Lesson #24 Yes (1 of 2) - For God Fore His Glory

I would like to welcome you to For God, Fore His Glory, and invite you to join me on the road to Emmaus. Of course, this is a spiritual journey but one uniquely designed with you in mind. It doesn’t matter what road you are walking the Lord will accompany you. Information has been made available for you to read and determine what is of interest and applies to you. This information is not meant to overwhelm; quite the opposite, it is meant to enlighten and empower as it has done for me.

My purpose for sharing has a threefold intent: (1) That God’s love would radically impact lives, (2) That eyes and ears, hearts and hands would open so ALL that God desires to personally bestow would be received, and (3) That knowing God and His Word and His loving-kindness would result in negativity just naturally losing ground/control in our lives because strongholds would be broken by the resurrection power of the Spirit of the Lord.

It makes no difference who you are, what your personal beliefs or where you call home we are all functioning in some fashion in the error deception causes. And of course, if we knew we’ve been deceived then it wouldn’t be deception. With this in mind, there is no way we could possess the “IN-TO-ME-SEE” knowledge that only the Spirit of Truth can reveal about ourselves and God and our human condition. There are so many things to learn like feelings and beliefs are not facts. Please don’t let offense sway you, for what is generated by offense: Discomfort, upset, anger, insult, sin, shame, disapproval…rises from deep within us and works against us.

My heart’s desire is to share knowledge of God and His Word, Christ Jesus, so you too can find rest for your soul. Our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, behaviors and beliefs have been affected by negativity – Fear, pride, anger, rejection, rebellion, bitterness…the list is long and can prove debilitating.

Revelation 12:11 says, “We overcome the forces of evil by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.” Now a testimony can offer encouragement and hope, but it cannot provide what’s absolutely essential a profound personal impact. Nor can a personal impact bring about lasting change, for that can only be accredited to a miraculous metamorphosis: Spiritual Transformation. For the Lord has surely said:

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.”
Zechariah 4:7

If anger, fear, unforgiveness, resentment…are present, then true compassion, kindness, respect…for self and others will in some measure be lacking. This life-changing transformation is not about plastic surgery or weight loss. Outward appearance is what people look at, but God sees the appearance of our heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

We possess a very special knack for making what is wrong seem right. Not before, not during but afterwards, when the heat of onus (reproach, admonishment) occurs, the heart responds though the flushing of shame and guilt and embarrassment may not. How the heart manipulates thought and feeling to do what it desires. But, what can’t be manipulated; instead, only obscured by denying, rationalizing, justifying, comparisons…the crimson stains sin places on our soul.

A life-changing transformation is accomplished when God and His Word and Holy Spirit recreate (restore, renew, revive) our spiritual being! Their work won’t be seen or felt it will become evident when we’re thinking, behaving, believing somewhat differently.

FINE – Favorable, Illuminating, Noteworthy, Effectual

Adjustments are made, for God imparts spiritual gifts – Faith, truth, wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, healing, counsel, fear of the Lord, joy, peace, discernment of spirits….Gifts that change us from the inside out so we can: Arise and shine when heaven’s Light comes and the glory of the Lord rises upon us (Isaiah 60:1).

How can what injures so personally be overcome if a different perspective cannot be viewed? Paul explains this better than I can: I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. I have discovered this principle of life – That when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong (Romans 7:15,19,21). Now there are so many who have been abused unjustly, and I’m sorry. You did nothing to do deserve such mistreatment.

But, there are answers. There is hope. What has holistic harmful effects – Anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred…from the bondage of such powerful forces we can be released. Psalm 146:3-5 says: Blessed are those who seek God’s help, whose hope and trust is in the Lord their God. Why? No mortal man can save, when their spirit departs, they return to the ground. On that very day their plans come to nothing. But a child of God will overcome them, because the One Who is in them, Holy Spirit, is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

God’s plan, His purpose spans throughout time and eternity! There is much to discuss with this being the motivator – Knowledge is power. A power we need because there is much that comes against us. And though you may not be very familiar with the Lord, Jesus Christ, God’s Word will strengthen you (Isaiah 45:5-7). So you too can hear Him say, “Friend, move up to a better place,” (Luke 14:10). So you too can be among those who come to know Him with a deep, instinctive, personal affection as for a close friend (John 21:17 Amp).

