get over. Elmore treats it like the disease it is, never shaming, never being angry, never suggesting that struggling with addiction makes someone less a Christian or less than holy. It’s the proper, appropriate tone and position to take and Elmore makes it loud and clear.
While the devotionals themselves are rather generic—they have to be to appeal to a wide audience and also not include scenarios or stories that might trigger addictive behaviors—to anyone actively working to overcome an addiction, they are helpful and affirming, offering solidarity and encouraging companionship. It tells the reader that they are not alone. This would be my go-to book for recovering addicts wanting to get their lives back on track. It’s not a substitute for therapy, but it’s a daily way of reaffirming the path that one has chosen toward freedom.
January 21, 2021
"It is for FREEDOM you have been set free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
It is for FREEDOM we have been set free however, we tend to go right back to the very thing that has held us in bondage, knowing full well it offers nothing more than slavery. Why do we go back? In and of ourselves we do not possess the power needed to break those bindings - it is only through our dependence upon God that we have the hope of the joy and peace that comes from true freedom.
In Freedom Starts Today, author John Elmore walks the reader through how a day by day dependence on God happens. Through real life relatability and transparency John shares his own personal struggle for freedom encouraging the reader that they too can find and keep freedom.
Having personally struggled to break free from anger I can testify that the steps laid out in this book are what helped me. Once convicted of my sin and convinced of the need for change it was all I could do to cry out to God for help each and every day. My journey was similar - claiming the truth of God's Word over my situation and seeking His help, guidance and comfort. It was a white knuckled ride for over a year.
If you or someone you know is in need of freedom - and lets face it we all need freedom from something, Freedom Starts Today is a great resource to encourage you on your journey - white knuckles and all.
It is for FREEDOM we have been set free however, we tend to go right back to the very thing that has held us in bondage, knowing full well it offers nothing more than slavery. Why do we go back? In and of ourselves we do not possess the power needed to break those bindings - it is only through our dependence upon God that we have the hope of the joy and peace that comes from true freedom.
In Freedom Starts Today, author John Elmore walks the reader through how a day by day dependence on God happens. Through real life relatability and transparency John shares his own personal struggle for freedom encouraging the reader that they too can find and keep freedom.
Having personally struggled to break free from anger I can testify that the steps laid out in this book are what helped me. Once convicted of my sin and convinced of the need for change it was all I could do to cry out to God for help each and every day. My journey was similar - claiming the truth of God's Word over my situation and seeking His help, guidance and comfort. It was a white knuckled ride for over a year.
If you or someone you know is in need of freedom - and lets face it we all need freedom from something, Freedom Starts Today is a great resource to encourage you on your journey - white knuckles and all.
January 20, 2021
"A lifetime of freedom is made up of single days." John Elmore's premise for this 90 day devotional for overcoming addiction reminds me of Jesus' words in Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." Today has enough trouble of its own. Addiction can be an overwhelming mountain when overcoming it is seen as a one and done hurdle. John Elmore shares his story and offers daily encouragement and simple ideas to walk through a 24 hour period, to do today. We can eat healthy for a day, not buy something for a day, not drink or smoke for a day with the help of the Holy Spirit. God promises to be with us and walk with us. John gives simple thoughts to remind the reader throughout the day of deeper truths to empower and change the heart, mind, and soul. His scripture based daily truths and habits help to develop the habit of walking in freedom one day at a time.
I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with freedom in any area. His approach and focus help take pressure off figuring it all out ahead and strengthen the reader to walk in God's Truth through His strength, one day at a time to experience true freedom.
I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with freedom in any area. His approach and focus help take pressure off figuring it all out ahead and strengthen the reader to walk in God's Truth through His strength, one day at a time to experience true freedom.
January 19, 2021
Many of us struggle incessantly against seemingly insurmountable additions, each day wrestling against these inclinations. Even as Christians, we have come to the realization that following Jesus doesn't mean that the battles with our sin nature, the adversary, and this world's unrighteous system are obliterated once we are regenerated. In Freedom Starts Today, John Elmore provides us with 90 days of readings to remind and encourage us to pursue emancipation from these additions, that freedom is NOT a one-time event, but a daily preparation for conflict.
The author delineates numerous ways to overcome these additions. Each daily reading is filled with practical ways to be victorious over our struggles.
I highly recommend it.
The author delineates numerous ways to overcome these additions. Each daily reading is filled with practical ways to be victorious over our struggles.
I highly recommend it.
January 22, 2021
Written by the very hands that once held the trigger of a shotgun to his head in hopelessness, this book is a moving testament to the power and grace of God reflected in John's life and ministry. The healing, life, and freedom John has found in Christ, he offers to anyone who will listen and live it out. John is a master storyteller-- raw, riveting, relatable, and reverent from cover to cover. Few have the gift of communicating the despair of addiction and the sweetness of freedom like John. This 90-day recovery resource is a must read for anyone facing any struggle, as well as a great option for group study.
