Standard Jet DBnb` Ugr@?~1y0̝cßFNc7Pܜ(.`Y {6߱zlC739y[-|*|b/?f_Љ$g'DeFx -bT4.0dv Y S  Y   Y Y  Y Y  Y  Y  Y   Y u Y o Y n Y z Y 2lY  Y  z Y  pY ConnectDatabaseDateCreateDateUpdate FlagsForeignNameIdLvLvExtraLvModule LvPropName OwnerParentIdRmtInfoLongRmtInfoShortTypeniLLLLYYIdParentIdName        OYS Y Y Y  Y 2ACMFInheritableObjectIdSID YObjectId YܦKK$KSY  Y pRY Y  Y  Y xRY  Y AttributeExpressionFlagLvExtra Name1 Name2ObjectId OrderY'Y $&YY"ObjectIdAttribute -YSY Y Y  Y L Y L Y  Y  Y Lccolumn grbiticolumnszColumnszObject$szReferencedColumn$szReferencedObjectszRelationshipLL LLL LLL LYYYszObject$szReferencedObjectszRelationshipYv1b N  : k & W  C t/ @@X  @@OJmJLJkQkiQ^JmYdbkWYfkmJL^Qk`kvkJMQk`kvkdL[QMmk`kvkhoQiYQk`kvkiQ^JmYdbkWYfkmdfYMbdmQk`kvkOL  @~  @ @W W W W W WWWWWWWWWWWWW      d k f  @@Topic Notesv@XDDD88888886 @oY@oY@MSysRelationshipstDDDDDDDDDDB oY@oY@MSysQueriest88888888886 oY@oY@MSysACEst22222222220 oY@oY@MSysObjectst88888888886 oY@oY@MSysDbv.........., oY@oY@Relationshipst<<<<<<<<<<: oY@oY@Databasest44444444442 oY@oY@Tablest.........., jY N Y Y d YID TitleCommentsuuUuuVYYIDPrimaryKeyHv1b@ LVAL.={\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 Step 1 - We admitted that we were powerless over our addiction and that our life had become unmanagable \par \cf2\b0\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 6:2\cf0 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are troubled.\par \cf3 Psa 6:3\cf0 My soul is also greatly troubled: but you, O LORD, how long?\par \cf3 Psa 6:4\cf0 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for your mercies' sake.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22\par Psa 38:3\cf0 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.\par \cf3 Psa 38:4\cf0 For my iniquities are gone over my head: as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.\par \cf3 Psa 38:5\cf0 My wounds are foul and are corrupt because of my foolishness.\par \cf3 Psa 38:6\cf0 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.\par \cf3 Psa 38:7\cf0 For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh.\par \cf3 Psa 38:8\cf0 I am feeble and utterly broken: I have groaned by reason of the turmoil of my heart.\par \cf3 Psa 38:9\cf0 Lord, all my desire is before you; and my groaning is not hid from you.\par \cf3 Psa 38:10\cf0 My heart pants, my strength fails me: as for the light of my eyes, it also is gone from me.\par \cf3 Psa 38:11\cf0 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague; and my kinsmen stand afar off.\par \cf3 Psa 38:12\cf0 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and plan deceit all the day long.\par \cf3 Psa 38:13\cf0 But I, as LVALa deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that opens not his mouth.\par \cf3 Psa 38:14\cf0 Thus I was as a man that hears not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 Here we see the psalmist in great pain and misery because of their sin. As addicts we can identify with these types of feelings or conditions that have come from our sin as well. No sane person would want to find themselves in this state of corruption and decay. But because of the sin in our addictive behaviors and our inability to say no to those behaviors, we find ourselves feeling bad in body, heart, mind and soul. Notice the many areas of consequences. In the soul there is a feeling "as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me." In the body, there is "no soundness in the flesh" and even a "loathsome disease". In the heart there is "turmoil of my heart" and the resulting groaning. In relationships, there is a turning away of lovers, friends and family. In society there are "snares" and the saying of mischevious and deceitful things. There is a hint in this psalm also of the solution in laying it before God (38:9). These are what should be covered in the following steps of the program - how to turn it over to God and begin making things right before God and man. \i0\f0\par \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 55:4\cf0 My heart is greatly pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.\par \cf3 Psa 55:5\cf0 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me.\par \cf3 Psa 55:6\cf0 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.\par \cf3 Psa 55:7\cf0 Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.\par \cf3 Psa 55:8\cf0 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 69:19\cf0 You have known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonor: my adversaries are all beforLVALe you.\par \cf3 Psa 69:20\cf0 Reproach has broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 88:3\cf0 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draws near unto the grave.\par \cf3 Psa 88:4\cf0 I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that has no strength:\par \cf3 Psa 88:5\cf0 Adrift among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom you remember no more: and they are cut off from your hand.\par \cf3 Psa 88:6\cf0 You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deep.\par \cf3 Psa 88:7\cf0 Your anger lies hard upon me, and you have afflicted me with all your waves. Selah.\par \cf3 Psa 88:8\cf0 You have put away my acquaintance far from me; you have made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 102:3\cf0 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as a hearth.\par \cf3 Psa 102:4\cf0 My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.\par \cf3 Psa 102:5\cf0 Because of the voice of my groaning my bones cling to my skin.\par \cf3 Psa 102:6\cf0 I am like a vulture of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.\par \cf3 Psa 102:7\cf0 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.\par \cf3 Psa 102:8\cf0 My enemies reproach me all the day; and they that rail against me are sworn against me.\par \cf3 Psa 102:9\cf0 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,\par \cf3 Psa 102:10\cf0 Because of your indignation and your wrath: for you have lifted me up, and cast me down.\par \cf3 Psa 102:11\cf0 My days are like a shadow that declines; and I am withered like grass.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 109:22\cf0 LVALFor I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.\par \cf3 Psa 109:23\cf0 I am gone like the shadow when it declines: I am shaken off like the locust.\par \cf3 Psa 109:24\cf0 My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh lacks fatness.\par \cf3 Psa 109:25\cf0 I became also a reproach unto them: when they looked upon me they shook their heads.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Pro 14:12\cf0 There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Pro 18:14\cf0 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness; but a wounded spirit who can bear?\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \cf3\fs24 Pro 26:11\cf0 As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Pro 26:12\cf0 See a man wise in his own eyes? there is more hope of a fool than of him.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 Both of these verses from Proverbs can be relevant to how we probably have lived before taking the first step. In verse 11, the fool returns to his folly as a dog returns to its vomit. Our addictive behaviors have been our folly, that which makes a fool out of us. And just as the dog returns to what it knows and is familiar with, even though it may be unhealthy and nasty from an objective viewpoint, so also we have returned to our own addictive behaviors over and over again, even though they are unhealthy and nasty from any objective viewpoint. What may have blinded us to the insanity of this behavior is given in the next verse, verse 12. If we have been wise in our own eyes, saying to ourselves that most everyone or everything else is stupid or wrong or too inhibited or dull in their beliefs and life (name your own excuse that allows you to be wise in your own eyes), then we set ourselves up for being a fool or worse. In reality, we have really become addicted and have let LVALthat addiction rule our reason, rather than the other way around. We usually only wake up to this fact when we find our lives out of control and have to admit that perhaps we were not so wise after all. This can be a difficult thing to do, but is the first step on the road to recovery. \par \i0\f0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Mat 9:36\cf0 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Mar 5:2\cf0 And when he came out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, \par \cf3 Mar 5:3\cf0 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: \par \cf3 Mar 5:4\cf0 Because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been wrenched apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man subdue him. \par \cf3 Mar 5:5\cf0 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. \par \cf3 Mar 5:6\cf0 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshiped him, \par \cf3 Mar 5:7\cf0 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the most high God? I adjure you by God, that you torment me not. \par \cf3 Mar 5:8\cf0 For he had said unto him, \cf4 Come out of the man, you unclean spirit.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mar 5:9\cf0 And he asked him, \cf4 What is your name?\cf0 And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. \par \cf3 Mar 5:10\cf0 And he begged him much that he would not send them away out of the country. \par \cf3 Mar 5:11\cf0 Now there was there near unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. \par \cf3 Mar 5:12\cf0 And all the demons begged him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. \par \cf3 Mar 5:13\cf0 And Jesus gave them leave. And tLVALhe unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (there were about two thousand;) and were drowned in the sea. \par \cf3 Mar 5:14\cf0 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. \par \cf3 Mar 5:15\cf0 And they came to Jesus, and saw him that was possessed with the demon, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 This passage tells of the healing by Jesus of a man who had many demons. In modern times we may wonder about what demon possession was really about. But regardless of our conclusions, there are many parallels between someone with demon possession and how we can act in our addictive behaviors. Verse 5:5 tells of the man crying and cutting himself with stones day and night. If we have gone very far into our addictive behaviors we most likely have found ourselves crying and hating ourselves afterwards for what we have done. The hatred may even have gone as far as cutting or doing bodily harm to ourselves in one way or another. It may go on day and night, having no end to the addictive behavior until we finally collapse in sheer exhaustion. And when we get up from the sleep of exhaustion the addictive behavior may take over again until exhaustion, creating an utterly self-destructive form of living. Also, we see in verses 5:3 and 5:4 about the incredible strength of this man. In our addictive behaviors with our adrenalin rushing through us, we also can often have a physical strength beyond our normal day to day strength. This may even be a source of pride and one reason that we turn to our addictive behavior, to have a feeling of strength or empowerment that we normally cannot find within ourselves. The lie of the addiction is, of course, that when we are through with our addictive behavior then we are usually weaker overall than before, having exhausLVALted our strength or goodwill from others in often daredevil or foolhardy schemes that bring us no lasting good and often destruction. In verses 5:6 and 5:7 we see the answer to this man's dilemma. By God's grace this demon possessed man has the sense to run and worship Jesus. Whether it was the demons within this man or the man himself, there was an acknowledgement of Jesus' position as the "Son of the most high God". Following this, Jesus yielded His power over the man's demons and by verse 5:15 we see that this man had been returned to his right mind. So from the 12 step perspective, one might say that this passage covers steps 1 through 3. The last phrase in verse 15 is very telling also. Instead of rejoicing with this man that he had been delivered, the towns people "were afraid". So it may be also as we turn from our addictive habits. Instead of support and appreciation it may be that others shun us or are afraid of us, especially those who somehow benefit from our addiction (e.g., fellow addicts). This should not deter us from moving forward. In the context of the 12 step