CR Orchard Church

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Lección 16: ENMIENDA INTRODUCCIÓN Buenas noches, familia. Esta noche vamos a hablar de ENMIENDAS. Al llegar a este punto de nuestra recuperación, ya hemos comenzado a mirar honestamente nuestro pasado. Hemos reconocido nuestras heridas, nuestros resentimientos y nuestros errores. Pero también hemos comenzado a reconocer algo que puede ser mucho más difícil: El daño que nosotros hemos causado a otras personas. No podemos regresar y cambiar nuestro pasado. No podemos borrar las palabras que dijimos ni cambiar las decisiones que tomamos. Pero con la ayuda de Dios, podemos reconocer nuestra parte, buscar el perdón y estar dispuestos a enmendar el daño que hemos causado. PASO 8 "Hacemos una lista de todas las personas a quienes hemos lastimado y llegamos a estar dispuestos a enmendar todo lo que les hicimos." Lucas 6:31 — NVI "Traten a los demás tal y como quieren que ellos los traten a ustedes." Hay dos cosas importantes en este paso: Hacemos una lista. Y llegamos a estar dispuestos. Todavía no significa que vamos a correr a tocar puertas, llamar a alguien o mandar mensajes. Primero permitimos que Dios trabaje en nuestro corazón. PRINCIPIO 6 Evaluamos todas nuestras relaciones. Ofrecemos perdón a quienes nos han hecho daño y enmendamos los daños que nosotros hemos ocasionado, excepto cuando hacerlo pudiera causar daño a esa persona o a otros. Mateo 5:7 y Mateo 5:9 nos recuerdan que Dios llama bienaventurados a los misericordiosos y a quienes trabajan por la paz. ¿QUÉ ES UNA ENMIENDA? Una enmienda es más que decir: "Perdóname." Es reconocer: "Lo que hice estuvo mal." "Te lastimé." "No voy a justificar mis acciones." "Quiero hacer mi parte para reparar el daño." También debemos recordar que hacer una enmienda no obliga a la otra persona a perdonarnos, confiar nuevamente en nosotros o restaurar inmediatamente la relación. Yo soy responsable de hacer mi parte. Los resultados se los dejo a Dios.   ACRÓSTICO — ENMIENDA E — Empiece a vivir las promesas de recuperación Al terminar este principio comenzamos a experimentar la libertad de nuestro pasado, la paz y la serenidad que hemos buscado, y podemos comenzar a aceptar el propósito de Dios para nuestra vida. Joel 2:25 — NVI Dios promete compensar "los años en que todo lo devoró" la plaga. Y Romanos 12:18 nos da una verdad muy importante: Romanos 12:18 — NVI "Si es posible, y en cuanto dependa de ustedes, vivan en paz con todos." Eso significa: Yo hago mi parte y dejo los resultados en las manos de Dios. No puedo cambiar mi pasado. No puedo controlar cómo responderá otra persona. Pero sí puedo decidir cómo voy a caminar de ahora en adelante. N — No se oponga Podemos preguntarnos: "Si Dios ya me perdonó, ¿por qué tengo que regresar al pasado?" "¿Por qué tengo que hacer una enmienda?" Porque hacer una enmienda no se trata solamente de nuestro pasado. También se trata de nuestro futuro. Si queremos desarrollar relaciones saludables, necesitamos enfrentar la culpa, la vergüenza y el dolor que quedaron de nuestras relaciones anteriores. Romanos 12:18 — NVI "Si es posible, y en cuanto dependa de ustedes, vivan en paz con todos." Dios ya me perdonó, pero su perdón no significa que debo ignorar el daño que mis acciones causaron. M — Manifiéstense ánimo Antes de hacer una enmienda u ofrecer perdón, necesitamos personas sabias que caminen con nosotros. Puede ser nuestro patrocinador, mentor o compañero de rendición de cuentas. Ellos pueden ayudarnos a examinar nuestros motivos antes de actuar. Hebreos 10:24 — NVI "Preocupémonos los unos por los otros, a fin de estimularnos al amor y a las buenas obras." No tenemos que caminar solos. Antes de una enmienda difícil: Ore. Busque consejo. Examine sus motivos. Y después actúe con sabiduría. I — Inventariar una lista Regresamos a nuestro inventario. Ahora preguntamos: ¿A quién necesito perdonar? ¿A quién le debo una disculpa? ¿Hay alguien que todavía necesito agregar a mi lista? Lucas 6:31 — NVI "Traten a los demás tal y como quieren que ellos los traten a ustedes." Aquí necesitamos ser completamente honestos. No solamente: "¿Quién me lastimó?" Sino también: "¿A quién lastimé yo?" E — En el tiempo correcto Hacer una enmienda requiere valor y disposición. Pero también requiere sabiduría y buen juicio. Por eso necesitamos buscar la dirección de Jesucristo. Filipenses 2:4 — NVI "Cada uno debe velar no solo por sus propios intereses sino también por los intereses de los demás." No toda enmienda debe hacerse inmediatamente. Tenemos que preguntarnos: ¿Es el momento correcto? ¿Mis motivos son correctos? ¿Esto ayudará a la otra persona? ¿O podría causarle más daño? N — No por ellos Cuando ofrecemos perdón o hacemos una enmienda, debemos hacerlo con humildad, sinceridad y voluntariamente. No ponemos excusas. No justificamos nuestras acciones. Nos concentramos solamente en nuestra parte. Y no esperamos nada a cambio. Lucas 6:35 — NVI Jesús nos enseña a amar a nuestros enemigos, hacerles bien y prestar "sin esperar recibir nada a cambio." La persona puede perdonarme. Puede necesitar tiempo. Puede no querer hablar conmigo. Yo hago mi parte. La respuesta se la dejo a Dios. D — Disposición En este punto estamos buscando disposición. Disposición para perdonar. Disposición para hacer enmiendas. Disposición para pedir perdón. El Paso 8 no dice que tenemos que resolver inmediatamente todas nuestras relaciones. Primero tenemos que identificar a las personas y llegar a estar dispuestos. Lucas 6:31 — NVI "Traten a los demás tal y como quieren que ellos los traten a ustedes." Podemos orar: "Señor, quizá todavía no quiero hacerlo, pero dame la disposición para estar dispuesto." A — Admita el dolor y el daño Tenemos que enfrentar nuevamente las heridas y resentimientos que otros nos han causado. Pero también tenemos que reconocer el daño que nosotros hemos causado a otros. Lucas 6:37 — NVI Jesús nos enseña: "No juzguen, y no se les juzgará. No condenen, y no se les condenará. Perdonen, y se les perdonará." No podemos sanar algo que todavía nos negamos a enfrentar. Tenemos que ser honestos: ¿Dónde fui herido? Pero también: ¿Dónde herí yo a otros? UN EJEMPLO BÍBLICO DE ENMIENDAS ZAQUEO — LUCAS 19:1–10 Ahora quiero mostrarles cómo esto se ve en la vida de una persona. Vamos a Lucas 19:1–10. Lucas 19:1–2 — Zaqueo tenía un pasado Jesús entra en Jericó y conocemos a Zaqueo. Era jefe de los recaudadores de impuestos y era rico. Zaqueo tenía un pasado. Había personas que habían sido afectadas por sus decisiones. Y nosotros también llegamos a recuperación con una historia. Hay cosas que nos hicieron. Pero también hay cosas que nosotros hicimos. Lucas 19:3–4 — Zaqueo busca a Jesús Zaqueo quiere ver quién es Jesús. Como no puede ver por encima de la multitud, corre y se sube a un árbol. Todavía no ha hecho ninguna enmienda. Todavía no ha reparado nada. Pero está buscando a Jesús. Nuestra recuperación tampoco comienza teniendo nuestra vida perfectamente arreglada. Comienza acercándonos a Cristo. Lucas 19:5–6 — La gracia viene primero Jesús llega, mira hacia arriba y llama a Zaqueo. Zaqueo baja y lo recibe con alegría. Miren el orden: Jesús viene primero. La gracia viene primero. Jesús no le dice: "Zaqueo, arregla primero todo tu pasado y después puedes venir conmigo." Nosotros tampoco hacemos enmiendas para conseguir que Dios nos ame. Cristo nos ama y su gracia comienza a transformar nuestro corazón. Lucas 19:7 — La gente todavía recuerda Cuando las personas ven a Jesús con Zaqueo, comienzan a murmurar. Ellos conocen su pasado. Esto también puede suceder en recuperación. Nosotros podemos estar cambiando, pero las personas que lastimamos todavía recuerdan. Por eso una enmienda no obliga a nadie a confiar nuevamente en nosotros. La confianza puede tomar tiempo. Nosotros hacemos nuestra parte y dejamos los resultados a Dios. Lucas 19:8 — AQUÍ ESTÁ LA ENMIENDA Este es nuestro versículo clave. Zaqueo declara que dará la mitad de sus bienes a los pobres y que, si había defraudado a alguien, devolvería cuatro veces lo tomado. Zaqueo no solamente dice: "Señor, perdóname." Está diciendo: "Si lastimé a alguien, quiero reparar el daño." Aquí vemos dos direcciones: Verticalmente: Arrepentimiento delante de Dios. Horizontalmente: Enmienda hacia las personas que había lastimado. Zaqueo no dice: "Déjame explicarte por qué lo hice." No dice: "Pero tú también me lastimaste." No pone excusas. Quiere restaurar. Eso es una enmienda. Lucas 19:9–10 — Jesús sigue siendo el centro Después de esto, Jesús habla de la salvación. Y en Lucas 19:10 declara que el Hijo del Hombre vino "a buscar y a salvar lo que se había perdido." Zaqueo no compró su salvación haciendo una enmienda. La enmienda fue fruto de un corazón transformado. No hacemos enmiendas para que Dios nos perdone. Cristo es quien salva. Pero cuando Cristo transforma nuestro corazón, comenzamos a enfrentar honestamente el daño que hemos causado. CIERRE Quiero que recordemos a Zaqueo: Encontró a Jesús. Su corazón cambió. Reconoció el daño. Estuvo dispuesto a actuar. Y quiso restaurar lo que había dañado. Pero el héroe de la historia no es Zaqueo. Es Jesús. Así que esta noche quiero dejarlos con tres preguntas: ¿A quién he lastimado? ¿A quién le debo una enmienda? ¿Estoy dispuesto a hacer mi parte? No podemos cambiar nuestro pasado. Pero podemos reconocerlo, arrepentirnos, hacer nuestra parte y confiar en Dios con los resultados.  

