Do You Have a Reoccurring Problem?

This Christian Challenge Will Prove that God Heals and Restores Nagging and Reoccurring Problems and Addictions Within 30 Days

The first time Jesus came He brought love, redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life, which is Salvation, to a dying world. This is the dispensation or age we live. This is called the age of grace. It is when Jesus, who is God in heaven, comes to earth to save His creation from sin, death, and God's wrath. He is the prophesied Emmanuel or “God with Us”. He is born by the miraculous union between a virgin (Mary) and God the Holy Spirit. This makes Jesus fully man and fully God.

As fully man, He was tempted in every way, just like you and me, but He was perfect and never sinned. He chose to die on a cross, taking the place of every human being. His sacrificial death brings the forgiveness of sins to anyone who believes in Him. His resurrection on the third day has given believers eternal life in His presence. He ascended to Heaven and sat at the Father's right hand with a promise that He would return for His children (John 14; 1-3).

How to Get Started

We invite every Christian facing a "Recurring Problem or Addiction" with faith to have the courage to participate in this Christian 30-day Biblical Challenge; you won’t regret it.

One

1. Are you a born-again, Spirit regenerated Christian who believes in Jesus Christ according to the Bible, God's Word? YES   or NO

   
   

2. If the answer is NO or you're unsure about this definition of a Christian, we encourage you to read my post, Jesus Plus Nothing Saves You.

Two

1. Please read the following Appendices enclosed at the end of this 30-day Trial. This will give you details, definitions, and an understanding of key concepts.

   
   

2. Before you start this 30-day challenge read any post where you need clarification or understanding, CLICK HERE: fullerofgraceandtruth.com.

3. This will significantly help you to succeed and learn to trust God for your healing.

Introduction

Choosing to trust in God and respond to His calling is both a bold and courageous decision, as He is willing and capable of freeing you from bondage. It is in His nature to restore, transform, and heal those who are broken. Our 20-year Prayer/Counseling Ministry aimed primarily to teach clients how to rely on God and seek Him during their most vulnerable and painful times.

We found that many factors blocked an intimacy with God. Most of them were lies they believed about God, unwillingness to acknowledge their brokenness or sin, past trauma and/or abuse; and the lie that walking in the flesh offered pleasure. relief, and comfort even if temporary. These lies led to coping strategies used that are apart from God. Eventually, this led to addictions in their thoughts and behaviors. Addictions are just a nice way of saying you choose slavery over freedom.

Every person has an inherent emptiness within their soul that only Jesus Christ can fill. You have the choice to fill this God-shaped void at your core either through God's power or through your own efforts, coping mechanisms, and striving, which would be independent of God. This approach essentially says, "My will, Lord, not yours!"

All humanity faces temptation from the world, the flesh, and the devil. Temptation is an allure to pursue your carnal and fleshly desires selfishly. The Holy Scriptures refer to this as walking in the flesh. There are only two ways to respond to temptation. First, Focus on God, recognize that you are being tempted without denial or pretense, and then turn to the love and power of Jesus. Second, Focus on Self, circumstances, pain, and offenses, which triggers a fleshly response that succumbs to temptation and results in sin and addiction.

Can You Run to God for the Next 30 Days?

This 30-Day Addiction Challenge will change your life. Believe it or not, your addiction depends on whom you focus on NOT how you behave. Who or what you focus on determines how you behave. You either run to God, or you run to yourself, pain, or circumstances which automatically leads to addiction or pleasure. In the next 30 days, God will ignite, magnify, and jumpstart the transformation process. It will set up and reboot an appropriate Christian response to temptations. The decision is yours and yours alone. Freedom from addiction is right before you. It's your choice!

Therefore, do you have 30 Days where you will commit to Jesus and allow His love, power, and divine weapons to give you victory? This is a victory you have already obtained. It came as part of your inheritance when you were saved, reborn, and regenerated by God. But obviously, you don’t know how to appropriate this powerful gift. Give Jesus 30 days, and He will bless you beyond what you could ever imagine! These 6 Biblical Truths will take you out of your addiction to the foot of the cross and into an intimate encounter with Jesus Christ. According to the Scriptures, Jesus is the only way to defeat temptation and the ensuing flesh response of addiction.

A Quick Look at What to Do

There are two Biblical pathways you will follow and learn to be set free from your reoccurring problems, and addictions. They are ways of Walking in the Spirit which leads to freedom and restoration. When you are tempted the correct action is to Move TOWARDS God. When believers are tempted and give in to their fleshly desires God doesn't abandon you. He gives you a different pathway BACK to Him.

One responds correctly to temptation, and the other reacts incorrectly to temptation. Either way, God rescues you and brings the Christian back to His loving-kindness and an intimate relationship. God not only saves you by His grace, but He keeps you saved by His grace (undeserved love and mercy, not by your merit but by Jesus alone). It is all about God's free gift to those who by faith believe in Jesus. So, you can be assured that God is in control, and you don't have to. Because of this your faith and God's healing transformation bring glory to God and joy to you.

Evil —> Temptation —> Correct Response —> Focus on God —> Walk in the Spirit —> God Provides a Way of Escape —> Freedom from Addiction

OR

Evil —> Temptation —> Incorrect Reaction —> Focus on Self, Circumstances, Pleasure —> Walk in the Flesh —> Satan Deceives —> Bondage to Addiction

Two Pathways

One, moving "TO GOD" and Resisting Temptation!

GODLY RESPONSE TO TEMPTATION CYCLE

Acknowledge you’re being tempted by whom and how —> Choose to Focus on God

—> Resist the Devil and Submit to God—> Tell the enemy, world, or flesh to leave in Jesus' name —> Ask Jesus for His Way of Escape —> Thank Jesus for giving you His strength and direction —> Expect the Holy Spirit to Lead and Empower you —> Walk by faith according to God's Way of Escape —> The next time you are tempted —> Repeat the Godly Response to Temptation Cycle.

