I just had a real rough week or so...long story id rather not get into but was in jail from july 5th until i got bonded out today... the first few days was agonizing.
But, then i decided to ask for a bible. Im about 500 pages in, with a promise to him that im going to finish it. Found many parts that told me what I needed to hear already, and ive made some vows to God that I fully intend to keep. Among them being I am going to get baptized and find a church family.
I was already ready to welcome God into my life, but wasnt fully committed. I am now. But, coming here every day and seeing all the love for him was a huge impact on me already starting to come to that decision before the events that happened led me to where I am now.
It was the Lord Jesus Christ using us to bring you back to Him.
Welcome home brother.
You guys definitely planted the seed that I intend to grow into a full garden
I was headed down a path that would have probably taken my life, honestly. That's why when the urge struck I was absolutely willing to proclaim I hereby give my life to him. All I'm gonna say is I had to make a choice, what was more important- my alcoholism or God's love.
And here we see our champion putting on the full armor of God. Well done. There is only victory in front of you.
Even before this happened I caught myself praying more and more consistently before bed, and I usually always mentioned my need for that armor
The storms we must endure aren't always pleasant but there's always sunshine after
And God helped me beat that too. Wow! What a life you're about to have my friend.
Holy Children of the Corn, Batman!
Here's a surprise for you... There is a massive party occurring in your honor in heaven. Like you, I was covered in filth. Jesus didn't hesitate one second to reach into the disgusting filth and pull me out.
Keep reading the word, for Jesus IS THE WORD incarnate. When you know the word, you will know Him. God/Jesus/Holy Spirit want a PERSONAL relationship with you. Throw religious dogma out. We are kings/queens intended to rule at the side of Jesus.
There is a massive party occurring in your honor in heaven
You made me smile
Thank you fren. I do truly love you.
I was pretty close to a breakdown when I got in Jail those first nights... a book called Heaven Is For Real ended up in my lap, I finished it in 24 hours, and I ended up compelled to ask for a Bible. It happened to be a study version, and also translated to make more sense...with a section in the back that served as an index for whatever troubles the reader may need answers to.
After I landed on a few passages that hit the nail on the head... I said OK it may take some time but I will read this from front to back. Just finished Chronicles today, laid my head down thinking about the things I want to do for Him when I was released... and low and behold I was told to grab my stuff, bond was paid and I was getting to walk out.
What an awesome testimony. God is ALWAYS good.
Amen fren!!!! This is the most important decision you will ever make. Jesus loves you. Just welcome Him in. Have a relationship with Him through prayer and meditation. You should check out Slechta5614 daily posts. Awesome stuff!
Thank you
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
Satan will attack you when you choose this path. Guaranteed. Be aware and constant in prayer. Armour of God! If God is with you, who can stand against you? Surround yourself with Bible believing people and although difficult, distance yourself from your old "friends ".
Praying that His mighty right hand holds and sustains you and that His hedge of protection be always with you . This mighty arm fights for you with strength and comforts you with unfailing love and grace.
I actually really got one "friend" left and me and him are both on the same page of wanting to lift eachother up instead of crashing down together
My husband came out of an addiction, and it was a guy that had come out of the same thing that helped Him. When that friend came out of it himself, it was just him, God, and his dog. He probably never thought, as he pushed through day by day, that one day he would help our family, and others. There is freedom. It sometimes takes many different tactics to deploy, but never quit.
Youve got a good friend, so does he. Two ropes are stronger than one.
Good is good .
This got me thru a horrible job; recited every day in the parking lot before work...
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.12.12.ESV
Found this after a huge miracle in my life by God's hand in April:
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.40.1-3.ESV
Took a few hellish decades, but He's timing is the correct timing. Perseverance is key. Eyes ahead. Love you, friend
Eyes heavy. Will.end night by including you in my praise and prayer.
Funny you chose that to quote, because my main passion has always been making music, but more often than not... I wasn't using that gift as a form of praise/worship by any means. I wasnt really seeing any results from those efforts...so, once I find a church family I have a feeling my love for music will be a part of that.
Yeah honestly my battles got much harder when I was just entertaining the idea that I wanted God in my life and heart...so, once I start putting words into action I have a feeling I'm gonna be seeing even harder ones (I could be looking at a pretty lengthy stay in Jail when all this goes to court, for one) but... I'd much rather go into those battles with God than see where I'd end up without him.