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Grief and Loss: When Empty Isn't the End                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1)     God Welcomes Honest Grief a)    Naomi doesn't hide her pain. She doesn't fake spirituality. She pours out her heart. b)    Celebrate Recovery is one of the few places where people are allowed to stop pretending. c)    Healing begins where honesty begins. d)    Even Jesus entered grief. e)    If Jesus cried...you don't have to apologize for your tears. i)      Principle #1 - God is not afraid of your sorrow. 2)     Ruth 1:20-21 – Death of husband and sons a)    Naomi almost allowed bitterness to define her identity. "I am Mara [bitter]." b)    Many people today become known by their loss. i)      "I'm the widow." ii)     "I'm divorced." iii)    "I'm the addict." iv)    "I'm the veteran." v)     "I'm the parent who buried a child." (1)    Pain becomes identity. But God never intended your deepest wound to become your permanent name. vi)    Principle #2 - Grief should draw us toward God—not away from Him. 3)     God Redeems What Grief Cannot Restore a)    This is why Celebrate Recovery exists. i)      Tonight isn't just another meeting. ii)     It is God placing people around hurting people, because He often ministers His hope through His people. iii)    Principle #3 - God often sends hope through people. b)    God's answer to Naomi's grief came through relationships. i)      He sent Ruth to remain faithful. ii)     He sent Boaz to become a protector and redeemer. iii)    He even used the women of Bethlehem to encourage Naomi. c)    Healing rarely happens in isolation. It happens in community. d)    Principle #4 - God can write a future beyond your pain. 4)     Ruth 4:14-15 "A restorer of life." i)      Notice they call the child "a restorer of life." (1)    Naomi's circumstances had not been erased, but God had restored hope where she once saw only emptiness.

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CR Orchard https://orchardchurch.life/celebrate-recovery

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See Orchardchurch.life  

Lección 9 – Inventario con 51 — "Cuando lo escondido sale a la luz"     Introducir: Orar: Esta noche: Lección 9 Inventario Principio 4:  Una apertura para un autoexamen y confesión de mis faltas, a Dios y a alguien en quien confío.                           "Dichosos los de corazón limpio, porque ellos verán a Dios" Mateo 5:8 Paso 4: Hacemos un minucioso y audaz inventario moral de nosotros mismos. "Hacemos un examen de conciencia y volvamos al camino del Señor"                                     Lamentaciones 3:40    Intro: Esta noche veremos como comenzar su inventario: así preparase para escribir. ·     Su inventario necesita estar escrito en papel ·     Escribir le ayudara a organizar sus pensamientos y a enfocarse en recordar sucesos que usted haya reprimido ·     Recuerde que no va hacer esto solo ·     Usted esta formando su equipo de ayuda para guiarle: pero mas importante aun , usted esta creciendo en su relación con Jesucristo ¡   Inventario: Efesios 4:31 Abandonen toda amargura, ira y enojo, gritos y calumnias y toda forma de malicia.    Las hojas de Inventario de cinco columnas en la Guía de Participante fueron hechas para ayudarle con esta tarea. Demos un vistazo a cada una de las columnas ·    Columna 1 La Persona   -      En esta columna hace un  lista de personas u objectos con los que esta resentido o a los que teme. -      Revise su pasado y llegue lo mas lejos que puede -      Recuerde que el resentimiento es mas que todo, la ira y el temor no ha sido expresado     ·     La buena noticia es que al trabajar completamente a través el Principio 4 vera que sus resentimientos se desvanecen mientras permite que la luz de su fe e Jesucristo ¡brille en otros ¡ ·     Recuerde hacer una lista de todas las personas y cosas contra cuales tiene resentimiento  Columna 2: "La Causa" Se ha dicho que "la gente herida hiere a la gente". En esta columna va a hacer una lista de las acciones específicas que alguien hizo para dañarle.   ¿Qué hizo la persona para causarle resentimiento y/o temor?  Un ejemplo sería el padre alcohólico que no estuvo emocionalmente disponible para usted cuando era joven. ·     Otro ejemplo sería el padre que intentó controlar y dominar su vida. Esta búsqueda reflexiva puede ser dolorosa, pero por eso es que tener un mentor y un equipo a quien rendir cuentas es tan esencial. ·     Esta gente estará ahí para caminar con usted a través del dolor. Por supuesto, Jesús estará con usted también.   Dios promete en    Isaías 41:10: "No temas, porque yo estoy contigo; no te angusties, porque yo soy tu Dios. Te fortaleceré y te ayudaré; te sostendré con mi diestra victoriosa."         Columna 3: "El efecto"   En esta columna escriba cómo esa dolorosa situación específica afectó su vida, tanto en el pasado como en el presente.       Columna 4 "El Dano"   ¿Cuáles de sus instintos básicos fueron dañados?%   ·     Social —¿Ha sufrido ruptura de relaciones, calumnias o chisme? ·     Seguridad —¿Ha sido amenazada su seguridad física? ¿Ha enfrentado, pérdidas financieras? ·     Sexual —¿Ha sido una víctima de abuso? ¿Ha sido rota o dañada la confanza o intimidad?   No importa cómo haya sido dañado, no importa cuán perdido se sienta, Dios quiere consolar y restaurarle.   Recuerde Ezequiel 34:16: "Buscaré a las ovejas perdidas, recogeré a las extraviadas, vendaré a las que estén heridas y fortaleceré a las débiles."           Columna 5 "Mi parte"   Lamentaciones 3:40 declara    "Hagamos un examen de conciencia y volvamos al camino del SEÑOR."    No dice: "Examinemos sus caminos". Ya hizo eso en las primeras cuatro columnas.   Ahora necesita determinar honestamente la parte de resentimiento (o cualquier pecado o daño). del cual usted sea responsable, ·     Pidale a Dios que le muestre la parte en la cual usted es responsable de un matrimonio o relación rota o dañada, un hijo o padre distante o al vez un trabajo Perdido . ·      Además en esta columna líate todas las personas quien usted ha herido y como las ha herido. ( Usted usará Comuna 5 en el Principio 6 cuando trabaje en el punto de estar dispuesto a hacer enmiendas por sus ofensas.)   Salmos 139.23-24 nos dice:   23 Examíname, oh Dios, y conoce mi corazón; pruébame y conoce mis ansiedades.   24 Fíjate si voy por un camino que te ofende y guíame por el camino eterno.   Por favor tome nota: Si han abusado de usted, especialmente cuando era niño, puede encontrar gran libertad en esta parte del inventario. ·     Como puede ver usted NO tiene parte NI responsabilidad por la causa del resentimiento. Al simplemente escribir las palabras "NINGUNA" –   "SIN CULPA" en la Columna S, usted puede comenzar a ser libre de la vergüenza y la culpa que ha estado llevando consigo.   Celebremos la Recuperación ha escrito nuevamente el Paso 4 para aquellos que han sido sexual o físicamente abusados:   Hicimos un audaz y minucioso inventario moral de nosotros mismos, dándonos cuenta de que todas nuestras faltas pueden ser perdonadas, Renunciamos a la mentira que nos dice que el abuso sufrido fue nuestra culpa.   Resumen   Hay cinco herramientas para ayudarle a preparar su inventario:         1.  Memorice Isaías 1:18     18»Vengan, pongamos las cosas en claro», dice el Señor. «Aunque sus pecados sean como escarlata, quedarán blancos como la nieve. Aunque sean rojos como la púrpura, quedarán como la lana.   2.  Lea los versículos del principio 4 "Balanceando la Escala" en la página 36 de la Guía 2 del Participante.   3.  Mantenga su inventario en balance. ¡Haga una lista tanto de lo bueno como de lo malo! ¡Esto es muy importante! ·      A medidas que Dios revele cosas buenas que usted ha hecho en el pasado, o que está haciendo en el presente, enumérelas en la parte de atrás de sus copias de la "Hoja de trabajo del principio 4 de Celebremos la Recuperación".   4.  Siga desarrollando su equipo de apoyo.   5.  Ore continuamente     No espere más para empezar su inventario. ·     No deje que algún obstáculo se ponga en su ca-mino. Si no tiene un mentor o un compañero de rendición de cuentas todavía, hable con alguien esta noche. ·      Si necesita una guía del participante, tome una en la mesa de información. ·      ¡ Designe un tiempo y un lugar y empiece a trabajar! ¡Usted puede hacerlo.   Lección 9 – Inventario con Salmo 51 51 — "Cuando lo escondido sale a la luz"   Esta noche se trata de inventario. No de imagen. No de reputación.No de excusas. El inventario es tener la suficiente honestidad delante de Dios para finalmente sanar. La mayoría de las personas no cambian porque nunca se enfrentan verdaderamente a sí mismas. David escribió el Salmo 51 después de su pecado con Betsabé. No solamente después de ser descubierto públicamente…Sino después de ser confrontado personalmente. Este Salmo es el sonido de un hombre cuya máscara finalmente cayó. Y ahí es donde comienza la recuperación.       Salmo 51:1–4 "Ten compasión de mí, oh Dios, conforme a tu gran amor; conforme a tu inmensa bondad, borra mis transgresiones. Lava toda mi maldad y límpiame de mi pecado. Yo reconozco mis transgresiones; siempre tengo presente mi pecado. Contra ti he pecado, solo contra ti, y he hecho lo que es malo ante tus ojos…"   Punto 1 — El Inventario Comienza Cuando Se Acaban las Excusas David hace algo raro. Deja de culpar. No culpó la presión. No culpó el estrés. No culpó su pasado. No culpó a Betsabé. Él dijo: "Yo reconozco mis transgresiones." Transgresión: Biblicamente, una transgresión es cuando una persona cruza deliberadamente un límite que Dios estableció. No es solamente un error o debilidad; implica rebelión, desobediencia consciente y apartarse de la voluntad de Dios sabiendo lo correcto.   Ejemplo bíblico:   El rey David cometió transgresión cuando tomó a Betsabé y después mandó matar a Urías para esconder su pecado. David sabía los mandamientos de Dios, pero decidió cruzar esos límites igualmente. Por eso en Psalm 51 clama a Dios:   "Borra mis transgresiones."   David no estaba confesando un accidente; estaba confesando rebelión contra Dios.   Eso es inventario. La recuperación se detiene donde las excusas sobreviven. Algunos estamos cansados porque hemos pasado años defendiendo lo mismo que Dios quiere sanar. El inventario duele porque obliga a hacer preguntas difíciles: ·       ¿Qué conductas o hábitos siguen dominando mi vida? ¿Qué sigue lastimando a otros? ¿Qué estoy escondiendo? ¿Qué estoy usando para anestesiarme? ¿Qué me controla cuando nadie me ve? El inventario no es Dios tratando de destruirte. Es Dios negándose a dejarte vivir dividido.   Punto 2 — Lo Que Escondemos Termina Controlándonos David dice: "Siempre tengo presente mi pecado." Las cosas escondidas no permanecen enterradas.Se filtran. Salen como: enojo adicción aislamiento orgullo lujuria amargura control ansiedad frialdad emocional Lo que te niegas a confrontar, eventualmente te confrontará a ti. Algunos anestesian el dolor. Otros lo esconden detrás del trabajo, idolos o la apariencia. Pero Dios no busca apariencias pulidas. Dios quiere verdad. Una de las oraciones más peligrosas es: "Dios, muéstrame quién realmente soy." Porque el inventario requiere humildad. Y la humildad cuesta.     Punto 3 — Dios No Puede Sanar a la Persona Que Fingimos Ser Salmo 51:6 "Tú amas la verdad en lo íntimo…" No religión superficial. No fuerza falsa.No palabras cristianas vacías. El Señor quiere la Verdad. Celebremos la Recuperacion funciona cuando entra honestidad al cuarto. No perfección. Honestidad. Hay personas que pasan años cuidando apariencias mientras por dentro se están desangrando. David dejó de fingir. Y cuando dejó de fingir, la gracia de Dios lo encontró ahí. No tienes que limpiarte antes de venir a Dios. Pero sí tienes que dejar de esconderte.         Punto 4 — El Inventario Lleva a Restauración, No a Vergüenza Salmo 51:10 "Crea en mí, oh Dios, un corazón limpio, y renueva la firmeza de mi espíritu." David entendió algo: Cambiar comportamiento no es suficiente. Necesitaba un corazón nuevo. El inventario no es solamente: "¿Qué hice mal?" Es: "¿Qué hay dentro de mí que sigue produciendo esto?" Dios no nos expone para avergonzarnos. Nos expone para transformarnos. La convicción dice: "Esto necesita cambiar." La vergüenza dice: "Ya no tienes remedio." No es la misma voz. El enemigo quiere mantenerte escondido en vergüenza. Dios quiere verte caminando en verdad.   Cierre Algunos esta noche saben exactamente qué área Dios está señalando. El enojo. La adicción. El secreto. El resentimiento. El control. La herida que sigues evitando. El inventario es donde la recuperación deja de ser teoría y se vuelve personal. David nos enseña esto: El cambio comenzó en el momento en que fue honesto. No perfecto. No arreglado. Honesto. El Señor no quita inmediatamente cierta lucha o tentación de nuestra vida.    Él puede permitir que permanezca como un "aguijón en la carne" para enseñarnos dependencia, humildad y obediencia.    Apóstol PABLO los explicó esto en   2 corintios 12:7. Pero la promesa del señor los dice Que la sanidad comienza donde empieza la honestidad.   Oración "Señor, danos el valor para decir la verdad sobre nosotros mismos. No la versión editada. No la versión pública. Pero la verdadera… Examina nuestro corazón. Expón lo que necesita sanidad. Rompe nuestro orgullo. Quita nuestras excusas.Crea en nosotros un corazón limpio. Enséñanos que la confesión no es debilidad… es libertad. En el nombre de Jesús, amén."      

