Date:  9-27-2009

Message: The Reality Choice

Series Title:  LHC (Part 1)

 

 

Romans 7:15-19 (NIV) 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.  . . .  18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

 

Stress                  Diet                         Finances

Fears                   Worry                     Relationships

My overwork     Bad habits              Painful memories

Attractions         Anger                      Perfectionism

Addiction           Dishonesty              Resentment

Regrets               Need to control      Compulsive thoughts

 

 

Matthew 5:3 (NIV) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

I ADMIT I need help; that I’m powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable.

To be poor in spirit . . .

1. I must humbly ADMIT I NEED HELP.

 

James 4:6 (GW) “God opposes arrogant people, but he is kind to humble people.”

 

Humility means…

 

a. I will admit that I AM BROKEN

 

b. I will admit that MY SECRETS MAKE ME SICK

Psalms 32:3-5 (NLT) 3 When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long. 4. . .  My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.  5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

 

      c. I must admit it TO DEFEAT IT

 

Proverbs 28:13 (TEV) You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you.

 

 

d. MY PRIDE AND FEAR keep me stuck.

 

Jeremiah 2:13 (GW) “My people have done two things wrong. They have abandoned Me, the fountain of life-giving water. They have also dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that can't hold water.

 

2. I need to humbly ASK GOD FOR HELP  

 

2 Corinthians 1:9 (TLB) We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead.

 

Matthew 5:3 (MSG) "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

 

 

3.  I must humbly ACCEPT HELP FROM OTHER PEOPLE.

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

 

James 5:16 (TLB) Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

 

Revealing your feeling is the beginning of healing.

GOING FROM MERE INFO TO FRUIT

 

EAR GATE          DVD

EYE GATE          Book: Life’s Healing Choices

MOUTH GATE    Discussion Groups

HEART GATE     Bible Verse each week

HAND GATE      Projects, Application of the principles

 

 

DISCUSSION GROUP GROUND RULES

1. What is said in the group, STAYS IN THE GROUP 

2. Don’t try to “FIX”  people  

3. Don’t minimize PAIN 

4. Guys discuss with guys, and gals - gals

5. Focus on MY OWN BROKENNESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ the Intro and Chapter. 1 of

John Baker’s book:   “Life’s Healing Choices” 

Daily Doses:

For those with extremely busy schedules: Take just a minute a day to start out with a Word from the Lord.  Read it!  Listen Again!  Write down how it applies to you. Finally pray about it.

qMon. Jam.4:6

qWed.  Prov.28:13

qFri.  Jam 5:16

qTue.  Psa 32:3-5

qThr.  Eccl.4:9-10

qSat.  Mat 5:3

Through the Bible in One Year  "Parson Larsen's Quiet Time Notebook" or “Through the Bible In 1 Year” brochure study guides are available in the lobby of the church.  This free resource should help you to develop a Bible reading plan that will certainly bless your week.