I WALKED ON DRY GROUND

At this point in my recovery and in my journey as a Christian, I had never turned to God for comfort. It took a week-long commitment just to see what that even looks like! Listen in and join me as I re-live this experiment in actually doing what God says to do! Support my ministry and podcast efforts at this link: https://www.globalassociates.org/greg-johnson/ Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Continuing where I left off in E58, I'm learning about another aspect of self care - mental self care. It's exciting for me to read the list of things I like to do, that are healthy for me, and available through the freedom that Jesus has given me! Listen in and join me as I learn more about caring for my self! Support my ministry and podcast efforts at this link! https://www.globalassociates.org/greg-johnson/ Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

As my recovery is progressing, I'm learning about self care and it's importance in living a balanced life. In this episode, I revisit a journal entry in which I make a detailed plan to spend time with God, which doubles as spiritual self care. Join me in re-discovering my endeavor! Support my ministry and podcast efforts at this link! https://www.globalassociates.org/greg-johnson/ Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Life lessons learned from a tough day. Although I can't remember what specifically made it a "tough day", I'm thankful that I journaled about it 3 years ago. I had some great takeaways (including I am a good creation) that are useful to reflect on! Tune in and explore them with me! Support my ministry and podcast efforts at this link! https://www.globalassociates.org/greg-johnson/ Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

It's a good thing we have spiritual weapons to tear down strongholds, because I've become aware of a stronghold that condemns me at best, and send me into shame at worst. It's mid-2017 in my journal, and as my recovery is progressing, my self-awareness is growing. I now see the stronghold that's troubling me. Join me as I re-visit this time and explain the stronghold and my strategies (weapons) against it! Support my ministry and podcast efforts at this link! https://www.globalassociates.org/greg-johnson/ Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

As I continue to revisit my journal from early in my recovery, my subject matter is at the mercy of what I wrote on at that time. So in this episode, I am touching (almost) all the bases with 3 unrelated topics I penned about in June 2017: Relationships (my evolving perspective), Casting Cares to Jesus (with a really great metaphor), and Being Honest (as scary as that might be). Join me and explore these 3 interesting topics! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

This is just how it is - God is unselfish in relationships and I am selfish in relationships. I felt this on a new level by seeing how I behaved after receiving a priceless revelation from God during my early recovery. Join me as I revisit my discovery of this hard-to-digest truth! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Last week the grace of God carried me; this week I am back in the midst of turmoil. My feelings are depressing, and the Truth remains the glorious, unchanging, immortal Truth. Join me as I revisit a time when I was figuring out how to work to believe. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

On the heels of being sick and extraordinarily selfish, I wake up and feel well in spirit and full of grace and kindness. God chose to love my wife and I in an extraordinary way that day! Join me as I re-live this demonstration of love I documented in 2017. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

When I'm physically sick, I am more selfish and self-centered than usual. Also, I'm spiritually sick, AND I'm spiritually whole. Join me as I explore these two "states of sickness"! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Knowing that God's grace is available to me in every moment of every day is nothing short of amazing. A shame-based part of me hears that and immediately feels "not enough." Join me as I revisit a journal entry from early in my recovery, and try to leave shame out of my exploration of God's grace being in every moment. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this episode, I revisit a somewhat random journal entry, where I jotted some thoughts down from a recent therapy session. The most impactful thought reached deep into my heart, and it is the truth that God is for me. Join me in re-visiting such a fundamental and life-changing truth! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I'm reading an entry from my journal when I was in my 5th month of my recovery, and continuing my deep dive into the depths of God's grace. The Holy Spirit was surely leading me on my journey! Join me in this episode as I re-discover a connection I made between Galatians and Isaiah - my robe of righteousness! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

As I read through my journal from my first year of recovery, an ongoing theme is my struggle to accept God's grace. There is a time for struggle, and a time for breakthrough! Join me as I relive a breakthrough on Grace! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Continuing where I left off in Episode 45, I share another spiritual thought from my breakfast meeting. This one's a "good idea" (you'll know what I mean when you listen) for capturing fear that's destined for evil, and using it as fuel for doing good. Join me and learn what I uncovered! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I realized, through my new level of self-awareness gained in my recovery, that I was eating spiritual doughnuts, and my soul was not doing well with the consequences. Join me as I explore, accept, and even celebrate this revelation! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