Truly, we could all use such a Friend who is faithful, and works to strengthen and protect us not only from the evil one so we won’t be outwitted, but also as I have learned despite ourselves, for we’re unaware of the devil’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). Jesus is a friend we can have confidence in. Acts 10:38 tells us Jesus of Nazareth went around doing good and healing ALL who were under the power of the devil because God was with Him. God anointed Jesus with the power of Holy Spirit. He offered the kindness of a friend to everyone.

God has given us His Word, and Jesus has revealed His Father’s great compassion for mankind. The problem, which is made quite apparent just by turning on the news, knowledge of Gods’ loving-kindness may be lacking for all sorts of reasons: but, what’s absent is personal experience, and this is what this journey offers.

How can we come to know the One Who directs our heart into God’s love and His perseverance (2 Thessalonians 3:3)? How would we come to believe it is the hand of God that sustains us (Psalm 89:21)? How can we pass through those gates to walk the Way God has prepared and chosen for the people (Isaiah 62:10) without knowing the thoughts and feelings the Word of Truth, Christ Jesus, shares?

If you invest in this precious commodity God has given us – Time, then most definitely interest will grow! Come along! Embark on a personal journey on the road to Emmaus, which means a warm spring and mule. Luke 24:13 tells of two men who had left Jerusalem, which includes this meaning: To flow as water, to point out, to teach, which was about seven miles from their destination – Emmaus.

Along the way they were discussing everything that had happened that day. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him. When asked what they were discussing, they stood still, their faces downcast and said: “Do you not know the things that have happened these days in Jerusalem?”

“About Jesus of Nazareth, He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. He was crucified. We had hoped He was the One Who was going to redeem Israel. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning, but didn’t find His body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said Jesus was alive. Some of our companions went to the tomb, and found it was just as the women had said, they did not see Him.”

The Man walking with them said, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?” Then, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.

They strongly urged the stranger to stay with them for the day was almost over, so He went in to stay with them. The Man sat with them at the table, took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them, when their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus, Who disappeared from their sight. They asked each other: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked to us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned to Jerusalem to find the eleven and those with them saying: “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon?”

While they were still talking about this, Jesus Himself stood among them and said:

“Peace be with you!”

This is what God wants us to have peace of mind and heart, which His Word freely bestows. Jesus appeared to the one who denied Him not once but three times – Peter. How many times have we behaved in ways that have caused us to feel ashamed? All that is said about this time Jesus spent with Peter is exactly what those men said: It is true the Lord has appeared to Simon. Why? We each need His personal attention. We desperately need His individual and compassionate care. Anger, denial, rejection in words cannot prevent Jesus from coming to us. It’s a heart filled with anger and deception and wantonness that places distance between the Lord and ourselves.

Jesus may be a complete stranger to you, or He may be as those two men thought a Prophet, but it wasn’t until they became familiar with God’s Word that Truth was able to emerge and Christ, the Anointed One, was truly recognized.

Time flows like a spring of water, but a mule can’t be led to drink. And, like sands through an hourglass, so are the days of our lives. We can’t change the past or what tomorrow will bring, but we don’t have to be stuck or stymied by stubbornness or rejection or fear.

Jesus invites us to walk with Him in miraculous realms. This may stir your spirit, but there is much about us that robs us of experiencing its reality. Quite possibly there’s a mountain of obstacles that must be moved, but God is the only one who can help us overcome our ordinary life perspectives so extraordinary accomplishments can be realized and achieved.

Only God can accomplish what is impossible for us, and this is the mission He sets us on – Renewal (Inner Healing) and Recovery, and there is so much to discover. For God has designed a process that promises transformation will just naturally occur:

ASK SEEK KNOCK

For this is God’s promise, ask it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; those who seek shall find; and to those who knock, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:7-8).

Know, there are multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14) so I ask what is your decision? Are you willing to seek a friendship with Jesus? In Isaiah 26:7 the Message Bible identified the Lord as the Leveler, Who stops us at the crossroads so we can look around (Jeremiah 6:16), and give thought. Consider well your decision, to develop a friendship with the One Whose righteousness levels and evens a path in this fallen world with Truth and Grace so we can linger, for it is sign-posted with His decisions (Isaiah 26:7 The Message).

Praise God! The Lord desires to show you a more excellent way!
1 Corinthians 12:31

God’s Word reveals the One, Who offers Peace instead of confusion; Truth instead of our patterns of denial; Understanding instead of ignorance; Wisdom instead of foolishness; Righteousness instead of error; the Way to an abundant Life. Where fear is overcome by Love, for God is love! And His desire is to fill us with His Word so we not only come to know, but receive all the benefits that result from knowing the only One Who is Good (Matthew 19:17). For we are surely very familiar with the drawbacks and disadvantages of knowing evil!

