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No, Not One!
Chapter 15
God's Path To Deliverence
Understanding the meaning behind verses can be vital for memorization and growth. The world tries to twist the definition of words and deeds slowly over time, making it less likely that you will notice. Let me start by saying that this world’s entire concept of dating sets you up for failure. People have forgotten that we all have to work together to survive and thrive.
The Beatitudes reveal God’s plan and path for receiving His blessings. They consist of declarations that Jesus speaks over us. The power of speaking the Word aloud is often misunderstood and undervalued. The Word of God is alive. These statements infuse you with positive energy.
Matthew 5:1-12 says, “The Beatitudes: And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’”
Pray for yourselves and others, embracing God’s declaration for your life, and watch how your perspective changes. You will achieve more than you ever believed possible. You will accomplish what God knows is possible. That’s a huge difference!
“The Beatitudes: List and Verse Meaning Explained: The Beatitudes, found in the Gospel of Matthew (5:3-12), are a set of teachings delivered by Jesus Christ during the Sermon on the Mount. These verses outline a series of blessings highlighting the qualities and attitudes valued in the Kingdom of Heaven. "Beatitudes" is derived from the Latin word "beatus," meaning blessed or happy. Each Beatitude begins with "Blessed are," followed by describing a specific virtue or circumstance that leads to divine favor.” (https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/beatitudes-bible-verses-and-meaning.html)
Salvation involves accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, while sanctification is the process of becoming holy, or more like Jesus. The Beatitudes are a cause and effect showing what to expect along the path from salvation to sanctification.
Try thinking of it this way… When you are poor in spirit, you recognize your desperate need for Jesus; understanding this, the kingdom of Heaven becomes yours. Repentance for your sinful nature towards God produces a deep mourning in your soul. God sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart to comfort and guide you. This cultivates the humble meekness that enables you to inherit peace here on Earth. As you hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness, He fills you with mercy until it overflows onto others. This purifies your heart, allowing you to experience God’s Ten Commandments as a form of protection, not prevention. Others will notice your new identity in Christ, and it will convict them of their own sin. Their jealousy of the gift you have received will drive them to persecute you because of your love for Jesus.
It’s living the story from sanctification to deliverance that allows you to see your brokenness as the Gift you needed to be humble enough to want a better life. The devil tries to keep us in submission to the sins of this world, but God turns that around for our good by picking up our broken pieces and forming the masterpiece we were meant to be.
I was unaware of the distinction between sanctification and deliverance. As I focused on my health by eating more nutritious foods and fasting, I felt a growing closeness to Jesus. Each problem I addressed seemed to uncover two more. The more I subdued my flesh, the stronger my desire to continue became. Every area of my life seemed to be moving at an incredibly fast pace. It felt as though every facet of my life was unraveling until, one morning, I awoke to an unexpected transformation. I was rapidly embracing humility.
I realized that I wasn’t angry with the people who had hurt me in the past. By letting go of the painful parts of my life, I found a profound sense of joy and gratitude. Now, as I reflect on those experiences, I feel a sense of sadness for those individuals instead. Deliverance is when sin and evil lose their power over us as we serve God. It horrifies the devil. Instead of spending my day complaining, I was worshipping. The praise music on the radio fueled my soul. I could feel it bringing life back into me.
Instead of waking at 3:00 am to complain, I now grab a cup of coffee, sit on the deck, and ask God what He wishes to share with me. I often spend hours out there, refilling my cup and scrolling through Christian sermons or listening to praise music, which is how I came across a Facebook clip about deliverance.
As I listened, I found myself reflecting on how familiar this situation felt. I would stand up, pace, comment, and sit back down repeatedly. By the end of the clip, I was utterly shocked to discover I had been delivered.
I ordered the suggested book by Frank Hammond online and waited until morning. I called several people asking if anyone had ever heard of this man, and each one exclaimed, " You mean Pigs In the Parlour? " Yes, it seems he’s the leading commentator on deliverance. Who knew?
