December 29th

Since we are trying to keep in step with the Holy Spirit and leave some of our baggage here instead of taking it into the new year with us I thought I would quickly take a look at these 12 steps that are VERY useful when addressing our life issues. These are applicable to and useful for EVERY human being alive.

Admit, Hope, Turn, Self-examine, Confess, Surrender, Ask, Forgive & Repair, Make amends, Daily growth, Prayer/Connection, and Serve.

These are not just steps for recovery from addictions, these are DISCIPLESHIP STEPS, these are GROWTH STEPS.

Today let’s start by looking at the first seven.

This starts with admitting(1) that we need Jesus, we need the help of the Holy Spirit. It means admitting that we are powerless on our own, we are weak. It means knowing that we need Jesus. It also means that we have to know that there is Hope(2). That Hope is in Jesus. This starts with one choice at a time. Choose to turn(3) to God, then one step further, one choice further at a time. Once you choose to turn to Him then it is time to ask Him to help you examine(4) yourself. This is the part we tend to shy away from, but it doesn’t have to just be painful, it can also be powerful. The truth sets you free. Don’t shy away from your weaknesses, face them head on with the power of the Holy Spirit. If you face it head on, acknowledging the truth, you can be set free from it. I find this easier if I do it every single day. So, we need to do this self-inventory and then confess(5), this is where freedom starts. God takes what we have confessed and sets us free. He doesn’t just forgive, He frees us. Most people don’t pay attention to the second part of the verse (1 John 1:9), but that is where our freedom happens! God doesn’t stop at forgiveness! The Holy Spirit is tasked with sanctifying us, -that is transforming us, every part of us. It of course has to start with our surrender(6). We have to surrender completely to the Holy Spirit so that we can be transformed into who we were created to be in the image of God. God can and will transform you. He is able and willing. You only need to turn to Him and surrender your life and will to Him. As you turn and surrender to Him you will begin the journey of transformation. All we have to do is ask(7).

Matthew 5:3 God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Romans 12:1-2 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

1 John 1:8-9 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and PURIFY US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.

We ALL have hurts, habits, and hangups because we are all human and have a sin nature. The sooner we admit that, the sooner we can get on with the transformation that God so desperately wants to do in us. What hurt, habit or hangup do you want to leave in this year and not drag into next year with you?

Jesus, please lead me in this process of transformation. Remind me that this brings freedom. Help me to examine myself and bring to my attention those things that I have hidden away. Thank you that you are with me and loving me through this process.