The information I share has not been gained by just reading books, though the knowledge I received from them was essential. I also share what is based on experience. A lifetime of experiences has been woven together by the only One who could accomplish such a miraculous life-changing feat – Supplanting (usurping, displacing, cutting out) fear with Love and Power and the Soundness of Mind that God’s Word of Truth bestows.

Our will, our words, our emotions are powerful for how we think and feel generates action. However, what cannot be disputed there are only ever two choices: Good or Evil, Life or Death, Peace or Discord, Right or Wrong…and two wrongs will never make things right. And, unfortunately our heart and the ways of this world keep us bound to self-interest, and many lessons are being learned the hard way.

If there was interest in the image God created us to be, then it would be possible for the likeness of the Lord to be seen. For then, we’d better understand how our prideful nature really does set us up for failure. For the first Adam became for us a living soul; however, the second Adam, Christ Jesus, became for us a Life-Giving Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45).

So much interest has been invested in the standards of this world, and as a result, moral and ethical, social and work-related decorum (civility, correctness) is not only being trampled, the techniques-of-deceptions are readily being used. Yes, the white-washing of denial: Rationalizing, justifying, minimizing, accusing, blaming, excusing… is being applied in attempts to cover wrong-doing. Prayer was removed from schools and metal detectors are being installed. What is being gained? What is being lost? What really matters?

OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES MATTER!

Every person born on earth is automatically enrolled in the world’s school of hard knocks. However, a choice must be made to enroll in Holy Spirit’s Academy “Transformational Life.” Jesus shows Love and saves – Mot by bow, sword or battle by horses and soldiers, but by the Lord God (Hosea 1:7), by the power and authority of God’s Word. He brings us victory over any enemy (anger, addiction, fear, shame, guilt, hatred, offense, bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness…)! He will put these adversaries of ours to shame (Psalm 44:6).

Along with Knowledge, Understanding and Insight, Holy Spirit gives us everything we may need to overcome and rise above those things that come against us. No matter our circumstances and whatever our differences God’s Word will always help us.

A banner has been set up for those who fear and worshipfully revere God; a standard displayed because of the Truth (Psalm 60:4). Twenty-five lessons are being offered that to date have evolved from a 30-year process of growing and gaining knowledge of God’s Word of Truth, Christ Jesus. During those early years, my mouth was filled with empty talk since insight and discernment were simply not a concern. Too much time was devoted to earning approval, seeking acceptance and validation in order to feel valued, in order to feel loved.

Countless attempts were made to protect and defend against all the regrets, disappointments and failures of my yesterdays, while at the same time being hindered even, impeded by the fear I projected into my tomorrows. Working to earn the love and respect of others; however, going about it with character deficits and learned behaviors that caused people to be put off. Unable to recognize the Truth of our human condition, so surely not realizing how flawed my efforts and how unrealistic my expectations.

I was being frightened and made off-balanced by my own doings: Critical, disrespectful, judgmental and self-righteous opinions and attitudes that absolutely affected, while also infecting my soul, my spirit, my way of thinking with diseases such as codependency, people-pleasing, the confusion and fear and deep-rooted anger that emotional traumas generate.

So much fear and confusion amassed since childhood wanting to please and be accepted, to be valued and loved. Trying to cope; yet, deluged over and over by the uncertainties of life. How difficult to remain even-keeled when feelings specific to self-interest are unpredictable and fragile, and so easily injured by the teeter-tottering of emotion.

I was made aware of God’s process for transformation while going through the upset and emotional trauma adversity causes. I would not wish such adversity on anyone, but I have personally experienced, like so many of us have, the turmoil and pain that stubbornness and trusting my ways were actually better causes.

Hurting people hurt people intentionally and not so intentionally, we still get hurt. There’s an insanity involved in all of this when we’re doing the same things over and over yet expecting, hoping, praying for a different result. God can’t snap His fingers so our learned behaviors could be removed. The result would be like suffering a form of amnesia, with this essential component unrecognizable: What we really, truly believe. But God, He is very aware of the purpose and potential He has placed in us, and He is very willing to birth new Life within us!

If your interest has been peaked, I pray you consider taking part in these lessons and receive whatever God is waiting to impart. Each lesson has the title given to it by Pastor John Baker, so steps can be taken, twelve, that will take us further than we could have hoped or imagined. Like Jacob who wrestled with the Angel of the Lord, and afterwards received the new name Israel, which represents his change of character; we too can experience miraculous changes when the strength and power of God’s Word is known.

