Sexual Purity Posts
Join us at Prodigal this week! Because, if its September, it must be Step 9
Almost every person I have met in recovery mentioned to me that they dreaded the same exact thing when working the 12 steps. Step 9. “We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” Yep, that Step 9. Facing the fallout is what I call it. As I worked through the steps with my sponsor, inevitably the same thought kept coming to me over and over: How on earth am I going to be able to make amends to everyone I hurt?
Amends. According to Miriam-Webster, amends is “to compensate for a loss or injury.” I wasn’t ready to compensate for anything when I entered recovery. I thought I would never be ready to face the damage I caused. I was like many other people I know in recovery. I was afraid of this step. Afraid to face the people that I had harmed in my addiction. Those that I had disregarded in my descent into self destruction and selfishness. My wife, my kids, my mother in law, my friends and family. All those that I had lied to, damaged from my selfishness and manipulation. I did not think I would ever be at a point where I was ready to face them with rigorous honesty.
Yet, I did. I do continually. My life in marriage is a living amends to my wife and kids. Owning my mistakes with those around me. I recognize when I am wrong, admit it, and make amends where possible. What I found about Step 9, then and now, is that making amends isn’t a one time thing. Its how I live my life in recovery. Recognizing the hurt I caused and living a life pursuing sanctification. A life of amends…different than before.
Join us Saturday for a message on Step 9. Expect impactful worship songs, a time of celebration and sharing of our milestones, and a testimony of spiritual awakening.
When: Every Saturday at 5:30 pm
Location: The Fellowship (in the Loft), 22765 Westheimer Pkwy, Katy, TX 77450
Childcare is available. Pre-notification is not necessary but is requested. For more information about childcare, email us info@theprodigals.org.
Step 9: Pursue Peace With All People
Originally posted at: Pursue peace with all people
14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest therebe any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears. Hebrews 12:14-17
We are called to pursue peace with all people. We live in a world that is full of much diversity. We have people from many different cultures and religious backgrounds. Jesus said that broad is the road that leads to destruction and many will find it. But narrow is the road that leads to life and few will find it. The sad truth is that there are many more nonbelievers in the world than there are true believers in Jesus Christ.
But no matter what we are called to pursue peace with all people. No matter if people persecute and stand against us we are still called to love them and pursue peace with them. There is no greater testimony of the love and grace of God then when a true follower of Jesus Christ prays for those who stand against them. All people are simply lost sheep without a shepherd and until people come to true faith in Jesus they won’t have their eyes opened to the truth.
We must understand what a person meditates and fixes their mind and heart on is what will drive the decisions and actions of their lives. The life we live is simply a compilation of all the choices we have made in our lives. When people injure us or offend us we must have the heart and mind of Christ. We must examine what the Lord said upon the cross as people hurled insults at Him. He simply said forgive them Father for they know not what they do. No matter how badly a person has persecuted or injured us we must continue to pray for them. Pray that their eyes and heart be open to the love, truth, and grace of who Jesus Christ is. Once a person’s eyes are truly open to the truth their life will be changed for an eternity.
Be Still and Know that I am God
Originally posted at: Be still, and know that I am God
“He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah”Psalms 46:9-11 NKJV
We serve and awesome God. He holds all things in His hands and He has spoken all things into existence. Sometimes we lose sight of how awesome the Lord is because we get focused on the circumstances that stand before us. But nothing is impossible.
I often meditate upon this promise because it puts my spirit at rest. Many times in life we can feel overwhelmed, but knowing that God is fully in control of every circumstance allows us to walk in His peace.
His peace is beyond human understanding. The peace of God exist in the midst of the storm. We walk in His peace when we are surrounded on every side. No matter what we face we can know in our hearts that Jesus is greater. No matter the circumstance, no matter the diagnosis, no matter the trial we can know that our God is greater.
He is our shield and our protector. The enemy will lie to us and tell us that God has forgotten or abandoned us. But the truth is He will never leave us not forsake us. Keep your eyes focused on the Lord this day and know that your redeemer lives. He will have His way and move in His due time. You are not forgotten. Hold fast my brother and sister because the Lord of glory is coming. His glory, power, authority, and love will be made manifest in us. Hold fast and stand upon the promises of God. He is ever faithful.
Journal Through Recovery – Bonus Podcast #18 This Counseling Stuff Works?
Bonus Episode 18 – This Counseling Stuff Works
My recovery has many components. Meetings, accountability, working the steps, reaching out to others, and …counseling?