Let's Simplify this Cycle that moves you toward God

1) Acknowledge —>2) Focus on God —> 3) Follow Way of Escape —> 4) Be Thankful

Two, moving "BACK TO GOD" by Confessing Sin!

GODLY RESPONSE TO SIN/ADDICTION/FLESH, A CONFESSION CYCLE

Acknowledge your Sin —> Confess and Repent of your sin —> Ask God to cleanse you

—> Thank God you are forgiven past, present, and future —> Receive your Forgiveness

—> Ask God for His Strength —> Be Thankful —> Follow the Godly Response to Temptation Cycle the next time you are tempted.

Let's Simplify this Cycle that moves you Back to God.

1) Acknowledge Sin, 2) Confess and Repent, 3) Receive Forgiveness 4) Be Thankful

A Summary of the Six Truths to Defeat Temptation

There are only two ways to respond to temptation and acknowledge that you are being tempted. You and you alone are the one who determines what path you take. You will either give in to temptation and sin or defeat temptation through the power of Jesus! This is a summary of the 6 truths that lead to intimacy with God and freedom.

1. Acknowledge or Identify Your Addiction or Reoccurring Problem.

   1. Name the Addiction or Problem

   2. Name What You're Tempted to Do

   3. Choose to Take Your Attention off the problem on to God

2. Run to God and focus on Him the exact moment you are being tempted.

   1. Run to God the spring of living waters.

   2. Acknowledge your broken cisterns or coping mechanisms.

   3. Everything happens the moment you are tempted.

3. Believe the truth!

   1. Jesus was tempted in every way but without sin.

   2. God does not tempt you!

   3. You are tempted by the world, the flesh, and the devil.

   4. Focusing on temptation rather than God leads to sin.

   5. Lustful thoughts turn into behaviors.

   6. Thoughts and behaviors acted out become sins.

   7. Unrepentant sin allows demonic strongholds and bondage.

4. Focus on God in the moment of temptation.

   1. Humbly submit to God, and He will draw near.

   2. Resist the devil and he must flee.

   3. You are not tempted beyond your means.

   4. God is always faithful.

   5. God always provides a way of escape—Jesus!

   6. Jesus is our mighty and powerful weapon!

5. Jesus is your example!

   1. Acknowledge the temptation at the moment.

   2. Be intimately acquainted with God and His Word.

   3. Reject the lie of the enemy, accept the truth.

   4. Tell the enemy to leave in Jesus' Name

6. Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ during the moment of temptation.

   1. You take every loose thought, emotion, desire, and impulse captive to Christ by fixing your eyes on Jesus.

   2. Simply focus on and agree with Jesus (let Him reveal the truth).

   3. This type of thinking allows your actions and life to be structured and shaped by Christ.

   4. Responding and using God’s way of escape clears away every temptation (obstruction) and sets in motion freedom.

      
      

How 6 Powerful Truths Defeat Temptation

Six (6) powerful truths will defeat temptation. These 6 truths are Biblical ways that lead you to walk in the spirit and are the FOUNDATION for this 30-day protocol. They take us out of the temptation to the foot of the cross and an encounter with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. According to the Scriptures, Jesus is the only way to defeat temptations. This is how you are restored from reoccurring problems and addictions. There are just two ways to respond when facing temptation. You alone determine the path you take. You will either give in to temptation and carry out the desires of the flesh or defeat temptation through the power of Jesus! Therefore, what are these 6 powerful truths?

1. Step One: Identify Your Addiction or Problem

   
   

2. Step Two: Run to God and Focus on Him

   
   

3. Step Three: Believe the Truth

   
   

4. Step Four: Jesus is Your Example 

   
   

5. Step Five; Focus on God in the EXACT Moment of Temptation

   
   

6. Step Six: Take Every Thought Captive to the Obedience of Christ During the Precise Moment of Temptation 
   

   Victory takes place when you are tempted, not before and not after.

Foundational Truths Regarding Temptation

Evil is everywhere. It permeates every aspect of your Christian life and culture. But there is a way to overcome evil, and his name is Jesus. This 30-day challenge will teach you how to run to Jesus. Temptation is the tool by which evil encourages and deceives you to succumb to your carnal desires, addictions, idolatries, and pleasures. It conflicts the Christian between good and evil and reinforces the unbeliever to pursue whatever they want or think. Temptation is not a sin but leads to sin and, eventually, death. The world, the flesh, and the Devil are the primary tools behind temptation. But there is a way to defeat temptation.

Step 1-Identify Your Addiction or Reoccurring Problem

When someone seeks guidance from a counselor or spiritual director, it is often because of a specific issue or problem that needs addressing. God acts as your Divine Counselor and Healer. Thus, we start by identifying a particular issue, sin, or addiction. What is the problem?

Select the Addiction, Emotional, or Psychological Issue You Wish Liberated

Examples would be:

• Emotional—anxiety, apathy, fear, worry, and suffering with life circumstances.

• Psychological—Depression, any mental dysfunction or disorder

• Marital Conflict—abuse, infidelity, divorce, adultery, anger issues, communication

• Trauma—past abuse that interferes with living in the moment and intimacy with others.

• Addictions—anything that has control over your behaviors (drugs, food, alcohol, sex).

• Sexual sin—pornography, rape, pre-marital sex-fornication, sexual abuse (receive/give)

• Spiritual - legalism, license, false teachings

Your concern is to speak the truth about the problem that tempts you. This is what keeps you from running to God and believing only God's presence and truth can set you free. God is the only agent of change, healing, and restoration, no one or anything else. It begins with acknowledging the problem and what you're being tempted to do.