Yes! These steps have been established so we can walk into realms of understanding with Holy Spirit as our Guide, as we set off on this journey of Renewal (Inner Healing) and Recovery. There are principles Pastor Rick Warren established, eight in all, that will provide support and protection, as spiritual guardrails, during this process of our becoming more God-dependent rather than codependent. For then, we can truly experience what it means to celebrate Renewal, to Celebrate Recovery, to celebrate friendship with God, Who seats us in heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6) and does immeasurably more for us than what we could ever think or ask (Ephesians 3:20).

The first key is to maintain an honest view of the spiritual reality God wants us to know.
Begin by not only considering circumstances and events as substantial, but by becoming
aware of the substance of Truth – the Life, the Alpha and Omega, the heart and spirit as we
work on taking steps of faith remembering, proclaiming:

God exists and I matter to Him
That God could and would if He were sought

Admitting I am powerless
If God is your co-pilot, switch seats

Acknowledging in certain areas my life became unmanageable
Sorrow shared is halved; Joy shared is doubled

Believing God will restore me with Love, a Sound Mind and Power
Success means getting your BUT out of the way

Believing God will help me stay committed to this decision to put all of who I am
Into His possession and safekeeping
There is no magic in this process of renewal and recovery only miracles

Believing the Word of God will encourage, support and strengthen me as I make
A searching and fearless moral inventory of myself
There is pain in this process. Misery is optional

Because of God’s loving-kindness I have become willing to admit to God,
To myself and another person the exact nature of my wrongs
The road to resentment is paved with expectation

With Truth as my solid foundation I have become entirely ready to have God remove
All my defects of character
Courage is faith that has said its prayers

Having received faith and hope and love for the Surety God has given
I humbly ask Him to remove my shortcomings
F.A.I.T.H. = Fantastic Adventure In Trusting Him

Having gained knowledge and insight and understanding I have become willing
To make a list of anyone I have harmed, and to make an amends to them all
Just for today I will try to live through this day only,
And not tackle my whole life problems at once

Having gained confidence and trust in God’s refuge I have become willing to step out
With the mindset I am doing this with God and for His glory to make my amends
Whenever possible unless to do so would cause injury to others
Remembering nothing is going to happen today that you and God can’t handle

I embrace my covenant relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit by continuing
To take a personal moral inventory, and when I am wrong being prompt to admit it
We are not human beings having spiritual experiences;
We are spiritual beings having human experiences

I invest in my relationship with God by communicating through prayer and meditation
To improve my conscious contact with Him seeking knowledge of His will
And the power of grace to carry that out
If God seems far away, who moved?

I seek Revival, Restoration and Reconciliation, a spiritual awakening, as a result of taking
Steps to carry God’s message to others and to practice these principles in all my affairs –
Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot change.
Prayer is conversation with God about things He can change!

Within each lesson information from the following sources has been included:

Co-Dependent No More Melody Beatty
Beyond Co-Dependency Melody Beatty
Codependents Guide to the Twelve Steps Melody Beatty
The Trauma Zone R. Dandridge Collins, PH.D
Breaking Free Pia Mellody & Andrea W. Miller
Celebrate Recovery Leader’s Guide John Baker

Denial is the first of 25 lessons incorporated into our journey of Renewal (Inner Healing) and Recovery, an undertaking that will make you ride high and soar above what disillusions and shames. You’ll be free to enjoy God (Isaiah 58:14 Message)! Honoring the Lord in what we do, not following our own desires and pleasures, not talking idly. Then the Lord will be our delight! He will see to it we each receive our full share of blessings as God’s will is being done to Refresh, Replenish and Revive – a spiritual Rebirth – as His purpose is given definition: Rebirth. The English Language Learners helps us to better understand:

1. The act or process of becoming healthy after an illness or injury; the act or process of
recovering INNER HEALING

2. The act or process of returning to a normal state after a period of difficulty

DELIVERANCE

3. The return of something that has been lost, stolen, etc.

SALVATION

Denial has been defined as:
- A false system of beliefs that are not based on reality
- And a self-protecting behavior that keeps us from honestly facing the Truth

—

The Psalms have been my prayers, and I asked: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting,” Psalm 139:23-2. For surely Lord, “You desire truth in the inner parts; therefore, teach me Your wisdom in the inmost place,” Psalm 51:6.

The Lord answered and sent me on this journey of inner healing and recovery, and it’s my pleasure to share the discoveries I have made with you. Within each section the amassed information emanates its own distinct findings and encouragement; however, when worked and melded together, like a kaleidoscope, they offer radiant portrayals of God’s love and concern for our overall well-being. For this quest is one designed with the support of God’s Word, which provides a solid foundation one not swayed by opinion or emotion for this sole purpose: Life changing breakthroughs would be experienced!

The Message Bible tells us not to shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of us. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ (Colossians 3:2).

Yes, the Son of God has come and offers us knowledge, insight and understanding, so that we may know Him Who is True (1 John 5:20a); Who said:

“I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear, to be in awe and wonder of Me, so that they will never turn away from Me. I will rejoice in doing them good with all My heart and soul. I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness and you will acknowledge the Lord,”
Jeremiah 32:40.

This is God’s testimony: He gives us eternal life, and this life is in His Son (1 John 5:11). And this is eternal life: That they may know the Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom He has sent (John 17:3).

Praise God! It took time but I received this Good News, and now I know that Jesus, God’s Word of Truth and Life and Grace, continues to walk on earth accomplishing the miraculous so we can open our eyes and see, open our mouths and taste how good God truly is (Psalm 34:8). The Lord doesn’t leave us lame, He becomes our Righteousness making us upright, putting us in right standing with God (1 Corinthians 1:30), for He desires the upright to see His face (Psalm 11:7), and share in His glory (2 Thessalonians 2:14). This is why He says:

“Come now, let us reason together.”

Are you aware of the exchanges God was able to make for you through His Son?

Jesus was condemned that you might be forgiven
Jesus was wounded that you might be healed
Jesus was made sin for your sinfulness, that you might be made upright by His
righteousness
Jesus tasted death for you that you might receive everlasting life
Jesus was made a curse that you might receive an abundance of blessings
Jesus endured poverty that you might prosper and be in health even as your soul
prospers
Jesus bore your shame that you might receive His glory
Jesus endured rejection that you might know God’s acceptance
Jesus was cut off that you might be united with your heavenly Father
Jesus laid His life down so you could be made alive in Him

This is why I have prayed over this outreach – For God, Fore His Glory – that it would be as a beacon that signals safe refuge in the arms of Jesus, while holding out to all – the Word of Life (Philippians 2:15 TLB); which is a Beacon for sound advice; a Light that emanates good teaching; a Life path of moral and corrective discipline (Proverbs 6:23).

There is much that has been lost, given away and taken from us. This time is God-given for you to recover from the abuse and trouble and harsh (codependent) servitude you have endured (Isaiah 14:3 The Message). This time is God-given for you to discover tools, keys and truths that will work to free you from the chains of injustice and the cords of that yoke (cruel and abusive exploitations of this world). To set free those who are oppressed (dominated, coerced, belittled, demeaned); and break every yoke (anger, hatred, prejudice, lust, greed…). (Isaiah 58:6-9).

All that’s needed is a willingness to say Jesus,

“Here I am! I’d like to be Your friend.”

This is the God-given time to be edified so any falsehood in which you have been living can be identified, and those things weighing you down can be removed. Along this course of Renewal (Inner Healing) and Recovery, I saw myself walking down a very brightly lit white corridor, and as I navigated through each and every step, following principles, receiving what these lessons imparted, I saw myself setting things down – emotional baggage. Ridding myself of self-blame and shame and guilt. I was learning the difference between accountability and responsibility what was mine and what was not. I was learning to be patient, respectful and kind to myself, to take care of my side of the street, to live one day at a time.

There is a lot of information; however, remember to keep in mind this material is meant to work in your behalf to release you from character deficits and self-destructive behaviors that are harm-filled one step at a time; one day at time (a process). And, if assistance is needed for one moment, one hour at a time, God’s Word will always be there to support and empower. That you might recover cheerfulness and encouraging strength and know gladness (Psalm 39:13) and wonderful times of refreshment that God sends from heaven, the presence of the Lord
(Acts 3:19 TLB).

This information is life changing! For you will grow in knowledge and confidence knowing, trusting, believing – God loves you; and it is God Who will help you remain confident in His love for you as He helps you to apply what pertains to you and your life at this present time. God will help you reclaim your power from the likes of fear or anger or issues of control that we have empowered for such a long, long time. And what’s so very sad, the empowerment we provide the forces of negativity is being used to inflict harm against ourselves and others.

So I encourage you, no matter how simple or complex the circumstance you face – keep in mind there are only two choices – two directions in which to go. My prayer, my hope is you choose daily to continue on God’s mission of Renewal (Inner Healing) and Recovery. Come, travel its paths and find rest for your soul (Jeremiah 6:16). Discover God is a fountain of Truth (John 3:33). Discover His words and live, really live; body and soul, you’ll burst with health (Proverbs 4:22) as this discovery is made – Who you really are, and your place in God’s family (Matthew 5:9).

STEP TWELVE

(WHILE SEEKING FRIENDSHIP WITH JESUS)
HAVING HAD A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE AS THE RESULT OF THESE STEPS,
WE TRY TO CARRY THIS MESSAGE TO OTHERS,
AND PRACTICE THESE PRINCIPLES IN ALL OUR AFFAIRS

“Brothers and sister, If someone is caught in a sin, you who
Live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
But watch, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

PRINCIPLE EIGHT

YIELD MYSELF TO GOD TO BE USED TO BRING THIS
GOOD NEWS TO OTHERS, BOTH BY MY
EXAMPLE AND BY MY WORDS

“Happy are those who are persecuted because they
Do what God requires,” Matthew 5:10

LESSON TWENTY-FOUR
YES
PART ONE

This Step will talk to us about
- RECYCLING
Recycling our pain by
- Allowing God’s fire and light
  - To shine on it
  - To melt down our old
    - Hurts
    - Self-defeating behaviors
      - So they can be used again in a positive way
The more you say “Yes” to connecting with God’s strength deep
inside of you
- Waiting for you to call upon it
  - The more you are freed to escape from the fears that have
    had you trapped
They can be recycled to show others how following these steps with Jesus
- Healing
- Guiding
- Comforting
- Strengthening
Jesus will bring us through the darkness of our pain and into His glorious
- Freedom
- Light
Society tells us that pain is useless
- Some go so far as to say people in pain are useless
While working this Step, we discover that pain has value
- As do the people who experience it
We discover emotional trauma catapults a person into a strange place
where they go out of their way to avoid their pain they
- Deny
- Hide from
- Ignore
- Shut down their mind and heart from anything
  - That reminds them of their fears
The good news is, it can be truly liberating when you understand
- How trauma works
The more you heed the negativity voiced by trauma
- The more mired in quicksand you become

DENIAL IS A SYMPTOM OF OUR TRAUMA

Education is an important cornerstone at this point
We need to be exposed to information about
- The disease of addiction
- Its effects on family dynamics
- The concept of codependence
- The process of renewal (inner healing) and recovery
We must continually keep in mind the existence of denial
Our denial is unconscious
- Some things said about it may not make sense
Many will share their feelings only with people they can trust to
- Hear
- Respect
- Support them
Sharing may not be easy since everything they have learned up until
now has taught them not to expect to be
- Heard
- Respected
- Supported
During this stage, assurance is given
- There is a valid reason for each feeling we are experiencing
  - Even if the reasons are not known at this time
Many of us have experienced the uselessness of
- Trusting others
- Being aware of our feelings
The Truth is our lives have been filled with pain
- Something must change if there is ever going to be any DIFFERENCE
Since some of us have made a habit of paying attention to others and their feelings
- A step in the direction of progress and health must be taken
  - Which involves placing the primary focus on ourselves and our behavior
The guiding motto at this stage is this:

“PAIN IS INEVITABLE, BUT MISERY IS OPTIONAL”

By saying we are accepting
- We are powerless over areas of our lives that we have
  for so long
  - Tried to control
    - We are saying we too are codependent
Our denial system has been broken
- We are READY
  - To learn
  - To apply the tools of inner healing and recovery
We are ready to
- Take back our power
- Develop skills to communicate in a clear and concise fashion
  - As we gain knowledge about the multiple symptoms
    seen in codependence
We acknowledge this will require God’s help
- We can stop blaming our low self-esteem on outside causes
We can start to accept that our low self-esteem has resulted from the
cruelty we have inflicted on our own feelings
- We have lived a life controlled by compulsions
- We have been guilty of sacrificing our integrity
  - For the sake of security

When we have fears that we can’t face
- Denial rears its ugly head by prompting us to put in the earplugs
When a person is bound by the restraints of trauma
- They shut out feedback they don’t want to hear
The credo “IGNORANCE IS BLISS ” is embraced
- Minds are closed
- Hearts are shut down
  - When we feel intimidated by our pain and distress

We also need to be aware of the fact
- Depression during this stage is an important grieving process
Some things to consider and explore:
- How we went about trying to keep our feelings under control
- How we avoided acknowledging our personal needs
- How we tried to “Make” family members love us
- How others make us feel better about ourselves
Powerful hope is poured out to us
- As we embrace the message from Psalm 23 verse 5

“Lord, You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings”

In this Biblical classic
- We are encouraged to be still and confident
These instructions are given with the understanding
- Enemies with hostile intentions are all around us
But, instead of feeling panic and dismay
- We are exhorted to remain secure because of God’s promise
  - He will anoint our head with oil
    - A symbol for Holy Spirit

The shepherds of ancient Palestine anointed the sheep with oil to help heal their
scrapes and wounds
In a similar manner, God
- Through the power of His Spirit
  - Heals our emotional wounds
- Through knowledge of Jesus, the Word of Truth
  - Our perspectives
  - Opinions
  - Beliefs are altered
Our transformed faith helps us to think about our experiences
- Differently
We can see
- Despite the ill intentions of others
  - God has a purpose for us that both
    - Precedes
    - Supersedes
  - The harmful designs of our detractors
We can see the powerful promise unfolding right before us

“MY CUP OVERFLOWS WITH BLESSINGS”

This promise God has given
- Affirms His plan to have us experience abundance
  - In the midst of our
    - Circumstances
    - Doubts
    - Fears
    - Troubles
    - Challenges

It is intriguing how we cannot see or accept the offer of God’s blessings
- Apart from our pain and suffering, but rather
  - Through our turmoil
The Message Bible states:

You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you.
Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

Your blessed when you’re content with just who you are — no more, no less.
That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God.
He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

You’re blessed when you care.
At the moment of being “Care- Full” you find yourselves cared for.

You’re blessed when you get your inside world — your mind and heart — put right.
Then you can see God in the outside world.

You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate
Instead of compete or fight.
That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution.
The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

Not only that — count yourselves blessed every time people put you down
Throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit Jesus.
What it means is that the Truth is too close for comfort
They are uncomfortable.

You can be glad when that happens — give a cheer, even —
For though they don’t like it, the Lord does!
And all heaven applauds, and knows that you are in good company.
The prophets and witnesses of God have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Let me tell you why you are here.
You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth.
If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?

Here’s another way to put it.
You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.
God is not a secret to be kept.
We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.
Matthew 5:4-14

The message is
- Clear
- Helpful
  - No matter the choices and decisions of our past
The Shepherd’s love is so powerful
- Hard times and hard people that place us in impossible situations
  - Are NO match for the love of God

We can begin to make wholesome choices
- Take a holistic approach concerning our lives
  - Thinking about the big picture
    - One that addresses our whole being our
      - Physical
      - Mental
      - Emotional health and well-being
      - While taking our social skills into consideration

These Steps can be practiced in our
- Home lives
- Businesses
- Finances
- Love relationships
- Relationships with relatives and friends
  - These are the same places we have practiced our
    - OLD BEHAVIORS
When we began this journey of inner healing and recovery
- Our vision of these steps may have been narrow
We are taking care of ourselves primarily to ease the pain we
believe has been caused in us by
- Another person and their behavior
Our hope for working these steps is to
- Stop obsessing about others
- Stop feeling guilty or ashamed
  - About other people’s problems

The following was posted by Victoria Moran:
- In my view, all the scriptures of the world are vast, important collections of words
  that can be taken on a variety of levels for the edification of humankind. I studied
  most of them, at least in a cursory way, in college when I was getting a degree in
  comparative religions. Given my geographic and cultural background, though, I am
  most familiar with the Bible, two testaments’ worth. I’m no Bible scholar by any
  stretch, but when I ask for guidance, it often comes to me straight from this Book,
  sometimes in phrases I didn’t know I knew.

1. “I WILL GIVE YOU THE YEARS THAT THE LOCUST HAS EATEN,” JOEL 2:25

When I was first aware that I was indeed in recovery, desperately needing inner healing
from the compulsive overeating that held me in bondage for most of my life, this passage
flooded my consciousness. I felt that I’d been given the years the locust had eaten, all that
youth I’d used up, and it is true

2. “THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU,” LUKE 17:21

Clear, concise, MapQuest for the soul. It reminds me of the Hindu story: The gods
didn’t know where to hide the Truth from the upstart they’d created, Homo Sapiens.
They thought about the bottom of the sea and distant planets, but lamented that we’d
eventually look in those places. The wisest god is said to have come up with the final
answer. “Hide it inside them. That’s one place they’ll never look.”

3. “HE HAS SHOWED THEE, O MAN, WHAT IS GOOD, AND WHAT DOES THE
      LORD REQUIRE OF YOU, BUT TO DO JUSTLY, TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO WALK
      HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD,”MICAH 6:8

I like instructions, recipes, “Insert flap A into tab B.” I want to know what the Lord
requires of me, even when doing it is quite a challenge.

4. “AND GOD SAID, ‘BEHOLD I HAVE GIVEN YOU EVERY HERB BEARING SEED,
      WHICH IS UPON THE FACE OF ALL THE EARTH, AND EVERY TREE THAT
      HAS FRUIT WITH SEED IN IT. THEY WILL BE YOURS FOR FOOD.” GENESIS 1:29

I’ve heard this called “Man’s Original Diet.” I’m very fond of the idea that we
were meant to be vegetarians, to live without violence or killing. And I’m
grateful to live in a time and place where this is again possible. It may not be
Eden, but I have access to produce all year ‘round.

5. “TEST ME IN THIS,” SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHT, “AND SEE IF I WILL NOT THROW
OPEN THE FLOODGATES OF HEAVEN AND POUR OUT SO MUCH BLESSING
THAT YOU WILL NOT HAVE ROOM ENOUGH FOR IT,” MALACHI 3:10

I love tithing. I figure, we all make sure we have health insurance. Tithing is
wealth insurance. I’ve learned from experience the first 10 percent that comes
to me in earnings or gifts or profit of any kind is not mine. When I give it
back to God in whatever way seems appropriate at the time, it comes back in
multiples and the fear about having enough goes away.

6. “GIVE, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU: A GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN,
      SHAKEN TOGETHER AND RUNNING OVER, SHALL BE POURED INTO
      YOUR LAP. FOR WITH THE SAME MEASURE THAT YOU USE IT SHALL BE
      MEASURED TO YOU AGAIN,” LUKE 6:38

Another giving quotation. When I want to be stingy (about money or time or
anything else), I think of this one and loosen up.

7. “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR
AS YOURSELF,” LUKE 10:2

Jesus’s two commandments seem to put it all in shorthand. As simple as
they sound, they lay out a life’s work, a soul’s imperative.

8. “AND I, IF I BE LIFTED UP…I SHALL DRAW ALL MEN UNTO ME,” JOHN 12:32

I love this concept. Jesus spoke it in His time for His purposes, but we can
use it now, remembering to keep ourselves lifted up and drawing others up
along with us.

9. “THEY SHALL NOT HURT OR DESTROY IN ALL MY HOLY MOUNTAIN; FOR
      THE EARTH SHALL BE FULL OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD, AS
      THE WATERS COVER THE SEA,” ISAIAH 11:9

The hairs on my arms stood up just typing Isaiah’s prophecy for a peaceful
time. All I can do with this today is live it imperfectly in my own little life. If
enough of us do this, it can’t help but come to pass.

10. “HE WHO OVERCOMES I WILL MAKE A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF MY
GOD, AND HE SHALL NO MORE GO OUT,” REVELATION 3:12

From Revelation the poetic, metaphoric final book of the New Testament,
this lovely promise of the goal of life makes me happy. I see it as the end of
the journey — merging again with the Light awaiting that time when in a
Kabalistic sense or, with Buddhist sensibilities, awaiting that time when “the
dewdrop slips into the shining sea.”

We do not get to control the universe
Difficulties will come
The missing link, however, which we do have control over
- Our faith in our God
  - Who is more than able to comfort and deliver us from
    - ANY FOE

However, the gravitational pull to return to our old ways of
- Thinking
- Responding
  - Is formidable
Don’t be afraid
God’s light is stronger than the darkness you’ve lived through
What lies ahead in our transformation
- A whole new life strategy that is both healing and powerful

Father, give me a heart like Mary’s, willing to agree with Your Word,
Your promises, and Your intent for my life. With Mary there was no negotiating,
No hemming or hawing, no 24 hours to think about it, no keeping her options open.
You simply spoke, and she unhesitatingly responded with a Yes.

You have an intent for me. That purpose will have its challenges, its high points
And low points, its joys and sorrows, but Your plan is far and above
The best plan for my short life. May my soul be transformed into one that
Instantly obeys You, comes when You call, follows Your lead,
And believes Your Word even when I can’t fully comprehend it, for Your Word is Truth.
In Jesus’ name! Amen
Mark and Jill Herringshaw