Category Archives: Christian Life

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Step 7: Ya gotta keep repeating steps one through seven to stay unstuck.

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You’ve arrived at a special place; at this place you’re cautiously optimistic.

You’re optimistic because you’re seeing results, yet you’re wondering if these results will last.

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Your connection with God has improved. Certainly, you recognize you have a ways to go, but it’s okay having something to work on. You should always feel this way.

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Why?

Because it isn’t in your best interest to never feel self-satisfied. I believe Jesus told us the secret to living at our finest when he said to his disciples, “I have food that you know not of.” (John 4:32)

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Jesus had no intention of keeping this a secret from them or us.

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When the Holy Spirit arrived at Pentecost and empowered those in the upper room (Acts 2) they began to comprehend what Jesus had said and meant. Spiritual food is available when we’re weak and relying solely on God.

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Remain childlike. Become like a fuzzy yellow chick that naturally doesn’t stray too far from mother hen because it may get snatched.

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In Step 7 you’ll find that free-will choices and your love for God are the means for success, ultimate fulfillment, and independence from temptation’s deception. In Step 7 you will daily practice and repeat all seven steps.

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In Step 7 three things are happening at the same time:

• You’re exercising your free will choices.
• You’re willingly cooperating with God for your own well-being. And
• You’re experiencing deliverance from what used to be your deceiving and debilitating compulsive habit.

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Is there a better place to be than this? No there isn’t. But at times temptation will tell you, “Yes there is.” Or, “Remember when…” Or ask sarcastically, “Have you had enough of this Jesus stuff?”

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As in the Garden of Eden you’re offered a choice.

• Decide to choose life.
• Decide to live free.
• Decide to keep the relationship with God fresh.
• Decide to reject religion for a relationship.

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Christ Jesus is the one who delivers fresh surprises for you as your allegiance and alliance develop a growing root system.

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To be continued

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Step 6: Ya gotta realize that temptation is persistent.

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You can be persistent, too. The freedom that comes from good health feels unspeakably wonderful and is a terrific motivator. You persist. You affirm, “I never want to be sick again.”

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Step 6 says: You realize temptation’s threat of ruin is yet another opportunity to increase your freedom. God is becoming your number one companion.

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You’re getting unstuck.

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In Step 3 I said that temptation’s intention is to make you suffer and keep you suffering. Since you’ve been cooperating with the Spirit of God you’ve discovered that temptation rarely quits assaulting you.

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Is this a bad thing?

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Not at all. As you implement these freedom steps temptation can actually assist in transforming you into an effective spiritual fighter.

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How?

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When you recognize you’re being tempted and refuse to give in you unlock opportunity.

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The opportunity is to use the tools and resources Jesus offers. As you do other freeing opportunities will open up for you.

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What you see happening is the tables being turned on temptation’s evil intention.

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Does this mean you’ll always win and never lose?

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Not necessarily.

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Until time ceases there is the possibility of failure.

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Even so, your continual cooperation with God will make it easier to remain humble, dependent, and focused on Jesus.

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You’re finding that temptation/evil isn’t stronger than Jesus.

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Jesus was/is never intimidated by temptation/evil.

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And, when you keep your focus on Christ you don’t need to be intimidated either.

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Keep in mind, temptation can become a way for you to experience further intimacy with God.

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How come?

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Temptation fails as you practice these seven action steps.

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These seven principles remind you that your cooperation with God provides everything you need to succeed.

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These steps help you to remain reliant on the Lord and are the most secure place for you to be. Jesus did exactly what I’m asking you to do.

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What’s happening is that you’re making good choices instead of bad choices. Healthy choices instead of unhealthy choices.

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As a result your relationship with God improves—becomes unstuck—and you won’t want to trade this unstuck feeling for anything.

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Whats more, what defines your “fun” will change its definition.

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So Step 6 advocates: Every time the temptation comes it is an opportunity to move closer to God.

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You’re ready for the final step, 7.

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Audio: 

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Getting unstuck and living in freedom redefines the meaning of fun. Fun is no longer accepting and practicing what has been harmful. Fun is doing what is healing and liberating.

Your lifestyle becomes something else—it changes for the better. Your definition of fun is something like Matthew 6: 33: “But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.”

Few really understand what is going on inside you. Regardless, you notice that things are different and others (begin to) notice that things are different. You’re deciding to live healthy instead of living sick. You’re getting unstuck instead of remaining stuck.

Of course, what has been busy systematically destroying you isn’t going to give up trying to ensnare you. Often you will sense the actual warfare for your welfare. However, this is a part of your new definition for fun. Be persistent in making freedom choices.

As you do this in cooperation with God’s Holy Spirit you will experience the joy of freedom. That’s fun!

The truth is: Every time the temptation comes it is a chance for you to live in the light instead of living in the dark.

Your choice matters.

Your relationship with the living God can improve and will. Have fun watching this take place.

Thanks for listening to Lee’s Nite Radio.

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