Definition of Addiction

Addiction is a complex and debilitating condition characterized by a compulsive and uncontrollable desire to engage in a particular behavior or substance despite adverse consequences. It profoundly impacts an individual’s physical, psychological, spiritual, social, and emotional well-being. The allure of any addiction lies in the temporary pleasure or relief it provides. In most cases, it denies God’s sovereignty and replaces it with the proclivity for self-indulgence and controlling one's life. Therefore, this self-focus creates a powerful cycle of craving, consumption, and withdrawal, weakening you to a vulnerability to temptation and the Devil’s schemes. The earmark of an addict is excessive lying. (for details, please refer to Appendix 2)

There is a lesser-known addiction referred to as Intimacy Avoidance or Anorexia. This condition involves the addict steering clear of intimacy to shield themselves from potential pain and disappointment. It typically manifests with those closest to them, such as a spouse, who holds the greatest potential to cause emotional harm. There are ten methods used to evade intimacy. (for details, please refer to Appendix 3)

Emotional dysfunctions such as depression, fear, anger, worry, and anxiety, can also be categorized as addictions. Instead of being controlled by inappropriate behaviors, these emotions can be attributed to a lack of trust and faith in God. They are motivated by lies, thoughts, inward chatter or voices, cognitive distortion, and false belief systems. There are three sources of lies that war against your journey to wholeness, the world, the flesh, and the devil. (for details, please refer to Appendix 4)

Step Two: Run to God and Focus on Him

The Critical Truth is living in the present moment! You immediately take the presenting issue to God. So how do you live in the moment? You focus all your intentions on God. God does not call us to fix the past or manage the present and worry about the future. God lives in the moment! Yes, He is God of the past, but He doesn’t ask you to live, fix, or focus on the past. Indeed, He is the God of the future, but He doesn't ask you to manage life now to manipulate the future. When the world, flesh, or Devil tempts you. God asks you to focus and run to Him in the moment you are being tempted. 

My wife Janean has a saying, “You tell your life story when you make love.” All of life’s experiences, the good, bad, ugly, trauma, and pain end up in the bedroom and affect your sexuality and intimacy with your spouse and God. I also have a saying, “You don’t manage or control your life, so bad things don’t happen, you live life fully in Christ, and when you’re disrupted and tempted, you take it to Jesus.” Both statements deal with how you respond or react to temptations. What you did in the past and now at the moment of temptation will affect your future! Believe me, we know about temptation personally, and in our counseling ministry!

Only Two Ways to Deal with Temptation

There are only two ways to handle or respond to temptation. Every response or reaction to temptation is a variation of these two.

According to the Scriptures, there are two approaches to handling temptation: first, turn to God, the source of living waters, and second, create your own wells or cisterns that cannot hold water. Addressing temptation without God is considered evil. These actions represent two specific wrongs against God. The first wrong is not turning to God, which means forsaking Him; this might be due to a lack of trust in His power, goodness, and faithfulness. The second wrong is distancing yourself from God and developing (creating, crafting) your own broken cisterns, strategies, and coping mechanisms. Broken cisterns symbolize any method we use to confront temptation through our own strength, independent of God, focusing on self rather than on Him.

What Does it Mean to Focus on God?

Focusing on God is the same as running to God, fixing your eyes on Jesus, calling upon His name with prayers and petitions, and looking up into the heavens where God lives. It is your obedient response to God's calling to come to Him in times of need. An easy way is to think of R&R meaning Rehearse and Remember. Rehearse is to over and over again when being tempted choose, as a willing act of reverence and obedience. to move towards God. This rehearsal develops a habit or pattern for your heart, will, and mind. The more you run to God with your brokenness, the more He will show up to strengthen your faith.

Next, you are to Remember God's Promises. This is where you will speak, meditate, and contemplate the promises of God. Philippians 4:8 says to dwell on things that are true. It would be advantageous to memorize God's promises regarding your specific concerns and weaknesses.

 An intimate relationship with the Trinity, not just knowing about Him, reaps benefits far beyond your dreams and expectations. Many Scriptures reveal the promises of God when we trust and run to him with our problems. He will heal the brokenhearted, set captives in bondage free, give hope to the poor, help people see the truth, and set free those who are oppressed, He offers rest for the weary, peace for the anxious (any negative emotion), and grace (love and mercy) to those who run to Him in their time of need.

Practical Ways to Focus on God When Tempted

1. Pray

2. Be Thankful

3. Worship and Praise

4. Sing Your Favorite Song

5. Say Your Favorite Bible Verse

6. Do a Collarbone Statement (see Appendix 7)

7. Rehearse Your Identity "In" Christ

8. Fix Your Eyes, Gaze, Attention on Jesus

9. Lift Your Hands

10. Read the Bible

11. Remember a Promise from God

12. Have a Memory Verse Handy

13. Focus on God's Character

14. Talk to God and Listen to Him

15. Remember God's Promises

Step Three: Believe the Truth

What is Temptation?

So, what is temptation? First of all, the temptation is not sinning, although it leads to fleshly living, sinful behaviors, extended bondage, and eventually death. We know this because Jesus, in every way, was tempted but without sin.

Secondly, God does not tempt you.

In the next sentence, James defines temptation.

Lust is often defined as an intense and selfish desire for gratification outside the bounds of God's design, purpose, and marriage. It is seen as a distortion of God's gift of masculinity and femininity where the focus is solely on satisfying one's own desires without regard for the well-being and dignity of others and self. Lust is a strong desire. It is an intense, overwhelming, or unrestrained sexual craving or addictive compulsion. According to Jesus, the very act of lusting after a woman is the sin of committing adultery in your heart.

Therefore, lust is a sin and a reaction to temptation. We believe lust comes from not being regenerated in your spirit (unbelief), carnal desires, compulsive behaviors, and addictions. In this attitude, mental state, or thought life, you choose to focus on the exciting object (whatever appears to give gratification) and give in to temptation rather than focus on God. Focusing on God, His Word, and His presence is the only appropriate response to temptation.

Three Forces Behind Temptation

The 5 powerful truths defeat temptation and reveal there are three forces behind temptation designed to deceive and mislead Christians: the world, the flesh, and the devil.

The World

The world is anything apart from Jesus; philosophies, religions, and isms (secularism, legalism, socialism, materialism). It says we can accomplish anything apart from God. And if we can’t, the culture will lower the standards or redefine its truth. It is what I call the Romans chapter 1 decline of humanity and nations.

