The PROBLEM WITH PORN

Posted on December 27, 2014 by brianssobriety

U. S. NEWS recently stated that the distribution of porn in all the world has it’s heart in America.

I am writing this chapter in hopes that I can disseminate the lies that are distributed through pornographic material and open the eyes of you, the reader, to the dangers of even casual viewing of such material and the final outcome of morality as a result of this damaging subject matter.

First of all I want to give you a couple of statistics:

1987  more than 75 million people bought or rented XXX related material.

1992 490 million and in 1996 an astounding 665 million bought or rented XXX material. The number is no longer calculated in the United States because of the internet and the amount of free sites to view porn. Estimates and surveys today say that more than 40% of men visit a porn website daily. The percentage of women that daily view internet porn is rapidly increasing.

Society in our present day and age wants to dictate to us the views and morals of sexuality should be free to the individual. And in truth they are. Each person has the free choice to view or not to view porn. You are living in a time where the sexual moral standards are rapidly changing and the demoralization of men and women through porn is extensive.

Hollywood has jumped on the bus too. Rarely can you view a movie or television program without the interjection of sexual content. As for TV commercials, if you want to sell anything from chewing gum to food to automobiles, use sex or sexual innuendos and it will sell. We are bombarded daily, even hourly through all types of media from movies to TV to internet and social media with the sole idea that sex sells. Pop ups on your internet browser and sponsored links on your email present to you a visually appealing offer of happiness through the right person or partner. Don’t get me wrong. I am not advocating for or against dating sites. I honestly believe that legitimate, lifelong relationships can and do result from these web sites. I am, however, in favor of promoting an anti pornographic society. One where I nor my children are introduced to the ravaging mental and spiritual struggles associated with the viewing of inappropriate sexually inspired material. Whether it be in the form of what is considered today as “Prime Time Television” viewing, video games, Hollywood movies or on the cover of magazines at the checkout line of our local supermarket and convinience store. A culture where the social order is one of purity, morality, modesty and respect for others.

Pornography has given us exactly the opposite. Instead of seeing others as “created in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27) we have  “changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.” (Romans 1:25) We are created by a God who would have us “love one another” (John 13:34) instead of in “lust of the flesh” (1 John 2:16)

So… if you will allow, I would like to be transparent, truthful and real for the next couple of minutes of your time with me. I was addicted to porn. THERE, I SAID IT! My compulsion started at a very young age. Even before I really had any idea of what I was viewing. All I knew was that what was before my eyes was “Forbidden Fruit” and I was stimulated in some unexplainable way by it. As I grew older, I started to look at more illicit images and search out more fuel to arouse my obsession. Now this was all occurring in the late 70s to early 80s. We had no Internet then, so my viewing was restricted to magazines that I was now stealing from the local convenience store. At home I was abused by my Grandmother. Not sexually abused mind you. But physically and emotionally. This gave more energy to my compulsion to look at females as someone to release my aggressions on and sexually was the only way I could find. I was sort of shy and had been rejected for a few dates with girls I had crushes on, so, I returned to my own little fantasy world of porn and self-gratification. I realize now that I had become a compulsive masturbator and would indulge myself with images which I had stored in my memory at anytime I pleased. At home, in public, at work. I would find a few private minutes to oblige my infatuation and soon be back to my daily affairs. My increasing drug and alcohol habits gave more fuel to the fire and I was completely out of control.

The one thing about a porn addiction is that it can easily be concealed. It is a private fixation between you and your object of desire at the time. Or so it may seem. Physically it is as if you are just looking at an object and gratifying yourself. But there is another dimension present with us and within us that is injured and broken as we commit the lustful act. The spirit of man is joined also in the performance and takes on the sin of the flesh. And oh what a treacherous sin it is to be shackled to pornographic images that have been literally burned into your brain and haunt you even when you have resolved to repent and turn from your wicked ways.

Over and over I found myself begging God for forgiveness only to find myself once again taking just a peek at something unsuitable and soon be back in the demented dungeon of prohibited porn. I would cry tears of sorrow. I would beg for strength. And still I would return to my illicit world of fantasy. And that’s exactly what it is. A flight of the imagination taking you to a demented destination where nothing is real and untruths are the normative castle in the sky. These types of fantasy are truly damaging. Not only in our fantasy world but also to our real life relationships. We begin to seek out partners who can fulfill our improper desires. When one fails to do so we pitch them to the side and the hunt for another begins. In between partners the compulsion is fulfilled in the ever so comfortable pornographic world where fleshly desires are met at every whim. When the conquest of a new partner has been met a new and more challenging mission must be pursued. The delusion that satisfaction will be achieved pushed me deeper into my addiction.

Only when I found the life changing verses from Romans chapter 12 did I finally open my heart to the truth that God, through Jesus Christ and the power of The Holy Spirit could revive my old tired spirit and give me the peace and power I needed to overcome the adversary that had kept me bound for so many years.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1,2 NLT

Still when I read this it breathes life into my soul. These words have become very much alive to me and they have literally changed my life.

You see, I had trashed my mind for so many years that I didn’t know any other way to think. But God was telling me that if I would present my body to him in a spiritual service of worship and NOT conform to the world’s set of values, morals, standards and principles then HE could do the work of changing the way I think. He would renew my mind!!!