I went to the Lionheart Ministries website and read through the Deliverance Section. https://lionheartchurch.org/innerhealing/
This is what it says, “Pillars of Deliverance: Inner Healing Ministry Description. We use a simple but systematic approach when it come to partnering with the Holy Spirit to bring about healing.. The purpose of this partnership is to identify and destroy any spiritual legalities that are active in a person’s life, preventing the forward movement and success of their Christian walk. Specifically, there are seven fundamental problem areas that are addressed as they are interconnected with stagnation:
• Ungodly Beliefs: Lies or faulty beliefs are other names for Ungodly Beliefs. They are a system of thoughts, attitudes, decisions, judgments, vows and expectations that we have developed that are contrary to God’s word, nature, integrity and character. Ungodly beliefs can be inherited from our family, formed from the facts of our experiences, and developed after experiencing heart wounds or traumatic events.
• Generational Curses are sins of our forefathers (ancestors) that can be traced by the patterns, habits and deeds that have been passed down, inherited, observed and practiced from one generation to another. These curses imprisoned and enslaved us to walk in the sin patterns of our ancestors. In other words, they produce pressure to sin in particular areas. Ask Holy Spirit to help identify the root ancestral issues and generational curses.
• A Heart Wound is the negative effects of trauma that may have occurred from isolation, emotional, verbal, sexual, spiritual, mental, financial, psychological and physical abuse. Severe traumas may cause shock to the brain that block out painful past memories as a defense mechanism. This is one reason individuals are not able to remember parts of their childhood. The lasting effects of a Heart Wound can cause a person to remain stuck or broken in a particular area of his/her life. This further prevents any advancement in their lives because the fragmented parts of that person’s soul has never been healed or properly developed, potentially since childhood.
• Ungodly Soul Ties can be defined as a binding or knitting together of a person’s soul with another’s soul. This involves all sexual relationships outside of God’s biblical covenant for marriage, including premarital sex with one’s spouse. Ungodly soul ties are unhealthy and toxic relationships where people have an excessive amount of authority, influence, control, etc. in your life. In some instances, that person became an idol: taking the place of God in the life of the believer. Some examples that an ungodly soul tie might be in effect include: gravitating towards a person for approval or validation have an unhealthy desire to please someone being codependent taking on false responsibilities (i.e. caring for someone while neglecting your personal needs and desires) These ungodly soul ties can sway our decisions to serve these people more than we serve God (unconsciously) due to fear, intimidation, codependency or admiration.
• Word curses are any negative proclamations or declarations spoken over you by someone with spiritual or relational authority in your life or they may be spoken by self. Word curses are usually birthed from a carnal place that utter offensive words or phrases in anger, annoyance, sarcasm or frustration which may leave an undesirable feeling of internal conflict, discouragement or confusion. Once these words are released and believed the receiver is empowered to walk them out.
• Bitter Root Judgments are condemning opinions, conclusions or evaluations that we have formed about others’ heart motives after an offense has occurred. In most cases when we pronounce judgments they are inaccurate because we do not have all the information surrounding a situation. These judgments are formed from our hurt, offense, inability or refusal to forgive a person; therefore we desire them to be pronounced guilty consciously or unconsciously. You are impacted and affected by the bitter root judgments toward others because we reap what we sow. When we judge others we are guaranteed a harvest of judgment back into our life because of the spiritual law of “reaping and sowing” with the measure you give out it will be return to you. In other words; when you judge you release a spiritual boomerang that causes you and the people close to you to walk in the very thing you judged.
• Inner Vows are promises, oaths or swearing that we have made to ourselves, as a defense mechanism, in hope of controlling life’s circumstances to prevent hurtful situations from reoccurring. They can also be made out of unforgiveness, self-hate, self-righteousness, pride, wounded and unconsciously judgmental heart; putting the receiver’s spiritual growth at risk. Inner vows are a fleshly attempt to defend or protect self and others. These commitments are birthed from a carnal place excluding the assistance or partnership of the Holy Spirit.”