1) You reject God. followed by worshiping idols.

2) Then, you embrace self-indulgence or sexual sin. (see my blog on sexual immorality)

3) God gives you over to a depraved mind.

The inhabitants of a world without God are immoral in their behavior and wicked in their thinking. In this case, Satan tempts you through the world, you believe its lies, you act and behave accordingly—sin, and you remain in bondage and eventually spiritual death.

The Flesh

The flesh is our own/carnal thoughts, desires, or lusts. Jesus took care of the sin issue for all who believe in His Sacrifice. Christians are forgiven of their sins, filled with the Holy Spirit, and promised eternal life. So, what is the issue involved with temptation? Paul makes it evident in Galatians chapter 5. A believer’s war or conflict with temptation isn’t sinning; it’s whether they walk in the Spirit, focused on God, bearing fruit, or walk in the flesh, focused on self, remaining in bondage.

It’s interesting to note here that trying to handle temptation through the Law is the opposite of walking in the Spirit. Walking in the flesh under the Law is striving, working harder, strategizing, following man’s formulas, and mustering up enough faith to obligate God to help you resist temptation. I know these are harsh words, but our hope and faith are only based on the sufficiency of Christ Jesus. Jesus plus nothing! In this case, you react to temptation by feeding your lust and gratifying your wants, you act and behave accordingly, you sin, and you remain broken and in bondage.

The Devil

Lastly, the temptations are tools or

schemes of the devil. He’s a liar, a deceiver, an accuser of the brethren. His purpose on earth is to mislead you with lies. He uses lies to kill, steal, and destroy your freedom and abundance in Christ. The Apostle James says we are to resist the enemy (acknowledge the enemy’s strategies), no denial, no pretending, no broken cisterns, no works, or plan. You are to submit to God (focus on God, not the temptation). The result is that he will flee, present tense. God obliterates the devil’s temptation! God gives you grace (unconditional love and mercy) that is greater than temptation.

SEE MY BLOG ON SATAN BEING "THE GOD OF THIS WORLD"

Step Four: Jesus is Your Example

Jesus serves as your example when dealing with temptation. After His baptism and before beginning His ministry, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Isn't it comforting to know that God remains in control, even when you encounter temptation? Jesus responded by quoting Scripture and commanded the devil to depart. He resisted the devil by trusting in the truth of Scripture, quoting it to show His submission to God (James 4:7).

Satan tempts Jesus by lying, using half-truths, and even Scripture out of context. Jesus acknowledges the deception resists the devil and submits to God’s Word. He speaks the truth and rebukes the lie. Christ takes every thought captive to God’s revealed truth. He does it the very moment He is tempted. Satan tried to deceive Jesus two more times. He responded the same way. The devil had to flee when Jesus told him to go away.

You will face temptation until the day you meet Jesus face to face. To resist the devil and submit to God, you need to have a close relationship with Jesus, similar to the close relationship He had with His Father in Heaven. Jesus is the truth, of course.

The truth that makes you free is not only accurate for salvation but temptation. Conversely, if you believe the devil lies, you will act according to the deception and remain in bondage. The Scriptures call these strongholds or fortresses. The truth sets you free the lie keeps you in bondage and dead spiritually.

Step Five: Focus on God in the Moment of Temptation

The 5 steps to Defeat Temptation reveal the key is living in the present moment. You immediately take it to God. So how do you live in the moment? You focus on God, His Word, Jesus, truth, and the Holy Spirit living in and through you. God does not call us to fix the past or manage the future. God lives in the moment! Yes, He is God of the past, but He doesn’t ask you to live, fix, or focus on the past. Indeed, He is the God of the future, but He doesn’t ask you to manage or focus on the future. When the world, flesh, or devil tempts you, God asks you to focus on Him and run to Him in the present moment. Therefore, when you are tempted, you desperately need Jesus, and He freely gives you more than you can imagine. He offers you rest, peace, and grace.

I Pray, and Nothing Happens

You might say, “I pray, and I pray, and God hasn’t healed me!” Do you pray, Lord help me with my addictions, and nothing happens? Your prayers are likely not in the moment of temptation. But after giving in to temptation or praying for victory in the future. God heals our past wounds, and He paves the way for future freedom. But He only helps you with temptation when you resist, submit, and act on His Word, Truth, and Spirit living in and through you at the moment.

In our counseling and prayer ministry, most of the husbands have sexual addiction—pornography, lust, sexual sin. In fact, it’s rampant in our culture. One thing in common is that none of them want to sin, or do they? They all pray for God to take away their sexual addictions. So why do they continue to sin? Well, it is simple; in the moment of temptation, they want or desire self-satisfaction more than God. In the moment of temptation, our desire is self-pleasure, not exercising our faith in Jesus. We are more comfortable with our sins than we are in being intimate with God. Most of us fear intimacy or experiencing God at a personal level. So, we react to what we are comfortable with or pleasing in the moment. I know that has been true in my case.

They gave in to the temptations to act out their carnal desires, the lust of the eyes, and pride. Their prayers were always after the sin, not at the moment of temptation. It is why we teach every person, male or female, married or single, that comes to see us how to run to God. We call it God’s Intimacy Prayer.

Step Six: Take Every Thought Captive to Christ During Moment of Temptation

Step five is to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ during the moment of temptation which is an actual assault, harassment, or enticement from the world, flesh, or devil. As we have discussed previously, the key is focusing on God in the moment of temptation, not after. So, how does God give you a way of escape and what is it?

God Gives You a Way of Escape

God gives everyone a way out when tempted, and it comes into play, or full bloom around the word submit. Submit is taking every thought captive and focusing or giving it to Jesus, again, at the exact moment of temptation.

Temptations are common to all humans, and you can trust God to be faithful and help. Therefore, we focus on God. He is the way of escape! Let’s go back to why we give in to temptation and lustful thoughts. The Lord asks us to take every lustful thought or vain imagination captive to the obedience of Christ.