program, going forward would mean creating an inventory, which would be a 4th step. In the case of this demon possessed man, an inventory would remind him strongly what he had been delivered from and help motivate him to never return to that state of being again. \par \par \i0\f0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Rom 7:18\cf0 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. \par \cf3 Rom 7:19\cf0 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. \par \cf3 Rom 7:20\cf0 Now if I do that which I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. \par \cf3 Rom 7:21\cf0 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. \par \cf3 Rom 7:22\cf0 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: \par \cf3 Rom 7:23\cf0 But I see another law LVALin my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\i\f1 This is a classic passage that tells of how the apostle Paul was ultimately powerless over the sin in his life apart from the power of God. He had the will to do what is right, but at the same time he also had the inclination to do what brought him into the "captivity of sin". In the facing of our addiction and the taking of our first step, we also become aware of how powerless we are over the sin of our addictive behaviors. We realize that no matter how strongly we might will or want ourselves to be a certain way, to do a certain thing or to not do a certain thing, then we find that we are not able to carry through with that in a consistent manner. We find ourselves back to the same old self-destructive behaviors that we have grown accustomed to, that have become so much a part of our lives. In our "flesh", we are not able to carry through on staying away from our addictive behaviors, even though we may want to and know at some level how self-destructive they are. We have been powerless over our addictive behaviors and our life has become unmanageable. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\i0\f0\par \par \cf3 2Pe 2:12\cf0 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; \par \cf3 2Pe 2:13\cf0 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, reveling themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; \par \cf3 2Pe 2:14\cf0 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: a heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: \par \cf3 2Pe 2:15\cf0 Who have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wage LVAL s of unrighteousness; \par \cf3 2Pe 2:16\cf0 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb donkey speaking with man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet. \par \cf3 2Pe 2:17\cf0 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever. \par \cf3 2Pe 2:18\cf0 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that have just escaped from them who live in error. \par \cf3 2Pe 2:19\cf0 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. \par \par \par \par \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \pard\f2\par }  d=xO& Step 12S.=  Step 11gL.=  Step 10J.=  Step 9H.=Step 8\F.=Step 7"1B.=Step 6_;.=Step 5)8.=Step 4p0.=Step 3FV*.=Step 2P.=Step 1R.=LVAL.={\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red128\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 Step 2 - We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity\par \cf2\b0\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 18:2\cf0 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.\par \cf3 Psa 18:3\cf0 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from my enemies.\par \cf3\fs24 Psa 18:4\cf0 The sorrows of death surrounded me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.\par \cf3 Psa 18:5\cf0 The sorrows of sheol surrounded me: the snares of death confronted me.\par \cf3 Psa 18:6\cf0 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 David proclaims the strength, protection and deliverance that comes from the Lord. When David was overcome with sorrow and fear, he called upon the Lord, and the Lord heard him in his distress and brought safety and deliverance. During the second step, we search for a power that can deliver us from the insanity of our addictive behaviors. This power needs to be something or someone on whom we can rely and in whom we can have confidence. David's witness in the Psalms as well as the experiences of many, many others as recorded in the Bible and throughout history attest to the faithfulness of the Lord in providing safety and deliverance from distress when we turn to Him in our sincere need. \i0\f0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 20:7\cf0 Some trust in chariots, and some in horLVALses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.\par \cf3 Psa 20:8\cf0 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.\par \par \par \cf3 Psa 27:13\cf0 I would have fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.\par \cf3 Psa 27:14\cf0 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 33:18\cf0 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;\par \cf3 Psa 33:19\cf0 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.\par \cf3 Psa 33:20\cf0 Our soul waits for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.\par \cf3 Psa 33:21\cf0 For our he\cf3 Psa 107:22\cf0 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.\par \cf3 Psa 33:22\cf0 Let your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in you.\par \cf3\par \par Psa 46:1 \cf0 \cf4\i [To the Chief Musician for the sons of Korah. A song upon alamoth.]\cf0\i0 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.\par \cf3 Psa 46:2\cf0 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 71:1\cf0 In you, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.\par \cf3 Psa 71:2\cf0 Deliver me in your righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline your ear unto me, and save me.\par \cf3 Psa 71:3\cf0 Be my strong habitation, to which I may continually resort: you have given commandment to save me; for you are my rock and my fortress.\par \cf3 Psa 71:4\cf0 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 107:23\cf0 LVAL They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business on great waters;\par \cf3 Psa 107:24\cf0 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.\par \cf3 Psa 107:25\cf0 For he commands, and raises the stormy wind, who lifts up the waves thereof.\par \cf3 Psa 107:26\cf0 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.\par \cf3 Psa 107:27\cf0 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.\par \cf3 Psa 107:28\cf0 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he brings them out of their distresses.\par \cf3 Psa 107:29\cf0 He makes the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.\par \cf3 Psa 107:30\cf0 Then are they glad because they are quiet; so he brings them unto their desired haven.\par \cf3 Psa 107:31\cf0 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!\par art shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.\par \cf3\par Psa 107:41\cf0 Yet sets he the poor on high from affliction, and makes their families like a flock.\par \cf3 Psa 107:42\cf0 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop its mouth.\par \cf3 Psa 107:43\cf0 Whoever is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 121:1 \cf4\i [A song of ascents.]\cf0\i0 I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from which comes my help.\par \cf3 Psa 121:2\cf0 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.\par \cf3 Psa 121:3\cf0 He will not allow your foot to be moved: he that keeps you will not slumber.\par \cf3 Psa 121:4\cf0 Behold, he that keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.\par \cf3 Psa 121:5\cf0 The LORD is your keeper: the LORD is your shade upon your right hand.\par \cf3 Psa 121:6\cf0 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by niLVALght.\par \cf3 Psa 121:7\cf0 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil: he shall preserve your soul.\par \cf3 Psa 121:8\cf0 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 130:1\cf0 \cf4\i [A song of ascents.]\cf0\i0 Out of the depths have I cried unto you, O LORD.\par \cf3 Psa 130:2\cf0 Lord, hear my voice: let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.\par \cf3 Psa 130:3\cf0 If you, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?\par \cf3 Psa 130:4\cf0 But there is forgiveness with you, that you may be feared.\par \cf3 Psa 130:5\cf0 I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, and in his word do I hope.\par \cf3 Psa 130:6\cf0 My soul waits for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.\par \cf3 Psa 130:7\cf0 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is abundant redemption.\par \cf3 Psa 130:8\cf0 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Psa 139:1 \cf0 \cf4\i [To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.]\cf0\i0 O LORD, you have searched me, and known me.\par \cf3 Psa 139:2\cf0 You know my downsitting and my uprising, you understand my thought afar off.\par \cf3 Psa 139:3\cf0 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.\par \cf3 Psa 139:4\cf0 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, you know it altogether.\par \cf3 Psa 139:5\cf0 You have hedged me behind and before, and laid your hand upon me.\par \cf3 Psa 139:6\cf0 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.\par \cf3 Psa 139:7\cf0 Where shall I go from your Spirit? or where shall I flee from your presence?\par \cf3 Psa 139:8\cf0 If I ascend up into heaven, you are there: if I make my beLVAL d in Sheol, behold, you are there.\par \cf3 Psa 139:9\cf0 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;\par \cf3 Psa 139:10\cf0 Even there shall your hand lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.\par \cf3 Psa 139:11\cf0 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.\par \cf3 Psa 139:12\cf0 Yea, the darkness hides not from you; but the night shines as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to you.\par \cf3 Psa 139:13\cf0 For you have formed my inward parts: you have covered me in my mother's womb.\par \cf3 Psa 139:14\cf0 I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are your works; and that my soul knows right well.\par \cf3 Psa 139:15\cf0 My frame was not hid from you, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.\par \cf3 Psa 139:16\cf0 Your eyes did see my substance, being yet unformed; and in your book they were all written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.\par \cf3 Psa 139:17\cf0 How precious also are your thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!\par \cf3 Psa 139:18\cf0 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with you.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Pro 1:7\cf0 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Pro 2:6\cf0 For the LORD gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.\par \cf3 Pro 2:7\cf0 He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a shield to them that walk uprightly.\par \cf3 Pro 2:8\cf0 He keeps the paths of justice, and preserves the way of his saints.\par \cf3 Pro 2:9\cf0 Then shall you understand righteousness, and justice, and equity; yea, every good path.\par \cf3 Pro 2:10\cf0 When wisdom enteLVAL!rs into your heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto your soul;\par \cf3 Pro 2:11\cf0 Discretion shall preserve you, understanding shall keep you:\par \cf3 Pro 2:12\cf0 To deliver you from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaks perverse things;\par \cf3 Pro 2:13\cf0 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;\par \cf3 Pro 2:14\cf0 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the perverseness of the wicked;\par \cf3 Pro 2:15\cf0 Whose ways are crooked, and who are perverse in their paths:\par \cf3 Pro 2:16\cf0 To deliver you from the immoral woman, even from the seductress who flatters with her words;\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Pro 15:16\cf0 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with trouble.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Mat 9:12\cf0 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, \cf5 They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 9:13\cf0 \cf5 But go and learn what that means, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.