God’s Light
December 28, 2018 at 7:29 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentNote: this needs reformating. The paper hand out was in landscape with my words on the left and the reference verses on the right.
God’s Light to Dispel the Darkness: A Biblical response to traditional beliefs and rituals
In the beginning | Ge 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. |
God created light. | Ge 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light.” and there was light. |
Before He created sources of light; The sun, the moon, and the stars. | Ge 1:16 God made two great lights — the greater light to govern the day, the lesser light to govern the night. He also made stars. |
He created light because He is light. | 1 Jn 1:5 God is light in Him there is no darkness at all. |
In heaven, God and Christ are the light. | Rev 21:23 The glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. |
In heaven there will be no more night, Only God’s heavenly light. | Rev 22:5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the LORD God will give them light |
On earth is darkness in hearts of men Because many continue to disobey God. | Jn 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. |
Traditional beliefs and rituals continue to be followed by twenty five percent of Christians in Africa (Pew 2010)
The Bible teaches
Darkness came into the world through Adam. | |
God created Adam and Eve sinless. | Ge 1:27 So God created mankind … male and female he created them. |
God commanded they not eat of the fruit of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. | Ge 2:17 “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will surely die.” |
satan tempted them to eat the core sin: | Rev 20:2 the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or satan, |
“You will be like God.” | Ge 3:5 “you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” |
We are in the likeness of God, in His image. | Ge 1:26 Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness. |
But mortals (people) are not God or gods. We do not have God’s wisdom. | Eze 28:2 In the pride of your heart you say, ”I am god.”… but you are a mere mortal not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god. |
Through the sin of Adam all have sinned. Through Christ is resurrection of dead. | 1 Co 15:21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. |
In Christ all believers will be made alive. | 1 Co 12:22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive |
Christ will return for those who believe. | 1 Co 15:23 when he comes, (for) those who belong to him. |
In traditional beliefs: the supreme being is distant, uncaring, and uninvolved in our personal affairs.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
God continues to seek us.
God turns our darkness into light. | Ps 18:28 God turns my darkness into light. |
God gave us the Law as light. | Ps 19:8 Commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. |
God gave us His Word as light. | Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. |
God gave us His Son as light. | Jn 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. |
God gave us the task to be light. | Mt 5:14, 16 You are the light of the world. Let your light shine.
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God wants us to earnestly pursue light. | Lk 11:35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. |
God gave us the role to be light: To turn them from darkness to light To you show them The Way to forgiveness To show them how to have faith in Jesus. | Ac 26:17, 18 I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn, them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God, so and that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. |
Traditional beliefs and rituals have been passed down through generations in almost every culture in the world.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
The Word of God is light. | Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. |
Scriptures are written by humans.Scriptures are inspired by Holy Spirit.Scriptures are the very Word of God: | 2 Pe 1:21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
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To teach us the ways of God,To give us salvation through faith in Christ,To teach us how to live holy lives, To equip us for ministry, andTo encourage us to do good works. | 2 Ti 3:15-17 The Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God- breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that you, a man of God may be thoroughly Equipped for every good work. |
In traditional beliefs there are: many gods, many spirits of ancestors and things who need to be worshiped.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
God is the only one God. | Ro 3:30 There is only one God. |
We are not to worship any other gods. | Ex 20:2, 3 I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods.
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A Holy Trinity, One God in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. | Mt 28:19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. |
God, the Father, is the one true God God is over all.and in all. | Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all
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God is the creator. | Col 1:16 In him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth. |
God is the sustainer. | Col 1:17 In him all things hold together. |
God is over all nature. | Job 25:2 God is in control and rules the heavens. (CEV) |
God is over all humans. | Jer 32:27 I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. |
God is over all evil spirits. | Rev 12:11 They triumphed him (satan) by the blood of the Lamb. |
Jesus is God’s one and only son. | Jn 3:18 God’s one and only Son. |
Jesus is the only Way.Jesus is the truth and the life. | Jn 14:6 I am the way, and the truth and the life no one comes to the Father but by me. |
Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus calls us to leave darkness | Jn 8:12 I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” |
Jesus has authority from the Father. | Mt 28:18 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. |
Jesus is our example. | Jn 13:15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done. |
Jesus is our Savior. | Lk 2:11 a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. |
Jesus is our forgiveness of sins. | Lk 1:77 salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. |
Jesus reconciles us with the Father. | 2 Co 5:18 God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ. |
Jesus intercedes for us to the Father. | Heb 7:25 He (Jesus) always lives to intercede for them. |
In traditional beliefs there is still need for sacrifices and rituals to please spirits of ancestors or other beings.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
We are not to worship other gods. We are not to sacrifice to other gods. | 2 Ki 17:35 Do not worship any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them. |
Jesus’ Blood the only sacrifice for all sin. | Heb 7:27 He sacrificed for their sins once for all. |
Jesus sent to the world to die for our sins. So those who believe in Him will live. | Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that who so ever believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life. |
Salvation is through faith, a gift of God. We receive by believing in and following. | Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. |
Jesus gave us The Great Commandments: To love God, | Mk 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. |
To love others. | Mk 12:31 Love your neighbor as yourself. |
Jesus gave us The Great Commission: To go and make disciples,To teach obedience, To trust in His presence. | Mt 28:19, 20 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. |
Jesus is The Great Physician. | Mt 4:23 healed every disease and sickness. |
Jesus sent us Holy Spirit. | Jn 16:7 I will send him to you. |
Holy Spirit is the only one Spirit of God. | 1 Co 12:13 One Spirit so as to form one body. |
Holy Spirit speaks Father’s words. | Jn 16:13 He will not speak on his own he will speak only what he hears |
Holy Spirit goes from the Father. Holy Spirit testifies about the Son. | Jn 15:26 the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about Me. |
Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus words. | Jn 14:26 will remind you of everything I have said to you. |
Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. | Jn 16:8 He will prove the world wrong about sin. |
Holy Spirit guides us to truth. | Jn 16:13 the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into truth. |
Holy Spirit teaches us what to say. | Lk 12:12 Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. |
Holy Spirit empowers us. Holy Spirit enables us to be witnesses. | Ac 1:8 receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses. |
Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness Holy Spirit intercedes for us.Holy Spirit prays for us. | Ro 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. |
Holy Spirit is given to those who ask. | Lk 11:13 Father in heaven [will] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. |
Holy Spirit gives us Gifts of the Spirit:Manifestations: wisdom, knowledge, | 1 Co 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
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Faith, healing, miraculous powers,Prophesy, distinguishing spirits, Speaking and interpretation of tongues. | 1 Co 12:8-10 (wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophesy, distinguishing spirits, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues.) |
Holy Spirit gives us Fruit of the Spirit. Love joy, peace, patience, kindness. | Gal 5:22, 23 Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. |
Holy Spirit is the power against evil. | Mt 12:28 it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons. |
In traditional beliefs there is a concern about many spiritual beings, of ancestors and objects that are evil.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
There are other spiritual powers,There are other forces, and They are aligned with the evil one. | Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. |
The evil one, or satan, is a fallen angel. Demons are angels who follow satan. | Rev 12:9 Satan who leads the whole word astray. He was hurled down to the earth, and his angels with him. |
Demons do perform signs. | Rev 16:14 They are demonic spirits that perform signs, |
The evil one pretends to be light. | 2 Co 11:14 For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. |
The evil one is a liar and father of lies. | Jn 8:44 for he is a liar the father of lies. |
Do not believe every spirit. Test spirits to see if from the evil one.If they are from GodThey will say Jesus Christ is God’s Son. They will say Jesus Christ is God’s Son. | 1 Jn 4:1, 2 do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every Spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. |
In traditional beliefs and there is a powerlessness against bewitching, curses and spiritual beings.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Remember that God gives us victory Through Jesus Christ.
| 1 Co 15:57 Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. |
Remember Jesus keeps believers safe. So the evil one cannot harm believers. | 1 Jn 5:18 the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. |
God has given us authority over the enemy: | Lk 10: 19 given you authority.to overcome all the power of the enemy. |
First. submit to God. Then, resist the evil one and he will flee. | Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. |
Ask the Lord for protection from evil. | 2 Th 3:3 He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. |
Put on the full armor of God Against the evil one’s plans |
Eph 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take yourstand against the devil’s schemes. |
Be strong in the Lord’s strength, not own. | Eph 6:10 be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. |
Put on Truth of Jesus and Holy Spirit. | Eph 6:14 with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, |
Follow commandments to be righteous. | Eph 6:14 with the breastplate of righteousness in place |
Stand on peace know the Good News. | Eph 6:15 with your feet fitted with… readiness …from the gospel of peace |
Put on faith to block the lies of satan. | Eph 6:16 the shield of faith, extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. |
Protect the mind with the gift of salvation. | Eph 6:17 the helmet of salvation, |
Use the Word of God an offensive weapon. | Eph 6:17 the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. |
Pray continually with Holy Spirit. | Eph 6:18 pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers. |
Be alert do not be passive or ignorant. | Eph 6:18 be alert and always keep praying. |
The Bible tells how the evil one is defeated. The evil one was defeated by Jesus death.The evil one is defeated by our testimony. The evil one is defeated by not fear death. |
Rev 12:11 They triumphed him (the evil one) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. |
The evil one is defeated by God’s Word. | Eph 6: 17 the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. |
Tell your testimony against the evil one. Give others hope in Christ. | 1 Pe 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. |
Speak God’s Word from within you To overcome the evil one. | 1 Jn 2:14 the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. |
Jesus used words of Isaiah when tempted. | Mt 4:1-11 Jesus answered, “It is written …” |
Speak the name of Jesus against evil. | Mk 16:17 In my name they will drive out demons. |
In traditional beliefs there is use of idols, charms, and magic turning to evil for power over circumstances.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
There is an end for those who do magic.They will be in hell. | Rev 21:8 those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. |
The Bible explicitly condemns idolatry. They will be shamed. | Isa 42:17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame. |
The Bible explicitly condemns magic. They will have God against them. | Eze 13:20 the sovereign LORD says: I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people. |
In traditional beliefs one uses seers, sorcerers and witch doctors to fight curses and evil spirits causing illnesses.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Not to consult sorcerers or witch doctors. | Dt 18:10 divination, sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, |
False seers are a source of shame. | Mic 3:7 The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced. |
Jesus is The Great Physician. | Mat 4:23 healing every disease and sickness among the people. |
If we are sick, call the church elders. To pray and anoint in the name of the Lord. The prayer in faith will make him well. Because the Lord will raise them up. Confess your sins one to another. Pray for each other so you may be healed. | Jas 5:14-16 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. |
God forgives sins and heals diseases. | Ps 103:3 forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. |
In traditional beliefs one uses divination to determine the will of evil or ancestral spirits to plan for the future.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Divination is wrong. | Lev 19:26 Do not practice divination or seek omens. |
Divination is deception of the evil one. | Jer 29:8 Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. |
Paul cast a demon out of a diviner. Using the Name of Jesus Christ. | Ac 16:18 “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her.” At that moment the spirit left her. |
Christians should use discernment.Discernment is seeking God’s will.Seeking His best will for your life. |
Ro 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be trans-formed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. |
If your earnestly seek discernment. | Pr 2:3, 4 If you cry out for discernment, … if your seek her NKJV |
God will give you understanding, God will give you knowledge of His will. | Pr 2:5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. |
Discernment guide
It must agree with the Word of God. |
Heb 4:12 The Word of God …is a discerner of thoughts. NKJV |
It must Glorify God. | 8 |
9 | 9 |
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1 Co 10:31 whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.
It must use your gifts to serve others.1 Pe 4:10 use whatever gift you have received to serve others.
It is confirmed by mature Christians.1 Co 14:29 the others should weigh carefully what is said.
It is in surrender to God’s will.1 Jn 5:14 if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
It must include aspects of contentment.Php 4:11 be content whatever the circumstances.
It must express the love of Jesus Christ.Jn 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
It will come to pass or bear fruit.Dt 18:22 does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken.
In traditional beliefs there is continued fear of angry spirits, bewitching or evil eye.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Th | |
Go | Ge |
Be | Ge |
B | B |
B | B |
C | C |
7 | 7 |
8 | 8 |
9 | 9 |
To fear the Lord means to revere him.Ps 33:8 fear the Lord, let all the people of the world revere him.
God is not an angry God to be feared.Ps 86:15 Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger.
God is love.1 Jn 4:8 God is love.
We express love for God with obedience.Jn 14:23 Any one who loves me will obey my teaching.
We express love for God by loving others.1 Jn 4:11 Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Perfect love casts out fear.1 Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.
We should not to be anxious.Php 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by
Instead we should pray and give thanks. prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Jesus said we should not worry.Mt 6:33, 34 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all
Jesus said to seek His righteousness first.these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry.
Holy Spirit dispels fear,2 Ti 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid (fearful),
Holy Spirit replaces it with power and love.but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
In traditional beliefs one seeks to have power and there is power in evil, but that is aligning with satan.
Th | |
Go | Ge |
Be | Ge |
In contrast, the Bible teaches
God is all powerful. He is omnipotent.Rev 19:1 Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
Jesus gave us power and authority.Mt 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them
So we can resist.authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease.
Jesus gave us power over evil.Lk 10:19 I have given you authority … to overcome all the power of
So nothing will harm us.the enemy; nothing will harm you.
In traditional beliefs curses and evil eye lead people to retaliate with curses and evil of their own.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Th | |
Go | Ge |
Be | Ge |
B | B |
B | B |
C | C |
7 | 7 |
Do not curse parents.Ex 21:17 One who curses their father or mother is to be put to death
Do not curse rulers.Ex 22:28 Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people
Do not repay evil with evil.1 Pe 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the
Instead, repay evil with blessing.contrary, repay evil with blessing.
In this way overcome evil with good.Ro 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Bless and pray for those who curse.Lk 6:28 Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Anger gives the evil one a foothold.Eph 4:,26, 27 In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down
Do not go to bed if you are still angry.while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Instead cancel out anger with forgiveness.2 Co 2:10, 11 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have
In Christ, God forgave us.forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the
In Christ, we are commanded to forgive.sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us.
Forgiveness fights the evil one.For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Summary:
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Go | Ge |
Be | Ge |
B | B |
B | B |
C | C |
7 | 7 |
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The people of Africa are very religiousJesus died on The Cross to defeat the evil one
They are very aware of spiritual realitiesJesus gave us The Great Commandments
They need to learn how to test the spiritsJesus gave us The Great Commission
Traditional beliefs and ritualsJesus is The Great Physician
Try to influence spirits aligned with the evil oneHoly Spirit gives us The Gifts
Through divination, sacrifices, and magicHoly Spirit gives us The Fruit
To fight against curses, bewitching and evil eyeHoly Spirit gives us The Power
The forces of evil give fearsWe give Glory to God
The forces of evil give darknessWe give Compassion to others
The forces of evil give condemnationWe give Thanks in all circumstances
The Bible says to resist evilInstead of divination—discernment
The Bible says to give our testimonyInstead of anger–forgiveness
The Bible says to put on the Armor of GodInstead of darkness—light
God gave us LifeInstead of curse–bless
God gave us LightInstead of lies–truth
God gave us His SonInstead of fear–love
Unless otherwise indicated verses from the NIV New International Version by Biblica, Inc of Zondervan Pub 2011
NKJV New King James Version Thomas Nelson 1982 CEV Contemporary English Version American Bible Soc. 1995
Pew Forum report Islam and Christianity in Sub-Saran Africa 2010
http://pewforum.org/newassets/images/reports/sub-saharan-africa/sub-saharan-africa-full-report.pdf
Dalene Rooks DeGraaf, PhD Missionary Set Free Ministries: East Africa © 3/2011
If you have questions or comments please email me at dalenedegraaf@yahoo.com
Intro. to Immanuel Approach
December 28, 2018 at 4:35 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentThe “Immanuel Approach” is a process with a primary purpose of greater intimacy with God and can also be used the help the deeply wounded heal. Immanuel sessions for healing are often lead by a “Facilitator” experienced in the Immanuel Approach, but can also be done by one alone while journaling.
The Immanuel Approach promotes increasing intimacy with God and His children with three processes: Deliberate Appreciation, Positive Memories, and Attunement. Additionally, these three processes are part of healing prayer by increasing ease, effectiveness and transferability. Taken together they provide a “Safety Net” to return to if there is a difficulty during healing prayer such as extremely strong emotions, losing Perceptible Connection with The LORD, or running out of session time.
1. “Deliberate Appreciation” of God or His children increases intimacy. When we express appreciation to God or others there are changes in our body, mind, heart and spirit to open ourselves to greater intimacy. Deliberate Appreciation is part of thanksgiving in Philippians 4:6.
Examples of Deliberate Appreciation:
Appreciative expressions to God:
Praise, worship, thanksgiving.
Identifying characteristics of God:
Almighty, all loving, redeemer.
Personal experience with The LORD:
Comforter, healer, guide, friend.
Appreciation toward a person:
For loving things given, done, or said.
Their personal characteristics:
Caring, empathetic, available.
2. Recalling “Positive Memories” of God or His children also promotes greater intimacy in the body, mind, hear and spirit. It is similar to all the times God told the children of Israel to remember His faithfulness to His people.
Examples of Positive Memories.
Those with God may include:
When God with His Holy Spirit comes more powerfully within or upon during worship.
When God has been palpably present during time of crisis.
When God has clearly highlighted a part of His Word.
When God has spoken truth during a time of prayer.
When God unexpectedly speaks in an image, word or song.
When God expresses His love and desire to be with us.
Those with His children may include:
When they say a word of encouragement to lift us up.
When they were silent, but present when words are not enough.
When they express caring through works of service.
When they have heard, seen, empathized, understood and genuinely wanted to be with us.
3. Receiving “Attunement” from God or His children increases intimacy.
Attunement is described as the experience of being seen, heard, empathetic, validated, accepted by one who genuinely is happy to be with us. In the Psalms Attunement was experienced by David, a man after God’s own heart.
Attunement may be experienced from God when deep feelings are expressed in prayer and we know in our knower God sees, hears loves and wants to be with us.
Attunement may be experienced from a parent, loved one, friend or counselor who is truly with us in crisis. Sometimes affectionately called someone who is “Jesus with skin on.”
Deliberate Appreciation, Positive Memories, and Attunement are all processes that increase intimacy.
It is during these times of increased intimacy we are most open to healing of current hurts or traumatic memories. Utilizing these processes before healing ministry increases the ease, effectiveness and transferability.
Before going into more detail about healing ministry it is helpful to understand why one over-reacts to some events in the present. Briefly they are echoesfrom our past.
It is helpful to understand how
Stress and “Triggering”
Can make it difficult
To relate to others going into
“Non-relational mode.”
Whereas, Deliberate Appreciation
and Attunement
Can make it easier to once again
Relate to others going back to
“Relational Mode.”
Stress
Often times when something
Stressful happens.
A car back fires
A slight burn on the stove.
There is a brief stress response.
Muscles tense and heart races.
If the stressor is non-threatening
Within twenty minutes
The body returns to relaxed.
When the stressor is perceived as
threatening, rejecting or shaming.
The physical stress response
Alters every system in the body
To fight, flee, or freeze.
The emotional stress response
Mirrors the physical
Altering the emotions
With anger, anxiety or numbing.
Expressed socially
As aggressive, defensive, withdrawn.
Viewing others
As rejecting, shaming. and unhelpful.
Stressed distancing responses are
“Non-relational Mode”
In contrast, the relaxation response
Is physical relaxation
Relaxing every system in the body.
Preparing the body
To rest, digest and be intimate.
Relaxed emotions are
Peace, joy and love.
Viewing others
As safe for intimacy and love.
Relaxed increased intimacy is
“Relational Mode”
Deliberate Appreciation,
Positive Memories, and
Attunements are all processes
that promotes returning from
Non-relational Mode
Back to relaxation and intimacy into
Relational Mode.
Being “Triggered” is more complex.
When the stressor in the present is
Actually mild threat, rejection, shame;
However, it is miss-perceived as an
Extreme threat, rejection, shame,
Because it echoes or reminds one of
Events in the past which were an
Extreme threat, rejection, shame.
A history of experiences that were
Traumatic and extremely
Threatening, rejecting, shaming.
Predisposes one to over-perceive
Threat, rejection, shame
In the present.
Often called an
Over-reaction, overly-sensitive.
But when Triggered it is
Not felt by one to be
Over-reaction or over-sensitive.
It is genuinely experienced as
extremely upsetting now.
Sometimes when one is
Returned to relaxed Relational Mode
Recalling the experience it appears
To the person that they were
Over-reacting or overly-sensitive.
Other times even when one is
Returned to relaxed Relational Mode
Recalling the experience it continues
To be miss-perceived to be extremely
Threatening, rejecting and shaming.
Immanuel Approach to healing
During Immanuel prayer a Facilitator experienced The LORD saying,
“The most important purpose of emotional healing is to remove the blockages that hinder your heart from coming to Me.”
Often when triggered by rejection
We also experience The LORD
As rejecting, shaming. and unhelpful.
Thus, we are in Non-relational Mode
With The LORD.
It is then threatening to approach
The LORD when we are wounded.
This is when the processes
Deliberate Appreciation,
Positive Memories, and
Attunement
ease the session of healing prayer.
Even when in Non-relational Mode,
Beginning a healing prayer session
With Deliberate Appreciation of God
Recalling Positive Memories of Him.
Receiving Attunement from Him
In the Positive Memory
Restores one to Relational Mode
Increasing intimacy with The LORD.
During this increased intimacy
We can ask for a “Perceptible
Connection” ‘with The LORD.
This Perceptible Connection is
Experienced in many various ways
Unique to the individual or session.
For some it may be seeing Jesus
In the Positive Memory
Receiving Attunement from Him.
For others it may be a felt sense
Of the Holy Spirit
In the Positive Memory
Receiving His comfort and guidance.
For others it may be awareness
Of The Father
In the Positive Memory
Receiving His protection and love.
It seems important to experience
The Perceptible Connection
In whatever way The LORD leads.
Following The LORD’s leading
Is the essential feature of the
Immanuel Approach to healing.
During the Perceptible Connection
We can ask The LORD where He
Wants us to go today.
We can ask The LORD what He
Wants us to experience today.
For some it may be
“I want you to stay in this Positive Memory and experience My unending love for you.”
For others He may lead to a recent triggering event to experience receiving Attunement from Him.
For others He may lead to a past deeply hurtful event to experience His healing so it doesn’t cause Triggering ever again.
Following The LORD’s leading
Is the essential feature of the
Immanuel Approach to healing.
It is easy for the recipient or the Facilitator to have a preconceived notion of which memory needs to experience healing in that session. Or they may have a preconceived idea of what The LORD wants the recipient to see, hear or experience in a given memory.
For example, one of my first experiences with healing prayer I decided it was important to go back to one of my earliest most traumatic memories: when 2.5 years old I was sent away to strangers’ home for six weeks while my mother was caregiver of my terminally ill father. Although The LORD blessed me with a measure of comfort in the memory, it didn’t feel completed and I tried the same thing during several other prayer times with the same incompleteness. When I let The LORD lead He has taken me to more recent less traumatic memories for His Attunement and healing there. He has not yet taken me where I thought I ought to go. Sometimes following The LORD’s leading is an exercise in patience.
Another more general example, as a psychologist I have had years of experience dispensing insightful, Biblically based, psychologically sound interpretations of experiences and memories. I have been reinforced by the client’s expressed appreciation of the new insight. I am not speaking of words of knowledge or words of wisdom which are gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are my own thoughts. Now, as the Facilitator of an Immanuel Approach session waiting in silence is the most difficult thing. When the recipient asks The LORD for a Perceptible Connection and asks what He would like them to experience. Or when the recipient is in a memory and loses the Perceptible Connection or there is a long silence when they outwardly appear to be hearing nothing. Silence is a challenge for me. Most fascinating is the way The LORD surprises me with leading the recipient to experiences and wisdom I could never have imagined. Immanuel Approach is my journey into sovereign serendipity: God’s providential joy filled experiences.
In the Immanuel Approach the Facilitator’s primary role is reminding the recipient to ask for and maintain the Perceptible Connection with The LORD. Beginning in the Positive Memory and following The LORD’s leading to other memories the Facilitator’s role is to ask, “Do you still experience the Perceptible Connection with The LORD? Or “Do you still see Jesus?” Observing for any nonverbal changes that may signal a lost connection.
Staying in Perceptible Connection with Him throughout the session allows The LORD to have the recipient experience whatever He has for them. It is helpful for the recipient to share any subtle experiences with in the memory. Every one uniquely experiences The LORD in a memory. Some do hear a voice, others are given an image or series of images almost like a dream, or others may be reminded of a verse or lyrics. The LORD is very creative in the ways He leads and communicates. Paying attention to and reporting subtle changes in experience allows for full attention to what He wants to share.
While in a memory the recipient may experience so much stress they become Triggered, go into Non-relational Mood and lose the Perceptible Connection with The LORD. In order to restore this intimate connection the recipient may need to return to the Positive Memory as a Safety Net. Once again they can increase intimacy in the Positive Memory with The LORD. They return to Relational Mode and restore the Perceptible Connection with The LORD. Then The LORD may lead them back into the painful memory for more healing.
It is important to not end a session with the client still Triggered in the midst of a painful memory. If time is limited always prompt the recipient to return to the Safety Net and Positive Memory and receive Attunement from The LORD so they can complete the session in Relational Mode.
Discernment
When listening for guidance from The LORD we could be misled by our own human desires or deceived by the enemy’s lies. These are guidelines for discernment to test if what is heard or experienced during prayer is from The LORD.
1. Does it glorify Jesus Christ?
2. Is consistent with what God has already said in the Bible?
3. Is it confirmed by mature Christians?
4. Does it bring forth Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Does it produce good fruit in the future?
5. Is it consistent with the character of God? God will not say something in prayer that is condemning. God is LORD, faithful, merciful, and most of all love. Condemnation is from the accuser. It is judgement about the past angrily shaming our character. Conviction is from the Holy Spirit. It is guidance for the future lovingly encouraging us to become more like Christ.
Summary
The Immanuel Approach increases the ease, effectiveness and transferability of healing prayer. Deliberate Appreciation, Attunement and Positive Memory each increase intimacy with The LORD. In this place of intimacy the recipient is in Relational Mode with The LORD and more able to establish a Perceptible Connection with Him. Then, The LORD can lead them to experience Him in the memory of His choosing. If the stress within the memory is so high they become so Triggered they lose connection or if session time is running out; then the recipient can be prompted to return to the Safety Net of the Positive Memory. These processes have made the Immanuel Approach more effective and safer. Guidelines for discernment assist in ensuring what is experienced are of God.
The Immanuel Approach was developed by
Karl Lehman for more information go tohttp://www.immanuelapproach.com
Thank God for Unanswered Prayers
December 28, 2018 at 12:10 am | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentThank God for unanswered prayers
Yes, it was thirty years ago..
I prayed and prayed and prayed
somethings broken would be fixed.
My heart, my mind, my life broken.
Shattered pieces on the ground.
My prayers went unanswered
Or so I thought.
Nothing was fixed to the way it was.
Romans 8:28 seemed to mock me.
“All things work together for good”?
Another mocking verse 1 Thes 5:18,
“In everything give thanks” Really?
Written as a universal command
Read as a very personal beaconing.
I began giving thanks for things
Slowly lifting my eyes to The Giver.
Prayers for fixing it to the way it was
Diminished first out of hopelessness
Then slowly out of surrender to Him.
How to move forward still broken?
Another verse was highlighted
“For we are God’s workmanship
Recreated in Christ Jesus
To do those good works
Which He prepared for us to do.”
My works was to be a whole mom,
A loving mom, tho still fragile mom.
My other good works was to finish
School that was almost completed.
“I have clients for you to counsel.”
To fulfill His purpose for me.
Wondering how my fragile mess
Could possibly ever help anyone.
Nouwen’s “The Wounded Healer”
Opened understanding as to how
My shattered pieces on the ground,
My partially healed brokenness and
My slowly strengthening fragility
Could become a healing testimony
When placed in His hands.
In addition to thanksgiving,
In addition to surrendering and
In addition to a purposeful calling
A release of bitterness was needed:
Bitterness toward ones who broke,
Bitterness to the One Who allowed,
Bitterness even directed at myself.
Anger needs more than releasing.
Bitterness needs conversion into
Forgiveness to give radical renewal.
Over time, forgiving all involved and
Choosing also to bless, I was given
“Freedom thru Forgiveness”
Love isn’t love til you give it away.
Forgiveness isn’t Freedom if kept.
The testimony of forgiveness,
I was told, would defeat the enemy.
The testimony of forgiveness
I believe Glorifies God the Forgiver,
Furthermore it encourages believers.
Believers here and believers far,
Across cultures and languages,
Find Freedom thru Forgiveness, too.
Isaiah 50:4 my personal life verse
“The Lord God hath given me
The tongue of the learned,
That I should know how to speak
A word in season
To him who is weary:
He wakeneth morning by morning,
He wakeneth mine ear
To hear as the learned.”
Wisdom, to speak a word
In season to him who is weary
Is not from an advanced degree,
Is not from scripture knowledge,
Is not from chronological age.
It is from listening to The LORD
Morning after morning as
He whispers wisdom into my heart.
It is a still mystery how challenging
Consistency in listening remains.
So I will persevere in starting over
Jim Wilder gave a new perspective
On Ephesians 2:10 my paraphrase:
“For we are God’s poetry
Recreated in Christ Jesus
So we rhyme His thoughts and thus
Know how to rhyme His actions
Which He has prepared for us.
Counseling has become discipling.
Teaching them to obey everything:
Believing, loving, trusting, following,
Forgiving, blessing, encouraging,
Praying, listening, discerning, and
Rhyming to walk in their calling.
Romans 8:28 understood with 29
All things work together for good.
The good being defined as being
Conformed to the image of Christ.
Then it becomes a known and felt
Truth: It is not I who lives
But Christ Who lives within me.
It is not my thoughts
But rhyming His thoughts.
It is not my actions
But rhyming His actions.
It is not my heart
But beating in unison with His.
Thanking Him in all things, including
Thirty years of unanswered prayers.
Things are not the way I planned.
Nor the way I hoped or dreamed.
The more and more surrendered
The more I become conformed
To His image with in me.
Day by Day Day by Day
Oh Dear LORD three things I pray
To see Thee more clearly
Love Thee more dearly
Follow Thee more nearly
Day by Day by Day….
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