Lesson 9—Inventory Romans 14:10-12   Principle 4: Openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.   Matthew 5:8a (TEV), "Happy are the purer in heart."   Step 4: We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.   Lamentations 3:4 (NIV), "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord."   The Person, The Cause, The Effect, The Damage…and My Part. Step 4 is about taking a fearless and moral inventory, getting rid of the not-so-good, for the good. This lesson is intended to provide instruction on how to use the worksheet. As a reminder, resentments and fear fuel our addictions, which keep us from grieving the damage. This keeps us from feeling the effect and keeps us from forgiving the cause.                               The Person The Cause The Effect The Damage My Part Who is/was the object of my resentment or fear? What specific action did that person take that hurt me? What effect did that have on my life? What damage did that action do to my basic social, security and/or sexual instincts? What part of the resentment am I responsible for? Names Institutions Places               Step #8 (List of persons) Events Incidences Feelings Emotions Belief System Shame Guilt Inadequacies Losses Broken Relationships Financial Fear of Intimacy Distrust Character Defects Choices Additions Behaviors Compulsions Attitudes *Childhood abuses: "None or Not guilty" Step 5/6/7 (Admit, Entirely Ready, Humbly Ask to Remove)             1)    The first column - "The Person." a)    Identify the people and related circumstances that have impacted us in the past. i)      Use the self-analysis questions in lessons 10 and 11 in Participant's Guide 2. ii)    Here you are looking for people: (1) Who have hurt you (2) Who were indifferent to you (3) Who tried to minimize you (4) Who scared or intimidated you (5) Who manipulated you (6) Who disappointed you (7) And so on iii)   You are also looking for circumstances that existed at that time these people impacted you. (1) For example: (a) Maybe you failed at something (b) Maybe it got blown out of proportion (c)  You didn't meet somebody's expectations (d) You didn't meet your own expectations (e) You were involved in an embarrassing situation (f)   There was a crisis (g) You are working for an unfair boss (h) You had abusive parents (i)   You had a poor teacher (j)   You were unjustly accused of something (k)  And so on   b)    Record this information in column number one. i)      Record one event at time. ii)    Finish it before moving to the next event. iii)   Ask God to give you clarity by praying through Psalm 139:23-24. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23-24   2)    The second column – "The Cause". a)    Record what the person identified in Column 1 did to you. i)      Use the self-analysis questions in lessons 10 and 11 in Participant's Guide 2. ii)    Here you are looking for people who: (1) Abused you – physically, emotionally or psychologically (2) Tried to control or dominate you (3) Humiliated you – a teacher, a boss or a friend (4) Lied about you (5) Lied to you (6) Was insensitive to you (7) Rejected you (8) And so on iii)   It's important to understand what happened to you. iv)   Once again pray through Psalm 139:24-24 as you do this. b)    Review what you discover with your sponsor. 3)    The third column – "The Effect". a)    Record how the events in the first two columns affected you AT THE TIME they happened. i)      Use the self-analysis questions in lessons 10 and 11 in Participant's Guide 2. ii)    Here is what you are looking for. (1) Did you feel shame? (2) Did you feel rejected? (3) Did you feel stupid? (4) Did you feel weak and powerless? (5) Did you feel overwhelmed? iii)   Did you think there was something wrong with you? iv)   Did you avoid certain people? v)    Did you become fearful? vi)   Did you become tentative about life? vii) Did you develop phobias? b)    Review what you discover with your sponsor. 1.    Do it progressively. 2.    Don't let it pile up. 3.    Listen to what your sponsor says. 4)    The fourth column – "the Damage". a)    In this column you will record how each past event (identified in the first three columns) is AFFECTING YOU TODAY. (1) Once again refer to your answers to the self-analysis questions in lessons 10 and 11. (2) Here's some AREAS TO CONSIDER. (a) When I think of the past event, do I feel pain today? (b) Do I have any bad habits that can be traced to that event? (i)   Examples are swearing, laziness, lack of direction, anger, over eating, giving up easily and on and on. (c)  Do I have any hang ups that can be traced to the event? (d) Am I afraid of life as a result of the event? (e) Do I have fears as a result of the event? (f)   Do I avoid certain kinds of people? (g) Am I afraid to take on certain kinds of tasks? (h) Do I avoid certain kinds of circumstances? (i)   And so on. (3) Here's some more AREAS TO CONSIDER. (a) Am I preoccupied with adversity and impending disaster? (b) Am I concerned that I will not be able to meet life's challenges? (c)  Am I worried about rejection – humiliation – failure? (d) Do these concerns impact my ability to be intimate? (e) Do they impact how I feel about myself – my self-worth? (f)   Am I stuck with the idea that I'm no good? (g) Do I think people don't like me? (h) Do I use unhealthy ways of dealing with my pain? b)    Here is a good approach to filling out column 4. i)      Step 1 - Review the information you collected in the first three columns. Do this one event at a time. ii)    Step 2 - Review the "AREAS TO CONSIDER" in point "A" above. iii)   Step 3 - Ask the Lord to show you any damage. iv)   Step 4 - Discuss what you discover with your sponsor. v)    Step 5 - Record your conclusions in column 4. 5)     The fifth column – "My Part". a)    Identify how we MAY have contributed to our problems. i)      Honesty is essential. ii)    We have to resist our natural tendency to blame others. (1) In this column we focus only on ourselves. (2) We want to know what we did to contribute to our problem. (3) Record the results in column 5. (4) There will be times when are blameless. (Child Abuse) (a) In that case we write, "No Part". 6)    As we progress through our inventory it's important to identify positive events as well as negative events. a)    We don't have to add another column to our form to do this. (1) Start your inventory by identifying the first negative issue and filling in the appropriate information in all the columns. (2) After that identify a positive event and fill out all the columns. (3) And then repeat the process - alternating positive and negative events until you are completed. b)    To help you identify positive events focus on what the Scriptures say about our value. i)      For example Ephesians 1:3-14 describes how valuable we are to God. ii)    We can use this in our inventory forms. iii)   There are many other passages in the Scriptures that can be used in the same way.   Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together, Says the LORD, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  