\cf0 \par \cf3\par \par Mat 11:28\cf0 \cf5 Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 11:29\cf0 \cf5 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 11:30\cf0 \cf5 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 This is a promise that when we come to Jesus we will find rest. This is so much needed to save us from the insanity of our addiction that we admitted in step 1. We have carried the yoke of slavery of our addiction for a long time. Jesus promises a different type of a yoke, one that is light and easy, one in which we can find rest and peace. How blessed is such a promise from the one who does not lie. \LVAL"i0\f0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Mat 12:18\cf0 \cf5 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show justice to the Gentiles.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 12:19\cf0 \cf5 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 12:20\cf0 \cf5 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he sends forth justice unto victory.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 12:21\cf0 \cf5 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \cf2\i\f1 This is from a prophecy from the book of Isaiah about the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy when He showed Himself to be a Messiah of meekness and yet justice, gentleness and strength, victorious and trustworthy. He did not strive or cry out but went forth in quiet victory, bringing justice. He is someone in whom we can trust. In the second step of the 12 step program, that is what it is all about - someone whom we can trust to carry us out of our sin and the burdens of our addiction. And Jesus brings this deliverance in such an approachable way, not striving or crying out, but gently offering to us the victory through His grace and gentle ways. \par \cf3\i0\f0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Mat 20:29\cf0 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. \par \cf3 Mat 20:30\cf0 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the wayside, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, you son of David. \par \cf3 Mat 20:31\cf0 And the multitude rebuked them, that they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, you son of David. \par \cf3 Mat 20:32\cf0 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, \cf5 What will you that I shall do unto you?\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 20:33\cf0 They said unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. \par \cf3 Mat 20:34\cf0 So Jesus had compassLVAL#ion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Mar 5:35\cf0 While he yet spoke, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain who said, Your daughter is dead: why trouble you the Teacher any further? \par \cf3 Mar 5:36\cf0 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he said unto the ruler of the synagogue, \cf5 Be not afraid, only believe.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Mar 9:23\cf0 Jesus said unto him, \cf5 If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mar 9:24\cf0 And immediately the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. \par \par \cf3 Luk 11:5\cf0 And he said unto them, \cf5 Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 11:6\cf0 \cf5 For a friend of mine in his journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 11:7\cf0 \cf5 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give you.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 11:8\cf0 \cf5 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give to him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needs.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 11:9\cf0 \cf5 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 11:10\cf0 \cf5 For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 11:11\cf0 \cf5 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he asks for a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 11:12\cf0 \cf5 Or if he shall ask an egg, willLVAL$ he offer him a scorpion?\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 11:13\cf0 \cf5 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Luk 9:56\cf0 \cf5 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them\cf0 . And they went to another village. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf0\par \cf3 Joh 3:14\cf0 \cf5 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 3:15\cf0 \cf5 That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 3:16\cf0 \cf5 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 3:17\cf0 \cf5 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 3:18\cf0 \cf5 He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Joh 6:28\cf0 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? \par \cf3 Joh 6:29\cf0 Jesus answered and said unto them, \cf5 This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he has sent.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Joh 6:63\cf0 \cf5 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Joh 6:68\cf0 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life. \par \cf3 Joh 6:69\cf0 And we believe and are sure that you are that ChLVAL%rist, the Son of the living God. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Joh 7:37\cf0 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, \cf5 If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 7:38\cf0 \cf5 He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 7:39\cf0 (But this spoke he of the Spirit, whom they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Joh 8:12\cf0 Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, \cf5 I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Joh 10:9\cf0 \cf5 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 10:10\cf0 \cf5 The thief comes not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 10:11\cf0 \cf5 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 10:12\cf0 \cf5 But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 10:13\cf0 \cf5 The hireling flees, because he is a hireling, and cares not for the sheep.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 10:14\cf0 \cf5 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Joh 11:25\cf0 Jesus said unto her, \cf5 I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 11:26\cf0 \cf5 And whosoever lives and belieLVAL&ves in me shall never die. Do you believe this?\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Joh 14:6\cf0 Jesus said unto him, \cf5 I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 14:7\cf0 \cf5 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also: and from henceforth you know him, and have seen him.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Act 4:9\cf0 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the crippled man, by what means he is made whole; \par \cf3 Act 4:10\cf0 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him does this man stand here before you whole. \par \cf3 Act 4:11\cf0 This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the head of the corner. \par \cf3 Act 4:12\cf0 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Act 16:31\cf0 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Rom 8:37\cf0 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. \par \cf3 Rom 8:38\cf0 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, \par \cf3 Rom 8:39\cf0 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creation, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 1Co 1:18\cf0 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 2Co 1:8\cf0 LVAL'For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life: \par \cf3 2Co 1:9\cf0 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead: \par \cf3 2Co 1:10\cf0 Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; \par \cf3 2Co 1:11\cf0 You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 2Co 5:19\cf0 That is, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation. \par \cf3 2Co 5:20\cf0 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. \par \cf3 2Co 5:21\cf0 For he has made him, who knew no sin, to be sin for us; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Gal 1:3\cf0 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, \par \cf3 Gal 1:4\cf0 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God our Father: \par \cf3 Gal 1:5\cf0 To whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Eph 2:4\cf0 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, \par \cf3 Eph 2:5\cf0 Even when we were dead in sins, has made us alive together with Christ, (by grace you are saved;) \par \cf3 Eph 2:6\cf0 And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: \par \cf3 Eph 2:7\cf0 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of LVAL(his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. \par \cf3 Eph 2:8\cf0 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: \par \cf3 Eph 2:9\cf0 Not of works, lest any man should boast. \par \cf3 Eph 2:10\cf0 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Col 2:13\cf0 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has he made alive together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; \par \cf3 Col 2:14\cf0 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; \par \cf3 Col 2:15\cf0 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Heb 2:14\cf0 Since then the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; \par \cf3 Heb 2:15\cf0 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. \par \cf3 Heb 2:16\cf0 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the nature of Abraham. \par \cf3 Heb 2:17\cf0 Therefore in all things he had to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. \par \cf3 Heb 2:18\cf0 For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help them that are tempted. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \cf2\i\f1 This passage from Hebrews states how Christ took the form of human flesh and blood as He walked this earth. He did this out of compassion and love, to deliver us from a "lifetime subject to bondage". And the wayLVAL) that He could do this is that sin was not found in His life. We are not like that. From our first step, we know that sin has not only been in our lives, but it has taken control of our lives, making us powerless over the sin. Jesus had no sin in His life, even though He lived as a human being like us. Being a human being, He knows firsthand how trials and temptations can abound - "he is able to help them that are tempted". Being sinless, He can act as our high priest before God, reconciling us to God in spite of our sins. He is unique in the history of mankind, for no other man lived a sinless life before God. And we can be very thankful, because Christ Jesus didn't live such a life in order to condemn us or set Himself apart, but so that He could identify with us, make the perfect sacrifice and save us through His love. \cf3\i0\f0\par \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Heb 7:22\cf0 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better covenant. \par \cf3 Heb 7:23\cf0 And they truly were many priests, because they were not allowed to continue by reason of death: \par \cf3 Heb 7:24\cf0 But this man, because he continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. \par \cf3 Heb 7:25\cf0 Therefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them. \par \cf3 Heb 7:26\cf0 For such a high priest was befitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; \par \cf3 Heb 7:27\cf0 Who needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. \par \cf3 Heb 7:28\cf0 For the law makes men high priests who have weakness; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, makes the Son, who is consecrated forevermore. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Jam 1:17\cf0 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes dowLLVAL\n from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 1Jo 4:10\cf0 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\fs24 Rev 3:20\cf0 \cf5 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will eat with him, and he with me.\cf0 \par \cf3 Rev 3:21\cf0 \cf5 To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\fs22\par \cf2\i\f1 Here the risen Christ gives a beautiful offer and promise as well as a challenge.He stands at the door of our heart and offers to come in and fellowship with us if we only open the door and invite Him in. The challenge is that we then overcome this world and its sin that we might sit with Him for eternity. And it is only through that fellowship with Christ that we will have the power and strength to ultimately overcome. \cf3\i0\f0\par \par \par \par \pard\cf2\f2\fs23\par } LVAL.