I promise you this was a process, but it was a course of action that produced in me a new way to look at women. Instead of seeing them as sexual objects, God let me see them as His creation, made in His holy image and  set here for good works. God led me into more scripture from The Holy Bible to help me see clearly how we are to think and act as decent, moral and respectable men. God showed me through His word that He is a gentleman and expects me to follow His lead. I have learned modesty and integrity. I carry propriety and decency with me everywhere I go. I am becoming more and more what God has intended for me. Not that I am perfect. Oh no, not close. (Philippians 3:12)  But this I do know

God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 1 Corinthians 1:30

 

So my friend, if you share in this struggle with pornography please know that there is hope. There is a blessed expectation through Christ Jesus our Lord. We have an eternal forgiveness, redemption and salvation and we have been made pure, holy and FREED FROM SIN!!!

If you have not made the decision to make Christ Jesus the Lord over your life please do not hesitate another minute. The peace of God awaits you. The forgiveness of sins is in store for you. The assurance of  God’s divine love lies before you. He is not angry with you. He is not waiting for you to change or clean up your act. He has the simple request that you come to Him just as you are and confess to Him that you understand the deprived sinful state you are in and that you are helpless without Him.

Heavenly Father, I know that I have wronged you. I have done things that are inexcusable and even things that I would think unforgivable. I have sinned in every imaginable way against you and against others as well as myself. John 3:16 says that You sent your Son to die for me, for my sins so that I would not have to take that punishment of death for my transgressions against you. Right now Father God, I accept the blood of Christ as my remission of sin. I confess to you my sins. I confess Jesus Christ as my savior and I give my heart and life to You. From this day forward I turn from my own ways and give myself to you to seek out Your perfect and Holy will for my life. Please lead me and guide me daily. Give me a newfound desire for Your Word. Open my eyes to see, my ears to hear and my heart to accept the things you have for me. In Jesus name I pray, AMEN

 
Welcome to God’s family. As a child of God I encourage you to seek out a Bible believing and teaching church and to find new friends that share your new found faith. My prayer for you is that you grow and mature in your walk with Christ and that you life be filled with the Love, grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ!

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LEAVING FACEBOOK

Posted on April 28, 2014 by brianssobriety

I’m sure most everyone knows that I have removed myself from FB for several days now. My sabbatical was very intentional. Those of you who know me well enough know that I whole heartedly believe what the Bible teaches. My life was not always this way and my lifestyle reflected that for over 30 years. Only by the grace of God, the forgiveness offered through Christ suffering and the power of the Holy Spirit which was left for those of us who believe can I survive from day to day and maintain the life that was originally intended for me. God’s plans for me never involved drugs, alcohol, illicit sex or any of the other worldly sins that I chose. My pastor, Tom McDaniels says, “What you choose chooses you.” This is SO true!

With that being said, I now choose to live a life that honors my Heavenly Father instead bringing shame and disgrace to being a Christian. Although I do try to live this life out everywhere I go, this is not about how other people perceive me. This is about integrity. What and how I act away from others view. When it’s only me and God there. Scripture tells us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. (Phil 2:12)

I recently had an issue with FB. I’m not going into the whole matter but I will say that it was terribly disturbing to me. It caused me to re-examine a certain part of my life in light of what God says about it. If you want to scrutinize any area of your life, pray and jump into the Bible and see what it has to say. The reason most of us don’t do this, the truth hurts. But the Bible says,

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” 2 Tim 3:16.

After my time off from FB and an introspective look at my life, I have decided that it is my best interest as a Christian and a man who dearly loves his wife and family to delete my FB.

I said before my FB fast that I have control over the media content that is brought into my household. My post fast view is that we should monitor and filter what media that is brought into our homes by Scripture. And as I said before, if it offends you, cut it out. If it offends God, get rid of it.

Some may think me to be too conservative. Perhaps you consider me old fashioned or even too radical. Maybe you call me a fundamentalist. I say possibly those are not bad things. I say that God has called us to be different. A peculiar people set apart for His service. A people who walk the narrow path that leads to life instead of the BROAD road that leads to destruction.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the years of feeding some of you the Bread of Life through Scripture on a daily basis. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matt 4:4 I am thankful and honored that God chose me to carry out this task. It pleases me greatly to see some of you hold tight to the Word and live it out in your lives. I’m sure God is smiling on you also! But now the narrow path Jesus spoke of is leading me away from FB.

I want to challenge some of you to take up the torch and daily post a scripture on FB so that others will receive a taste of the abundant life God promises us through Christ Jesus and His Word. Sometimes just a morsel of bread is all that is needed to rearrange someone’s life and set their feet on the right path. The seeds planted are vital to someone’s life and their spiritual nutrition. No matter how trivial you may think the scripture is that day it can prove to be life changing to someone else.

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it Isaiah 55:11

If you want to continue to follow with me and keep up with my spiritual journey you can catch me at brianssobriety.com and subscribe. I will regularly contribute on this blog site.