The Bible says that when you seek God with all your heart, you will find Him. The Bible doesn’t lie. Therefore, it’s impossible to win Him over through your own efforts. God must wait patiently until you are broken enough to be ready to be molded. This happens when you cry out to Jesus to save you.
Parents understand the despair of wishing for their prodigal children to return home. The wait is grueling!
Jeremiah 29:11-14 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity.” (emphasis mine)
A church’s doctrines should align with the Ten Commandments. The Bible warns against contradictions, especially during the End Times. Ultimately, you are accountable for what you choose to accept. Attending a church solely because it condones your sins raises the question: what purpose does it serve? Even if you feel no remorse now, death will come, and regrets will inevitably ensue. You’ll wish someone, anyone, had urged you to read the Bible in its entirety and abide by its teachings.
This is what Google AI Overview said when I asked about the role of the church in the last days…
“In the last days, the church’s role is to focus on missions, living holy lives, and preparing for the coming of Christ, while also being a beacon of hope and doing good to others.
“Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
“Focus on Missions: The church should prioritize sharing the gospel with the world, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 24:14, and as demonstrated in the book of Acts.
“Live Holy Lives: Believers are called to live holy and godly lives, reflecting the character of Christ and preparing for His return.
“Prepare for the Coming of Christ: The church should be aware of the signs of the end times and be ready for the Lord’s return, which will be like a thief in the night.
“Do Good to Others: Christians are called to practice holiness and do good to others wherever and whenever they can, working the works of God while it is day.
“Be a Beacon of Hope: In a world filled with difficult times and challenges, the church should be a source of hope and encouragement, offering a message of salvation and
eternal life.
“Be Aware of Religious Deception: The church needs to be aware of religious deception and false teachings that may arise in the last days.
“Be Prepared for Persecution: The church should be aware that persecution of believers may increase in the last days.” (emphasis mine)
No, Not One!
Chapter 16
Negativity and Forgiveness
The people you choose to surround yourself with can either uplift your spirit or bring you down. We all understand this on some level.
I’ll confess that I had to look up the definition of this concept after moving and meeting Kathleen. After exchanging life stories by the pool for months, one day she casually remarked, “You know you’ve been surrounded by narcissists your whole life, right? You attract them. They can smell you coming from a mile away. They view your kindness as a weakness. They observe you. They ask targeted questions, and you provide too much information. Then they learn how to manipulate you into doing what they want, which benefits them, not you. You have the right to say no.”
Then silence. I was taken aback. I felt as though she wasn’t acting like a good Christian. So, I took the opportunity to discuss it with my pastor. To my surprise, he agreed with her perspective. As I shared my past experiences, I noticed a hint of surprise in his expression when his eyebrow lifted slightly. Before I knew it, just about ten minutes into our chat, he offered me some straightforward advice: “Just say no.”
He looked a bit confused, as if wondering why I didn’t already know this.
At his request, I spent the next six months attending church events, observing how families interacted with each other, and engaging with all the younger mothers to hear what they had to say. It seems those youngsters were schooling me.
Compassion is a gift. It is also a Fruit of the Spirit. I have found that sometimes in life, you are hurt so deeply, often repeatedly, that you become hypersensitive to others’ needs and pain. This sensitivity enables you to prioritize their needs above your own. However, this is not healthy for either of you.
If this strikes a chord, you may observe a consistent pattern in your relationships—whether with friends, romantic partners, bosses, family, or even your children. They can influence various aspects of your life. Be wary. You are granting them control over your existence. Only God truly deserves that power. No one else should wield such authority over you.
Maintaining balance is essential. After you’ve exhausted your resources, narcissists will still try to deplete your energy, leading you into a challenging codependent relationship. Escaping these circumstances can be quite tricky.
