My Story, My Why: Intervention no. 10

My Story of a Personal Intervention

Finding God in the Daily

The purpose of this intervention series is to wake us up to the problem of pain, distance, lifelessness, and separation in a Christian’s life.

No matter the person, they must realize there is a problem to solve before they can take action to resolve it. The next section of this series presents troubles on the home front. These problems are quite real. They should not to be ignored as just problems of willful rebellion, although for some this could be true. 

My hope is to create an awareness of the deeper need that has gone mainly unnoticed in the church. After identifying the need, comes a solution in answer to the lack. This series offers ways for finding God as the Helper and Healer, the remedy and solution, to pain, suffering, depletion, deadness, and disillusionment. 

Most of what I write comes by way of personal experiences borne out of my heart's longing for God. My instruction came after I asked God to heal and change me. He did both. Through the lessons learned over the course of my spiritual journey, I  wakened to the deeper understanding of what it is to sit at the table and learn of Him. I discovered God to be real and caring and as a close friend for all seasons. My story is not included but you may listen to my story of transformation on my nlbrumbaugh log here.

I start at the backend from the viewpoint of a believer who thinks they’re doing just fine, believes they’ve dealt with their issues, is obedient spiritually, and is more or less content with their life. This satisfied Christian believer is stuck. Stuck means inmoveable. In this case, their get-along needs to get going.  Spiritual depth won't drop in their lap willy-nilly. It doesn't work that way.

This writing’s argument first exposes a limited Christian belief. This view says all is good and you are right where you should be as an upstanding Christian. You do the Christian thing well. You are obedient, faithful, and forgive those who hurt you. You go also go to church, read a devotional, pray, and treat people right.

If this is you, read on.

Most likely you are living your Christian life with some self-enacted limitations. You have erected a shield to hide any hidden issues in the interior self that have caused some kind of dysfunction, pain, emotional damage, anger,  trauma, or conflict. You've covered up those things that keep you traumatized or in bondage. You try and try and try but you never seem to measure up.

This is no way to live. There is a better way.

More tomorrow.

Dear Father, We are so thankful that you care about us and want us to be well in our spirit. Amen

To God be the Glory 

A Message of Life

Inspiration 48  

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I'm Free Today: Intervention, no. 4

Bound Yesterday, Free Today

Finding God in the Daily

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 John 8:36

The destination of the spiritual sojourner unfolds as it is lived out. 

I AM A FREE PERSON TODAY.  It hasn’t always been this way. Life used to be confusing and less fulfilling. Through a soul-changing process over time God brought me to a place of freedom and joy. It's changed my life and my perspectives. 

My point of view has altered somewhat as to what it is to be a sweet aroma of Christ in the world, church, and community. Love and grace are spiritually endued gifts of any Christian. 

God uses us.

The more we develop our spiritual, emotional, mental, and intellectual lives,
   the more we rely on the Spirit to guide and enable us,
      the more we are in-tune with others,
          the more we exhibit the fruits of the spirit,
              > the more we can expect God to use us in others' lives.

The time comes, though, when there is a drain on personal energy and supply: Some whom we help take advantage, some have physical, mental, and emotional needs, not to mention their addictions and dysfunction. As much as we may want to, we can't meet every need nor are we equipped to do so.

Two concerns
1) We can't help everybody nor would it be wise to do so. Common sense is needed.
2) We can't give them what we don't have ourselves. Platitudes mean little.

Two solutions
1) Use discernment and godly wisdom and follow your gut feeling. Be wise spiritually.
2) Share what you have those times God puts someone in your path. Be pro-active.

Like much in Christian life, we can't do this kind of thing in our own strength (unless our talents are in that area). It is best to rely on God to facilitate the discussion. This enables us to do and say what we didn't think ourselves capable of doing and saying. It is a beautiful thing to be used by God-- wherever it takes us, to assist whomever.

God loves others through our obedience to Him. God uses what we know and the power of our transformation to be lights in the world. This has everything to do with our embracing Christ and His embracing us back. God is in control. He is the loving controller of our lives and all things. Notice where He is at work.

After experiencing my spiritual transformation--from a spiritual life based on duty and performance to a spiritual life based on love and God’s goodness--I can look at my back trail and see parallels in my choices and the way God uses them for the better good.

God healed pockets of painful emotions within me. These areas blinded me to the true condition of my inner self. Now that I'm free from their bondage I can speak to the need. I promised God I would do so back in 2002. This is why I want other silent suffers to tap into real, loving, enlivened, spiritual life.

Dear Father, You are a good God. You make us to lie down by still waters. You restore our souls. You lead us in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake and our betterment. Praise and thanksgiving. Amen

More to come.