=+{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red128\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sb100\sa100\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 Step 3 - We made a decision to turn out will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf2\b0\i0\fs22\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fs24 Gen 1:1\cf0 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf2\fs22\par \fs24 Psa 3:1\cf0 \cf3\i [A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.]\cf0\i0 LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.\par \cf2 Psa 3:2\cf0 Many there be who say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.\par \cf2 Psa 3:3\cf0 But you, O LORD, are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my head.\par \cf2 Psa 3:4\cf0 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.\par \cf2 Psa 3:5\cf0 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.\par \cf2 Psa 3:6\cf0 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.\par \cf2\fs22\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf4\i\f1 When we are setting our face towards finding the Truth about a Higher Power who can restore us to sanity, and as we turn more and more to the God that we find in that search, then sometimes it may seem that things can get difficult. It might seem that those who would want to entice us back into our addictive habits are "many" that would "rise up against me". Just by selling what they are selling or doing what they are doing these people, businesses or organizations can be sources of tempation for us, whether it be alcohol, pornography, easy credit, tempting food, gambling, prescription or illegal drugs, or whatevLVAL,er our area of temptation or those of our loved ones might be. We can realize, though, that it has always been so. There have always been those in every age who aim to bring down the righteous, to destroy righteousness in their own lives and the lives of others. In this Psalm, David was to some extent reaping what he sowed because of his sin with Bathsheba and the killing of her husband Uriah. The prophet Nathan predicted that trouble would not leave David's house because of this sin. In a similar way, we are reaping from the sin in our lives. And yet, David knew that in spite of his sin God still loved him and wanted the best for him. David turned to God as his shield and found rest and sustenance in God's protection. We, too, can turn to God and in His mercy we can find rest, sustenance and deliverance from the evil and temptations around us. We no longer have to be afraid of the "ten thousands of people" that may be in the businesses, organizations or in unhealthy belief systems that can be sources of temptation for us. We have found our protection, our rest and our peace in God. \cf2\i0\f0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\par Psa 142:1 \cf3\i [A maschil of David. A prayer when he was in the cave.]\cf0\i0 I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.\par \cf2 Psa 142:2\cf0 I poured out my complaint before him; I showed before him my trouble.\par \cf2 Psa 142:3\cf0 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then you knew my path. In the way in which I walked have they secretly laid a snare for me.\par \cf2 Psa 142:4\cf0 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would acknowledge me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.\par \cf2 Psa 142:5\cf0 I cried unto you, O LORD: I said, you are my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.\par \cf2 Psa 142:6\cf0 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.\par \cf2 Psa 142:7\cf0 Bring my soul oLVAL-ut of prison, that I may praise your name: the righteous shall surround me; for you shall deal bountifully with me.\par \cf2\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf4\i\f1 This is a cry, a plea for help from God, from the LORD who is the only one who can truly deliver.It is a cry from when "my spirit is overwhelmed within me". It is a cry when "there was no man that would acknowledge me". It is a cry when "no man cared for my soul". It is a cry to bring "my soul out of prison". And the hope and belief of David in this psalm is that the LORD will be "my refuge and my portion in the land of the living." The LORD will "deliver me from my persecutors". The LORD will "deal bountifully with me." We have the benefit of being able to look back in time and see that the LORD did indeed fulfill all of these pleas of David. We have the advantage of time also in that in this age God has given us the way of the cross, of redemption through Christ Jesus. In the situation of our recovery, our enemies are the addictions that we have allowed or brought into our lives. The power behind these addictions is also crafty, having "secretly laid a snare" for us. In our addiction, we usually come to the point where "no man cared for my soul" and our soul is in the prison of our addictive behaviors. We can have confidence that when we cry to the LORD in sincerity and honesty for deliverance through the grace that is in Christ Jesus, that the LORD will "deal bountifully" with us as well. \cf2\i0\f0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\par \fs24 Mat 4:18\cf0 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. \par \cf2 Mat 4:19\cf0 And he said unto them, \cf5 Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.\cf0 \par \cf2 Mat 4:20\cf0 And they immediately left their nets, and followed him. \par \cf2 Mat 4:21\cf0 And going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee LVAL.their father, mending their nets; and he called them. \par \cf2 Mat 4:22\cf0 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. \par \cf2 Mat 4:23\cf0 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf4\i\f1\fs22 Peter, Andrew, James and John all followed Jesus when He called them from their regular tasks. They obviously sensed in some manner that this was a call from their Higher Power, from their God. So they turned over their lives to God, leaving behind the familiar so that they could know and experience the true life that comes from following the true God. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf0\i0\f0\fs24\par \cf2\fs22 Mat 6:24\cf0 \cf5 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.\cf0 \par \cf2 Mat 6:25\cf0 \cf5 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?\cf0 \par \cf2 Mat 6:26\cf0 \cf5 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much better than they?\cf0 \par \cf2 Mat 6:27\cf0 \cf5 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?\cf0 \par \cf2 Mat 6:28\cf0 \cf5 And why take you thought for clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:\cf0 \par \cf2 Mat 6:29\cf0 \cf5 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.\cf0 \par \cf2 Mat 6:30\cf0 \cf5 Therefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O you ofLVAL/ little faith?\cf0 \par \cf2 Mat 6:31\cf0 \cf5 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, How shall we be clothed?\cf0 \par \cf2 Mat 6:32\cf0 \cf5 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.\cf0 \par \cf2 Mat 6:33\cf0 \cf5 But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.\cf0 \par \cf2 Mat 6:34\cf0 \cf5 Take therefore no thought for tomorrow: for tomorrow shall take thought of the things for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.\cf0 \par \cf2\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf4\i\f1 Here Christ Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount that we need to put God first and foremost in our lives, above the pursuit of money (mammon) or any other earthly concern. And having done that, then we can trust God in faith to take care of all of our day to day needs. We just need to trust and obey Him," turning our lives over to God as we understand God" so far in our walk of living in the Truth. \cf2\i0\f0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\par Luk 9:59\cf0 And he said unto another, \cf5 Follow me.\cf0 But he said, Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father. \par \cf2 Luk 9:60\cf0 Jesus said unto him, \cf5 Let the dead bury their dead: but you go and preach the kingdom of God.\cf0 \par \cf2 Luk 9:61\cf0 And another also said, Lord, I will follow you; but let me first go bid them farewell, who are at home at my house. \par \cf2 Luk 9:62\cf0 And Jesus said unto him, \cf5 No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.\cf0 \par \cf2\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf4\i\f1 Here is Luke's Gospel we see Jesus telling His followers that following Him requires great commitment. It requires following Him above and beyond what we might have thought was valuable before we began following Him. \cf2\i0\f0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 Joh 1:12\cf0 But as many as r. LVAL> eceived him, to them gave he power to become the children of God, even to them that believe on his name: \par \cf2 Joh 1:13\cf0 Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. \par \cf2\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf4\i\f1 In this passage we find that through believing "on his name", that is the name of Jesus, we are re-born as a child of God. This re-birth is not from a willing of man or of birth, but it is through the power and grace of God through Christ Jesus. If we have found Jesus Christ to be our Higher Power, then by this belief in Him we are re-born as God's child by God's grace. God in Christ Jesus then provides the power that can lead us away from the insanity of our addictive behaviors. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf2\i0\f0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\par \par \pard\cf4\f2\fs23\par } LVAL.=1{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red128\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 Step 4 - We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves\par \cf2\b0\i0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Psa 119:57\cf0 \cf4\i [Heth]\cf0\i0 You are my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep your words.\par \cf3 Psa 119:58\cf0 I entreated your favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to your word.\par \cf3 Psa 119:59\cf0 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto your testimonies.\par \cf3 Psa 119:60\cf0 I made haste, and delayed not to keep your commandments.\par \cf3 Psa 119:61\cf0 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten your law.\par \cf3 Psa 119:62\cf0 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto you because of your righteous judgments.\par \cf3 Psa 119:63\cf0 I am a companion of all them that fear you, and of them that keep your precepts.\par \cf3 Psa 119:64\cf0 The earth, O LORD, is full of your mercy: teach me your statutes.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Psa 139:23\cf0 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:\par \cf3 Psa 139:24\cf0 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Pro 4:23\cf0 Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.\par \cf3 Pro 4:24\cf0 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and perverse lips put far from you.\par \cf3 Pro 4:25\cf0 Let your eyes look directly forward, and let your eyelids look straight before you.\par \cf3 Pro 4:26\cf0 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways beLVAL2 established.\par \cf3 Pro 4:27\cf0 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove your foot from evil.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 This group of verses from Proverbs speaks to many issues in working our 4th step. These proverbs tell us how important it is to be protective of our heart, for out of our heart come the issues of life. In the 4th step, we examine how we have violated this advice. We look back to find the ways that we have not guarded our heart, ways that we have let foolishness and folly rule our feelings rather than a loving and careful spirit. We examine how to put away the deceitful words and ways that we have found in our addictive ways. We begin to see how to direct our lives in a straight path, not being distracted by the temptations of the world, the triggers of our addiction. Probably most to the point for the 4th step is verse 4:26. We are told to ponder the path of our feet and let all of our ways be established. In the 4th step we ponder where our feet have been, what we have done in our lives and how that has affected our lives. We examine the good and the bad. And in that examination, we begin to understand what was worthwhile and what was not worthwhile. Where was God in our lives trying to direct us and protect us, and how did we ignore or rebel against God's leading? In understanding how God has sought to work in our lives in the past, we can better understand how to walk in the future, to have all of our ways be established in the ways of the Lord. \par \par \i0\f0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Lam 3:39\cf0 Why does a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?