We began yesterday with the idea that entering into this new life...this relationship with Jesus, is like going to boot camp in the military. Why? Because you are entering into what the church refers to as "Spiritual Warfare."
In your old lifestyle of addiction, you belonged to the kingdom of the Devil. You were under his influence and control. You obeyed his directives and served him through the actions brought about by your sin/addictive nature.
Working Step #1 - #3 has broken his power and control, and has now brought you into the family and kingdom of Jesus Christ. We are learning to live a new way......by faith (II Corinthians 5:7). Being brought into this new life makes us a target of Satan. He wants to destroy us, to steal from us and to kill the things that God is growing inside of us through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Yesterday we talked about learning how to submit to authority. That is the heart of the 12 steps........learning how to get out of the way and follow. To learn how to "hear" God and follow his directives. We learn how to hear God by getting into the Bible. More than just reading it, we must study, digest, and get the truth inside of ourselves. A lot of people have a hard time in keeping a daily appointment to read scripture. One of the things I tell them is to pray and ask God to give you a hunger for His word.
Essential For The New Life # 2 - Get on fire for the cause....(Passion)
The second goal of being in the military, and being trained for battle is to become inspired to have a passion for the cause of the nation. Love of country and the things we have been blessed with such as freedom and liberty and the pursuit of happiness is the basic thought behind our standing military forces. Such ideas as these are the target of our enemies. They want to see our freedom destroyed. It is no different with the kingdom of the Devil. He wants to see the grace of God, the mercy of God, the love of God and the salvation of God destroyed. Now the Devil knows he can't touch God...so he attacks humanity which is God's creation.
We must become passionate for this new life of freedom in Christ we have been given. We must become passionate for our recovery. I have found that unless you own and protect your recovery, you will loose it. All things being equal, the person who has the most passion for the fight will win. In other words, this new life with Christ and our recovery is not for wimps. It isn't for half-hearted attempts....What does the big book of A.A. say? "Half-measures avail us nothing."
It is about being set on fire by this new life and the Spirit of God inside us. You will find that you will look around as ask yourself, "Why doesn't every one want what has been given to me? Why doesn't every one want recovery?" The going and giving...the sharing and telling of Step #12 will become your code of living. You will want to share your story. You will want to help those who are still struggling in their addiction. You will want them to be saved into this relationship you have with Jesus Christ.
Oh God! Set us on fire for your Kingdom.
You know, I'm just crazy enough to believe this stuff!
Psalm 18:28-29
For You will light my lamp.
The LORD God will enlighten my darkness.
For by You I can run against a troop.
By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way (Or His Steps) are perfect.
The word of the LORD is proven.
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
See you tomorrow with Part 3 of Essentials for the new life.
God on you....
mb
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