In closing FB friends and family, I pray blessings over you all. And as Paul wrote to the Philippians,

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Phil 2:12-18

And as Moses blessed the Israelites I pray for you,

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace
Numbers 6:24-26

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CAUSTIC LOGIC

Posted on August 10, 2013 by brianssobriety

I AM A LIVING, BREATHING MIRACLE OF GOD!!! Six years ago on August 10th I made the life changing resolution to get sober. Not realizing at that time I would struggle, wrestle and even fight to stay that way. Yet I have followed through. I have persevered. I have steadily persisted in my actions and beliefs that sobriety is attainable and that with the help of my Creator I have not only found that temperance which was long-lost to me, I also have managed to regain control over my life. I have found that conquering drugs and alcohol, along with a myriad of other addictions, was not to be controlled but overcome. It’s more than just having power over the substances that once controlled my existence. It’s about rising above, conquering and triumphantly standing strong over all areas of my life. It’s about waking in the morning and thanking God Almighty that I am alive and able to serve Him. It’s about making sound decisions throughout the day. It’s about going to bed at night and once again giving thanks that I have made it through another day clean and sober. It’s about the power of God working in the course of my salvation through Jesus Christ and the authority, influence and rule of the Holy Spirit in my life. Leading and directing my paths just as the Bible promised.

My point is, I can not handle this life alone. That is a hard thing for a man to say but it’s true! We were NOT created to live this life out alone. Which is the first point of caustic logic I want to make.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

My life as a devotee to drugs and alcohol was EXACTLY the opposite of what God had created me for and the Divine plan He has for my life. When you are high all the time, from your waking moment until you shut your eyes for sleep, if that were to happen, your mind is fixated on sustaining the unrelenting cycle of dependence on substances that will never fulfill, will always provide you with failure and calamity and will destroy any expectation of being happy and content in the future. In and out of jail, an excursion to the emergency room practically dead, waking up in places only to realize that you have no idea where you are, never having money to pay your bills and little things like having no toilet paper consume the existence of an addict. Those are just the exterior things, the physical. There is also the mental anguish of failure, the depression that comes along with not being in control and the anger at one’s self that can only be released against others. Yep, addiction is a terrible vice of the Devil. And most would have you believe that once you are ensnared in this trap that you are irrevocably locked in for the rest of your life. Let me tell you that is another point of the Caustic Logic I am exposing today.

And you will know the truth, and that truth will set you free John 8:32

There is FREEDOM!!! You can experience liberty, independence, choice and free will through the simple act of just knowing the truth. You see, Caustic Logic is all lies. Caustic Logic are things we have been taught that keep us contained in solitary confinement away from the truth being ambushed at every turn and feeling worthless because we cannot break free. Caustic Logic makes you return to the very depths and places you know you should not go. It draws you to your computer in the middle of the night to look at porn. It leads you along the path of destruction of your marriage. It draws you in to arguments that divide families. Caustic Logic tells you that there is no way out of your situation and that your need to delve deeper to find some type of comfort. These are all lies and let me tell you that there is HOPE and that hope is in TRUTH!!!

So what is truth? I thought you would never ask!

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the TRUTH and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

and when Jesus was praying He said these words

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17

A lie is an untruth. A falsehood or a fabrication of the truth. It is deceitful at it’s very root. Caustic Logic is the very deceit and deception that lies are based upon. Have you ever been told “once an alcoholic always an alcoholic”? Have you ever heard the saying that “I am this way or that way because my daddy was”? “I was born that way”? “I can’t help myself”? Or the biggest fib of all, “The devil made me do it”?

All these are Caustic Logic that will erode your perception of the truth. Once we hear these untruths and fall victim to believe such lies we have programmed ourself for failure. In essence, we predestined ourselves. But the Word of God, the TRUTH, says that God predestined us to be adopted into His family (Romans 8:29,30) (Ephesians 1:5 & 11). Not to be addicts and prisoners to sin. But rather be sons and daughters of the Most High and Holy God living an abundant life full of joy and peace as a result of the grace God has given us. A life filled with love for ourself and for others. A life redeemed through forgiveness. A life set apart from the world through self-control. A life that represents God through our ability to be kind, to be faithful. A life where we spread the goodness and gentleness of God to everyone we come in contact with. The life that God has called us to through salvation. A life of FREEDOM!!!

If this is the lifestyle you are searching for I urge you through the power of God and His Truth, Jesus Christ to come to terms with our Creator. Admit to him that you have been blinded by Caustic Logic and that you are truly a sinner. Confess that you can not overcome your obstacles of sin. Tell Him that you open your life and heart to Him and to the truth.

Heavenly Father,  I have sinned against myself, against others  and against You! I need to know that You still love me and that Your still care. I need forgiveness God. I need to know the Truth! And I need Your power in my life to help me overcome the barriers that I have created between us. From this day forward I dedicate my life to You. I give myself to You. Body, mind and soul. Teach me Your Word Lord so that I may walk in truth. Help me and empower me Lord. Through Jesus Mighty Name I pray, AMEN!!!

The word  (truth) is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Romans 10:8-11

If you have just dedicated your life to Christ I applaud your boldness and welcome you into the family of God’s children! Please find someone you can trust and tell them about your new-found faith in God. Prayerfully search for a Bible teaching and believing church so that you can meet others with your same desire to know the Truth. If you have and questions I will be more than happy to give you good Godly guidance.