\par \cf3 Lam 3:40\cf0 Let us search and examine our ways, and turn again to the LORD.\par \cf3 Lam 3:41\cf0 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.\par \cf3 Lam 3:42\cf0 We have transgressed and have rebelled: you have not pardoned.\par \cf3 Lam 3:43\cf0 You have covered with anger, and persecuted us: you have slain, you haLVAL3ve not pitied.\par \cf3 Lam 3:44\cf0 You have covered yourself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through.\par \cf3 Lam 3:45\cf0 You have made us as the offscouring and refuse in the midst of the people.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 It is fitting that these words are from the book of Lamentations, for the book describes the aftermath of falling away from the ways of righteousness, as we have done in our addictive behaviors. We are told in verse 40 to search and examine our ways and turn again to the LORD. This is what we are to do in step 4 of our program. We examine our life in the light of God's righteousness, making a moral inventory of our lives. In this inventory we will probably see at least some of these things in our lives that the subsequent verses talk about - how we have blocked God's pity, pardon and answered prayers from our life. As Christians we have hope that through the blood of Christ we can find forgiveness for these sins and a redeemed relationship with God. This examination of our lives also begins to set up a precendent where we can invite our God to examine our lives as well (Psalm 17:3, 26:2) that we might continue to be found in God. \par \i0\f0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Hag 1:5\cf0 Now therefore thus says the LORD of hosts; \cf5 Consider your ways.\cf0\par \cf3 Hag 1:6\cf0 \cf5 You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but you have not enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he that earns wages earns wages to put it into a bag with holes.\cf0\par \cf3 Hag 1:7\cf0 Thus says the LORD of hosts; \cf5 Consider your ways.\cf0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 The book of Haggai is about the need for the people of God to build the temple of God. At this time the temple was the physical structure in Jerusalem. In the Christian dispensation, we are told that our bodies are the temple of God () and that the church universal is the Body of Christ (). ILVAL4n this passage we are told to consider our ways - to reflect on how our lives are and ... \i0\f0\par \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Mat 5:4\cf0 \cf5 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives many instances of how we are blessed. In this verse, He tells us that we are blessed when we mourn appropriately. Step 4 can be a step of mourning those places in our lives where we messed up and missed the good life that God would have liked to have given us. In this mourning, though, we become blessed as we find the healing and comfort from the Lord\i0\f0 . \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 2Co 13:4\cf0 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. \par \cf3 2Co 13:5\cf0 Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are counterfeits? \par \cf3 2Co 13:6\cf0 But I trust that you shall know that we are not counterfeits. \par \cf3 2Co 13:7\cf0 Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is honest, though we be as failures. \par \cf3 2Co 13:8\cf0 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. \par \cf3 2Co 13:9\cf0 For we are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. \par \cf3 2Co 13:10\cf0 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord has given me to edification, and not to destruction. \par \cf3 2Co 13:11\cf0 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be restored, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. \par \cf3 2Co 13:12\cf0 Greet one another with a holy kiss. \par \cf3 2Co 13:LVAL513\cf0 All the saints greet you. \par \cf3 2Co 13:14\cf0 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\par \i\f1\fs22 The apostle Paul here is ending his second letter to the Corinthian church, and giving them advice on how to live as Christians. There were many struggling Christians in this congregation, just as we may also struggle in our attempts to be true to the teachings of Christ. Yet we are told that in our weakness we can live by God's power in us, even as Christ Himself was crucified in weakness and yet lives by God's power. Furthermore, to carry this out we are told to examine ourselves (v5) that we may prove ourselves in the faith or not. This is relevant to step 4, because in step 4 we examine our lives and determine when we were or were not acting in faith and obedience to God's moral standards. This would be most pointed at those who were Christians during the time of their ...\par \fs24\par \i0\f0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3 Gal 6:3\cf0 For if a man thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. \par \cf3 Gal 6:4\cf0 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. \par \cf3 Gal 6:5\cf0 For every man shall bear his own burden. \par \cf3 Gal 6:6\cf0 Let him that is taught in the word share with him that teaches in all good things. \par \cf3 Gal 6:7\cf0 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. \par \cf3 Gal 6:8\cf0 For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 The Spirit of God writing through the apostle Paul exhorts us here to be honest and objective with ourselves. Especially when we have become used to being seduced by the lies of our addiction, we then find it more difficult to separatLVAL6e truth from fiction. One of the easiest ways to deceive ourselves is to have a false sense of ourselves and how we relate to others and especially to God. For many of us, it is easy to get in the habit of thinking more of ourselves in order to give us permission to indulge in our addictive behaviors and think that it is OK. We may think that we are special or have special privileges because of reason 'XYZ', and 'XYZ' might be different for each one of us. But the common thread to this excuse is that whatever we may use to justify our being special, it can lead us to pride and an unwarranted sense of privilege. We may have this attitude also to temporarily keep us from facing the shame and guilt of our addictive activities. \par \par But instead of a false sense of ourself, we are admonished to prove our own work. The NKJV translates this word as "examine" instead of "prove". This is the value of the 4th step. We can prove or examine our own work by looking back on our life and try to get an objective picture of what was wrong in our past (and that may still linger in the present), as well as what was and is right in our life. We try to look at our life from God's perspective, knowing that Christ died for millions of other people throughout the world and throughout history. It is to His credit that He can be so intimate and loving with us and also be intimate and loving with millions of other people. In this we are special - in our relationship with God. But we are no more special than the millions of other people whom God loves and cares for, and our being in this special relationship does not put us above the laws that He has given us. In looking at our life from God's perspective (a "moral" perspective, as the 4th step is worded), we get a more objective and truthful sense of who we have really been. We examine with our own conscience before God what has been good and what has been evil in our life. \par \par In this passage, we are further warned that God is not mocked. Looking back on our lifLVAL7e as we do our inventory, we can see how God has been faithful and just. He has chastened and disciplined us when we have gone against His ways, especially when we have done this willfully. Even when we thought we might have been getting away with something, we actually were not. We may have survived, but we missed the larger picture of how God wanted to bless us in extraordinary ways. We also now have a choice by His grace to sow to the Spirit instead, and reap the reward of life everlasting. Part of this process of growing in God's ways is by taking our inventory - proving our own work. Then we can go forward with a realistic picture of our own lives from a God's moral perspective and find the peace and mercy of God (vs. 16). \par \i0\f0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Rev 2:4\cf0 \cf5 Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love.\cf0 \par \cf3 Rev 2:5\cf0 \cf5 Remember therefore from where you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your lampstand out of its place, except you repent.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 These verses will apply to the 4th step in greatest measure if we were Christians or had an affection for Christ before we started down the path of our addiction. In these verses, Christ is admonishing the Church at Ephesus to return to their first love and remember from where they were fallen. Perhaps in remembering where they had fallen from, they would again be able to rekindle the devotion to Christ that they had once known. In the 4th step, we work on remembering all of our life and later laying it before the eyes of God, ourselves and at least one other person. If this remembering of our life brings us memories of a broken relationship with God, then it becomes bittersweet. There is the bitterness of knowing that we have turned away from the ways of God's truth. Yet there is also a sweetness of remembering how sweet it was to trust in Jesus anzLVALd how full of grace and love He is. The remembering and the healing of those memories is an important part of our recovery process. \par \i0\f0\par \par \par \pard\f2\fs23\par } LVAL.=9{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 Step 5 - We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf2\b0\i0\fs24 Psa 32:3\cf0 When I kept silence, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long.\par \cf2 Psa 32:4\cf0 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me: my strength is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.\par \cf2 Psa 32:5\cf0 I acknowledged my sin unto you, and my iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.\par \cf2 Psa 32:6\cf0 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto you in a time when you may be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come near unto him.\par \cf2 Psa 32:7\cf0 You are my hiding place; you shall preserve me from trouble; you shall surround me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\i\f1\fs23\par This is a powerful passage that speaks about the cleansing power of confession to God. David writes in the Psalms that when he kept silence his bones grew old, but when he confessed his sins the Lord forgave his iniquity. David then calls the Lord his hiding place. This is the truth we often find in our confession. When we try to hide our addictive behaviors then it happens so often that our sins become known to others and we find shame and disgrace. But when we confess our sins to God, then in His grace we find a place of hiding, a place of safety from our shame and guilt. We can begin to sing songs of deliverance. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf2\i0\f0\fs24 Mat 3:5\cf0 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, \par \cfLVAL:2 Mat 3:6\cf0 And were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\i\f1\fs23\par Here we see the response to the preaching of John the Baptist and his calls for repentance. This was before Jesus had been introduced as the Messiah, the Chosen One. Nevertheless, we still find that people instinctively confessed their sins as they went through the process of baptism, repentance and cleansing. The truth circulated in 12 step circles that "we are as sick as our secrets" must have been written on the human heart for a long, long time. For here, approximately 2000 years ago, when people sought wholeness and healing, then confession was a part of that process. \par \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf2\i0\f0\fs24 Act 19:18\cf0 And many that believed came, and confessed, and told of their deeds. \par \cf2 Act 19:19\cf0 Many of them also who used magic arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. \par \cf2 Act 19:20\cf0 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\i\f1\fs23\par This passage comes from the time when the apostle Paul was in Ephesus. After many demonstartions of the power of the Gospel, many began to believe in the Lord and confessed their deeds. Confession again seems to be part of the act of true repentance. Reflective of that time and place, there was also apparently quite a bit of magic being practiced, which often goes along with idolatry. Part of their repentance in this case was to burn the books that they had used for magic. In a parallel for our lives, we need to get rid of our sources of temptation as far as is possible (given the constraints of our living a godly life) so that they will no longer be a source of idolatry for us. In this way, the word of God can also prevail in our lives and give us the true freedom that is found in Christ. \par \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf2\i0\fLVAL0\fs24 Jam 5:16\cf0 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\fs23\par \i\f1 James tells us that we should confess our faults to each other, and in so doing we may find healing. This is a powerful means that God has given us to find healing through an honest, trusting fellowship with each other, and finding healing through confession. \par \par \cf2\i0\f0\fs24 1Jo 1:9\cf0 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.\par \par \cf3\i\f1\fs23 Here we have the principle of confession put in a very clear and straightforward way. We are to confess our sins, and God will be faithful to forgive our sins. To whom do we confess our sins? This verse does not say explicitly, but we can surmise that it is at least to the Lord, since He is the one doing the cleansing because of this. This does not preclude confession to others, either. As we see from the passage in James 5:16, confession is also pleasing when we confess to one another. \par \par \pard\i0\f2\fs23\par } LVAL.=<{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 Step 6 - We were entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character\par \cf2\b0\i0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Eze 18:21\cf0 \cf4 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.\cf0\par \cf3 Eze 18:22\cf0 \cf4 All his transgressions that he has committed, they shall not be remembered against him: in his righteousness that he has done he shall live.\cf0\par \cf3 Eze 18:23\cf0 \cf4 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? says the Lord GOD: and not that he should turn from his ways, and live?\cf0\par \cf3 Eze 18:24\cf0 \cf4 But when the righteous turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All his righteousness that he has done shall not be remembered: in his trespass that he has trespassed, and in his sin that he has sinned, in them shall he die.\cf0\par \cf3 Eze 18:25\cf0 \cf4 Yet you say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?\cf0\par \cf3 Eze 18:26\cf0 \cf4 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, and commits iniquity, and dies in them; for his iniquity that he has done shall he die.\cf0\par \cf3 Eze 18:27\cf0 \cf4 Again, when the wicked man turns away from his wickedness that he has committed, and does that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.\cf0\par \cf3 Eze 18:28\cf0 \cf4 Because he considers, and turns away from all his transgressions that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shLVAL=all not die.\cf0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Mat 3:1\cf0 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, \par \cf3 Mat 3:2\cf0 And saying, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. \par \cf3 Mat 3:3\cf0 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\i\f1\fs23\par When John the Baptist was preparing the way for Jesus, he told the people to repent or "make a 180" as we would say in todays vernacular. They were to turn away from their sins in order to be prepared for the Messiah. This we must do also in order to live daily with the Messiah who came, Jesus the Lord. In step 6, we repent of our sins - all of our known sins and not just our addictive behaviors - that we have uncovered in step 4 and confessed in step 5. In this way we can be prepared to also live faithfully with the Messiah on a day-to-day basis. \par \i0\f0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Rom 6:8\cf0 Now if we are dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: \par \cf3 Rom 6:9\cf0 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death has no more dominion over him. \par \cf3 Rom 6:10\cf0 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he lives, he lives unto God. \par \cf3 Rom 6:11\cf0 Likewise reckon you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. \par \cf3 Rom 6:12\cf0 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. \par \cf3 Rom 6:13\cf0 Neither yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. \par \cf3 Rom 6:14\cf0 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, buLVAL>t under grace. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 The entire chapter of Romans 6 talks of our new life in Christ following a baptism into the likeness of His death. Christ died and then rose again and death has no more dominion over Him. In the same way, as Christians we are to die to sin so that it will not have dominion over us. As addicts, this means that we are to die to those things that once enticed and seduced us. Through the previous steps we should have discovered what this dying means exactly for us in our personal life. We now yield our body to righteousness instead of to the sin of our addictive behaviors. This chapter of Romans makes clear and we also know from experience that this dying to sin is a continual process - "a day at a time", as the 12 step saying goes. We become servants of doing what is right and good and in that we find the freedom that we could never have had in our addictive behaviors. \par \i0\f0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Eph 4:17\cf0 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, \par \cf3 Eph 4:18\cf0 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: \par \cf3 Eph 4:19\cf0 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto licentiousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. \par \cf3 Eph 4:20\cf0 But you have not so learned Christ; \par \cf3 Eph 4:21\cf0 If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: \par \cf3 Eph 4:22\cf0 That you put off concerning the former way of life the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; \par \cf3 Eph 4:23\cf0 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; \par \cf3 Eph 4:24\cf0 And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 The apostle Paul is tellinLVAL?g us as Christians as he did to the Ephesians to make our walk with Christ consistent. We are to discard the defects of character that alienate us from God, for it was not through these defects that we learned Christ. Having completed the 4th and 5th steps, we know that the life of the old man was indeed corrupt through deceitful lusts. We are admonished to put these old things away and to put on the new man and be renewed in our mind instead. That is why God originally created us as He did - to live in righteousness and true holiness. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\i0\f0\fs24 Col 3:5\cf0 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry: \par \cf3 Col 3:6\cf0 For which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience: \par \cf3 Col 3:7\cf0 In which you also once walked, when you lived in them. \par \cf3 Col 3:8\cf0 But now you also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy talk out of your mouth. \par \cf3 Col 3:9\cf0 Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds; \par \cf3 Col 3:10\cf0 And have put on the new man, that is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: \par \cf3 Col 3:11\cf0 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. \par \cf3 Col 3:12\cf0 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; \par \cf3 Col 3:13\cf0 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 One of the difficult things about getting rid of our addictive behaviors is that they are often wrapped up in so many other parts of our character and habits. In our lives we have learned to accept many characLVAL@ter defects in conjunction with our addictive behaviors. Although lying or stealing may not have been our primary addiction, we may have learned to lie or steal or any of a host of other character defects in order to conceal the tracks of our addictive behaviors. By step 6 we have made an inventory and "come clean" with ourselves, our God and someone else about all of these incidents in our lives. Step 6 is about our willingness to not only give up our addictive behaviors, but also all of the character defects that surround them. Of course, this does not make it a "done deal". We will always need to be vigilant against our defects of character. But as Christians, we are called to continually give them up, as outlined in this passage. In that way we will not only be free of our character defects but it will guard against our falling back into our addictive behaviors. \par \i0\f0\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 1Th 1:6\cf0 And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit: \par \cf3 1Th 1:7\cf0 So that you were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. \par \cf3 1Th 1:8\cf0 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak anything. \par \cf3 1Th 1:9\cf0 For they themselves show of us what manner of welcome we had unto you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; \par \cf3 1Th 1:10\cf0 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 In this passage, we see how the Thessalonians willingly turned from their idols to actively serve the true God through Christ Jesus, even to the point of having "much affliction". Yet at the same time, there was "joy of the Holy Spirit". In our addictive behaviors, we also were serving idols, aLVALAnd in the sixth step we make a decision that we want to give up all of the things that led to that idolatry, to have God remove these defects of our character. The Thessalonians give us an example of doing this willingly and afterwards being an example to many others of what it meant to live faithfully with God. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\i0\f0\fs24 Rev 16:8\cf0 And the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun; and power was given unto it to scorch men with fire. \par \cf3 Rev 16:9\cf0 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, who has power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. \par \cf3 Rev 16:10\cf0 And the fifth angel poured out his bowl upon the throne of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, \par \cf3 Rev 16:11\cf0 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\i\f1\fs23\par This passage from Revelation is revealing in that it shows how stubbornly people can hold on to their idols. The judgement of God is coming upon people here for their wicked deeds. But the judgement of God in this case does not lead to repentance. It leads only to more wickedness in blasphemy and cursing of God. The lesson for us as addicts is to not be like this. We have lived in wicked deeds before God. We have made something into an idol that was never meant to have that much power in our lives, whether it was alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, food, money, status, a certain appearance, unhealthy relationships or any of a host of other traps in our world. By the sixth step we should be fairly aware of how these things have harmed us and brought the judgement of God upon our lives. Instead of being like those who perished in judgement in this passage, we can learn from our mistakes, repent of our deeds and of our thinking of the past and find protection and peace in the love and mercy of God throughLVAL Christ Jesus. \par \pard\i0\f2\fs23\par } LVAL.=C{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 Step 7 - We humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings\par \cf2\b0\i0\par \cf3\fs24 Mat 18:4\cf0 \cf4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.\cf0\par \par \cf2\i\f1\fs23 Here Jesus tells us that we are to seek humility, and gives us the example of how little children can be so humble and trusting and how we are to emulate that. Childhood is a time of special innocence. Children respond to their world with delightful honesty and spontaneity. This innocence can also leave them vulnerable to abuse, and it could be that such abuse was the root of some of our addictive behavior. But in God through Christ we have found a loving Father whom we can trust fully with our life, our being. So we can re-gain the humility and trust that we have lost somewhere along the way in our addiction. We can humble ourselves knowing that God will treat this humility in a kind and accepting manner and help us find the healing and strength that we desire and that God desires for us. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\i0\f0\fs24 Luk 18:9\cf0 And he spoke this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: \par \cf3 Luk 18:10\cf0 \cf4 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a tax collector.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 18:11\cf0 \cf4 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank you, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 18:12\cf0 \cf4 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 18:13\cf0 \cf4 And the tax colleLVALDctor, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 18:14\cf0 \cf4 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\i\f1\fs23\par As a Christian in recovery, we live by the grace and mercy of God. Realizing this, we live in humility before God, for it is through Him that we have our victories, our peace and our joy. In this parable, we should be able to well identify with the tax collector, or publican as he is called. After having gone through step 4 we should realize how many times and in how many ways we have gone against God's love and will for our life. Being aware of this long list of sins from our past, we can only cast down our eyes, beat our breasts and ask for God's mercy in our lives. We can do this because we have a God of mercy and grace, one who hears our pleas and yearnings and finally gives us justification in our humility before Him. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\i0\f0\fs24 1Pe 5:6\cf0 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: \par \cf3 1Pe 5:7\cf0 Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. \par \cf3 1Pe 5:8\cf0 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: \par \cf3 1Pe 5:9\cf0 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. \par \cf3 1Pe 5:10\cf0 But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, restore, establish, strengthen, settle you. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\i\f1\fs23\par The apostle Peter reminds us here to humble oursleves before God. And this comes with a reminder that we can do this in total truLVALEst because God cares for us. Humility before God is so important in this 7th step of asking God to remove our shortcomings. It should stem from a realization that we need God in our lives to help us to overcome, that we cannot do it on our own. Furthermore, it is in humility because it has been a choice of God to extend grace to us. It is a gift and not something that we have earned. For that we need to maintain a humble and grateful attitude. There is also a warning here about the evil one trying to devour us. In the case of addictions, this devouring usually comes in the form of our addictive behaviors. But we are promised if we resist there temptations by God's power and the power that He gives us through fellowship, prayer and all of the other disciplines that we have learned while abiding in Him and working our program, that God will then will restore us, establish us, strenghten and settle us. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\i0\f0\fs24 1Jo 5:14\cf0 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us: \par \cf3 1Jo 5:15\cf0 And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we desired of him. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\i\f1\fs23\par Here we have a promise that if we ask in accordance with the will of God, then God hears our requests and that we have the requests that we desire. Sometimes we may not know what the will of God is for sure, and only through the answers to prayer do we actually know whether or not something was God's will. In some things, however, we can be very confident of God's will and when we ask for those things we can be confident of an answer to prayer. One thing that we know is God's will for our life is to live a life pleasing to God, full of the fruit of the Spirit, full of the life that the Lord has given us, free from the works of the flesh which we have let into our lives with our addictive behaviors. So in the seventh step, asking God to remove these defLVALects of character is definitely a prayer that the Lord will honor. We can be very confident of this as long as we do our part in our recovery. \par \par \pard\i0\f2\fs23\par } LVAL.=G{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green0\blue0;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 Step 8 - We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf2\b0\i0\fs24 Pro 16:6\cf0 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.\par \cf2 Pro 16:7\cf0 When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.\par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\fs23\par \i\f1 When we are making amends, we are "purging iniquity". The NKJV translates this verse "In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity...". In other words, when we live in mercy and truth we are making atonement, we are purging the iniquity from our lives and from the lives of others. This is what making amends is all about - about purging iniquity, purging the poisin that came from our addictivei behaviors in our own lives, the lives of others and in our relationships. In 16:7 we see a possible consequence from this purging the iniquity and that is that those who were once our enemies can become those who are at peace with us. Our relationships can be restored to those of peace, harmony and trust where there once was strife and suspicion. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf2\i0\f0\fs24 Luk 19:8\cf0 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. \par \cf2 Luk 19:9\cf0 And Jesus said unto him, \cf4 This day is salvation come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.\cf0 \par \cf2 Luk 19:10\cf0 \cf4 For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\i\f1\fs23\par xLVALZacchaeus was the "chief among the tax collectors, and he was rich" (Luke 19:2). In those days it was common for tax collectors to take some extra tax for themselves to line their own pockets. We do not know if or how often Zacchaeus himself may have done this, and perhaps he had not even kept track. But when Jesus came to his house, Zacchaeus became a changed man. He wanted to set everything right, and part of setting everything right was to pay back anything that he had gotten unjustly - and not only to pay it back but to pay it back FOURFOLD. This is an example of spontaneously wanting to make amends. And note the response of Christ to this announcement. Christ blesses him. It is often easy once we have our addictive behavior behind us to look only forward and forget about people we may have hurt in the past. But here we see how blessed it can be to go further and to take the step of making amends to those we have wronged. In Zacchaeus' case, it brought the Lord to proclaim "This day is salvation come to this house...".\par \par \par \pard\i0\f2\fs23\par } LVAL.=I{\rtf1\ansi\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 Step 9 - We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others\par \cf2\b0\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Mat 5:9\cf0 \cf4 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f1 Jesus is telling us that when we are makers of peace, that we become truly children of God.The eighth and ninth steps are about making peace with those whom we have wronged, as much as is within us to do. The usual practice is to sweep wrongs of the past under the rug and try to forget about them. But by making appropriate amends, we are able to go the second mile and oftentimes bring peace and goodness where there might have been lingering doubts or mistrust or confusion before. We can become peacemakers who are blessed as children of God. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360 \cf3\i0\f0\fs24 Mat 5:23\cf0 \cf4 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you;\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 5:24\cf0 \cf4 Leave there your gift before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.\cf0 \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\i\f1\fs23 We are told in clear terms here that we are to be reconciled with our brother if they have things against us. This means not only are we to be diligent in trying to make things right when there is resentment against us, but it also implies that we should be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others so that we can know if there is any lingering resentment or anger toward us. There could also be an implication that since they are a broLLVAL\ther or sister in the Lord, then they will be reasonable and sensitive to God's leading so that when we sincerely try to be reconciled, that there \ul will \ulnone be true reconciliation. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\i0\f0\fs24 Mat 5:25\cf0 \cf4 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 5:26\cf0 \cf4 Verily I say unto you, you shall by no means come out of there, till you have paid the last penny.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\i\f1\fs23\par This may be the corollary of the previous two verses for how to deal with the resentment of others, but this time they are for our adversaries, those who are truly set against us and may not be in the family of God. Here we are to be very careful to not offend if possible, knowing that the consequences could be severe. And by agreeing that we have done wrong, that we were remiss or negligent in our dealings with them, can often be all that it takes to make their anger and resentment subside to something that is manageable. \par \par \par \par \par \pard\i0\f2\fs23\par } LVAL.=K{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 Step 10 - We continued to take personal inventory and, when we were wrong, promptly admitted it\par \cf2\b0\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs22 Phi 2:12\cf0 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. \par \cf3 Phi 2:13\cf0 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \cf2\i\f1 Here in the book of Philipians, the apostle Paul is exhorting his fellow Christians to keep working out "your own salvation with fear and trembling". The work of sanctification in Christ is a continual one, and we should be diligent to continue taking personal inventory, reflecting on our walk with Christ, and when we find that we have done something worng that we quickly take action to admit it and, if appropriate, make amends for it. This keeps us not only from falling back into old ways of addiction, but also builds up our faith and witness in a stronger and stronger way. Then we can begin to fulfill the tasks of helping others that God longs for us to be able to do. \par \i0\f0\fs23\par \cf3\fs24 2Jo 1:8\cf0 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have worked for, but that we receive a full reward.\par \par \cf2\i\f1\fs23 Recovery is hard work. We not only have to strive to live a normal life with all of its normal responsibilities, but we also have to continue to work the steps and be constantly vigilant against the possibility of our addictive behaviors returning to us. Here the apostle John is admonishing Christians to not lose what they have worked for. In terms of recovery, this means for LVAL us to not slip back into old addictive behaviors. It means to not lose our freedom, which we have worked so hard and diligently to gain and maintain. In order to do this, it is imperative that we continue to take personal inventory as we go through life. In this way, we can maintain the hope that we will receive a full reward in the Lord. \par \par \pard\i0\f2\par } LVAL.=M{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;\red255\green0\blue0;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 Step 11 - We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for our lives and the power to carry that out\par \cf2\b0\i0\f1\par \i\f0 Note: Here we might include other spiritual disciplines in addition to prayer and meditation. These can include fasting and being sensitive to God's leading through dreams, as is shown by some of the scriptures below. \par \cf3\i0\f1\fs24\par (Mat 2:12)\cf0 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.