God Gives You Mighty and Powerful Weapons

What are these mighty weapons that are divinely powerful to knock down Satan's fortresses or strongholds? Jesus! You are to use these powerful God tools to one, destroy human reasoning, two, smash warped and false philosophies, three, reveal false arguments against the knowledge and truth of God, four, demolish an entirely massive and corrupt culture, and five, tear down all barriers erected against the truth of God in the Name of Jesus.

Remember, all temptation comes from one of three sources the world, flesh, or the devil. So, how do you do this? It all starts by living in the moment and being aware of your thinking, urges, desires, and beliefs when you are tempted!

END RESULT: Walking in the Fruit of the Spirit-Love

Following these 5 Steps to Defeat Temptation will assure that you will defeat temptation and the sin that follows. These steps will lead you to trust and depend on the sufficiency of the cross and the resurrection of Christ. It will nurture an intimate relationship with Jesus. Being victorious over temptation will increase your faith and help you respond out of the fruit of the Spirit which is an inheritance of your salvation. These characteristics or attributes are aspects of your true Identity "IN" Christ. As is everything, they are a gift from God to be enjoyed and used for His glory.

It is important to remember that you cannot focus on God and focus on your selfish desires at the same time. Again, you can't walk in the Spirit and carry out the desires of the flesh.

Christians live in Christ’s love. The believer is love-inspired, love-mastered, and love-driven.

Therefore, what does it look like to defeat temptations and walk in the Spirit of Love? The following list defines God’s love and its subsequent characteristics.

1. Joy is Loves Strength
   

2. Peace is Love’s Security
   

3. Patience is Love’s Endurance
   

4. Kindness is Love’s Conduct
   

5. Goodness is Love’s Character
   

6. Faithfulness is Love’s Confidence
   

7. Gentleness is Love’s Humility
   

8. Self-control is Loves Victory

Therefore, maturity and grace are what you can look forward to when you use the “5 Steps to Defeat Temptation and Sin.” For detailed information see my post titled, How to Walk in the Spirit

Detailed Appendices

Appendix 1 - Three Healing Paths or Mind-Sets

When we look to God for healing, there are three ways to approach Him. There are three lenses by which to view His Holy Scriptures. One, we are living out of the Old Covenant Law and in our obedience and trying harder so that He will bless us. Two, we believe in counseling where the therapist is the agent of change, and our insight is the catalyst for healing. A very popular worldview and prevalent in the institutional church as well. Three, we live by faith in the complete sufficiency of Christ allowing God's presence to be more desired than healing. Three allows God to be the agent of change for healing and restoration.

The Old Covenant Mind-Set

In the Old Covenant, we feel a need to live under the law, keep the rules so that we can please God and continue trying harder in our efforts to motivate God. This leads to penance which is trying harder, failing, beating ourselves up which we believe will motivate us to try even harder. We believe if we get it right God would have to respond to our good intentions and efforts and bless or heal us. The law could not save us, and the law cannot heal us. If the Old Covenant was required to be healed, then Jesus died needlessly (Gal 2:21). The Old Way never works! Praise God there’s a much better way.

The Counseling or Insight Mind-Set

The counseling cycle is all about you and your attitudes, insight, and self-effort. It starts with becoming aware of our problems; then the counselor helps us to gain insight into the issue, and then we develop a strategy to fix the problem. We develop a support system to help us succeed, ultimately this leads to self-preoccupation which we call naval gazing. The counseling cycle supports the idea that life is all about you, and the therapist and God are here to help you get what you want.

It is a subtle way to focus on self rather than God. The institutional church is caught up with this method of healing and many offer strategies rather than intimacy with the living God. Guess what? It’s the Old Covenant wine put into a new wine skin which renders both useless. This counseling or insight strategy is counterfeit to faith and trust in Jesus.

The New Covenant Grace Mind-Set

The New Covenant Cycle leads to true authentic healing and restoration. It is a pathway to restoring our true, real and authentic selves created in God’s image and recreated in the image of Christ. It is the way of the Spirit and living in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ. It draws us toward our “True Identity” allowing every Christian to enjoy God intimately. It provides everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3-4) which is already a reality “In Christ.”

The Lord is committed to helping us maintain this cycle which starts with Jesus and ends with Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 13). Next, we acknowledge our brokenness, sin, pain, and woundedness and acknowledge our total dependence on the Holy Trinity. True dependency results in knowing there is nothing we can do to help ourselves, leading us to trust in a caring and loving God. The only response is to run to God and drink from the living waters (Jn 7:37-39). The appropriate response to the movement of the Holy Spirit is to receive our New Covenant blessings (Eph 1:3), and this includes healing. It is God’s way to true and lasting healing and complete restoration. Many would call this sanctification. We will encounter God with honest and sincere hearts in our brokenness and find love, grace, and healing in His presence. It is the fertile ground where we see intimacy emerge, and finally a transformation into the image of Christ. Jesus is the beginning and the ending of this New Covenant healing cycle. “I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Rev 3).

I choose the New Covenant Grace Mindset and allow God to be the agent of change my healing! Yes or No

Appendix 2 - Behavioral Addiction

An addiction is a destructive behavior that is compulsive or obsessive that a person can't stop. Its main purpose is two-fold: one to fill an empty void that only Jesus can fill, and two, to cover or take away physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual pain. Addictions affect brain plasticity and neuropathways, hormonal secretions, and psychological decisions that impede functions of the soul comprised of the will, heart attitudes, and choices in the mind. Addictions are destructive to the addict and his/her relationships, especially, in family and with spouses. Destructive to the point of death from drug overdoses, suicide, and failed marriages. They cause physical illness, mental breakdowns, and stress. Spiritually addiction would be considered idolatry, putting it as more important than God. The addict is unaware of their true identity in Christ.

It is a selfish and self-absorbed lifestyle hurting everyone in their sphere of influence. The intake of serotonin, a hormone that causes pleasure, and a decrease in oxytocin which causes satisfaction makes addictions more intense, severe, and unmanageable. An increase in the need for pleasure and a decrease in satisfaction is an addict's nightmare and fuels and motivates its continuance. The following is a list of some common addictions: alcohol, drugs, pain medication, gambling, food, pornography, lust, homosexuality, and carnal desires leading to sexual sin.

