In his message to the exiles, Jeremiah declares a word of hope from the Lord: “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
We’ve all read that verse, memorized that verse, and quoted that verse many times.
But the 29th chapter of Jeremiah has 31 other verses, all equally inspired. Here’s one you may have missed:
“Plant gardens and eat their produce” (Jeremiah 29:5).
That is a powerful message. “Plant gardens.” Your future will not just happen. It will be the predictable result of the seeds you sow today. So plant carefully.
Recovery Step: If you want long-term sobriety in the future, be sober for the next 24 hours.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