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Hope for Mental Health PTSD - When the Past Won't Let Go: God's Presence in the Battle Within Isaiah 41:10   Illustration: "The Car That Backfires"   A veteran comes home from deployment. He's sitting at a stoplight, trying to live a normal day. Traffic is calm. Nothing unusual. 1)    Then suddenly—a car backfires. a)    In an instant, everything changes. i)      His heart races. His body tenses. His mind is no longer at the stoplight—it's back in the war zone. b)    To everyone else, it was just a noise. To him, it was a threat. c)    The danger is no longer real… but the response is. d)    That's what trauma does. i)      It teaches the brain: "You're not safe."Even when the situation has changed.   I.             Spiritual Bridge 2)    That's why passages like Isaiah 41:10 matter so much: "Fear not, for I am with you…"    "Some of you here today aren't weak… you're wounded."  "And God doesn't ignore wounds; He heals them."   Principle 1: Realize I'm not God.  I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable.   "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor." Matthew 5:3a (TEV) Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.   "I know  that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." Romans 7:18 (NIV)   Introduction: Understanding PTSD   1)   Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—PTSD—is not just a memory problem. It is a whole-person response to overwhelming trauma. a)    It happens when someone experiences or witnesses something so intense—combat, violence, abuse, loss—that the mind and body don't fully process it at the time. Instead of staying in the past, the experience keeps resurfacing in the present. b)    PTSD can look like: i)      Reliving the event through flashbacks or nightmares ii)    Being constantly on edge, as if danger is still near iii)   Avoiding people, places, or memories connected to the trauma iv)   Feeling numb, detached, or emotionally shut down c)    In simple terms: i)      PTSD is when the body remembers what the mind is trying to forget. It's when yesterday's danger still feels like today's reality. d)    For many veterans, the battlefield may be behind them—but the battle inside continues. For survivors of abuse, the moment may be over—but the impact is not.   2)   Biblical Perspective   a)    The Bible doesn't use the term PTSD, but it clearly speaks about deep inner distress, fear, and emotional wounds. b)    David writes in Psalm 6:6: "I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears." c)    And in Psalm 38:8: "I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart." i)      These are not mild struggles—this is deep, ongoing inner pain.   d)    The Bible acknowledges something important: i)      Human beings are not just spiritual; we are emotional and physical too. ii)    Trauma affects the whole person, and God cares about the whole person.   3)   Important Truth to Establish Early a)    PTSD is: i)      Not a lack of faith ii)    Not spiritual weakness iii)   Not something you can just "pray away" instantly b)    It is a real condition that involves: i)      The mind ii)    The body iii)   The nervous system c)    And because of that, healing often involves: i)      God's presence ii)    God's Word iii)   Support from others iv)   And sometimes professional help   4)   Sermon a)    So today, we're not just talking about pain…We're talking about how God meets people in that pain. i)      Because the same God who created the mind is also the One who can restore it, steady it, and heal it.   ii)    And if you're here carrying something heavy from your past; this message is for you: (1) God is not intimidated by your trauma. He is present in it—and He is able to bring healing through it.   5)   Understanding the Battle Within (Seven insights from the Word of God).   6)   1. God Sees and Stays Near to the Broken Psalm 34:18 (NKJV), "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." a)    God doesn't withdraw from trauma—He draws near to it. b)    When someone is battling PTSD, they may feel: i)      Alone ii)    Unsafe iii)   Misunderstood iv)   But Scripture says God is closer than we feel.   Principle: You may feel abandoned—but you are not unseen.   7)   2. Even God's People Experienced Deep Distress a)    Consider David. Psalm 55:4–5 (NKJV), ""My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me." b)    David describes: i)      Panic ii)    Fear iii)   Overwhelming distress iv)   This sounds very much like trauma response. c)    Also consider Elijah: 1 Kings 19:4 (NKJV), "But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!"   d)    Elijah wasn't weak—he was overwhelmed.   Principle: Struggling mentally or emotionally does not mean you are spiritually failing.   8)   3. God Understands Trauma—Jesus Suffered Deeply a)    Look at Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. Matthew 26:37–38 (NKJV), "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death…"   Luke 22:44 (NKJV), "…His sweat became like great drops of blood…" b)    This is extreme distress—so intense it affected His body.   Principle: Jesus understands emotional agony, fear, and overwhelming pressure.   9)   4. God Offers Peace in the Middle of the Storm (Not Always Immediate Removal)   Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV), "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."         a)    Notice: i)      It doesn't say the storm disappears immediately ii)    It says peace will guard your heart and mind b)    PTSD often feels like your mind is under attack.   Principle: God says: I will stand guard over your mind.   10)       5. Renewing the Mind is a Process   Romans 12:2 (NKJV), "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."   a)    Healing is not instant—it's a process of renewal. i)      That include: (1) Prayer (2) Scripture (3) Community (4) Counseling   Principle: Faith and seeking help are not opposites—they work together.   11)       6. God Heals the Wounds We Cannot See   Psalm 147:3 9NKJV), "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."   a)    Some wounds don't bleed on the outside. b)    But God is a healer of: i)      Invisible wounds ii)    Emotional scars iii)   Deep trauma   Principle: What is hidden from people is never hidden from God, and what He sees, He is able to heal.   12)       7. You Are Not Defined by What Happened to You   2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV), "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." a)    PTSD may be part of your story—but it is not your identity. b)    Your identity is: i)      Forgiven ii)    Redeemed iii)   Chosen iv)   Accepted v)    More than a Conqueror vi)   His Masterpiece vii) Free viii)         A Temple ix)   Overcomer x)    Loved xi)   Seen xii) Held by God   13)       Closing: Hope for the Battle Within   Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV), "Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you…"   a)    God doesn't just say "get over it." i)      He says: (1) I am with you in it (2) I will strengthen you through it (3) I will carry you beyond it 14)       Seven Handles for Healing   15)       1. Bring It Into the Light (Don't Carry It Alone) a)    Trauma grows in isolation—but healing begins in safe connection.   Galatians 6:2 (NKJV), "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."   b)    Next Steps: i)      Talking to a trusted person ii)    Joining a small group or recovery setting iii)   Letting someone know your story at your pace   Principle: Silence keeps wounds hidden. Community helps bring healing.   16)       2. Ground Yourself in the Present Moment a)    PTSD pulls you into the past—grounding brings you back to now. i)      Simple tools: (1) Name 5 things you can see (2) Slow your breathing (inhale 4, exhale 6) (3) Remind yourself: "I am safe right now"   Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV), "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."   Principle: You're training your mind to return to truth, not just react to fear.   17)       3. Replace Lies with Truth (Renew the Mind) a)    Trauma often plants lies: i)      "I'm not safe" ii)    "It was my fault" iii)   "I'll never be okay" b)    God's Word speaks truth over those lies. Romans 12:2 (NKJV), "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." c)    Practical step: i)      Write down one lie you struggle with ii)    Pair it with a Scripture truth iii)   Speak it daily—even when it doesn't feel true yet   Principle: Healing happens as truth is repeated more than the lie.   18)       4. Invite God Into the Trigger (Not Just After It) a)    Many people pray after a hard moment—but God wants to meet you in it.   Psalm 46:1 (NKJV), "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."   b)    When triggered: i)      Whisper a short prayer: "Lord, I need You right now" or "Jesus help." ii)    Repeat a verse you've memorized iii)   Picture God's presence with you in that moment   Principle: You're not reliving it alone—God steps into that moment with you.   19)       5. Take Care of Your Body (It Matters Spiritually Too) a)    Trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. b)    Next Steps: i)      Rest and sleep ii)    Exercise or walking iii)   Healthy rhythms   1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NKJV), "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." Principle: Caring for your body is not unspiritual—it supports healing.   20)       6. Seek Wise Help (Faith + Support Work Together) a)    There's strength—not weakness—in getting help.   Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV), "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety." b)    This can include: i)      Celebrate Recovery Small Groups ii)    Christian counseling iii)   Trauma-informed therapy iv)   Support groups   Principle: God often brings healing through people as well as through prayer.   21)       7. Be Patient With the Process a)    Healing is not instant. It's layered.   Psalm 40:1–2 (NKJV), "To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps." Progress may look like: i)      Fewer triggers ii)    Faster recovery after triggers iii)   More peace over time iv)   That's real healing.   22)       Close a)    "You may not be able to erase what happened; but by God's grace, you can be free from its control." "Healing is possible…and you don't have to walk it alone."   23)       Some of you in this room… you've learned how to function… how to smile… how to get through the day… a)    But inside, you're tired. i)      Tired of the memories. Tired of the triggers. Tired of feeling like you're always on edge… or sometimes… like you feel nothing at all. b)    And maybe you've asked yourself: "Why am I still like this?" "Why can't I just move on?" c)    Listen carefully: i)      You're not weak… you're wounded. And wounds don't need shame… they need healing. 24)       The truth is—what happened to you was real. The pain is real. The impact is real. 25)       But hear this: Your story didn't end there. 26)       The same God who saw you in that moment…the same God who was there in the middle of the fear, the chaos, the hurt… He is here now.    

El Salmo 23:  El Amor del Pastor: Provisión, Presencia, y Paz "La mayoría de las personas conocen el Salmo 23… Aun personas que no van a la iglesia pueden citar partes de él. 'El Señor es mi pastor, nada me falta.' Es uno de los pasajes más conocidos y amados de toda la Biblia. Pero aquí está el problema… La mayoría conecta el Salmo 23 ·     con la muerte ·     Funerales ·     Pérdida ·     El final de la vida. Pero el Salmo 23 nunca fue escrito como un salmo sobre la muerte. Es un salmo acerca de la vida… ·     de ser guiados… de ser amados por Dios ·     ahora mismo, ahoy… Y si realmente entiendes el Salmo 23… va a cambiar la manera en que vives cada día." Halgo muy importante" No debemos ignorar el Salmo 22, debemos tomarlo en cuenta… "Pero antes de que David diga: 'El Señor es mi pastor…' Hay algo que necesitamos ver primero. Porque el Salmo 23 no está solo… INTRODUCCIÓN AL SALMO 22 El Pastor que muere "Antes de que David hable del Pastor que guía a las ovejas…debemos ver al Pastor que sufre y muere por nosotros (Salmo 22)."  EL CONTEXTO (EL DOLOR DE DAVID) "No se conoce el momento exacto en que David escribió el Salmo 22, pero se estima que su composición ocurrió aproximadamente entre los años 1000 y 900 a.C. David experimentó momentos donde fue: perseguido traicionado ridiculizado públicamente agotado físicamente angustiado espiritualmente Este salmo refleja uno de esos momentos oscuros." Pausa. "Pero aquí es donde se vuelve increíble…" LA PROFECÍA (APUNTANDO A JESÚS) "Este salmo fue escrito aproximadamente mil años antes de la cruz… y describe la crucifixión con detalle." "Comienza con las mismas palabras que Jesús dijo en la cruz: 'Dios mío, Dios mío, ¿por qué me has abandonado?' Salmo 22:1 NVI "Luego dice: 'Cuantos me ven se ríen de mí; lanzan insultos, meneando la cabeza:' (v.7)   'Como perros me han rodeado; me ha cercado una banda de malvados; me han traspasado las manos y los pies' (v.16) 'Se repartieron entre ellos mi manto y sobre mi ropa echaron suertes..' (v.18)" Pausa. "Exactamente lo que ocurrió en la cruz." VERDAD CLAVE "El Salmo 22 nos muestra algo poderoso: El Pastor del Salmo 23… es el Salvador sufriente del Salmo 22." Pausa. "Antes de que el Pastor pudiera guiar a las ovejas… tenía que morir por las ovejas." "Sin el Salmo 22, no puedes entender el Salmo 23. Porque el Salmo 22 muestra al Pastor pagando el precio por nuestro pecado." PARA QUIÉN ES EL SALMO 23 "Ahora escucha esto… El Salmo 23 es uno de los pasajes más amados de la Biblia. La gente lo cita. Lo cuelga en sus casas. Pero comienza con una declaración personal: 'El Señor es mi pastor.'Salmo 23:1 NVI No el pastor de todos… Es el Pastor de su creyentes…de sus ovejas… Eso implica: relación rendición pertenencia Y esa relación solo es posible por lo que vemos en el Salmo 22."  Línea: "No puedes decir: 'El Señor es mi pastor' hasta que creas que el Pastor murió por ti." TRANSICIÓN AL SALMO 23 "El Salmo 22 nos muestra al Pastor muriendo por las ovejas… El Salmo 23 nos muestra al Pastor guiando a las ovejas. Y si seguimos adelante, el Salmo 24 muestra el Pastor que reina… Y ese Pastor es Jesucristo."     SALMO 23 — Versículo 1 "'El Señor es mi pastor' (relación) Ejemplo: Un hombre tratando de dirigir su propia vida—tomando decisiones solo, cargando presión, alejándose espiritualmente. Respuesta de Dios: Dios lo invita a una relación, no solo a religión. Ya no tiene que guiarse solo." "'Nada me falta' (provisión) Ejemplo: Un hombre buscando satisfacción—dinero, alcohol, pornografía, éxito—pero sigue vacío. Ejemplo: Una mujer buscando llenarse—control, amo, redes sociales, logros—pero sigue vacía. Respuesta de Dios: El Pastor ofrece lo que nada de eso puede dar—paz, identidad y contentamiento. Línea: "La mayoría de los hombres no están vacíos de cosas… están vacíos del Pastor." Muchas mujeres lo tienen todo, pero tienen al Pastor   Versículo 2 'En verdes pastos me hace descansar' (descanso) Ejemplo: Un hombre o mujer agotado—trabajando sin parar, estresado. Una mujer agotada—sirviendo a todos, trabajando sin parar, sin tiempo para ella misma..   Respuesta de Dios: A veces Dios nos hace descansar—nos detiene para protegernos." "'Junto a tranquilas aguas me conduce' (refrescamiento) Ejemplo: Un hombre ansioso, inquieto.   Una mujer con ansiedad—mente acelerada, preocupaciones constantes, sin paz interior.   Respuesta de Dios: Dios lo guía a un lugar de paz." Versículo 3 "'me infunde nuevas fuerzas. (sanidad ) Ejemplo: Un hombre o mujer cargando culpa—errores, adicciones, fracasos. Respuesta de Dios: Dios no solo perdona—restaura." "'Me guía por sendas de justicia' (dirección) Ejemplo: Cuando sabemos que se necesita cambiar pero no saber cómo. Respuesta de Dios: Dios lo guía paso a paso." " Haciendo honor a su nombre' (propósito) Ejemplo: '¿Cuál es el propósito de mi vida?' Respuesta: Dios te está guiando con propósito." Versículo 4 "'Aun si voy por valles tenebrosos,…' (prueba) Ejemplo: Cuando estamos atravesando una perdida, depresión, o una etapa difícil.. Respuesta: Dios no siempre quita el valle—pero camina con nosotros" "'No temeré ningún mal  (protección) Ejemplo: miedo al futuro. Respuesta: El miedo pierde poder cuando confías en el Pastor." "'Porque tú estás a mi lado' (fidelidad) Ejemplo: sentirse solo, aunque estemos rodeados de gente… Respuesta: Dios siempre está presente." 'Tu vara y tu bastón me reconfortan' (disciplina) Ejemplo: Cuando los sentimos corregidos—Dios confronta actitudes, decisiones o caminos equivocados. Respuesta: La disciplina no es castigo—. Línea: "Un buen Pastor no solo te consuela… también te corrige." Versículo 5 "'Dispones ante mí un banquete en presencia de mis enemigos…' (esperanza) Ejemplo: Cuando estamos en medio de conflicto—relaciones difíciles, presión emocional. Respuesta: Paz en medio del caos." "'Has ungido con aceite mi cabeza' (consagración) Consagracion - Es el acto de ser apartado para Dios—dedicar la vida, el corazón y todo lo que uno es exclusivamente a Él. Ejemplo: Cuando los sentimos invisibles—no reconocido, no valorado, sintiendo que su vida no tiene peso ni significado.. Y eso significa que ya no nos pertenecemos… le pertenecemos a Él. Respuesta: Dios te da identidad y propósito." "'Has llenado mi copa a rebosar' (abundancia) Ejemplo: Un hombre viviendo con mentalidad de escasez—siempre preocupado, siempre sintiendo que no es suficiente, que no tiene suficiente.   Respuesta: Tal vez has vivido pensando que nunca es suficiente… pero en Dios, tu copa no está vacía—está rebosando. Versículo 6 "Seguro estoy de que la bondad y el amor me seguirán todos los días de mi vida' (bendición) Ejemplo: Un hombre perseguido por su pasado—pensando que sus errores lo definen. Respuesta de Dios: Ahora es la bondad de Dios lo que lo sigue.  Línea: "Tal vez tu pasado te perseguía… pero ahora eres perseguido por la bondad de Dios." "'Y en la casa del Señor habitaré' (seguridad) Ejemplo: Un hombre buscando pertenencia—probando relaciones, logros o aceptación, pero siempre sintiéndose vacío.. Respuesta: En Dios encuentras hogar." "Dejas de vagar cuando entiendes esto: en Dios no eres un invitado… eres familia."   "'Para siempre' (eternidad) Ejemplo: Un hombre viviendo solo para lo temporal—éxito, dinero, placer—pero sintiendo que nada satisface.. Respuesta: Dios levanta tu mirada de lo pasajero a lo eterno." "Lo temporal nunca podrá llenar un alma creada para la eternidad. TESTIMONIO "Mí matrimonio estaba roto… no dañado—roto. Hace cinco años, Dios restauró lo que yo no podía. Eso no fue cambio de conducta… fue restauración del alma. Aprendí esto: 'Yo no soy un buen pastor de mi propia vida.'" Pausa. "Hace tres años, mi hijo falleció…" Pausa… "La tentación de escapar del dolor fue real, toda vía lo es… Pero por la gracia de Dios, llevo casi seis años sobrio." "Yo siempre estoy contigo " dice el Señor En el dolor… Él estuvo conmigo. En la restauración… Él estuvo conmigo. En las noches difíciles… Él estuvo conmigo." Línea: "No necesitaba otra vida…necesitaba un Pastor."  EL CUADRO COMPLETO Salmo 22 — El Pastor muere Salmo 23 — El Pastor guía Salmo 24 — El Pastor reina CIERRE No fueron creados para guiarse solos. Las ovejas independientes se lastiman. Algunos nosotros estámos cansados porque estámos cargando lo que solo Dios puede cargar." Pausa.   A aprendido…que … "No necesito más control… necesito más cercanía. No más fuerza… más rendición." LÍNEA FINAL "El Pastor está cerca. La única pregunta es… ¿Vas a dejar que Él te guíe?" A que horar…