God Bless You My Friend and Brother/Sister in Christ. I will see you one day in Glory!!!

Posted in alcoholism, Christian Sobriety, drug addiction, freedom from addiction, porn, porn and sex addiction, pornography, PSA, recovery, sex addiction, SOBRIETY, substance abuse, substance dependence, Uncategorized, XXX | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Y O L O

Posted on September 25, 2012 by brianssobriety

This acronym for “You Only Live Once” has become particularly popular in today’s school of thought. The idea that one should go all out with no thought for tomorrow or the consequences of one’s actions is not a newfound or original initiative. Almost as old as history itself I would imagine. I too held to this belief for many years. I had no consideration for others, no deliberation about my actions and certainly no reflection on what had been done. These processes of thought would take way too much time from my daily affair with self-preservation. My central focal point was “ME”. Careful attention and attentiveness had to be paid to my habits, dependence and cravings. I truly believed that my short time here on earth was all I would have and my goal was to search out and acquire every pleasure that was physically obtainable. “You Only Live Once” resonated within me.

The truth is, YOLO is accurate, to a certain degree. Humanity will only get one chance at our life here on earth. We are created in a fleshly dwelling to physically live and die one time. The difficulty with YOLO is the agnostic theory that when you die it all ends. The notion that there is no life after death is atheistic in belief and is the backbone behind the well liked and fashionable YOLO premise.

Even the Bible clearly states that there is a time to be born and a time to die.  (Ecclesiastes 3:2)  But what happens after bodily death? Is there really an afterlife or do I just return to dust? Well, I thought you would never ask!

Almost every religion worldwide supposes on an afterlife. Most obtain their doctrine of where you will stand in the post mortem are obtained through what you did here on earth. If your good outweighs the bad then you are granted a pass to enter into the here after. The spiritual world will welcome your soul into eternal rest. Some religions are pronounced with harems of virgins for those unblemished souls who were fortunate enough to perform up to standard. Still others believe that you can meditate you way into a consciousness and oneness with your Creator and thus gaining access through the doors of eternity. The conflict with these outlooks  and the YOLO standpoint is in the essential doctrine of how much good must one perform to obtain salvation.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

There are many religions in the world. There are many people who follow each religion. There are many who claim no religion at all. And there are many who are following the YOLO philosophy,  not knowing that they have created a religion all their own.

YOLO’s approach gives no thought to afterlife. It also gives very little thought to life here on earth. The notion that you can do whatever you want with no consequences has been proven over and over again to be false. Go ask someone who is doing a life sentence in prison for intoxicated vehicular manslaughter or someone dying from HEP C because of intravenous drug use if they are paying the price for what they did here on earth. I think you know what they would say. They would tell you exactly where YOLO got them.

Another scripture for you:

Make no mistake about this: You can never make a fool out of God. Whatever you plant is what you’ll harvest. If you plant in [the soil of] your corrupt nature, you will harvest destruction. But if you plant in [the soil of] your spiritual nature, you will harvest everlasting life. Galations 6:7,8

There is a cost to be paid for every action.

So Brian, where do I go from here? I have done so much bad and I don’t want to reap the harvest of the seeds I have planted. If this is you, and you want to find freedom from the heaviness of the life you have created there is an answer.

My reaction to these questions was a heartfelt cry out to God as we know Him from the Bible. The only one that I know that could offer me more than peace of mind but could present to me salvation for my soul. Christ has promised us forgiveness of our sins, serenity for our soul, harmony with our Creator, strength when we are weak and an everlasting life with Him in Heaven.

An easy and effortless prayer can set you on the path to eternal and undying life with our Maker. If your hearts desire is to live not just in the moment of YOLO and make a positive change in your life, Jesus is your answer. If your desire is to break free from YOLO and have not been able to find the right path then Jesus is your way. If  you are left empty and craving more out of life than YOLO then Christ can fill you.  If your yearning is , “There has to be more to life than this” then Christ Jesus wants to complete you.

Please say this prayer with me. The words are not as important as the longing of your heart.

Heavenly Father, I have done things that I am not proud. I know I have done wrong in your sight. I want to find freedom from YOLO. Father, I ask you to forgive my wrongdoing through the blood of Christ who died for me. Wash me clean and give me a fresh start. Please help me to find the freedom I am searching for. I give my life to You God and I pray that you give me strength and show me the path that leads to everlasting life with You. Thank You Father. Through Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior I pray, AMEN

If you prayed that prayer from the heart for the first time or the fifty-first time I welcome you to the family of God. You are one of His children. You have just broken the grip of YOLO! And as a child of God you have certain unalienable rights such as eternal life with Him.

Chances are you may know someone who is a Christian. Seek this person out and tell them of your newfound faith. Tell them of your desire to serve the Living God. Find yourself a church and worship God in spirit and in truth. Get your hands on a Bible and let the Living Word began to transform your life by the renewing of your mind. And give thanks to God every time you think about Him. I promise that He is faithful and He will not let you down!

If you need some Christian guidance please feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to point you in the right direction.

God loves you and so do I!

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WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Posted on September 21, 2012 by brianssobriety

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?.