\par \par \cf2\i\f0\fs23 The wise men listened to their dreams as a means of hearing the will of God. They did this above following the political authority, which at that time was given by what King Herod had told them. \par \par \cf3\i0\f1\fs24 (Mat 2:13)\cf0 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and remain there until I bring you word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.\par \par \cf3 (Mat 2:22)\cf0 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea in the place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there: and, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the district of Galilee:\par \par \cf2\i\f0\fs23 Joseph also listened to his dreams as a means of hearing the will of God. This allowed him to keep his family safe from political situations in the world.\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\i0\f1\fs24 Mat 4:1\cf0 Then was Jesus led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. \par \cf3 Mat LVALN4:2\cf0 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward hungry. \par \cf3 Mat 4:3\cf0 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If you are the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. \par \cf3 Mat 4:4\cf0 But he answered and said, \cf4 It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 4:5\cf0 Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, \par \cf3 Mat 4:6\cf0 And said unto him, If you are the Son of God, cast yourself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning you: and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone. \par \cf3 Mat 4:7\cf0 Jesus said unto him, \cf4 It is written again, You shall not test the Lord your God.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 4:8\cf0 Again, the devil took him up into an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; \par \cf3 Mat 4:9\cf0 And said unto him, All these things will I give you, if you will fall down and worship me. \par \cf3 Mat 4:10\cf0 Then said Jesus unto him, \cf4 Begone, Satan: for it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.\cf0 \par \cf3 Mat 4:11\cf0 Then the devil left him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f0 In this portion of scripture, we read about how Jesus used fasting to grow in His consecration to the will of God. This passage also shows how oftentimes when we grow in our consecration, then there is an opposition from the evil one and a time of temptation. \par \i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Luk 12:1\cf0 In the meantime, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, so much that they tread one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, \cf4 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.\cf0 \LVALOpar \cf3 Luk 12:2\cf0 \cf4 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 12:3\cf0 \cf4 Therefore whatsoever you have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which you have spoken in the ear in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 12:4\cf0 \cf4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 12:5\cf0 \cf4 But I will forewarn you whom you shall fear: Fear him, who after he has killed has power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 12:6\cf0 \cf4 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?\cf0 \par \cf3 Luk 12:7\cf0 \cf4 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f0 How does this passage relate to step 4? The Pharisees in Jesus' day were very hypocritical. The parallel is that because of our addictive behaviors, we probably also have been very hypocritical. We would tell others one thing, but act differently ourselves. Most of us were good at putting on a false face in order to hide the shame within us. In this way, Jesus' advice to the Pharisees is good advice for us. We are told that although we may have covered up things and lived our deeds in darkness, they will be uncovered and put in the light. They are already known by God. And they are probably already known by the perceptive people around us as well on some level. If they are not known now, then they will be known sometime in the future, at the very least on the day of judgement. Step 4 is about making these things known to us in light of the moral standards that God has set. We bring them to light in our our mind and consciousness so that when they are brought to light in the future then we will be prepared and not susceptibLVALPle to overwhelming guilt. God does not want us to live in guilt but in freedom. This passage also talks about fear. Fear has probably been a motivation for our addiction and our hypocrisy. We did our cover-ups out of fear that someone else would find out. We are warned here to have a fear concerning eternal matters most of all. When this fear trumps our fear of men or of worldly consequences, then we begin to have the right kind of fear. This is for the reason that we see in verses 6 and 7, that God loves us and knows us far better than we can ever know. In step 4, we uncover our past actions in a moral light. We might determine that some of our actions were born out of a guilt and a shame that were not ours, that others imposed upon us through neglect or abuse. We will also find those actions that we must take responsibility for, that we did because of our addiction. This is an important step towards accountability and the healing that we can find in the steps of recovery. \par \i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Joh 15:4\cf0 \cf4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 15:5\cf0 \cf4 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 15:6\cf0 \cf4 If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 15:7\cf0 \cf4 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 15:8\cf0 \cf4 In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 15:9\cf0 \cf4 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue you in my love.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 15:10\cf0 \cf4 If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love;LVALQ even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.\cf0 \par \cf3 Joh 15:11\cf0 \cf4 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.\cf0 \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf3\par \cf2\i\f0\fs22 This passage in the gospel of John is so rich for the believer in Christ. It tells us plainly that we have our power, our peace and our joy from abiding in Christ. In our recovery process, this is a key concept. If we are working a 12 step program as a Christian, by the 11th step we should be consistent in our walk with God. In order to maintain this consistency we need to continue to abide in Christ, keeping His commandments, abiding in His love and His joy, having His words abide in us. There is a warning here also that those who do not abide in Christ will be cast out. If we have gone through the recovery process to the 11th step, we should know that going backwards is not an option, that it is only filled with pain, misery and spiritual death. So we continue to grow in God's ways and abide in Christ and find the peace and joy that is in Christ and a full recovery from our addiction. \par \fs23\par \i0\f1\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 Phi 4:5\cf0 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. \par \cf3 Phi 4:6\cf0 Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. \par \cf3 Phi 4:7\cf0 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. \par \cf3 Phi 4:8\cf0 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. \par \cf3 Phi 4:9\cf0 Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shaLVALRll be with you. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f0 We are encouraged here to rest in and be content in the ways of God. The apostle Paul points out that we do this through a life of moderation, prayer, thinking about the good things of God and living out the things that we have learned from the scriptures and good examples. This is what is talked about in step 11, to continue to grow in our walk with God. In doing so, we can grow in that great reward of the peace of God which passes all understanding. If we were to try to live this life when we were just getting out of our addiction, then we might find it boring or difficult or unrewarding. But by going through the previous steps, we learn how valuable these things are in our life - more valuable than any of the false and shallow "rewards" that we got from our addictive behavior. We realize by now how God has worked so beautifully in our lives and we want to live more of that. \par \i0\f1\par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\fs24 1Pe 4:1\cf0 Since therefore Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; \par \cf3 1Pe 4:2\cf0 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. \par \cf3 1Pe 4:3\cf0 For the time past of our life will suffice us to have done the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in licentiousness, lusts, excess of wine, reveling, carousing, and abominable idolatries: \par \cf3 1Pe 4:4\cf0 In which they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of dissipation, speaking evil of you: \par \cf3 1Pe 4:5\cf0 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the living and the dead. \par \cf3 1Pe 4:6\cf0 For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. \par \cf3 1Pe 4:7\cf0 But the end of all things is at hand: beLVAL therefore sober minded, and watch unto prayer. \par \cf3 1Pe 4:8\cf0 And above all things have fervent love among yourselves: for love shall cover a multitude of sins. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\fs23\par \i\f0 Here the apostle Peter reminds us of our past life, when we walked in licentiousness, lust, excess of wine, reveling, carousing and abominable idolatries, and the fact that many still walk in these ways and think it strange when we do not. But just as for us, there was a time of judgement, a time of hitting bottom so that we might know that it was the grace of God that could pull us out, there also will be a time of judgement for others who walk in these ways. God is just. And the response in our lives should be to do the will of God. It is to be sober minded, spending time in prayer and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ fervently. In this way we can avoid the roaring lion that would seek to devour even more of our lives and the good fruit of the Spirit that God wants to bear in us. \par \i0\f1\par \par \par \par \par \pard\f2\par } LVAL.=T{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Arial;}{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Georgia;}{\f2\fnil\fcharset0 Georgia;}} {\colortbl ;\red128\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green128\blue128;} {\*\generator Riched20 5.40.11.2210;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\cf1\lang1033\b\i\f0\fs23 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 priniciples in all our affairs\par \cf2\b0\i0\par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\f1\fs24 Mat 3:1\cf0 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, \par \cf3 Mat 3:2\cf0 And saying, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. \par \cf3 Mat 3:3\cf0 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\par \cf2\i\f0\fs23 John the Baptist was preaching and telling others according to what the Lord had revealed to him. He did not yet know the full extent of the gospel. He had not yet seen Jesus as the Messiah. Yet he was obedient in proclaiming what the Lord had revealed to him so far. This is a pattern for us, to carry the message that we have known from God to others, to the extent that we have known and experienced it to be from God. \par \par \pard\nowidctlpar\fi-360\li360\cf3\i0\f1\fs24 Jam 5:19\cf0 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; \par \cf3 Jam 5:20\cf0 Let him know, that he who converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. \par \pard\nowidctlpar\cf2\i\fs23\par \f0\fs22 All of us are subject to erring from the truth. This is especially so for those who have been caught up in the lies of an addiction. As someone who has been seduced by those same or similar lies in our own addictive behavior, we can have an understanding of what another person might be going through. It is@LVALP our duty and our joy to do what we can to help others see the error of their ways and share with them the hope that there is a way out, through the grace and mercy of God. \par \f1\fs23\par \pard\i0\f2\par }   @         @       x{hUB/ v v v v v v v v v v v v v s v v s v ^LVALnMR28AllowZeroLengthRequired( Title  .Comments