Addictions can take control of a person’s life for many reasons. The addict can be a soul that’s in pain and trying relief or escape as the “medicine” of choice, which may be sex, work, alcohol, drugs, food, hurting oneself, or a combination of these. You rarely have just one addiction, it’s called co-morbidity. Alternatively, you may be a person whose spiritual life is nonexistent and who uses addiction to fill the void of God. Lastly, people can become addicted unintentionally because of a neurological imbalance or do it intentionally for a neurological reward. Addictive behaviors usually include at least three of the following characteristics:

1. Spending more time involved in addictive behavior than expected.

2. Many unsuccessful attempts to reduce time spent on the behavior or to stop addiction.

3. A great deal of time is required to recover from the behavior,

4. Social or work plans affected by the addictive behavior,

5. Choosing to pursue the behavior instead of participating in a normal social, occupational, or recreational activity.

6. Marked tolerance for the behavior where it takes more to get the same effect,

7. Withdrawal symptoms if not pursuing the addictive behavior.

8. Continuing to pursue the behavior to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

9. Addiction is a drive to escape painful emotions, traumas, and abuses that have become unmanageable rather than running in faith in God.

10. It provides a way of escape; a false solution; and a means to control loneliness, anger, anxiety, woundedness, and fear.

11. There are “building blocks” or behaviors that form a foundation upon which other addictive behaviors are built which include:

    
    

    Characteristics of an Addicted Person

    
    

    The following are the characteristics of an addicted person.

    • One, they have a poor self-image.

    • Two, they succumb to mood alterations and escape.

    • Three, they have a sense of entitlement that is accompanied by a demanding and prideful spirit.

    • Fourth, their behaviors are unmanageable, and efforts to control and pull themselves up by their bootstraps (will-power or try harder) never succeed.

    • Five, they live in denial, delusions, and blackouts.

    • Six, they have dogmatic, unyielding, and rigid thinking.

    • Seven, they are angry liars excusing themselves and blaming others.

    • Eight, they are very co-dependent and face challenges with relationship issues, including physical, emotional, and spiritual intimacy.

    • Nine, they are usually sexually ignorant and confused.

    • Ten, most addicts have attention-deficient disorders, depression, and anxiety.

    
    

All addictions follow roughly the same cycle. It begins with shame > preoccupation > ritual > addiction acting out or acting in, which leads to despair. With despair, the cycle begins again with a preoccupation to somehow find relief from the despair.

Appendix 3 - Intimacy Avoidance is a Type of Anorexia

The observable symptoms of Intimacy Avoidance would include a self-contempt that they are usually unaware of and a preoccupation with addictive behaviors. They have escalating patterns of activity. They act distant or withdrawn. They demonstrate depression and mood swings. They are irritable and abuse of self or others. They are self-condemning and resistant to supervision and criticism. They are not spiritually authentic and keep everything on a surface level, especially, in the presence of their spouse.

The emotional characteristics are described as being unwilling or unable to share emotions. with their spouse. Having difficulty sharing feelings is also a universal characteristic of the intimacy anorexic. Having ongoing or ungrounded criticism leads to distance in relationships. It can be the low-grade put-downs toward the spouse, noticing what they do wrong, or just regularly pointing out their bad ideas. Those who use anger or silence as a characteristic use it with a vengeance. This intimacy-avoidant characteristic is described as any use of anger or silence to push away, punish, or control the spouse. The feature of controlling or shaming the spouse about money. 

Four Basic Causes

There are four basic causes of intimacy anorexia. One is the addiction to fantasy and pornography. Two, being physically or sexually abused (80% of addicts are sexually abused as children). Three, an inappropriate attachment to the opposite gender parent, can be an over-attachment issue or a lack of attachment. Fourth, growing up in an emotionally abusive or manipulative home, this emotional abuse can be passive or aggressive.

INTIMACY ANOREXIC ASSESSMENT

Circle yes or no as it applies to yourself or your spouse. Both spouses should take the test and share the results. Many believe that sexual/intimacy anorexia can only be accurately assessed in a marriage relationship by the spouse of the anorexic.

1. Do you withhold love from your partner? YES or NO

2. Do you withhold praise or appreciation from your spouse? YES or NO

3. Do you control with silence or anger? YES or NO

4. Is there ongoing or unground criticism causing isolation? YES or NO,

5. Do you withhold sex or your intimate presence from your spouse? YES or NO

6. Are you unable or unwilling to discuss feelings with your spouse? YES or NO

7. Do you stay so busy there is no relational time for your spouse? YES or NO

8. Do you make problems or issues about your spouse (blame) instead of owning your issues? YES or NO

9. Do you control or shame your partner regarding money issues? YES or NO,

10. Do you withhold spiritual intimacy with your spouse by keeping?

    
    

    If there are more than 5 or more "yes" answers, it indicates the presence of Intimacy Anorexia.

    
    

Appendix 4 - Emotional Dysfunction and Addiction

Emotional healing begins with experiencing the Presence of God and His transformation is to be mindful or attentive to the present moment. The way we do this is by acknowledging our emotions. Keep in mind that you don’t choose your emotions; no one chooses to be fearful, angry, anxious, or depressed. They come because of the circumstances in our lives. They are a reaction to life-good (joy) or bad(fear). For example, if you get into a fight with your spouse, it feels like he/she is rejecting or criticizing you, and anger or unworthiness arises. Do not judge your feelings as good or bad, just acknowledge them. Your feelings will show you where you are at this very moment in time. When you acknowledge your negative emotions two extremely crucial things happen: one, you are living in the truth of the moment or present time, and two, God will always meet you or show up when you live in the present moment. When you repress (subconscious) or suppress (conscious) your feelings, then you tend to live in the pain of your past or fear of the future. Denial keeps you distracted, busy, and living out of your broken cisterns. Therefore, this is your starting point for the Intimacy with God.