My journey to receive God's grace continues! Without even realizing it, I journaled about the separation of mind, body, and spirit, and I observe the lack of ability my body has to receive grace. Grace is sinking into my mind, but not my body! Listen in, and join me on my journey! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I find myself unable to connect with God and His grace, overwhelmed with my list of issues: I am far from thankful. Yet I have so much to be thankful for as a child of God, at any given moment! Join me as I explore this tension I find inside my own mind. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

With my mind not fully renewed, it takes effort to invite the reality of God's grace into my mind. I found it unnatural to think "grace" coming from a life where I was living by the "law". Can I expect to be able to control my thought life all the time, and therefore easily choose to invite grace into my mind any given day in any given emotional state? Join me as I explore a journal entry where I explain my experimentation and conclusions! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I think I truly started discovering the riches of God's grace as I walked through my recovery. In this episode, I wrestle with the reality of grace in light of my own self-condemning thoughts. This was great timing for me to speak about and receive a word of grace. Maybe it's great timing for you too! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Returning to my journal from month 4 of my recovery from sexual addiction, I find myself writing about God's grace. I start out thinking I don't understand it, but find myself discovering 2 real life embodiments of grace! Join me, soak in the grace of God, and see what I saw! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In my recovery, since I started paying attention to what's actually going on in my life (instead of just numbing out), I started to notice what things stress me. I learned that sometimes things that stress me I also enjoy! This makes for a complicated circumstance. Join me as I reflect on a journal entry from early in my recovery when I was torn up about an activity that my flesh loved but my soul hated. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Early on in my recovery, as my self-awareness was increasing, I became aware of a gift of mine. It's a good gift, but there are situations in which it presents itself as a burden. What's my gift? How do I fulfill my responsibility in using it, while employing self-control? Join me as I explore the dynamics of my gift! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

What does renewal of the mind look like and feel like? Romans 12:2 commands it, but what is it? In recovery from addiction, since the battle is in the mind, this is a very important process. Join me as I revisit some thoughts from early recovery, and explain what my experience has been since then! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Part of recovery from addiction is discovering the practice of medicating in various behaviors - and many times these behaviors are habits and "invisible" unless you're really paying attention. Join me as I revisit my recovery where I was uncovering for the first time a destructive medicating behavior interwoven with voicing my opinions to others. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Fear is not a wall. It is something, but it's not a barrier that I can't pass. Join me as I continue to explore my fear of my self, and talk myself through what fear is...and what fear is not. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Have you ever struggled to be alone with God? It seems like it should be easy, but I found it to be extremely hard. Join me as I look back at my fourth month of recovery, a time when I discovered a fear that was sabotaging my efforts to spend time alone with God. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Continuing our look at codependency - what does it look like in the good times? How does my dependence on others play out when there's no external conflict, but rather peace and joy? Join me as I explore the other side of the coin. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Picking up where we left off in Episode 31, I continue to explore the depths of my codependency. Join me as I explore more thoughts from my recovery in 2017, and more thoughts from my present state! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Is it OK to depend on others to be OK? I don't know if I'll ever get over my dependence on others! Anyway, as I started my recovery 3 years ago, I became acutely aware of my body's reaction to my wife's state. Join me as I explore my version of codependence! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

As I revisit my early days of recovery, I come across a journal entry that finds me at 40 days of sobriety. I am unsettled because I don't know a healthy way to cope! Join me in exploring my first steps to learn to cope in recovery. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In Psalms, can you relate to David in his distress, crying out to God? When I'm honest with myself in times when life is exceptionally hard, I can relate to David. Join me as I read a journal entry from my 3rd month of recovery - a time that I'm not doing okay and pouring my heart out to God. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Join me as I explore a journal entry about a time when I lied. What did I do about it? What does it look like to be imperfectly truthful as an imperfect person? Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Early on in my recovery, I was given a way to relate to the parable of the prodigal son. I had heard that story many times, but at this point in my life, a whole new dimension opened up - the Father's love for his son. Join me as I reflect on this perfect love! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Isn't it easy to make a commitment in a moment, then hard to submit to it in the future? In month 2 of my recovery I found myself at a crossroads, and by God's grace I chose to maintain the commitment I made at the onset of recovery. Join me as I re-live this life-altering decision (that I almost missed)! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Early in my recovery journey, I felt the presence of fear and desperation. Even now, I come up against fear often. Join me in an honest take on what I hold on to when I am feeling driven by fear. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Early in my recovery, as my self awareness was continuing to develop, I wrote about hypocrisy - the outer versus the inner life. Join me as I explore hypocrisy from several angles and admit my own hypocrisy! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Here we continue our journey through my journal from month 2 of recovery, and (surprise) I was writing about discipline again. Don't miss this latest exploration of discipline as it comes alive through the Proverbs, AND it is true whether or not I believe in God. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