Posted in alcoholism, Christian Sobriety, freedom from addiction, SOBRIETY, substance abuse, substance dependence, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Posted on July 20, 2012 by brianssobriety

Just almost 5 years into my newfound life of Christianity and sobriety and I found myself asking myself,” Why I am doing all this?”

So…without further a due, here are my thoughts and heartfelt answer to this question.

There is SO much more to my voyage than just being physically sober. There is SO much more to sobriety than having the obsession and the compulsion for drugs and alcohol removed from my life. Let’s face it, abstinence is no fun unless you find true happiness in your sobriety. The only way to find this joy, pleasure and contentment with soberness requires continued bodily sobriety as well as emotional stability and of course spiritual renewal. 

BODY, MIND and SOUL 

You see, I have found myself in a process to recreate life as I know it.

For 30 something years I shaped my own reality. I fashioned a world that fit exactly what I wanted. My twisted deception of what was really happening to me and to those around me fashioned a view of humanity where I was the only creature who mattered. Let’s face it, the addicts attitude is pure selfishness.

Now I find myself in the center of a world around me that matters. I see myself in a fact-finding and fact-facing process where I actually search for causes and conditions to my daily affairs. I am uncovering new truths about myself. I want to change for the good. I want to discover the attitudes, thoughts, beliefs and behaviors that don’t line up with the Word of God and make corrections where necessary. In this self-examination I must be brutally honest! And through this inspection of myself I am finding the exact things that have blocked me from success in the past. I ascertain solutions for problems that formerly caused me to stumble or even meet with complete failure. I am learning the exact nature of the defects that I have created in my moral character.

I want to know more of Christ and the power of his resurrection, the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death Philippians 3:10

Only when I have acknowledged that I have a problem can it be dealt with. Only when I confess that I have behaved unacceptably can I find forgiveness and possibly, if I am willing, find healing and acquire new attitudes, thoughts, actions, behaviors and a way of life that agrees with God’s perfect plan for my life. And through this course of action I can achieve a life that lives not only for me but for the higher good of those around me and for those I come into contact with. I can actually have a life of purpose. I may even be of service to others!

Also when I find my self-inflicted character defects and begin to deal with them individually I can recognize them when I see them creeping back up into my life. I can identify them, deal with them and hopefully avoid slipping back into my old ways and patterns of life and send almost 5 years of sobriety out the window, falling back into relapse.

My window of reflection that is helping me deal with this development is The Holy Bible.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

I know that sounds harsh but it’s true. When you align your thoughts and actions with the Word of God your whole world will be changed. Your conscience will be challenged. Your logic will be offended. Your thoughts will be confronted. Your actions will be disputed. Even your vocabulary may start to transform.  You may even have to face up to the fact that you have been wrong in many areas of your life. But trust me, I don’t know anyone who has ever fallen prey to themself by following the teachings of the Bible.

My sincere prayer for each of you who read this is to find forgiveness for your past through our Lord Jesus Christ, to find hope for your life through His Word and to find the strength to carry out His plans for you through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name I pray, AMEN

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

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A GENTLE WALK THROUGH THE TWELVE STEPS

Posted on June 16, 2012 by brianssobriety

Luke 10:21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure

The Bible and The Twelve Steps share an important characteristic:
They do not require that we are well-dressed, well groomed, scholarly or logical to understand their simple truths. To the contrary, over intellectualizing or over spiritualizing them can lead us to miss the truth altogether. Those who are “wise and learned” actually become aware of how little they do know. The less we know the easier we are taught. Children are in nature open to this concept.

Father God, I pray that you help us to have child like faith. Please help us to leave all of our preconceived ideas and thoughts at the door and be open to what you would have us learn. Open our ears to hear, eyes to see and our hearts to accept the truths you have for us. In Jesus name I pray, amen

A GENTLE WALK THROUGH THE 12 STEPS

Luke 9:23 and he said before everyone, “Whoever is willing to come after me, let him deny himself, let him take up his cross every day, and let him come after me.”

I want to break this down into four parts.

1. be willing to follow Jesus
Hopefully you have made a conscious decision to give your life to Christ. Each of us are as individual as our own fingerprint or the retina of your eye. Each of us have our own testimony of why and how we came to grace. Most likely no two are the same. But the bottom line is we are willing to follow Jesus. The first three steps are:

Step 1: “We admit that, in of ourselves we are powerless and unable to manage our own life.”
Step 2: “Came to believe that God, a Power greater than us, could restore us to sanity and stability.”
Step 3: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as revealed in the Bible.”

When we come to Christ and admit that we are powerless to sin, and when we are honest about this, IT IS SIN, that is when He is able to step in and make a difference. That is when He can get involved with the authority, influence and strength that we lack in our self.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2Cor 12:9 NLT

 This brings us to the next ingredient.

2. Deny yourself
It’s not about you. It is about Jesus! Self denial is not a popular subject. For some of us  it may be a new concept. The addict’s way of thinking is all about “ME”. If you break it down, sin is all about “ME”. And when it’s all about ME we become extremely selfish.