 Let’s take anger as an example. The Scripture says,

“Be Angry” seems to suggest that it is OK to feel or have emotions, even if they are negative ones. You are not in control of your emotions; they are real but don't always reflect reality. They bring us into the present moment where God lives. The correct response to our emotions is to acknowledge them. Rather than acknowledge these emotions, many people try to repress their negative emotions, this is where emotional dysfunction becomes an addiction and leads to a dead heart.

“Do Not Sin” indicates that we are not to abuse others or ourselves through our emotions. Acting out (abuse) or acting in through repression (deadening our live hearts) are both sins.

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger (or any other negative emotion)” indicates that rather than dwelling or brooding in our emotional state (addictive behavior), we are to run to God for revelation, resolution, and healing.

“Do not give the devil an opportunity;” if we do not run to God to help us live fully out of our heart (emotions), it allows the devil to influence us. It's what the Bible calls a fortress or stronghold that reinforces addictive reactions.

When we see what it is that we believe about ourselves, God, or others during certain emotions we can offer our thoughts and belief systems to God. We are now moving towards taking every thought or belief captive to the obedience of Christ.

During this process, God reveals to us how the devil (the father of lies) is lying to us and what lies we believe about ourselves, God, and others.

The only way the devil and his demons have any power or influence over a believer is if we believe the lies. If we believe we are unworthy when we feel angry, then the enemy has the right to attack our values and identity, and we will live and behave accordingly. strengthening your addiction.

Believing Lies Keep You in Bondage to Your Addictions

The following are lies many Christians believe about themselves that promote behavioral and emotional addictions.

1. No one would love me if they knew the things I have done or thought.

2. My identity comes from what I do or have done.

3. I have an emotional addiction; therefore, that is who I am.

4. I am labeled as _______________; thus, that is who I am.

5. Due to this label, I must act as such and play the part.

6. Women or men cannot be trusted. God cannot be trusted.

7. The more people know about me, the more they will use it against me.

8. My secrets keep me safe.

9. Anger keeps people away and keeps me safe.

10. Real men do everything on their own.

11. Real men do not show their feelings or emotions.

12. Everyone needs and uses me; I don’t need anyone.

13. Emotions are a sign of weakness.

14. People cannot be trusted.

15. I am loved and accepted when I do things right and do things well.

16. I will never be good enough.

17. Self-talk: I’m a loser, I’m stupid, I’m unlovable.

18. I will never be a success or amount to anything.

19. People are always taking advantage of me or let me down.

20. Keeping silent, even though I am hurting, shows my maturity.

21. No one cares; God doesn’t care about me.

22. If I let people get too close, they might hurt me.

23. It’s better to repress or shut down my emotions or sexuality rather than sin.

24. I don’t just do bad things, I am bad.

25. What are some of your core beliefs that are lies from the pit of hell?

    
    

The following are lies many Christians believe about God that promote emotional addictions.

1. God loves others, but he doesn’t love me

2. God loves me, but He’s not capable of healing or changing me.

3. How can God love me after all the bad things I have done in my life?

4. I deserve God’s judgment because I have addictions.

5. God always seems to disappear when I need Him the most.

6. God does not answer my prayers, especially, around my behavioral and emotional addictions.

7. What are some of your beliefs about God that are lies from the pit of hell?

The following are lies many Christians believe about others that promote behavioral and emotional addictions. 

1. My parents only love me when I perform at a high level.

2. My spouse only tolerates me.

3. If my children obeyed, then I would be a good parent.

4. My friends only pretend to like me.

5. What are some of your core beliefs about others that are lies from the pit of hell?

Cognitive Distortions

Over the years, we have worked with many kinds of traumas, addictions, and intimacy issues. Usually, they have some form of distorted belief system or thought processes. How we think is a major influence on how we behave and deal with emotions.

The following are examples of distorted thinking.

1. Defensive Thinking: Defensiveness looks like: blame, excuses, defending self, having to be heard, minimizing, lying, and anger. These all keep people at a distance.

2. Exaggerated Thinking: Making an issue bigger than it needs to be. This can lead to an argument or even intentionally pick a fight to get out of doing something you do not want to do but make it appear unintentional and innocent.

3. Bitter Thinking: Assuming something negative where there is no evidence to support it. Staying in your head and not sharing your thoughts with others. Thinking that you know the true intentions of those around you, which are usually to harm you.

4. Should of, Could of, Would of, If Only Thinking: Focusing on what may have happened but did not happen. Living life with regret. Hindsight is always 20/20. Use fantasy to relive and rewrite the past to benefit your perspective of right and wrong.

5. Judge, Jury, and Executioner Thinking: After staying in your head and becoming bitter, you role-play and fantasize about getting even with those who disrespected you.

6. Absolute Thinking: You always do that. You never do that. Every time you do that.

7. Justification Thinking: My behaviors do not hurt others; they only affect me. I have worked hard today, so I deserve this. This will be the last time.

8. Comparison Thinking: My partner does not say those nice things to me. My partner does not look as good as he/she does. My partner does not affirm me as he/she does.

9. Magnification Thinking: Thinking of your good qualities as better than they are. Thinking the defects of others are worse than they are.

10. Minimization Thinking: Thinking your defects to be less than they are. Thinking the strengths of others to be less than they are.

11. Awfulizing: Only thinking about the worst, not considering that the worst may not happen.

12. Feelings over Facts: Making choices based on how you feel and not on factual information or intellectual reasoning. Remember feelings are real but not always reality.

13. Facts over Feelings: Making choices based on your perception of the facts discounting the feeling of others.

14. Labeling: Gives you a sense of feeling better about yourself by treating the person as an object and not a person. You are stupid. You’re borderline. You’re a sex addict. You’re co-dependent. You’re a schizoid. You’re depressed, etc.

15. Accusation/Blame: Assuming the other person is the cause of your problems and unmet expectations. I know what you meant.

16. Entitlement Thinking: Thinking and believing that society and others owe you, and you should have things you may not have worked for.