I have things that will take the rest of my life to work on... an extremely addictive nature (mostly alcohol but that stretches into other elements as well), Lust, A temper that rages at times, the list is a long one. But, a life seeking improvement is better than one spent content in Sin.
Welcome to the party, Pal!
God is my everything. I've counted on him and he ALWAYS comes through one way or another. Not always how or when I expect, but always because he has better plans for me than I do myself. I trust Him. You can too. God bless you as you take your first steps on the path. He leaves lunch on benches along the way.
At first I was praying to him to let me out like the first night I was in, but as it turned out his plan of staying there longer benefited me more than an instant release could have ever came close to. Gave me more time to think and come to certain conclusions that will serve to aid me in future battles
If I may, some things my husband shared along his journey: 1.) don't expect perfection of yourself, but when you fall down get back on track quickly by going through the steps you outlined should such a slip-up occur beforehand. 2.) Rely on grace, not "whiteknuckling." Hence a study of what relying on grace is is extremely helpful. 3.) Understand that all addictions mean that your brain is chemically hijacked. There are chemical cycles that start with triggers and produce cravings, etc. Figuring this out, knowing when you are sped up and in one of the HALTS conditions (hungry, angry, lonely, tired, stressed) and what to do to get yourself out before you act out makes you start to figure out the hijacking and stop it. 4.) Recognize the powerful bondage of shame, and do not allow the enemy to use it over you, but instead know how to come to Christ for grace and new mercies......... and always, always remember... in Christ we are new creatures, therefore there is no condemnation for us who are in Him.. Christ paid to take our shame off of us. He replaced it by clothing us in a white robe of His righteousness and calling us His- redeemed. My husband did a lot of studying on shame. He also had a pastor who helped him with a deliverance session to cast out demonic attachments he had. Christians cannot be possessed, but we can have little nasty attachments if we open up doorways to let them in. Don Dickerman has a good book on this called Keep the Pigs Out. Enough rambling- God bless.
Thank you for taking the time to share this with me ❤
Congratulations. Welcome to the House of the Lord. We'll see you in Heaven. God bless you my friend and keep up the good work.
When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/ecc.5.4-5.NIV
When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said. Numbers 30:2 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/num.30.2.NIV
"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:33-37 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.33-37.NIV
The ones I made were things I want to do anyway, and I even mentioned they were longterm projects at work not something I can do instantly
Read the last sentence of the Matthew verse again. It's an important one for living life.
I pray the Lord sets your heart on fire brother.
Yea far as the actual drinking goes there's no concern there, definitely saying no. And the way everything unfolded I actually sorta don't even have access to it. I'm in a different city now and no ID, so... it's not like the rural town I left where they know me and don't need to see one lol
There's just alot of damage already done that will take some considerable time to repair.
But thanks for the support ❤
I'm sorry you had to go through that, and glad you made it through to the other side. God is great.
They don't call it the great awakening for nothing. Thank you for posting this. It's wonderful to hear the positivity and the testimonials of everyone, how God touches us all wherever we are. God bless.
Well I'm far from the other side still... but, at least my pleas and prayers were heard and I was allowed to go home today. That's the first step...
...the next one comes with not forgetting those vows and promises I made while laying there.
This is so great! Now watch God do amazing things!
Favorite Pastors/teachers I listen to (who understand what’s going on).
P. Jack Hibbs (videos, teachings and interviews on YT or his website).
Chuck Missler does incredible bible deep dives and puts things together that will blow your mind. Start with “Learn The Bible In 24 Hours,” which gives you an overview of the bible/each book. Then he has videos specifically for each book of the bible and other topics. (YT and/or website. KHouse.org I think.)
J. Vernon McGee. Great teacher!
Also, Christian radio. Lots of good teachers/teaching and music all day long.
I’m sure others will chime in with their favorites.
That said…there is also a lot of questionable teaching out there. Ask God to lead you to the right teachers. And don’t forget, this community has a lot of Christ followers. We are here for you. Welcome to the family! :).
May God bless you, fren, in your new journey towards the light. All things are possible through God and His Son, Jesus.