When someone keeps trying to make you feel guilty about doing something for them, it’s a sign that something’s not quite right. Remember, spending time with people who bring value to your life is perfectly okay.
As a Christian, surrounding yourself with individuals who inspire you to deepen your faith is so important. Seek out uplifting companions who can help you learn and grow. You can form a wonderful circle of like-minded friends who uplift each other.
Maybe you could choose a trustworthy accountability partner from that group? These individuals are those you can confide in and who understand you well enough to gently nudge you back on track if you start to stray. Avoid revealing your most personal struggles right away, as that can make you vulnerable. They don’t need to know every detail of your life. Building trust takes time.
Choosing these individuals requires careful consideration. Spend adequate time assessing them thoroughly, as if you were in an interview process. Only those you can genuinely rely on should fill this crucial role in your life. If you have doubts about their willingness to support you during challenging times, it’s perfectly acceptable to maintain the friendship, but seek someone you trust who can keep you grounded. The guidance you choose can influence your life, making it essential to make an informed decision. Your accountability partners should be rooted in biblical principles and dedicated prayer warriors who will stand by you.
You might encounter someone who, despite your best efforts, always seems to want more. They drain your energy and resources, making you feel completely worn out. These are individuals you can occasionally lend a hand to, but you will need to set a clear boundary. They’re more like acquaintances rather than close friends, and it’s important to recognize that distinction.
Every experience has its season. There’s a time to share and a time to step back. If you find yourself giving to someone who suggests you constantly need to give more, maybe they have a point. Remember, it’s important not to overextend yourself. You are enough just as you are. If someone doesn’t appreciate your efforts, it might be time to step away and let them find someone else you can better meet their needs.
Hold on to what you offer for those who truly value it. I was genuinely taken aback when I examined the behavioral patterns of narcissists. This insight is truly valuable! This is what Google AI Overview has to say about a narcissist:
“Behavioral Patterns:
Arrogance and a Superior Attitude: They often act as if they are better than others, displaying a sense of superiority and disdain for those they perceive as inferior.
Bragging and Exaggeration: They frequently boast about their accomplishments and possessions, often exaggerating their talents and achievements to impress others.
Difficulty Maintaining Long-Term Relationships: Due to their lack of empathy and manipulative behaviors, they often struggle to form and maintain healthy, lasting relationships.
Manipulation and Gaslighting: They may use manipulative tactics, such as gaslighting (denying or minimizing the reality of events), to control others and maintain their sense of superiority.
Rage and Outbursts: When challenged or criticized, they may react with rage or anger, often becoming defensive or blaming others.
Difficulty Accepting Criticism: They are highly sensitive to criticism and may react defensively or aggressively when confronted with negative feedback.
Inability to Take Responsibility: They often avoid taking responsibility for their actions, instead of blaming others or external factors.
Lack of Genuine Intimacy: While they may appear charming and outgoing, they often struggle to form genuine, intimate connections with others.
Obsession with Power, Beauty, or Success: They may become fixated on these things, often prioritizing them over other aspects of their lives.”
The idea that there is someone for everyone is accurate for both friendships and marriage. Our social relationships are crucial. They can influence our development even more than our parents do. The company you keep shapes who you are. Non-Christians can only be acquaintances until God opens their eyes, just as He did for you. Therefore, not socializing with, dating, or marrying them is advisable. Being equally yoked means you’re both moving in the same direction. If you’re not, the disparity leads to painful division. No one wants that.
Don’t worry. There are many ways you can assist them that, in God’s time, will result in change. Avoid believing the devil’s lies that imply you can open their eyes by yourself. Remember, you are not God; only He can do that.
Actively engage with non-believers to share your experiences with Jesus. Talk about your personal relationship with Him and the transformation it has brought to your life. This is your testimony. When someone is baptized due to your introduction to Christ, it will profoundly impact both your lives. This carries significant power, and the devil despises it. Anticipate the fallout from spiritual warfare. Be ready to confront it and reject it.