1)    Why do I NEED a Sponsor and/ or an Accountability Partner? a)   It's Biblical - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – 9, "Two are better than one…" Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." b)    Having a Sponsor and/or Accountability Partner is BIBLICAL. c)   "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up…Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NIV) d)    Having a Sponsor and/or Accountability Partner is a KEY PART of your recovery program. e)     (4 key aspects) (1) Maintaining an honest view of reality as you work each step (2) Make attendance at recovery group a priority in your schedule (3) Maintain relationship with Christ – prayer, meditation, and study of His Word. (4) Get involved in service, which includes serving as a sponsor or accountability partner. f)     Having a Sponsor and/or Accountability Partner is the best guard against RELAPSE.       Ecclesiastes 7:5, "It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools   2)    Prerequisites for Sponsors a)    Completed CR Step Study Group/Completed the 12 Steps b)    One continuous year of sobriety/abstinence. c)    Actively attending Celebrate Recovery meetings. d)    Have their own Sponsor and Accountability Partner(s). e)    Must be the same sex as Sponsee.   3)    What are the QUALITIES of a sponsor?   Though good advice lies deep within a counselor's heart, the wise man will draw it out. (Proverbs 20:5 LB)   4)    A Word to our Sponsors: a)    Set a Good Example b)    You exhibit the qualities and characteristics that your sponsee strives to achieve, such as honesty, integrity, willingness and compassion. c)   You have the experience of keeping your own house in order – your spiritual life that is.  Seek a greater knowledge of God's Word and "practice your principles in all of your affairs." d)    A sponsor leads with their weaknesses and with their strengths.  If you lead only with your strengths, you may appear prideful or arrogant, and this will turn people away. e)    Prayer f)     As a sponsor, you must pray for your sponsees need for: i)      Physical, emotional and spiritual healing. ii)    The lifting of the fog of denial. iii)   Their protection during times of temptation. g)    Oneness with Christ 5)    Sponsors can avoid being judgmental by: a)    Be a good listener. b)    Respond with sensitivity. c)    Prayerfully consider feedback. d)    Practice deference (yield to someone's opinions or wishes out of respect for that person). e)    Share Your Personal Experience f)     Sharing is important because: i)      Continues the sponsors personal healing. ii)    Offers hope. iii)   Demonstrates freedom from our hurts, habits and hang-ups. g)    Open and Honest Communication h)    Be compassionate.  Be careful not to try to "fix" people, the Lord will heal them in His time. i)      Listen.  Carefully consider situations before offering a suggestion. j)     Confront denial and procrastination.  Be strong to point out, in a loving manner, detrimental patterns of behavior in you sponsee. k)    Being available, yet having boundaries (you do not have to answer every call or text). l)      Protecting anonymity and confidentiality. m)  Offer suggestions and do not make demands. n)    Rejoice in victories. 6)    Sponsees must initiate their own recoveries and seek new relationships; which includes seeking out Sponsors and Accountability.  A Newcomer must take responsibility for their own recovery.  You cannot work someone else's program.   7)    What is the ROLE of a sponsor? a)    He can be there to discuss issues in detail that are too personal or would take too much time in a meeting. b)    He is available in times of crisis or potential relapse. c)    He serves as a sounding board by providing an objective point of view. d)     He is there to encourage you to work the principles at your own speed. he does not work the steps for you! e)    Most important, he attempts to model the lifestyle resulting from working the eight principles. f)     A sponsor can resign or be fired.   8)    How do I FIND a sponsor and/or an accountability partner?   a)    First, your sponsor or accountability partner MUST be of the same sex as you. After you have narrowed the field down with that requirement, listen to people share. Do you relate to or resonate with what is spoken? Ask others in your group to go out for coffee after the meeting. Get to know the person before you ask him or her to be your sponsor or accountability partner!   9)    What is the difference between a sponsor and an ACCOUNTABILITY partner?   a)    See SPONSOR QUICK GUIDE   10)5 Reasons to Fire Your Sponsor and 2 Reasons to Fire Your Sponsee   a)    So, let's say you're working with somebody but they suggest you do something that frankly makes you want to bolt. It's so easy to think "whatever, we just aren't a good match" and move on. However, it's exactly that temptation to bail, when things get tough mentality, that helped land us in the rooms to begin with.   b)    However, sometimes you really do need to make a change. So how do you know when it IS a good time to fire your sponsor? Well, I'm going to tell ya.   11)TOP 5 reasons to get rid of a sponsor:   a)    They aren't trustworthy. i)      You should be able to be completely honest with your sponsor and you should have faith that they are going to keep your secrets and not shoot their mouth off to your parole officer, your ex or TMZ.   b)    They cross an intimacy line. i)      They get more involved with you or your family than you are comfortable.   c)    They relapse.   d)    They are making ultimatums. i)      I have seen sponsors try to take control of every aspect of a person's life.  It is wrong and it is them being power-hungry.  When our lives are a mess, it is appealing to have someone else "take the wheel," but that position is reserved for Jesus.   e)    A quote from my first sponsor Bob (as best as I can remember it), "If I tell you what to do and it seems to have worked, you may become dependent on me. If I tell you what to do and it seems to have not worked, you may resent me. And I don't want your resentment or your dependency. So what I'm going to do is ask you a few questions, give you some decision-making tools, and let you decide. As long as you've looked at your motives and consequences (are your motives clean and are you willing to take responsibility for the consequences), I'll support you in any decision you make."   f)     They are abusive. i)      No yelling, hang-ups, name calling.  Respect is given and respect is received.   12)TOP 2 reasons to get rid of a sponsee:   a)    They are lying to you.  And, then they are lying about lying. i)      If they are not ready to get honest, then they are not ready to get sober.  Let them go out a practice some more "controlled using."   13) They won't do the work. a)    Meetings are not work, they are fellowship and life.  Step work is not work, it is the thing that creates lasting sobriety and real change.   14)I have never fired a sponsee because they did not follow my suggestions.  I have never fired a sponsee because they were acting out. 15)I have never fired a sponsee because they relapsed.   16)I have fired a sponsee for lying about lying.   a)    Be dead honest… or be dead.   17)Be a gracious sponsor, but don't be afraid to drop the truth bomb when their denial starts talking.

