John recently did an interview with Randy Zachary from “Randy & Monica in the Morning” on KAMB Celebration Radio (http://www.celebrationradio.com)

Here is part 2 of 6 be sure to listen to the whole informative radio interview.  Click to listen to part 2 of 6

Much of our emotional health is dependent on our past experiences.  Both in how we were taught to respond to life and how we were taught to cope with crisis. Sin is passed down from generation to generation simply by watching our parents and other significant’s deal with their life issues. Children are significantly limited in their discernment. That old saying; “The acorn does not fall far from the tree”, is based on fact. We see this with Adult children of alcoholics.

These limiting factors have to do especially with the things that we believe. In scripture the Hebrew people were slaves to Egypt. The Hebrew word for Egypt means “to limit”. When God called them out of Egypt He took them in a round-about way , because they were not ready for war. They believed they were weak. After all they had been abused and controlled for many years. Unable to even worship God in the way He had taught them through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

But the hardships they endured could not cause them to forget God, and neither did He forget them. He heard their despair and He came to deliver them from their limits. He sent a prophet with His truth.

The lies that were taught and believed limit us. They determine all of our perceptions about others. This is why we are told that our planks keep us from seeing clearly the specks in our brothers eye. We must remove those planks, our beliefs and perceptions.

After a little while God calls the Hebrew people an army. Prophetically He spoke into them what they would be, even when they still did not believe it themselves. It is so important for us to bring our limiting thoughts to God who is limitless. He can speak truth into those lies that we have been taught about ourselves. But it must be done through a change of mind. This can only occur through discovering what we believe that is not true, and then through repentance and new choices walk in a new way of thinking and relating to others.

Unfortunately we are not taught this in many of our churches today. That is what my book and my work is designed to do for others. I must discover the lies that I believe which keep me in bondage to the limits of self protection, and unloving behavior.

And as a parent I must be able to recognize these in my own children, or else I cannot lead them into a healthy way of relating to God and others. This is simple , but o way is it easy. It takes a determined choice to obey God and to put our understanding second to His truth about us.

May god lead you out of the Egypt in your life, and lead you into His limitless truth.

John recently did an interview with Randy Zachary from “Randy & Monica in the Morning” on KAMB Celebration Radio (http://www.celebrationradio.com)

Here is part 1 of 6 be sure to listen to the whole informative radio interview.  Click to listen to part 1 of 6

Jim and Sue came to me at the end of their rope. They were in danger of losing their relationship, their hope and their faith. They had been referred to me precisely because they wanted counsel from someone who understood their faith in Christ. After the first session, Sue spoke up: “We’ve been to counselors before, but this is different. It’s not what we expected. What you’re saying is easy to understand, because it’s based on scripture. Most of all, you asked us to bring everything to Christ.”
This shouldn’t have been so surprising. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living in us, so we are able to discern things spiritually. When we experience truth, it is Christ in us speaking, and the Holy Spirit gives a resounding yes! We receive the truth in our minds, but the understanding and hope come from the Spirit within us. That’s our inheritance as new creatures, born again of God. “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
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People who have been in therapy often assure me they’ve worked through everything in their past. Then when the old issues resurface, they say, “I thought I’d dealt with that already!” Usually, they’ve only come to a partial understanding of their past events, and have never dealt with the deep issues that prevent their healing. These issues are those of resentment, vows, and strongholds.
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Healing requires an encounter with the living God, and the simple yet life-changing principles established in scripture. Scripture is essential for the life of God’s people. If that is so, we must make certain that the things we depend on for change and healing are supported by God’s word. We shouldn’t entrust our lives and relationships to unscriptural ideas.
That is why I wrote “Restoring God’s Image, the Narrow Gate of Healing and Transformation.” Together we will explore psychological healing through God’s word.

I love pain !! “Crazy” , you say! But let’s think about it. Every person that I have ever been able to help, came because of pain. Pain is the catalyst to most of our healing. The pain of Israel’s captivity caused them to cry out to god. The pain of marital discord causes a couple to seek counseling. The pain in my chest caused me to seek the cardiologist. Oh,of course, we would rather live life without pain. However this is unrealistic. In fact, one of the greatest problems for men come from our consistent efforts to avoid pain. To avoid pain we deny, withdraw, sin, and enter into addictive behaviors.

Do I love pain? Of course not. But what is one to do? Especially when pain is chronic, long lasting, never ceasing? We have many different options to us.

First. Start talking about your pain. Talk to a friend, a pastor, a boss. Anyone who will listen, and offer constructive support. Not someone who will criticize you , or criticize others, but who will lead you into a conversation with God. Seek competent counsel.

Don’t buy the lie that you just need to “forget the Past”. Most of our pain is rooted in the past. Instead find someone who will walk into the past with you. A competent spiritual guide is available somewhere.

I would love to hear from you. Remember. Pain is a good thing. If you are willing to enter it “He” “will use it for your good” . Loving God is the Key.