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. James 1:14NLT

However innovative it may seem, denying yourself is essential to the growth of a healthy spiritual life with Christ. Although some have taken this to extreme I don’t believe this is about being a hobbit or living a monkish style life. But if it works for you…HEY…I don’t want to tell you that is wrong. This is however about giving up sin. It is about giving up those personal hidden sins that you and God are the only ones who know anything about.

instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:12-14

The next 6 steps cover the “denying of self”
Step 4: “Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
Step 5: “Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”
Step 6: “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
Step 7: “Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”
Step 8: “Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.”
Step 9: “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others”


All these steps will involve a huge amount of denying our self. The moral inventory alone will demand that you put yourself to the side and be honest. It  requires that you are brutally truthful and sincerely search yourself no matter how you feel about the nature of the moral issue. Once you have the inventory complete (mine is more like a catalog) confession can be made and forgiveness, where necessary, can be granted by God through the blood and grace of Jesus. All these steps truly take some self defiance. But when we ask God to “remove these shortcomings” we have to start to do some work. Remember that the flesh and the Spirit are at war with each other.

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” Matthew 26:41NLT

This brings us to part 3.

3. Take up you cross every day
This involves sacrifice. Steps 6 and 7 are perfect examples of Jesus statement. When you get to work on your faults you have to “take up your cross daily.” It may get heavy, it may hurt. But Christ is there to help you. He promises that He will never leave you or forsake you.

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deut 31:8

The next 3 steps fall in here.
Step 10: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”
Step 11: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as revealed in the Bible, praying for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
Step 12: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”

Continued is the key word. If we were to take just these three steps and practice them daily our quality of life would improve dramatically. Our relationships with God and others around us will flourish. Everyday interaction with people, even strangers, will become a way of sharing the good news that there is freedom from addiction and its needless entombment. Your dealings with life’s daily issues will have an innovative new outlook. These positive changes will help you in your recovery and give you new found strength to overpower many of the vices and triggers that previously prompted you toward dependence.
Pursue these steps in a continual, sustained, nonstop, unrelenting, persistent and unremitting line of attack. TAKE UP YOUR CROSS DAILY!
And the fourth part to this verse is:

4. Follow Jesus
How do we follow Jesus?
This is where the rubber meets the road. This is also where we begin to find freedom from our life controlling issues. This is where we discover independence from our obsessive, addictive and compulsive behaviors. And this is where it gets real personal. Every one of us has a personal relationship with Christ. With that being said, every one of us is at our own place with Jesus. Some further along than others. Some are stronger in certain areas. But this does not change the FACT that we are all children of God. When I was born again some of my old life habits went away right then and there. Some took a little more time. Still others God is continually working out of me.

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, your entire mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

So, it all boils down to LOVE!

Posted in alcoholism, Christian Sobriety, freedom from addiction, SOBRIETY, substance abuse, substance dependence, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Will The REAL Enemy Please Stand Up

Posted on May 15, 2012 by brianssobriety

Being an ex-addict is a peculiar thing. There are patterns and behaviors you have taught yourself for so many years that you don’t even realize they are dysfunctional. Most of which are so common place to you that you don’t want someone telling you they are incorrect or off the mark. One thing is certain. We cannot trust our own judgements and perceptions where addiction is concerned. The tricks we play on ourself and those around us are too great.  

Yes, we really think we have a handle on things. But these self-taught behaviors can be extremely damaging to us as individuals and to those around us. Some of the traits I had mastered as a devotee to drugs included lying, deception and delusion. I continually twisted the truth to suit my current need. I could deceive almost anyone to believe my lies. And I had deluded myself into believing my own untruths.

…. He (the Devil) was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies John 8:44

No lies come from God. He couldn’t lie if he wanted to. If God were to tell a lie He would cease to be God at that very moment.  Even if you tell a little “white lie” or stretch the truth to cover something up or maybe don’t give the whole truth to protect someone’s feelings, a lie is a lie. When we lie to our self or we mislead our self.  We have joined into the deception of the Devil.

Satan, aka the Devil, is real. He is as real as you or me. HE IS AS REAL AS GOD! He also has a job. His profession is to misinform you, to con you,  to swindle and betray you. His line of business is to lead you away from God’s business!

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

You see, he is real, he is out there and he wants to overcome you, overwhelm you, demolish you and dispose of your relationship with God. He wants to consume you. If you let him he will eat your lunch!

If you think about the good qualities of God and His love, you can trust and believe that Satan’s nature and personality is the opposite. The scripture below talks about the true love of God. Some of my favorite scripture from the Bible!

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I want to take this scripture and use it as a backdrop to tell you who the Devil really is. I suppose one of the best ways to defeat an enemy would be to know them. To know who they are, how they think and how they operate. First let me tell you what Satan is not. He is not a little red creature with horns, a split tongue and a forked tail.  With that in mind, always remember that the Devil is impatient and unkind. He is jealous, boasts about himself and what he can do, he is proud, arrogant and rude.  He always wants his own way. Satan is very irritable. He will jog your memory every time you do something wrong. Constantly reminding you that you sinned and have fallen short of God. The Devil celebrates injustice and is disgruntled when truth prevails. The Evil One will always give up. He has no faith or hope in God and He knows that he cannot endure the battle against God. One other thing, Satan knows that this battle against God and His creation is already OVER!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

When Christ Jesus gave His life on the cross, He defeated Satan and death. That’s how God can promise us eternal life with Him. He gave us power over sin. He also gave us the power to realize when we are wrong. The power to be forgiven. Remember in Genesis after God had created everything and said it was all good? And then the “serpent” came along and tempted Adam and Eve? Let me show you in Revelation what happens to “the serpent”.

Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. Revelation 12:7-9

and again

He seized the dragon—that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan—and bound him in chains for a thousand years. The angel threw him into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. Afterward he must be released for a little while. Revelation 20:2,3

The story is already written. The end is already established. The VICTORY is already won. And the end is near.

Let me leave you with one more scripture.

Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.   2  Corinthians 4:4-10

If you are trapped by sin and feel like you can’t shake free. If you feel like you are in prison and escape. If you feel like you are in a place where there is no hope. Trust that Jesus Christ, God’s own son, came to earth, was tempted just as we all are but overcame in all things. Believe that He was sacrificed as a compensation so that we don’t have to die in our sins. Accept Jesus into your life as Savior and Master. Confess your sins and faults to Him. There is forgiveness for all your wrongs, no matter how big or small. You can live a victorious life!

Please say this prayer with me

Heavenly Father, I know I have wronged myself, others and especially you. I know that these wrongs have separated me from you. I want to be right with you God. I no longer want to live my life enslaved to every whim the Devil throws my way. Please wash me clean from my sins and short comings through the blood of Jesus. I accept Christ into my life. Teach me to walk in your ways. Show me what it is like to have peace in my life. Help me to have your light and love in my being and to share it with everyone around me. In Jesus name I pray, AMEN

If you have prayed this prayer for the first time or the one hundredth time and have sincerely made a commitment to Jesus I welcome you into the Family of God! You are a new creation and a child of God. Being a child of  The Most High comes with many privileges and an inheritance that is almost beyond anything we can imagine. Please seek out a Bible believing and teaching church. Make new friends there. Get to know the Pastor. Get a Bible and read it. Pray! Simple conversations with God can help you to understand what the Bible says and what His will for your life is.

If you don’t know where to turn, please leave me a message and I will be more than happy to give you some Christian guidance and encouragement.

My sincere prayer is that everyone receives Christ as Lord and Savior and lives a  victorious life free of  controlling issues and a life that glorifies our Father in Heaven. Blessings to you all!!!

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SO…WHO AM I ANYWAY?

Posted on April 25, 2012 by brianssobriety

My birth name is Brian Anthony Hyatt. Not a bad name if I do say so myself. I do think it was a name chosen out of thin air as there is no one that I know of in the family tree who had the names Brian or Anthony. Even so, a good name. But I never really liked my name when I was growing up. I wanted one of the “cool” names. Max or Chuck or something that sounded a little tougher. I think now that the problem was not with my name but rather who I thought I was. I had issues with who I identified myself as. I was repeatedly told as a child (and I can still hear my grandma saying it right now) “That’s the Hyatt coming out in you.” What does that even mean? Every time I did something wrong, every time I got the least bit angry, if I told a lie and certainly if I spoke my mind I was told, “That’s the Hyatt coming out in you.” Still I ask, what does that even mean?

I can tell you what it meant to me then. I only knew of what I was told about being a Hyatt. I was told of how my dad was nothing but a drunk. How he would spend all the family grocery money on booze. How he beat us children. Of course I don’t remember any of that because I was a mere 4 months or so old when my parents separated. I never saw my dad again. I have no recollection of his voice, what he looked like or if he actually physically violated me as I was told he did. I was led to believe that being a Hyatt was a bad thing.

I am convinced of this one thing. The lessons I was taught as a child played them self out throughout my life. I became a raging alcoholic and fanatical drug addict. I believed that this slavery to alcohol and drugs was, in part, due to “the Hyatt in me”. I was convinced that I had no choice in the matter. I thought I was born into this disease. And after all the abuse I had dealt with during my growing up years I determined that if I were predestined to be this way that I would be the best addict I could be. I would take more pills, shoot more dope, drink more alcohol than anyone else. I became quite good at anesthetizing reality.

I must say NOW that I know this is NOT the truth and is a straight lie from the very pits of hell.

Now that my judgement is no longer clouded and obscured by the manacles of substance abuse and dependence and I have committed my life to Jesus Christ my Savior, I see that I am more than just “a Hyatt”.

I am born again. “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation” 1 Peter 1:3

I am a new creature (creation) in Christ Jesus.“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

I am a child of the Most High God. “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26

I am redeemed – paid for at a great price! “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:7

I am Forgiven. “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” Psalm 103:12

I am strong and capable. I a“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

I am a conqueror and overcomer. “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

I am free from addiction. “So if the Son (Jesus) sets you free, you are truly free.” John 8:36

Maybe you have never experienced freedom and liberty from your life controlling habits. If you are searching for a way out I urge you to give your life to Jesus. He was there when you were created and knew you before you were born. He knows the condition of your heart. I promise you that He knows your struggle and can identify with your pain. He is there to help. He wants to help. The choice is yours. If you feel led, please pray this prayer with me.