17. Self-Righteous or Pride Thinking: I am special and deserve to be around others who are special and of power or influence. I am unique, like no one else, and deserve unique treatment. I am better than others.

18. Criminal Thinking: Anti-social Thoughts, such as the rules apply to others, not me. It is only wrong if I get caught, they have so much they will not miss it.

19. Victim Thinking: You think that circumstances and others are against you, no matter how hard you try, society, family, friends, or work. Everybody takes advantage of me etc.

Believing lies and cognitive disorders in your thinking will always keep you from intimacy with God and others. If the truth sets you free, then believing lies will keep you in bondage. The truth of God's Word, the character of the Trinity, and the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit will help navigate through trials and tribulations and any addiction.

Appendix 5 - Coping Strategies and Broken Cisterns

The purpose of processing and understanding how you cope is to allow God to show and reveal to you how you deal with your addiction, pain, and brokenness apart from Him. We call these broken cisterns or coping strategies, and they indicate the vows we have made during previous times of trauma, abuse, and crisis.

There are many examples of broken cisterns. All addictions (alcohol, drugs, food, porn, anger, fear, apathy, etc.) that help mask or cover the pain. Broken cisterns are distractions of all kinds; work as avoidance, legalistic Religions (you must work or perform to be saved or sanctified), co-dependency (the need for others to identify and validate who you are), perfectionism, and compulsive behaviors. Overuse of technology can become a distraction from intimacy and relationships (computers, social media, phones, games of all kinds). Lies are how you are deceived, and vows are how you choose to cope. any strategy that takes away your pain other than an intimate relationship with God. They end up being idols before God. Vows open the door to spiritual warfare and lead to demonic strongholds. Now that we know and acknowledge our lies and vows, we can give them to the Lord in prayer. The cross and resurrection of Jesus are sufficient to break all lies, vows, and addictions.

Appendix 6 - What is a Collarbone Statement?

A collarbone statement is a method to concentrate on God and affirm the truth. By using a collarbone statement, you can emphasize any Biblical truth and God's promises. Its purpose is to embed God's Word deeply into your subconscious mind. This can be used as a way to focus on God.

How to do the Collarbone Statements

With both hands, locate your collarbone on each side below your neck. Move directly underneath to find the soft hollow area. Use your fingertips to rub in circular motions with enough pressure to move your skin. This can be done through your clothing. Ensure your ring fingers are making contact. While rubbing your collarbone point, say the truth or promise from Scripture aloud three times. If you choose, you can do a collarbone statement when you feel tempted. This is a straightforward way to connect with God.

Appendix 7 - Determining Combined Results of this Trial

The 30-day Christian Trial/Protocol on Addictions or Reoccurring Problems

I will use the scientific method to determine the results of 100 Christian participants!

The Scientific Method is employed in numerous Clinical Trials to use scientific approaches to validate a worldly or secular hypothesis, which they then establish as truth through science and reason. Even alternative healing methods like meditation, mindfulness, brain plasticity, acupuncture, chiropractic, EMDR, PEMF, and yoga support healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. We will conduct this 30-day Clinical Trial using a Christianized adaptation of the Scientific Method.

Although Christianity is all about the centralized figure in the Bible, Jesus Christ, and is based on believing by faith, not science. We believe that God heals His children by His Word, Presence, and Holy Spirit. We believe we can empirically prove it through 20 years of teaching "Intimacy with God" (Bill), and "Intimacy with your Married Spouse" (Janean). By using a Biblical protocol to heal and set free any person who is willing to release and give to God any addiction. This healing protocol is based on intimacy with God and His Holy Promises!!!

A Christianized Version of the Scientific Method

When 100 participants complete the 30-day trial I will determine the results and post it on my website. In this context, the scientific method is an organized approach to investigating phenomena such as healing, restoration, and freedom from addiction and reoccurring problems. It also involves observing, forming a hypothesis, predicting outcomes, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions, all to objectively validate Biblical truths through applying God's Word, Presence, and Spirit.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the Christianized scientific method:

• Observation:

  In this Experience of being "Intimate with God," we will observe the problem of addiction or emotional dysfunction. 

  
  

• Question:

  The question we will ask ourselves is, does God heal addictions or emotional dysfunction by using the 6 truths that defeat temptation?

• Hypothesis:

  We will propose a testable explanation or hypothesis to answer this question. It will be specific to the participant's personal needs, addiction, and relationship with God. It will be following the above-mentioned protocol.

• Prediction:

  We make a prediction based on a personal hypothesis or truth that according to God's Word, Presence, and Holy Spirit anyone, and any addiction, can be healed, renewed, and set free from bondage.

• Experiment:

  This is regarding a specific healing 30-day Christian protocol based on 20 years of hundreds of clients in a Private Christian Counseling/Prayer Ministry. When followed we expect the presenting problem, addiction, to restore the participant to healing, transformation, and redemption and prove our prediction.

  
  

• Data Analysis:

  I will analyze the data from the daily questions collected during the trial to determine if our prediction was supported or refuted and why. 

• Conclusion:

  Based on the data analysis, I will conclude the results by following the 30-day Christian protocol. I will determine whether the question that God heals addiction based on His Word, Presence, and Holy Spirit using this 30-day protocol is true and valid as a healing Christian protocol.

  
  

• Report the Findings:

  We will report the findings of this 30-day Clinical Christian Trial on my website: fullerofgraceandtruth.com.

Thank you for participating in this 30-day Christian trial determining a Christian approach to healing, restoration, and freedom from addictions or any reoccurring problem.

Blessings, William S. Fuller

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We All Have the Same Dilemma, We're Dead in Sin

Every human being, ethnic group, race, or gender finds themselves in this same dilemma. Therefore, there are three questions you would be wise to ask yourself and extremely prudent to answer.

1. One, why do I need to be saved?

2. Two, what does it mean for me to be saved?

3. Three, how am I saved?

I believe Only Jesus plus nothing not only saves you but answers these three questions.