How does deep desire relate to discipline? Is it necessary to have a deep desire to be spiritually disciplined? Join me as I explore this relationship, inspired by my thoughts from month 2 of my recovery! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

3 years ago God gave me a new desire (or at least a new awareness), and it starkly differed from my old ways of relating to others. I still struggle against these old ways! Join me as I explore an interesting insight I inked in my journal as I navigated my first month of recovery. (Note: in journal entry name changed to protect privacy.) Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The journal entry we've been exploring together wraps up with a prayer, and in my prayer are 2 elements of recovery from addiction that I see as part of the sanctification process. If recovery sanctifies me, so be it, I need it! Join me to hear my 2 insights about recovery as sanctification. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I pick up where we left off last episode, and as I began my recovery I got my first taste of spiritual discipline. Right away I get a creative vision for how pride potentially sabotages a new practice. Whether you have your spiritual disciplines nailed down, or desire more in this area, join me and explore my first impressions as recorded in my journal 3 years ago. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In revisiting month 1 of my recovery from sexual addiction, I find myself showing signs of a fresh commitment to reality - specifically, the reality of my freedom and whether I'm using it responsibly or if I should consider submitting it to God. Join me as I read a raw excerpt from my journal and explore this interesting concept! Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Double binds can be tricky and undesirable, and unfortunately I've discovered over the past few years that they are not limited to addiction and recovery, but they are a part of life. Fortunately, that's good to know! Join me as I look back to my first month of recovery, and remember the nature of my first double bind. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

15 episodes - that's all I have to share about relating to the Israelites' journey. Welcome to episode 16 and beyond. Moving forward, I have decided to continue reading from my journal and practice the powerful act of Remembrance. Listen as I set the stage and give the backstory for the exciting next phase of I WALKED ON DRY GROUND. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The Israelites had a cloud by day and fire by night; they had a visible cloud that descended over the tabernacle, and then it led them on their travels. It's the same for us now in our deserts, except these things are only seen and known by faith! Listen as I share a glimpse of what it was like receiving guidance from God in my desert season, and having his presence with me in the midst of troubling times. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

After entering the desert, the Israelites suffered hardships, and they grumbled. Moses listened to them and cried out to God! Which of these behaviors can I relate to? Both. Listen as I revisit my uncomfortable time in the desert, sharing from my journal from 2018, where I was both unspiritual like the Israelites and spiritual like Moses. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Immediately after crossing the Red Sea miraculously on Dry Ground, the Israelites found themselves in a hot, dry climate where they quickly grew thirsty and miserable. Welcome to the Desert. Listen as I explore the Desert season, share some aspects of my Desert season that immediately followed my recovery journey through the Red Sea, including an important lesson I learned from crossing the Desert. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

God protected the Israelites as the Egyptian army was approaching, yet He didn't provide a way forward immediately. There was a time of what I can only imagine must have been fear and lost faith and hopelessness. But when the timing was right, God opened the Red Sea and the willingness to cross was there. Listen as I reflect on my recovery from sexual addiction - my marriage was protected in my time of fear and hopelessness, and my willingness to walk on dry ground was established. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Instead of leading the Israelites on the shorter, more direct route, God leads them to being trapped at the Red Sea. He did this intentionally - it was a setup! AND it was merciful and loving to do so. Listen to me explore the Setup, from an Israelite perspective and in my own authentic story. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I was recently reminded of how delightful dry ground is, both physically and spiritually. For the Israelites, I think dry ground to walk on was JUST AS IMPORTANT as the waters being parted. Seriously, dry ground was that important?! Listen as I revisit the magnificent metaphor of dry ground and share two recent, relevant stories to explain my additional appreciation for this particular provision from God. Music from https://filmmusic.io - "Nile's Blues" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) - License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)