Lesson 5 - Turn From Caves to Conquest (Judges 6:1-10)       Principle 3:  Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control.    "Happy are the meek."  Matthew 5:5.   Step 3:  We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.    "Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship."  Romans 12:1.   To do this step you have to commit ALL your life and will to Christ's care and control.   How do you do that?  Well it is three action steps.   TURN Trust Understand Repent New life   Let's talk about TRUST first.   Deciding to turn your life and your will over to God requires only trust.   "If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)   Try to name somethings or people that your trust in that you don't even know or understand.   Other drivers on the road Airplane Food handlers The chair you're sitting in tonight   So, these are often unproven and unseen people, places, and things, yet we still trust in them.   Why then is it so hard for us to trust our lives to the care of God, whose eye is always upon us?     It's your choice and not… chance.  It's is act of your will to decide to trust in Jesus.  It is fully surrendering to God and trusting Him for your future.   After you have decided to trust, the next step is UNDERSTANDING.      Remember that relying on your own understand bought you the seat you are sitting in tonight.    After you have made the decision to ask Jesus into your life, you need to begin to seek His will for your life in all your decisions.    "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)   Let me tell you something.  It has taken all my life to understand that it is not necessary for me to understand everything or be in charge of everything. The third part of the acrostic is REPENT.   To truly repent, you must not lonely turn away from your sins, but also turn toward God.   "Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-make you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed." (Romans 12:2a)   I think most people repent of their sins more from fear of punishment than from a real change of heart.  God is a loving father that wants and has your best for your life.   He will joyously give you the last part of the acrostic…NEW LIFE.   After you ask Jesus into your heart, you wil have a new life!   "Now God says He will accept and acquit us – declare us 'not guilty' – if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins." (Romans 3:22)   The new life you will receive is a result of the three action steps of trusting, understanding, and repenting.                   "From Caves to Conquest" How God Moves Us from Bondage to Breakthrough Text: Judges 6:1–10 Theme: Sin robs us of progress—but surrender restores it. READ THE TEXT 1)   Introduction a)         In Judges 6, Israel is hiding in caves. b)         They once walked in victory. "'Thus let all your enemies perish, O LORD! But let those who love Him be like the sun when it comes out in full strength.'  So the land had rest for forty years." (Judges 5:31) c)          Now they live in fear. d)         They once harvested blessing. e)         Now everything they plant is stolen. f)           This is not just Israel's story. i)      It's the story of addiction. It's the story of relapse. It's the story of strongholds. g)         And it's the story of recovery. h)         The cycle in Book of Judges mirrors the recovery journey: i)      Sin → Bondage → Cry for Help → Deliverance. 2)   Point 1: The Pain of Denial (Judges 6:1–6) [1] "The children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD… So the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian…" a)         Israel didn't fall overnight. i)      They drifted. ii)    And their drift led to bondage. iii)   They worked hard—but gained nothing. They planted—but couldn't harvest. They lived—but not freely. [3-4] "So it was, whenever Israel had sown, Midianites would come up; also Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them.  Then they would encamp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey." b)         They ended up hiding in caves (vs. 2). c)         Apostasy Leads to Servitude i)      Apostasy Defined - Apostasy means turning away from God after knowing the truth. d)         After 40 years of peace following the victory celebrated in Book of Judges 5:31, Israel became prosperous, complacent, and spiritually careless. i)      Prosperity often creates spiritual forgetfulness. e)        The Result: Servitude i)      Because of their sin, God allowed Midian to oppress them for seven years. (1)            This was not cruelty from God—it was discipline and mercy. ii)    God sometimes allows hardship because: (1)            Discipline awakens us spiritually (2)            Pain exposes our dependence on Him (3)            Correction prevents deeper destruction iii)   It would have been worse if God had simply left them alone in their sin. f)           Celebrate Recovery Principle 1 - "Realize I'm not God. I admit that I am powerless…" i)      Recovery begins when we stop pretending. ii)    Israel tried surviving in caves before they cried out. Denial keeps us hiding. iii)   Addiction, pride, anger, lust, codependency— they all push us into caves. iv)   And sin always robs progress. Principle: You can't conquer what you won't confess.   Confession admits the problem; belief discovers the solution. g)         Celebrate Recovery Principle 2 - "Earnestly believe that God exists…" i)      The Midianites were NOT stronger than God. Israel was simply disconnected from Him. (1)            Your struggle is not bigger than God. (2)             But you cannot defeat what you refuse to surrender. 3)   Point 2: The Power of Surrender (Judges 6:6) [6] "Then the children of Israel cried out to the LORD." a)         Seven years of loss before they prayed. After years of humiliation and poverty, they finally turned to God. i)      Prayer was their last resort instead of their first response. b)         But here's the good news: i)      The moment they cried out, God moved. Principle: Recovery begins when pride ends. c)          Many believers follow the same pattern. i)      We try: (1)            self-effort (2)            human solutions (3)            endurance (4)            Only when everything fails do we cry out to God. d)         Celebrate Recovery Principle 3 - "Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control." i)      Crying out is surrender. (1)            It's saying: "I can't fix this." "I need help." "I'm done pretending." (2)            God responds to humility. (a) Not perfection. Not performance. Not promises. (b) Just surrender. Principle: God moves when pride steps aside.   4)    Point 3: The Path to Restoration (Judges 6:7–10) a)         Before God sent Gideon, He sent a prophet (vss. 8-10). i)      Why? (1)            Because the real problem wasn't Midian - It was disobedience. Principle: Recovery requires truth before rescue. b)        The Prophet's Message i)      God reminded them: [8] "I brought you out of Egypt." ii)    This reminder emphasized three truths: (1)            God's Love - The God who delivered them from Egypt still loved them. (2)            God's Power - If He could defeat Egypt, He could defeat Midian. (3)            Israel's Problem – [10] "You have not obeyed My voice." (a) Their enemy was not Midian. (b) Their enemy was disobedience. c)          Celebrate Recovery Principle 4 - "Openly examine and confess my faults…" i)      The prophet exposed the real issue [10] "You have not obeyed My voice." ii)    Recovery requires ownership. iii)   We stop blaming: (1)            our parents (2)            our spouse (3)            our past (4)            our stress (5)            our triggers iv)   And say: "I contributed to this." d)         Celebrate Recovery Principle 5 - "Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life." i)      God was preparing them for change before He brought deliverance. ii)    Healing requires transformation, not just relief. iii)   God doesn't just want to remove Midian. (1)            He wants to remove the idol that invited Midian. (a) They were trusting in false gods and in their own understanding. Principle: God won't just remove the your enemy; He removes the idol that invited it. e)         Celebrate Recovery Principle 6 - "Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness and make amends…" i)      Recovery restores what sin robbed. ii)    Midian stole harvest. iii)   Sin steals: (1)            relationships (2)            trust (3)            finances (4)            peace f)           But when God restores, He rebuilds what was lost. i)      Later in Judges 6, Gideon tears down an altar of Baal before he defeats Midian. Principle: Before public victory, there must be private cleansing. 5)   Wrap-up a)         Sin pushes us into caves. b)         Surrender brings us into calling. c)          Israel thought the problem was Midian. d)         God said the problem was misalignment. e)         And the same God who delivered them then still delivers today.

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ESPERANZA (HOPE en Inglés) Principio 2: En una forma sincera creo que Dios existe, que le intereso y que Él tiene el poder para ayudarme en mi recuperación.   "Dichosos los que lloran, porque serán consolados". Mateo 5:4 (NVI) Paso 2: Llegamos a creer que un poder más grande que nosotros puede restaurarnos a la cordura. Pues Dios es quien produce en ustedes tanto el querer como el hacer para que se cumpla su buena voluntad. Filipenses 2:13 (NVI)   H                                                                                                                                                               Porque todas las cosas vienen de Dios, y existen por él y para él . . . (Romanos 11:36a DHH)   Oportunidad para                                                                                                                                   Renueven sus actitudes y pensamientos. (Efesios 4:23 NBV)     Poder para                                                                                                                                               Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece. (Filipenses 4:13 NVI)   E                                                                                                                                              el cambio. Y estoy seguro de que Dios, quien comenzó la buena obra en ustedes, la continuará hasta que quede completamente terminada el día que Cristo Jesús vuelva. (Filipenses 1:6 NTV)

HOPE Principle 2: Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover. "Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 Step 2: We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (NIV)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    H                                                                                                                                                               For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power . . . (Romans 11:36a LB)     Openness to                                                                                                                                            Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person . . . (Ephesians 4:23–24a LB)     Power to                                                                                                                                                  For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and the power. (Philippians 4:13 LB)     E                                                                                                                                             to change. And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when JesusChrist returns. (Philippians 1:6 LB)

Mitch teaches our Welcome Home ministry

Lucas 15 — La Parábola Del Hermano Mayor (sermón Nvi) Lucas 15 — La Parábola del Hermano Mayor (Traducción pastoral al español usando la NVI para los textos bíblicos) Introducción Abra su Biblia en Lucas capítulo 15. Quiero que vayamos despacio. Lucas 15 contiene uno de los pasajes más conocidos y queridos de toda la Escritura, comúnmente —y yo diría incorrectamente— llamado "La parábola del hijo pródigo". Ese título suena familiar, pero nos hace perder el punto principal. Porque cuando Jesús cuenta esta historia, no está hablando principalmente del hijo pródigo. Está hablando con alguien más. Y si no entendemos a quién le está hablando, no vamos a entender la parábola. Por eso tenemos que leer Lucas 15 en su contexto. El Contexto: A Quién Se Dirige Jesús Lucas 15:1–2 (NVI) "Muchos recaudadores de impuestos y pecadores se acercaban a Jesús para oírlo. Pero los fariseos y los maestros de la ley lo criticaban y decían: «Este recibe a los pecadores y come con ellos»." Esto es clave. Aquí está el problema. Los fariseos no dicen que Jesús enseña mal. No dicen que viola la ley. Lo que les molesta es con quién se junta. No pueden aceptar el tipo de personas que Jesús recibe. Así que Jesús responde contando tres parábolas seguidas. No son historias separadas. Son una sola enseñanza con tres imágenes. Parábola Uno: La Oveja Perdida Lucas 15:3–7 (NVI) Jesús empieza con algo sencillo. Un hombre tiene cien ovejas y pierde una. Eso es el uno por ciento. Puede sonar pequeño, pero para un pastor eso es su sustento. ¿Quién no dejaría las noventa y nueve para ir tras la que se perdió? Cuando la encuentra, no la castiga. La carga sobre sus hombros —porque las ovejas perdidas no regresan solas— y vuelve a casa lleno de gozo. Y luego llama a sus amigos: «Alégrense conmigo; he encontrado mi oveja perdida». Jesús concluye: «Les digo que así habrá más alegría en el cielo por un solo pecador que se arrepiente que por noventa y nueve justos que no necesitan arrepentirse». Los fariseos asienten. Esto tiene sentido. Parábola Dos: La Moneda Perdida Lucas 15:8–10 (NVI) Ahora Jesús aumenta la intensidad. Una mujer tiene diez monedas y pierde una —diez por ciento de su riqueza. ¿Qué hace? Enciende una lámpara. Barre la casa. Mueve todo. No se detiene hasta encontrarla. Y cuando la encuentra, hace lo mismo: «Alégrense conmigo; he encontrado la moneda que se me había perdido». Jesús dice: «Así mismo se alegra Dios con sus ángeles por un solo pecador que se arrepiente». Otra vez, los fariseos entienden. Nadie discute esto. Parábola Tres: Los Dos Hijos Lucas 15:11 (NVI) "Había un hombre que tenía dos hijos." Note la progresión: 1 de 100 1 de 10 1 de 2 El valor aumenta. La pérdida es más profunda. El Hijo Menor: Rebelión Abierta El hijo menor pide su herencia. Eso solo se recibe cuando el padre muere. Es una ofensa profunda. Luego se va a un país lejano —lenguaje que en la Biblia siempre indica alejamiento, juicio y pecado. Jesús lo deja claro: Desperdicia todo Vive desenfrenadamente Llega el hambre Termina cuidando cerdos Desea comer lo que comen los cerdos Es la peor imagen posible para un judío. Pero sucede algo crucial: "Por fin recapacitó…" (v. 17) Se arrepiente. «Volveré a mi padre…» El Padre: Gracia Escandalosa Cuando el hijo aún está lejos, el padre corre hacia él. Un patriarca no corre. Pero la gracia no se preocupa por la dignidad. Lo abraza. Lo restaura. Le devuelve su identidad. Hace una fiesta. «Porque este hijo mío estaba muerto, pero ahora ha vuelto a la vida; se había perdido y lo hemos encontrado». (v. 24) El patrón continúa: Perdido → encontrado → gozo. El Hijo Mayor: Rebelión Oculta Aquí está el verdadero punto. El hijo mayor oye la música. Se entera de la fiesta. Y no entra. Se enoja. Se siente ofendido. El padre sale a rogarle. Pero escuche sus palabras: Lucas 15:29 (NVI) «Fíjate cuántos años te he servido sin desobedecer jamás una sola orden tuya, y ni siquiera me has dado un cabrito para celebrar con mis amigos». Esto no es amor. Es contabilidad. "Yo cumplí. Tú me debes." Este es el síndrome del hermano mayor. El Síndrome del Hermano Mayor El hijo menor sabía que necesitaba gracia. El mayor cree que merece recompensa. No puede gozarse en el evangelio. Tiene al padre, pero no lo ama. Tiene la herencia, pero quiere reconocimiento. Esto es más peligroso que la rebelión abierta. Ejemplos Modernos Suena así: "He sido fiel, ¿por qué Dios no me dio esto?" "Yo hice todo bien, esto no es justo." "¿Por qué prosperan ellos si yo obedezco?" La raíz es la misma: "He sido bueno. Dios me debe." La Tragedia El hijo menor entra a la fiesta. El mayor se queda afuera. El menor se goza en la gracia. El mayor no puede gozarse en el evangelio. La ley nunca da vida. Solo mata. Dos Respuestas Jesús deja la historia abierta. ¿Por qué? Porque los fariseos deben responder. Y nosotros también. Solo hay dos opciones: Arrepentirse y descansar en la gracia Endurecer el corazón y aferrarse a las obras Muchos eligieron la segunda. Y mataron a Jesús. Exhortación Final Si usted se ve como el hermano mayor: Huya a Cristo Renuncie a la autosuficiencia Rechace la justicia por obras Gócese en el evangelio Padres: no pasen por alto al hijo obediente y silencioso. Ambos hijos necesitan gracia. Conclusión Esta no es la parábola del hijo pródigo. Es la parábola del hermano mayor. «El que tenga oídos para oír, que oiga». Oración Padre, Nos gozamos en tu gracia, tu misericordia y tu bondad. Concédenos abandonar toda autosuficiencia, despreciar la justicia por obras y descansar plenamente en la persona y la obra de Jesucristo, nuestra única esperanza. Amén.

