Meditations Upon Step #1.

[SeraphimsCherub]

Step 1:
We admitted we were powerless over the effects of our seperation from God-that our lives had become unmanageable.

Romans 7:18 (KJV) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

"We admitted that we were powerless": Before we can ((("admitt"))) that we are powerless,we must first be able to ((("realize"))) for ourselves that it is true! Which is a most positive sighn that GOD'S Grace is already at work within us revealing this to us through His Spirit of Truth dwelling within us! For many people never even come to being able see the reality of their own denial!

 

[madison1101]

Thank you for this wonderful insight. It took me a long time to realize and accept this Truth.

 

[SeraphimsCherub]

Thank you for this wonderful insight. It took me a long time to realize and accept this Truth.

God bless you!!! It was my pleasure!!! I'll be in here more often now than i have been! Because debating over theology in the other forums,even though i love the study of theology;it becomes very detrimental to the growth,and edification of my Spiritual growth,and Progress in Christ as of not neglecting to allow the Spirit of Truth,to continuously keep in a humble and contrite spirit! That i not avoid the Absolute necessity of facing the truth of all thing's,good and bad that concern me,and all other's around me on a day-to-day basis;and not denying my Good Shephard's Right to acknowledge and confess these thing's unto Him continuously without ceasing! That We may have an ever increasing peace,and resolve,as We quietly commune with each other in making conscious contact in my mind with His Spirit throughout each and everyday, "one day at a time"!!! GOD bless, and Amen...

SC

 

[SeraphimsCherub]

Step 1:
We admitted we were powerless over the effects of our seperation from God-that our lives had become unmanageable.

Romans 7:18 (KJV) For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

"We admitted that we were powerless": Before we can ((("admitt"))) that we are powerless,we must first be able to ((("realize"))) for ourselves that it is true! Which is a most positive sighn that GOD'S Grace is already at work within us revealing this to us through His Spirit of Truth dwelling within us! For many people never even come to being able see the reality of their own denial!

The very "root-cause" and reason behind my "powerlessness", is because of the "truth" that God's Word tells me about the true reality and condition of the self-centered, sinful "human-nature" that we are all born into this world with! And that it is the "Goodness of God's Spirit to Lovingly,& Mericifully open me i eye's & reveal to me, and humble the pride of my flesh by showing me the truth by the Revelation of His Good Word! That yes indeed: "For[SIZE=+0] I know[SIZE=+0] that[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] in[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] me[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] (that is[/SIZE][SIZE=+0], in[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] my[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] flesh[/SIZE][SIZE=+0],) dwelleth[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] no[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] good thing[/SIZE][SIZE=+0]:" [/SIZE]and by the Spirit of Christ Living within me! He gives me first the faith [/SIZE]
to agree,and believe in what He Say's i am according to His Word,and not according to my own way of seeing things! Then He gives me the strength to face it and accept it, and acknowledge it to Him; and that it's not wrong for or bad of me to see myself for who i truly am apart from God! That i am a wretch,and self centered through and through! Yet GOD still Loves me just the same, He only wants me to be surrendered ,and set free by "knowing" the Truth:John 8:32 (KJV) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.John 8:36 (KJV) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 

[madison1101]

The very "root-cause" and reason behind my "powerlessness", is because of the "truth" that God's Word tells me about the true reality and condition of the self-centered, sinful "human-nature" that we are all born into this world with! And that it is the "Goodness of God's Spirit to Lovingly,& Mericifully open me i eye's & reveal to me, and humble the pride of my flesh by showing me the truth by the Revelation of His Good Word! That yes indeed: "For[SIZE=+0] I know[SIZE=+0] that[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] in[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] me[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] (that is[/SIZE][SIZE=+0], in[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] my[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] flesh[/SIZE][SIZE=+0],) dwelleth[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] no[/SIZE][SIZE=+0] good thing[/SIZE][SIZE=+0]:" [/SIZE]and by the Spirit of Christ Living within me! He gives me first the faith [/SIZE]
to agree,and believe in what He Say's i am according to His Word,and not according to my own way of seeing things! Then He gives me the strength to face it and accept it, and acknowledge it to Him; and that it's not wrong for or bad of me to see myself for who i truly am apart from God! That i am a wretch,and self centered through and through! Yet GOD still Loves me just the same, He only wants me to be surrendered ,and set free by "knowing" the Truth:John 8:32 (KJV) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.John 8:36 (KJV) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

I love Romans 7, because it gives me comfort to know that Paul describes so well what I experience in my flesh. I had a two year relapse where I would put together a month, or two or three of sobriety, and then drink for two weeks everyday. I was in outpatient treatment for a year, and finally went to inpatient, via the psych ward of my local hospital.

I am currently in a Beth Moore study called Breaking Free, and it is based on breaking free of all strongholds. It is intense, and it is uplifting.

My powerlessness is a ticket to my freedom, because I am not only powerless over alcohol, but all of my sins, and I must depend, rely, lean on the Lord for strength and grace to resist any and all temptations.

I hope this makes sense.

 

[SeraphimsCherub]

Yes it makes "perfect" sense!!! God bless you and thanx for sharing! I pray the Beth Moore Study through Christ Jesus,and His Holy Spirit work's wonders for you, in Jesus Name i pray this amen! I'm also a gratefull and recovering alcaholic! By His Grace i have been sober for 2 years;but i do take medication for ADD and Bipolar which helps me greatly!! Amen


SC,
GOD Bless

 

[If Not For Grace]

Anyone ever notice the word "WERE"? Having had a spiritual awakening..
any thoughts?

 

[SeraphimsCherub]

Anyone ever notice the word "WERE"? Having had a spiritual awakening..
any thoughts?

Hi...and GOD bless you! I'm confused by your question,what do you mean?

 

[If Not For Grace]

were = past tense. Having had a spiritual awakening (Step 12) or 11 (Praying for KNOWLEDGE). Once we get Step 3 (Made a decision) then does the Holy Spirit not NOW enbale us to be "free" of the things or have power over the things that used to hold us hostage?

 

[SeraphimsCherub]

were = past tense. Having had a spiritual awakening (Step 12) or 11 (Praying for KNOWLEDGE). Once we get Step 3 (Made a decision) then does the Holy Spirit not NOW enbale us to be "free" of the things or have power over the things that used to hold us hostage?

Yes He Is The Only Power Who Can set any soul at Liberty!! But sadly people in AA, and in N/A never come to realize Who That Spirit Is in the "program" is that is setting them free from their "present" addiction's! The Spirit of The Living Christ, Who Is The Only Higher Power Through Whom the first Revelation of the 12 steps were first given! Principles from the Great Big, Big, Big Book called the BIBLE!!! Witch has been setting people free for 2000 years + NOW Praise GOD!!! Plus if they knew the gift of Eternal Life which we NOW have In Christ, and the Glorious Hope of our Future In Christ! Instead of just a hope of a better life just for this existance! I'm sure they would be so much More Blessed!! But many do thank GOD come too a Saving knowledge of Christ through the Revelation of the 12 steps!!

 

[If Not For Grace]

But many do thank GOD come too a Saving knowledge of Christ through the Revelation of the 12 steps!!

Maybe it's because I live in the Deep South (Bible Belt), but MOST of the people
who stick w/my home group have come to Christ & then they Start or GO BACK
to organized Church & I believe have alot to offer some of those religion "raised"
people w/a tunnel vision view of Jesus. (Just my experience-I can imagine other groups in more metropolitian areas not having this same focus).