To God be the Glory

A message of life.

Inspiration 43

The Stuff of Real Life: Intervention, no. 1 -- Inspiration 40

  Interventions are the Stuff of Real Life

Finding God in the Daily

Commit your way to the Lord; 
trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:5

  
Who needs a spiritual intervention? Most of us do. You may immerse yourself in your own personally motivated intervention. It may well be the best thing you ever do to get on the bright side of spirituality.

INTERVENTIONS have a purpose. In essence, they put their loved one on notice, to face it, change it, and improve it. Basically, a group stages an intervention to confront the issue and create awareness that something needs to change. Drug addictions and alcoholism are common causes for interventions. Interventions acknowledge the person’s struggle and demonstrate how it affects them and others.

An intervention is an effective 'Come to Jesus' moment with a come-along-side you-need-to-do-this approach.

A soul-changing intervention is for spiritual growth and any area that inhibits healthy spirituality. It provides a process to get to the heart of harmful issues and unhealthy bonds. Christians can be blind to their own stuff and unaware of areas that keep them in bondage. Friends, relatives, or God, may help them face their deal. God is good at this. He awakens people from their slumber.

God may initiate the intervention to address a problem and to show the hiding is over. As the result of a spiritual intervention, the individual takes steps to overcome it, take ownership of it, and institute a plan that aims to alter harmful behavior. The goal is to live free of its control and to become healthy and whole.

An intervention involves a plan of action and loving support. Those who intervene risk discomfort when they participate in an intervention to help their loved one. Their concern supersedes their own personal comfort. Participants encourage necessary changes and offer moral support. 

God is the same way with us.

God initiates an intervention by showing us where we are stuck. He works toward the goal and offers a path to freedom. By the way, this is quite doable. I've experienced it. God showed me what needed to change. Next I went about the business of changing it -- all the time asking Him to guide and help me.

To do this, you see the situation for what it is, and then become an active participant in your own transforming. Healing is accessed by a spiritual transforming in your interior life. This facilitates the ability to live life with spiritual acuity. A side benefit is you grow closer to God.

Dear Father, Help us. We need You to show us our lacks and our abilities. Give us courage to carry on and strength to meet our needs. Amen

To God be the Glory

Authentic Christians -- Daily Inspiration 22

The Life of an Authentic Christian

 A follower of Christ is known by their love for others. They are unselfish in their real self and give from the heart. This means they receive from the Source of all love, Jesus Christ.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35  NIV

AUTHENTICITY in a Christian is a must-have. If this is true, then what must a Christian have to be authentic? According to scripture, a real, true, authentic Christian will be known by their love. They will have love and that love will be known for how it acts towards others. It will love the unlovely. Because of their love, they will be unselfish and kind to others. Christ will speak His love through them and they will act as His hands and feet. They don't hoard their gifts, resources, and possessions. They give without a need for others' praise, honor, or notice. Christ is at the heart of genuine Christianity. He is given access in a life following Him. This individual is centered in the core of their being. They follow the prompts and impressions God gives them in their spirit life. Like clay, they are molded according to the Sculptor's shaping, active according to the purpose for which they have been shaped. Spiritual people are not exactly alike, but they should be alike in function and purpose. An authentic Christian is to give glory to God. This is the way to live an authentic Christian life. Embrace Christ. Love one another as Christ first loved you.

Gracious Father, thankful are we for Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave His life for us. May we become the people You want us to be and known by love that flows from us. Amen

To God be the Glory

Mysterious Prayer -- Inspiration 13

Prayer is the Life-Blood

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

And he said unto them, When you pray, say, Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

Give us day by day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Luke 11:1-4  KJV 2000

PRAYER EXPRESSES the thoughts and intents of the heart to God. Prayers define themselves in many distinct ways from simple to complex, from rote, memorized text to pleas for redemptive pardon, to words of thanksgiving and praise. Some deep prayers are wordless from the severely wounded soul or from the effervescent joy-filled soul. Communing through prayer and meditation is another form where the individual encounters God in a manner awash with understanding centered in divine Presence. Genuine prayer said from the heart, mind, and soul is honest communication with God. Confession, praise, adoration, gratefulness, love, truthfulness, requests for guidance and help, which asks for God's intervention are petitions to the Source, God Almighty. Christians are called upon to pray. Jesus showed His followers how to pray. Present day followers are encouraged to follow His example.

Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of calling on Your holy name as we offer our petitions to You. You are a great God, worthy to be praised. And we thank You, worship You, and love You. Amen.

To God be the Glory