Denial   Principle 1: Realize I'm not God. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable.    "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor." (Matthew 5:3)   Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.    "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." (Romans 7:18)   What is Denial? Denial is a false system of beliefs not based on reality. It is a self‑protecting behavior that keeps us from honestly facing the truth. Denial promises safety, but it actually keeps us stuck. 1. Past Failures Can Trip Me Up "Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us." — Hebrews 12:1 (TLB) Principle: I cannot run God's race while carrying yesterday's baggage. God has a unique race for each of us—a plan for good, not a life dominated by addictions, dependencies, or obsessions. But past failures often cling to us like weights on a runner's ankles. Illustration: Imagine trying to run a marathon wearing a backpack filled with bricks labeled guilt, resentment, shame, and regret. You might start the race, but eventually those weights will slow you down, trip you up, or stop you altogether. Application: Some of us are stuck in bitterness over what others have done to us. We replay the hurt and refuse to forgive. Others are bound by guilt for the ways we have hurt people. Holding on to the hurt doesn't punish the offender—it imprisons us. God gives us willingness to forgive. Forgiveness is a process, and through it God brings freedom. You may believe: "No one could love the real me." "What I've done is unforgivable." That is denial speaking. God already knows everything about you—and Jesus still went to the cross. Many people around you have faced similar failures and now live in freedom. They are here to support you. "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." — Philippians 3:13 (TLB) "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." — Isaiah 43:18 Bottom line: If we want freedom from guilt, grudges, grief, and shame, we must release the past—through forgiveness or amends—and move forward. 2. Fear of the Future Can Freeze Me "The Lord is my Helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me." — Hebrews 13:6 (TLB) Principle: Fear keeps me frozen, but faith moves me forward. Fear often disguises itself as caution or control, but its real effect is paralysis. Illustration: Like headlights on a dark road, fear can cause us to freeze in place instead of steering forward. We may stop moving altogether because we are afraid of what might happen next. Common Recovery Fears: Losing my identity Losing control "What if recovery doesn't work?" "Who will I be without my substance or behavior?" "What if people get angry when I stop enabling?" "What relationships or habits will I have to give up?" Re‑opening old wounds Believing I deserve pain God does not want us frozen in unhealthy patterns. He wants us healed. "Where God's love is, there is no fear, because God's perfect love drives out fear." — 1 John 4:18 (NCV) You are not here by accident. Recovery works. If it worked for others, it can work for you. 3. The Mask of Denial Can Hold Me Back Principle: I cannot heal what I refuse to admit. Denial often wears a mask. It tells us: "I don't really belong here." "My hurt, habit, or hang‑up isn't that bad." "I can fix this myself." That mask feels safe—but it keeps us sick. Illustration: Denial is like covering a broken bone with a long sleeve and saying, "It's fine." The arm may look okay on the outside, but without treatment, it will never heal correctly. Denial walks hand‑in‑hand with guilt and shame. Do These Sound Familiar? "If we don't talk about it, it will go away." "Talking only makes it worse." "It's not really that bad." "Other people are worse than me." "I only do this because you make me angry." "I deserve this." That's denial. "You can't heal a wound by saying it's not there!" — Jeremiah 6:14 (TLB) Final Truth Before we can take the first step of recovery, we must face and admit our denial. Freedom begins when we stop pretending and start telling the truth—first to God, then to ourselves, and then to others. Admit it. Face it. Release it. Move forward.   Effects of Denial — DENIAL Acrostic (with Principles) D — Denial DISABLES our feelings Hiding our feelings and living in denial freezes our emotions and binds us. Freedom begins when we allow ourselves to honestly feel what is going on inside. Feelings are not good or bad—they are signals. I can feel the feeling without having to escape it or numb it. Personal test: "I'm free to feel this, and I don't need to use __________." Denial promises relief but delivers bondage. "They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of destructive habits—for a person is a slave of anything that has conquered him." — 2 Peter 2:19 (GNB) Principle: What I refuse to feel, I will eventually numb. E — Denial causes ENERGY loss One of the greatest side effects of denial is anxiety. Anxiety wastes enormous amounts of emotional, mental, and spiritual energy. We lose energy by: ·       Managing secrets ·       Replaying past hurts ·       Living in fear of being found out Change can only happen in the present. When we live trapped in the past or terrified of the future, we miss what God wants to do today. "He frees the prisoners and lifts the burdens from those bent down beneath their loads." — Psalm 146:7 (TLB) Letting go of the burden of hiding—or trying to prove myself—opens the door to God's freedom to love myself and others in healthier ways. Principle: Hiding the truth drains the strength God wants to restore. N — Denial NEGATES growth We are only as sick as our secrets. Growth requires honesty, and denial blocks honesty. God never wastes a hurt. God never wastes darkness. But He cannot heal what we refuse to bring into the light. "They cried to the Lord in their troubles, and he rescued them! He led them from the darkness and shadow of death and snapped their chains." — Psalm 107:13–14 (TLB) Denial keeps us stuck. Truth allows God to transform our pain into purpose. Principle: Secrets keep me sick, but truth sets me free. I — Denial ISOLATES us from God After Adam and Eve sinned, their secret separated them from God. They hid because they felt naked and ashamed. "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked." — Genesis 3:7 God is light. Denial keeps us in darkness. "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all… If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus… purifies us from all sin." — 1 John 1:5–7 Denial does not protect our relationship with God—it weakens it. Principle: Shame hides from God, but grace invites us closer. A — Denial ALIENATES us from others Denial damages relationships by: ·       Keeping us from helping ourselves or those we love ·       Making us judgmental toward others with similar struggles ·       Preventing us from being honest and vulnerable To protect our secrets, we isolate ourselves. We reduce the risk of exposure—but at a terrible cost: the loss of meaningful connection. "Stop lying to each other; tell the truth, for we are parts of each other, and when we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves." — Ephesians 4:25 (TLB) It is always better to tell the ugly truth than to live a beautiful lie. Principle: I cannot be fully known or fully loved while I am hiding. L — Denial LENGTHENS the pain We often believe denial protects us from pain. In reality, denial allows pain to grow, fester, and turn into shame and guilt. Denial doesn't reduce pain—it multiplies it. Truth may hurt at first, like surgery, but it heals. "I will give you back your health again and heal your wounds." — Jeremiah 30:17 (TLB) Principle: What I delay dealing with, I extend. Wrap-Up Walking out of denial is one of the hardest things you will ever do. Because denial feels safe. The mask feels protective. Hiding feels like survival. Everything inside of you whispers, "Don't do it. Don't tell. Don't open that door. It's not safe." But hear this clearly tonight: It is safe here. You are not surrounded by judges. You are surrounded by people who once hid just like you do now. People who were afraid just like you are afraid. People who discovered that the truth didn't destroy them—it saved them. Denial says, "If they really knew me, they would leave." Jesus says, "I already know you—and I stayed." He saw your worst day before you ever lived it. He carried your shame to the cross before you ever felt it. And He didn't come to expose you—He came to heal you. Tonight, you don't have to fix anything. You don't have to explain everything. You don't have to clean yourself up first. You just have to stop pretending. Because freedom doesn't begin when the pain is gone. Freedom begins the moment you stop hiding it. Jesus said, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Not shame you. Not crush you. Not reject you. Free you. So tonight, take off the mask. Step out of the shadows. Let the light in. This is not the end of your story. This is the beginning of healing. This is the first step toward freedom. And you are not walking it alone.  

Healing Power During the Holidays Merry Christmas, Forever Family (Luke 2:7-14) 1)     Tonight let us consider that the first Christmas began in a place that none of us would have chosen 2)     Christmas tells something very powerful about recovery in five ways: a)     First, God Meets Us Right Where We Are. (Luke 2:7) i)      Jesus wasn't born in a palace. He was born in the mess. And He still comes into our mess today. ii)     Step 1 – "We admitted we were powerless…" Before Jesus can heal us, we must admit we need Him. iii)    Whether you're battling hurts, habits, or hang-ups…whether this is a season feels joyful or painfully heavy…God is not waiting for you to clean up first.  He comes to you. iv)   Just like Jesus came to a manger, He comes into our brokenness. b)     Second, Light Shines in Darkness. i)      Whatever darkness you're fighting – addiction, fear, shame, loneliness, anger – His light is stronger. (1 John 1:5-7) ii)     Step 2 – "We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." iii)    Christmas celebrates that the Light has come – the restoring, rescuing power of Jesus. c)     Third, Jesus Came to Bring Peace, Not Pressure. i)      Progress, not perfection.  Peace, not performance. ii)     In Recovery, we learn that peace is not the absence of problems. It's the presence of Christ in the middle of them. (Luke 2:8-14) iii)    Step 3 – "We made a decision to turn our lives and wills over to God." iv)   Christmas invites us to trust the Prince of Peace with our life and will. d)     Fourth, You're Not Alone. i)      The shepherds, the wise men, Mary and Joseph – God surrounded the story of Jesus with people.  And…He still does that today. ii)     Celebrate Recovery is part of the miracle of Christmas: God giving us community, fellowship, accountability, and your forever family who will walk with us, not judge us. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) iii)    Step 4 – "We take a fearless moral inventory."   iv)    Step 5 – "We admit our wrongs to God and another person." v)     Step 6 – "We become ready for God to remove our character defects." vi)    These steps are impossible alone – and God never meant for us to do them alone. vii)  Christmas reminds us: God gives us a community for healing. e)     Fifth, Christmas Is About New Beginnings. i)      The birth of Jesus marked a new beginning for the world – and it can mark a new beginning for us too. (Titus 3:5-6; Isaiah 43:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17) ii)     Steps 7-12 (1     Step 7 – "Humbly ask God to remove our shortcomings." (2     Step 8-9 – "Make amends where possible." (3     Step 10 – "Continue to take personal inventory." (4     Step 11 – "Seek God daily though Bible study, prayer, and meditation." (5     Step 12 – "Carry the message to other that still suffer." iii)    Recovery moves in the rhytm of one day at a time, and every dawn reminds us that new beginnings are the signature of God's grace.   He is always writing new chapters, even when we can only see the page we're on. iv)   Christmas reminds us that God is still writing new chapters.