January 23, 2021
Freedom Starts Today is an excellent resource in understanding how to truly gain Freedom in the world today, whether you struggle with addiction, porn, perfectionism, pride, or any other sin struggle. The easy-to-read daily messages are relatable and personable, reaching many right where they are today. The understanding of where true freedom lies, in Jesus Christ alone, is the key to moving forward and getting "unstuck" from struggles that may tie you down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who really wants to make a change in their lives and seek to grow closer to God. The key to recovery is found not only in the pages of this book, but with a total surrender to God!
March 11, 2024
90 days of consistently spending time reading Gods word, journaling, engaging in accountability and being challenged from an ex addicted now chasing feverishly after the Lord.
A book that can meet anyone where they are and help them grow.
Elmore is a stud! He knows his stuff but displays it in a very easy to read structure. He hits all the emotions within the book.
He gives you the vibe of just a everyday dad. Someone you’d want to grab coffee with and that’s how’s he writes.
I appreciate his honesty and vulnerability of using his story to help others wanting to battle sin or grow from their past.
A book that can meet anyone where they are and help them grow.
Elmore is a stud! He knows his stuff but displays it in a very easy to read structure. He hits all the emotions within the book.
He gives you the vibe of just a everyday dad. Someone you’d want to grab coffee with and that’s how’s he writes.
I appreciate his honesty and vulnerability of using his story to help others wanting to battle sin or grow from their past.
January 12, 2021
This book is great because it is helping me focus on my struggles one day at a time and surrender my desires daily. I like how it is divided up into daily reads for 90 days. This book is also an interactive book, which is great to get into the daily habit of prayer, journaling and emphasizes the need to reach out to others for accountability. John tells how he depends on God daily through this 90-day daily guide. "A lifetime of freedom is made up of single days" is such a good quote! It is a great guide to help anyone who is struggling with anything!
January 20, 2023
Such an absolutely fantastic book. Great metaphors that bring context to God’s character and our constant rebellion. A daily devotion to humbling myself before the one true King and surrendering every struggle before Him and allowing Him to change my heart. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to break some chains in their life; however, it would be useless to read if you’re not reading it with an accountability partner or group and taking part of the daily practices listed in the book
January 14, 2021
This book is so valuable for anyone seeking freedom for any kind of sin struggle! I love that this book is broken up into daily devotionals with space to write prayers and to take action on what you’re learning. I have seen so much change in my life by seeking God’s word and pursuing sobriety in 24 hour increments, I know this book will bring you closer to the Lord!
January 18, 2021
Trying to change your habits and behavior is hard. This book points you to what will truly set you free from your addictions, Jesus! Surrendering your life to God can seem impossible, but when you take it 24 hours at a time it becomes easier to trust God with every single day of your life! Definitely recommend this book!
January 19, 2021
I believe in John as a man who has gone through the fires and the storms of life but has found redemption and grace and desires for all to know FREEDOM through Jesus Christ and the Word. Can’t wait to see how the Lord uses his story and this book to impact the lives of others for the Kingdom. #freedomstartstoday
January 5, 2021
Hyper focusing on our abilities to deny/distort/manipulate to whatever our situations/addictions/sins gets so overwhelming that leads to hopelessness. This engaging book by John Elmore exposes those lies, points to the Christ and puts hope in Jesus! As title states, Freedom Starts today!
October 21, 2021
This is an EXCELLENT resource for every single Christian. Whether you deal with a serious addiction or a lingering sin. I would commend it to anyone and everyone. Pastor, counselor, lay-person. Mother of 3 to college student to father/son duo. Thank you John for this wonderful resource!
June 6, 2022
John Elmore provides practical ways to address habitual sin (which we all struggle with in some way) and how to find freedom in Christ. He encourages readers to approach sin one day at a time. Matthew 6:34
January 12, 2021
This book is what the church needed, with very open and raw testimony along with great scripture that not only encourages, but challenges! Highly recommended
January 13, 2021
Powerful book. Not a chapter book but daily message to help you overcome struggles for 24 hrs at a time.
January 20, 2021
One of the best books for 2021, finding help on any kind of addiction/struggle, you won’t be disappointed.
I heard John Elmore testimony a few times and his story is powerful!
I heard John Elmore testimony a few times and his story is powerful!
August 12, 2021
Effective and uplifting daily messages to inspire and deepen resolve to combat whatever you are struggling with.
Essential reading .
Essential reading .
September 2, 2021
So so helpful!!
This book helped me to humble myself before the lord daily and surrender my worldly desires to him. I’m so thankful for this resource!
This book helped me to humble myself before the lord daily and surrender my worldly desires to him. I’m so thankful for this resource!
December 29, 2021
Very helpful devotional book for a recovering addict like me. If you need encouragement in your battle to stay clean this is a great resource. Highly recommend!
January 2, 2022
This is more of a daily devotional and workbook, but if that’s what you’re looking for then you will love it! I love the powerful stories inside.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews