Condemnation vs. Conviction

I just read an excellent article by Dr. Henry Wright of the Be in Health Institute. It was so good explaining the difference between condemnation of the enemy and conviction of the Holy Spirit. I have decided to share the article with you in full here:

Many times we feel like there are areas in our lives we need to change. However, we need to be careful to distinguish between the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the voice of the enemy. Is it conviction or condemnation?

Condemnation screams in our ears and makes us feel terrible and afraid. Conviction is a soft, sweet voice that makes us feel good about the changes we want to make to line up with the Word of God.

 

Condemnation is similar to conviction in that it always contains an element of truth. We can discern which one is speaking by asking ourselves several questions:

1.) How does it make us feel? Condemnation will leave us feeling guilty and ashamed. Conviction will fill us with hope and a sense of renewal.

2.) What's the pathway? Condemnation will leave us feeling hopeless and confused about what to do. Conviction will point us in a clear direction of change.

3.) Where's the problem? Condemnation says the problem is actually us - and our identity - to bring us to a conclusion that we can never change. Conviction will declare that the issue is not us and will help us overcome.

4.) What's the resolution? Condemnation will place all the blame on us and drive us into trying to fix everything ourselves. Conviction puts the blame on the enemy and depends on God to help us make the changes we need in order to overcome.

Condemnation is straight from the enemy. It feeds into his plan to keep us from the truth, so we're scattered and confused. When God is leading us to change something, He does it gently and clearly. If we recognize we have been listening to condemnation, we must put the blame back on the enemy where it belongs and take our peace. When we're ready to be changed in an area of our life, God will lead us into overcoming!

Romans 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

  

Reference: I am Changed newsletter article; Feb. 2, 2015; Dr. Henry Wright 

Hard to Forgive ... How to Forgive the Unforgivable Part I

We know God's word tells us that we are to forgive for He forgave (and still forgives) us. Matthew 6:14-15 states, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

But, what about when it is someone who really mistreated you or did something really awful?

Is it God's will for us to hold a grudge? To hate? Romans 12:19 says, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

I recommend starting with removing any hatred from your heart. This is definitely not from God and by thinking about it, dwelling it in - you have embraced and agreed with hatred for your brother who sinned against you. 

I do not tell you this to make you feel shame or guilt; rather, it is stated to move you into action. Do you want something in your heart that is contrary to God? No. Do you want to be free from this anger raging. Obviously. 

Begin here:
1. Find at least 5-10 minutes to be alone with God. Your car is a great place (just an FYI - the blu tooth devices that everyone uses with their phone makes all people look like they are talking to themselves - so you won't look too silly)!
2. Tell your body, mind, and spirit to line up with the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus.
3. Begin to imagine the memory of the event(s) that lead to you feel so betrayed, angry, scared, etc. Now notice the feelings you are having in your body. Say them aloud so you can note them. Command, in the name of Jesus, for these feelings to leave your body. Break any strongholds, mindsets, and thought patterns (in the name of Jesus).
4. Put yourself back in the memory in your head. How are you feeling now? If you have any more feelings continue until you can remember event without negative feelings. [For truly traumatic memories, I would encourage seeking out freedom prayer from your local prayer center, email me if you cannot locate a place near you for this].

Please see my next blog post here to continue the process of forgiving those who seem to be unforgivable. 
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In this blog I have used material I learned at Wind and Fire Mission Base

 Wind and Fire Mission Base, 3243 Wind and Fire Dr. Marion, IA 52302

and the Be in Health ministry 

Feeling Trapped by your Feelings

I used to live my life by my feelings. It is really easy to fall back into this, actually. We naturally want to feel "good," but can easily be overtaken by strong feelings that stick around for a while affecting our relationships, work, sleep, and general health.
It is God's desire for us to have peace and joy, but it is completely normal and biblical  to feel angry, sad, afraid, etc. The key is to ask God to help you move from a place of anger, fear, depression, etc to peace.
What I did for most of my life is I went by how I felt and when I felt a strong emotion I often stayed there for days. 
In Ephesians 4:26 it says, "...Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." I always thought of this verse as a guide for couples to not go to bed until an issue was settled. However, I believe it could also mean do not perseverate on a strong emotion like anger. 
For me it was often sadness or fatigue I would get stuck in for weeks at a time. It is not sinful to be in this state, but God wants us free. He also has big plans of how to use us and cannot get those plans moving if we are stuck in a strong emotional time. 

What can you do if you find yourself in a season where you are often angry, sad, or anxious? 
1. Remind yourself it is okay to feel strong emotions temporarily, but God does not want us to live in these feelings, being stuck or restricted because of them.
2. Begin by remembering and agreeing with who God says you are. Click here if you do not know who God says you are 
3. Remind yourself that God is not disappointed in you. In fact, He has never had a bad thought about you.
4. Get rid of all shame and condemnation
5. Be still before God and ask Him, "What do you think about me?" (Click on link if you feel you do not hear God).
6. Write out what you hear or see. Ask God to tell you more about each item or vision. 
7. Read frequently and believe these truths God has told you. Internalize them. Believe them. Know them by heart. This is really more important than anything. This will power you to move forward exponentially and step into who God created you to be.
                                                        
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In this blog I have used material I learned at Wind and Fire Mission Base.

 Wind and Fire Mission Base, 3243 Wind and Fire Dr. Marion, IA 52302

Not MY Shame - just shame!

When was the last time you felt shame or ashamed of yourself?
When you were little? A month ago? Yesterday? An hour ago?

When you feel shame you need to stop it immediately.

SHAME IS NEVER FROM GOD!

I have found that I personalize shame. It is my shame. I deserved it. I felt it. But, actually, freedom comes from not owning it - not personalizing it. Remember, God is not angry with you or wanting you to feel shame. He isn't focused on it -- why should you be? Recognize it for what it is - it is not YOUR shame, it is just shame. Therefore, it is time to kick that ugly feeling/thought out:

Stop and ask God, "What do you want me to know about this shame I am feeling? What is the root cause?" Go through the steps outlined here.  Obliterate that shame!

There is a difference between feeling shame (not from God) and righteous guilt (a reminder of a sin we need to confess). If you can't tell which you are feeling, just take a moment and ask God.

Righteous guilt can actually be helpful. If you are feeling guilty about something you did and it was really wrong, then do not condemn yourself - simply ask for forgiveness, make amends if needed, and then ask God to help you make a better choice next time for a different outcome.

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In this blog I have used material I learned at Wind and Fire Mission Base.

 (Wind and Fire Mission Base, 3243 Wind and Fire Dr. Marion, IA 52302)302

Getting to No: How to Break a Stubborn Habbit, Lutzer, Erwin W., 2007