Heavenly Father, I know that I have done wrong and I know that my life is not what you would want it to be. Please forgive me. Help me to turn away from my sinful life and please give me the strength to follow you. I believe that Christ died for my sins and that He came back from the grave so that I could live a life of freedom. Make me a new creation Lord. Forgive my past and give me the power to be Your child. Help me to walk in my newness. In Jesus Name I pray, AMEN

If you sincerely said this prayer for the first time or for the one hundredth time, God heard you. Welcome to the family of Christ!

Most of us who struggle with addiction and life controlling issues need all the help and encouragement we can get. I recommend for you to find a Bible believing and teaching church or support group to help guide you in you walk with our Savior. Be honest and open with yourself. Be honest and open with God. The same way you said the prayer a minute ago you can talk to God anywhere, anytime.

If you need some christian guidance please leave me a comment and I will be more than happy to help in any way I can.

My sincere prayer is that ALL who struggle with addiction can find healing, restoration and freedom through Christ our Lord

Posted in alcoholism, Christian Sobriety, freedom from addiction, SOBRIETY, substance abuse, substance dependence, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

LIVING IN A REAL WORLD

Posted on March 14, 2012 by brianssobriety

Everything we do starts with a thought. Our thoughts become words and actions. Our language and the things we do label who we are. If you work on cars you are defined as a mechanic. If you use offensive vocabulary people tag you as foul-mouthed. People who drink too much get marked as drunks or alcoholics. Porn addicts get branded as perverts. But the bottom line is, no matter what marker you are marked with, it started with a thought. And thoughts begin in the brain, in your mind.

“I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 7:21-25 NLT 

This scripture was penned by Paul who wrote 13 books of the New Testament of the Bible. Obviously he had struggles with sin and was writing this truth from the heart. Two points I would like to key in on. He stated that the war starts in his mind. He had realized that when we entertain the wrong ideas in our mind we eventually sin. In my life I have found that my sins are generally dwelled on for some time before they get full-blown into sin.

“but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14,15

See what I mean. It takes some thinking to sin. So now what do we do about it? How do we regain control over this problem of sin?

I believe the answer lies no further than God’s written word, The Holy Bible. Looking back to what Paul wrote, “I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind.” Think about that. (no pun intended there) He also wrote this, from Romans 12:2,

 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

My addictions did not start overnight. I made daily, conscious decisions to delve deeper into dependency. I’m not saying that there were not outside factors that fueled my decisions. I didn’t just wake up one day and decide I wanted to be a junkie (which is another label). It was my day in and day out pursuit of peace and pleasure that eventually led me into complete compulsion and obsession with drugs, alcohol, sex, porn, masturbation, lying, cheating, stealing, greed, co-dependancy and self degradation (that scratches the surface of my addictions. There were many, many more). But just as I choose for 30+years to be an addict, I now choose NOT to be an addict. It started with a pronouncement that I wanted to change. Next came my declaration, as Paul said, “The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord”.

A very simple prayer, I told God I couldn’t handle my life or my addiction anymore. I knew what I had been doing was wrong. I asked Him to forgive me. I asked Him to help me to leve my habits and cravings behind. And I asked if He would help me live for Him.And I asked in Jesus Holy Name!

And the process of renewal. I have to daily reprogram myself so that the old is gone and the new takes over. Some days it’s harder than others. If I don’t read the Bible every day, I find myself dwelling on things that I should not be thinking.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8

and again,

Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

 and one more,

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

I don’t know about you, but in my days of  running from Jesus Christ, my thoughts were exactly opposite of these things. But that’s how the Devil works. Taking the good things of God and twisting them, contorting them until they are no longer good and pure.

If you are not a Christian or if you are not sure you are a Christian, consider the “simple prayer” I said to God. It’s really that easy. The Bible says “all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13. After you have confessed to God and accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior, dig into the Word of God. Read your Bible. Start the renewing of your mind process with a little self discipline and make every effort to read and absorb some scripture. Pray before you open His Book. Ask God to open your eyes to see, your ears to hear, your heart to accept what He has to say to you and open your mind for  restoring. I promise you that God will make good on His promise and that you will start to see positive changes in your life. Is it hard to do? YES! But it is worth every effort you put forth!

My sincere prayer foy you and for myself is that God restore all that Satan has stolen from us through the demon of addiction. I pray that He will reinstate structure to our lives and sanity to our minds. I pray for people to come into our lives that are positive in attitude, constructive to our healing, helpful and affirming of our faith and encouraging in our walk of being free of our life controlling problems.  I pray for a godly hunger for the Word of God! And I pray that as we eat from the table of the Lord, that through Your Word we are fed and we grow spiritually into more than we ever imagined. In Christ Holy name I pray, AMEN!

I know that this is a new voyage for most of us and that we need all the direction we can get. If you have questions, the Bible has answers. We may not always like what it has to say. But it is truth and sometimes the truth hurts.

If I can be of any assistance, please leave me a comment and I will try my best to give you Christian Biblical guidance. Thanks for taking time to read these words. I don’t think you are here by accident. I believe God has a plan for each of us. God bless you!!!

Posted in alcoholism, Christian Sobriety, freedom from addiction, SOBRIETY, substance abuse, substance dependence, Uncategorized | 4 Comments