Motivate others to join church services. Keep them in your prayers and thoughts. Jot down their names on a sticky note and place it on the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, or front door as a reminder. The greatest gift you can offer someone is prayer for Jesus to come into their life and make them whole.
Keep in mind that God emphasizes the importance of being equally yoked. Meeting someone at church doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a Christian. Just as wolves disguise themselves in sheep’s clothing, they can target unsuspecting Christians. Wolves prey where Christians pray. This warning applies to both men and women.
Only God truly knows the intentions of our hearts. I’m absolutely convinced that the saying, “You’ll be surprised who you see in Heaven and who you don’t,” is completely true. I knew a pastor who would always say, “God loves a battered Bible. It shows that it has been taken into battle. It reveals who will truly leads you. Every pen stroke is part of your personal love letter to God Himself.”
Words hold significant power. Yelling, cursing, demeaning remarks, and threats all represent forms of bullying and abuse. Such negative behaviors are unacceptable to God. When expressed frequently, these words can manifest in harmful ways. It is essential to counteract this damaging force with worship and praise to God.
Honesty about our feelings is crucial, and we must share the truth compassionately. Harshness is unnecessary; we can express our worries gently, protecting ourselves and others from negativity. The method of communication significantly affects the reception of our message. Provide suggestions with love rather than criticism. It’s not only about the words we choose but also about how they are understood. Let’s commit to communicating with kindness and empathy.
Everyone deserves respect in life. God does not want you to experience mental or physical abuse. Treat such behavior as a deal breaker, because it genuinely is. Keep in mind that our words reveal our hearts’ condition. A Christian man prioritizes not disappointing God, and that’s the type of partner you should look for.
If you are in an abusive situation, do not blame God. You are a child of God and should embrace that identity fully. This situation stems from your choices, not His desires. Understand that the Ten Commandments are meant to protect you.
Anger and abusive behavior indicate a superficial relationship with God and an absence of righteous fear about the repercussions of hell. Such actions reflect pride and arrogance, which do not embody God’s nature. Their conflict is not with you but with God. Offer prayers for them. There are resources at your disposal to assist you in breaking free.
You are deserving of love, and God desires to bestow it upon you. Focus on your personal growth. You truly deserve it. Free yourself. Seek help when needed. Once you’ve found stability, ask God to bring someone special into your life. Until then, refrain from searching, as you may not truly know what’s best for you despite believing otherwise.
Marriage requires dedication and selflessness, providing support and granting forgiveness. There’s no need to direct one another. That’s God’s responsibility. If you feel there’s injustice, place that individual in God’s hands through prayer. Remember, God knows all.
I believe that God will direct someone to you if you sincerely seek His help finding a partner. However, not everyone has the desire to marry. Some realize and accept that from an early age. Others may find the thought unappealing due to past experiences or choose celibacy for spiritual reasons. This is beautiful. Spending time alone with the Lord allows you to fully embrace the bride of Christ’s role. That blessing is beyond my comprehension. I can only imagine how amazing it must be.
Marriage according to God’s design succeeds when specific rules are adhered to; these are not mere guidelines but essential requirements. The equation is simple: One Man + One Woman + One God = Success. My grandmother often said that prioritizing the other person ensures that neither feels overlooked; both will always feel valued. However, this principle does not extend to God, as He must always take precedence in everyone’s life—without exceptions. Placing anyone or anything above God is a serious error.
Taking care of both our body and mind is vital for overcoming life’s challenges. Why not join forces to make 2025 a year filled with growth in both these areas? Let’s go back to the basics together. It’s important for us to consciously prioritize our health and the health of those we care about. With new diseases and treatments emerging constantly, being mindful of our food choices is more crucial than ever. That junk food we enjoy can accumulate over time, impacting our mood and overall well-being.
Sifting through nutritional information can be overwhelming. Many differing opinions exist on the subject. I’ll list some of my favorite links in Appendix A. Let me know what you think.