Lesson 26 – Ministry Opportunities (Mark 10:42-45)   Principle 8: Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words.   "Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires!" Matthew 5:10 (TEV)   Step 12: Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and practice these principles in all our affairs.   "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."  Galatians 6:1 (NIV)   MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES   We are a membership church, and therefore in order to be in a position of authority, high responsibility, or leadership, you must be a member.  But all other positions are available to anyone.  Please see the Ministry Leader for further information.   Spanish CR: Spanish CR has all the same elements that are part of the English CR and you can be a part of everything from greeting to production to the leading small groups.   Assimilation:  Assimilation is the way we help people feel connected to CR. You can be part of the assimilation table, dinner tickets, front door greeter, sanctuary door greeter handing out bulletins, and you can help with the offering (background check for offering position).   Greeters:  Greet People - Come early and be the smiling face that welcomes newcomers.  This is a front-line ministry!   Ushers:  Seat People – Be in the sanctuary 20 minutes before service and help people find a seat and serve the folks as the needs arise.   Bulletin Stuffers: Meet at the Assimilation Table at 6:30pm, and get to know other Celebrate Recovery participants while stuff the bulletins.   Program: Each Friday night we need people to help reading the 8 principles/12 steps, announcements, each month we give out the metal chips for anniversaries, lead small group, and Co-lead small group.   Prayer Ministry: Join in to pray for the speakers and Leaders, participants, and all of the meetings. Or join the weekly team and pray for the prayer requests turned in each meeting via an email prayer chain.   Kitchen Team / Barbecue / Cookout Team:  Feed People - Come and barbeque or serve pizza/meal while you get to know people. It's a great first step in service and fellowship. (Pizza/Meal season—November through April. Barbecue season—April through October.)   Levites: Serve People with set up or tear down teams, serve every week or every other week.   Worship Team: Several opportunities – see Wendy for details.   Audio / Visual:   Visual: Run ProPresenter during Large Group or Newcomers 101, or to help develop various slides for presentations for special trainings, workshops, etc. Audio/Lighting: Work with the worship/production teams.   Celebration Place - Children's Ministry:  Serve in our children's ministry and be part of the families "Jesus Adventure."  This requires a membership and background check.   The Landing:  Share your experience, strength and hope with students as they work through the Landing material.   CR Inside (Prison Ministry):  Take CR into the prisons with the opportunity to regularly bless the folks that are incarcerated.   Missions:  Support the local recovery homes, take food to the local pantries, support the local crisis pregnancy facilities, etc.   Vintage Written Testimony/Open Heart Testimonies:  First, talk to our Ministry Leader and let him/her know you are interested and being part of our VWT/OHT.  Also, turn your testimony in and be available to share it with other CR's in our area.   Here's How to Sign Up   Prayerfully ask God to guide you in selecting the area where you will serve. Then, you can fill out a Welcome Card and or get a Volunteer Application and turn it into our Ministry Leader. It's as simple as that! A Celebrate Recovery Leader will contact you and give you the steps to take to begin serving. We want to thank you for taking another step in your recovery by serving others. With your help, we will be able to reach more people in our families and communities who are struggling with hurts, hang-ups, and habits.  

The Unseen Realm Halloween – Departure to the Occult 1 Corinthians 10:18-29 & Deuteronomy 18:9-11   The "occult" comes from the Latin word for "hidden/secret" things.  The term is used to describe practices such as astrology, numerology, witchcraft, crystal gazing, necromancy (communication with the dead), magic, and palm reading…all, according to the Bible are forbidden to man and cursed by God.   Why do you think that people are drawn to these practices instead of seeking God's guidance?   Halloween   Halloween is an invitation to the occult and must be recognized as a seriously risky practice by unbelievers and believers alike.   Why do people enjoy dark themes associated with Halloween?   You Christians are just overreacting…aren't you?   You must be careful with your entertainments.   There is only one true God (Isa 44:6, 8; 46:9).  Therefore, only one worldview.   All false religion and idolatry is by definition involvement with demon worship…whether the participant recognizes it or not.   Why might people be unaware that they are actually participating in demonic worship?   Modern Halloween Traditions   In early American history, Halloween was not widely practiced until the 20th century, when it was introduced by the Irish Catholic settlements. Gradually, Halloween became a secular observance, and many customs and practices developed. The carved pumpkin may have originated with the witches' use of a skull with a candle inside to light the way to coven meetings.   ·      The Wearing Of Masks - "The purpose of wearing a mask in most primitive religious traditions is to make a spiritual connection with the deity or the Nature Spirit represented by the mask. ... According to Scripture, how should believers respond to practices that seek to connect with spirits or deities other than God? ·      "Trick-Or-Treating" - "Trick-or-treating originated in Ireland when on the eve of Samhain, people would go house to house looking for food contributions to Muck Olla.   How can Christians use the Halloween event to show kindness and share God's love?   This is about stumbling a brother regarding what another person was eating or drinking.    Even if you personally have the liberty to do something, you do not have the liberty to stumble a brother in the Lord. Paul is talking about a brother that is sincerely stumbled by your behavior, not catering to the whims of someone's legalism. For whatever is not from faith is sin: This is the guiding principle that guides all gray areas – if we can't do it in faith (you're troubled by it), then it is sin.   There are only two worldviews. God's view or our own contrivances. What you believe determines how you behave. So…what do you believe?   You must be careful with your entertainments.

Lesson 22 – Gratitude Luke 17:11-19 …Choose to be grateful     Principle 7: Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will.   "Happy are the merciful. Happy are the peacemakers." Matthew 5:7a and 5:9     Step 11: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and power to carry that out.   "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly . . ." Colossians 3:16a (NIV)   This week's acrostic is RELAPSE:   The first letter in relapse stands for Principle 7 itself:   Be thankful to GOD.   Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)   It's not just about asking; it's about doing so "with thanksgiving."  Gratitude shifts our focus from what is missing to what God has already done.   Replace anxiety with prayer and gratitude.   Be thankful for OTHERS "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body: and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…"  (Colossians 3:15–16a NKJV)   When Paul writes "let peace of God rule," he's calling us believers to allow God's peace to govern our emotions, decisions, and relationships.    A heart ruled by peace naturally is thankful.   Be thankful for YOUR RECOVERY As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. (Hebrews 12:1 GNB)   Recovery…is a process that requires perseverance and gratitude.  This verse reminds us that we are not alone: a "large crossed of witness" have gone before us and encourage us to keep going (Metal Round).  Gratitude helps us focus on how far we have come rather than how far we have yet to go.     Be thankful for YOUR CHURCH Enter the Temple gates with thanksgiving. (Psalm 100:4a GNB) Remember maintaining an "attitude of gratitude" during the holidays is the best prevention against relapse.   Your church is more than a building…it is a spiritual home – for the homeless; it is a place of encouragement – for the discouraged; it is a place of accountability – for the irresponsible; it is a place of love – for the unloved.   Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7 NCV)   Church a "forever family" where you worship, learn, connect, and find peace through a grateful heart.     1.       (Luke 17:11-14) Ten Lepers healed.   1.       [11-14] Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" So when He saw them, He said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.   a.    As He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers: It was a common sight to see lepers gathered together, since they were outcast from the rest of society.  Isolated and rejected, they found companionship only among others who shared their condition and experience.                   i.    Who stood afar off: By law and by custom the lepers could not come near the "clean" people, for the fear of infecting them.  They would have to shout unclean as they moved through crowed areas, "unclean…unclean!"                ii.    Isolation doesn't mean invisibility – Even when others reject you, God sees you and cares for you. b.    And they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!": These were a mixed group of Jews and Samaritans (natural enemies), but they came to Jesus for relief.  Their misery bonded them, and nationalities and prejudices vanished because they came together in prayed to the One that could heal them.                  i.    Shared pain or need can bring unlikely people together. c.     Go, show yourselves to the priests:  Here is their test of faith.  Jesus asks them to go to the priests while they are still lepers.  Putting on the new man even when they felt and looked like the old man. Ephesians 4:17-24 (NKJV), "With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. But that isn't what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."                      i.    Faith steps come from obedience to the Master, not just from hoping or wishing. d.    And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed: God blesses the faith of the lepers that stepped out in their faith, even though they may have felt like the old man.   2.       (Luke 17:15-19) Just one of the lepers returned to show gratitude.   [15-19] And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well."   a.    And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God: All ten of the lepers followed Jesus' instruction to do the Scriptural mandate, demonstrating their obedience.  But, only one returned to express deep heartfelt gratitude to Jesus.  It was the Samaritan, the social and religious outcast.                   i.    Doing what is commanded does not automatically mean that our hearts are grateful. b.    Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Jesus was amazed that only one of the ten lepers returned to give thanks.  This teaches us that God not only provides blessings, but also is attentive to our response – He notices whether we are grateful.                 i.    Gratefulness is a form of worship that please God.                ii.    We can always find reason for gratitude before God. Matthew Henry, the famous Bible commentator, was robbed of his wallet once. He wrote in his diary that night all the things he was thankful about: 1.          First, that he had never been robbed before. 2.          Second, that though they took his wallet, they did not take his life. 3.          Third, because even though they took it all, it wasn't very much. 4.          Finally, because he was the one who was robbed and not the one who did the robbing. c.     Your faith has made you well: Jesus is speaking of the heart healing that the man received for is "attitude of gratitude."  The point is that outward restoration is incomplete without an inward change.                  i.    Gratitude opens the door to spiritual growth.

 RELAPSE Principle 7: Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will. Step 11: We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and power to carry that out. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly . . . Colossians 3:16a (NIV) Reserve a daily                                                                                                                  "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (Mark 14:38 NIV) E                                                                                  Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, . . . Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good. Love each other . . . Be patient in trouble, . . . Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. (Romans 12:3b–17 LB) Listen to                                                                                           But test everything that is said to be sure it is true, and if it is, then accept it. (1 Thessalonians 5:21 LB) A                                                                      and quiet time Be still and know that I am God . . . (Psalm 46:10a NIV) Plug into God's power through                                                                                                       Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. (Philippians 4:6 LB) Slow down long enough to                                                                                             "Listen to me. Keep silence and I will teach you wisdom!" (Job 33:33b LB) Enjoy your                                                                                                                           Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 GNB)