Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 39

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES WHEN YOU'VE LOST CONTROL

WHEN A CHOICE OR DECISION BECOMES A EURAQUILO STORM“…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control …they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor  …The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands.Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). *A Euraquilo wind was a seamen’s term for an eastern or northeastern wind common in the winter season on the island of Malta. It was this violent, tempestuous, and hurricane wind that caused the shipwreck in Acts chapter 27. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). The Euraquilo wind has been known to cause horrific waves, lasts for days, and cause much death and destruction. When the Euraquilo wind BLOWS, usually resistance is useless. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). Their CHOICE, to sail, led them into a storm with so much WIND FORCE they had to surrender the ship to its POWER. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). CHOOSING the path of human expertise, past experience, and human reasoning did NOT stop them from LOSING control of the SHIP. “…the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all controlof the ship. It was a cork in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).Once a CHOICE is made and is set in motion; it cannot be retracted. A destiny is set on course. People often prefer to be the controllers of their own ships/destinies or the expert captains of the own souls.However, a Euraquilo wind is the enemy of control or autonomy. “… the ship  … was a cork in the storm …” (Acts 27:15 MSG). The SHIP was no longer autonomous, but it became weakened, submissive, and subservient to the storm.Every effort to keep THEIR SHIP independent and autonomous failed. “…they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor  …The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands..…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). They struggled and struggled to maintain autonomy and control of the SHIP with all their combined expertise, past experience, nautical logic, human strength, and lifelong skills, but it did NOT work. “…Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).Being able to choose the way YOU want to go is the exercise of the autonomy of human will. To be autonomous means to be independent or to follow the private rules, expertise, and desires of one’s OWN choosing. “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).An autonomous person thinks of themselves as self-sufficient and not controlled by forces outside of themselves. “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency isof God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). To be autonomous is really the exercise of one’s human will. Autonomous people have the ability to make informed, self-sufficient CHOICES about their OWN WANTS, DESTINIES, and DESIRES. King Nebuchadnezzar had an autonomous attitude.“…King Nebuchadnezzar. … was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).King Nebuchadnezzar acted in his autonomy and did what he believed was right in his OWN eyes. “…. The way of a fool isright in his own eyes …” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “… There is a way which seemeth right unto a man , but the end thereof are the ways of death...”(Proverbs  14:20 KJV).  “… There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).King Nebuchadnezzar used his autonomy to direct his human will to CHOOSE his OWN way. He DID NOT choose to listen to God’s messenger or let God’s messenger influence or interfere with what he WANTED to do. He TRUSTED his OWN way.  “ Those who trust in themselves are fools , but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe…” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV). King Nebuchadnezzar trusted in his OWN autonomy, which PROVED he was in control of his OWN human will. “… he said , “Is not this the great Babylon “ I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty ?” (Daniel 4 NLT).Thus, control is when YOU determine your own CHOICES or plans WITHOUT submitting to the control or will of another. “But the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires… ” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).King Nebuchadnezzar was in control of his CHOICES. He alone governed the liberties or restrictions of his OWN heart’s desires. “…But my people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). Losing control makes autonomous people feel helpless, scared, terrified, naked, exposed, or weak“…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  To lose control is frightening. “… Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news... ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). When control is lost most people will desperately find a way to regain that control OR will wisely submit to God’s sovereign control. “… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lord for guidance .” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).People control THEIR world and God controls HIS world.  “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT). Thus, people ALWAYS have control over their human will within the scope of their little world, but they do NOT have control over the will of God within the scope of his whole world. “…He (God) does as he pleases  (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth … (Daniel 4 NLT). The events, situations, or circumstances that happen in life are ALL under God’s sovereign control. “… No one can hold back his handor say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). Job did not have control over what happened to him. “One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).Job could NOT control the events that happened. Job relinquished control to God with the right attitude. He said “… though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job also said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB). When the loss of control leaves you helpless and vulnerable; you will either give way to discouragement and anger or you will surrender control to God. “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “… al l hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned .…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). Yet, “… Jehoshaphat … BEGGED the Lord for guidance .” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  A loss of personal control will allow an autonomous person to see, realize, and discover the LIMITS of their own self-sufficiency. . “…. Apart from [Jesus], [they]… can do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV).The less strength an autonomous person has over certain events in life; the less control they realize they truly have. “… They lost all control of the ship …” (Acts 27:15 MSG).A loss of control will ALWAYS be a struggle for an autonomous person, but, in the midst of the struggle if that person chooses to call on God he will help them. “... Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE … and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).A loss of control may last for hours, days, weeks, months, or years. “…King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled…” (Daniel 4 NLT). The experience of the loss of control can be almost unbearable, humbling, hopeless, full of anger, and frightening. “…Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).In the story of Lazarus in John 11 it seems God did not intervene in a timely manner. … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV). In the loss of human autonomy it may seem “too late” or impossible for God to fix what seems completely hopeless and out of control. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “… NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).It is normal, for an autonomous person, to feel angry and “OUT” of control when situations and circumstances become storms they personally could NOT keep “IN” control. “… all hope … was gradually abandoned .…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).A loss of control is a sign to many people to “give up,” OR to finally acknowledge that God is truly in sovereign control. “…the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).  Thus, Paul said: “…I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. …I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told…” (Acts 27:22-25 NASB).  “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).God is sovereign over stormy, out of control situations and personal, human control has limitations. Therefore, “…Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). You may continue to have control over your human will, but can’t control the situation that has become a storm. God can control it. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).Wherever you have been robbed of human control; it is a good time to acknowledge and submit the outcome to God. The bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). No matter how BIG the storm God can still, “…do far more abundantly beyond all that [you]… ask or think, according to the power that works within [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB). “… Only believe ” (Mark 5:36 KJV). The loss of autonomy is very frightening for some, but comfort, rest, and a sense of safety can be gained by trusting that God can DO the impossible. “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).God’s incredible POWER to FIX our storms is often incomprehensible. “… But as it is written: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for those who love Him…” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).In the story of Lazarus Jesus showed up in God’s sovereign timing!!! At God’s appointed time, “… [all could see]...the glory God, [and]…that the Son of God …[was also]…glorified thereby…” (John 11:4 KJV). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).The enemy of God’s sovereignty is man’s refusal to let go of human control AND with the right attitude. “…not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).  Jesus came to do God’s will. “… I seek NOT mine own will …” and submitted to His will. “…but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).  “…For I have come down from heaven NOT TO DO MY WILL BUT to do THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). When God is not sovereign, your outcome will be a lot different than Apostle Paul’s and the seamen. “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB). However, “…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV). “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward ”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). God is ALWAYS in control, but he is not controlling. “… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).  However, “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). Even in a loss of control you can “STILL” willfully chose to follow your OWN way. Holding onto autonomy will always be in conflict with God’s willingness to HELP. “…“… my people would not listen to me . They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward ”” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). The seamen listened to the word given through Apostle Paul the second time. “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).God rightfullyhas sovereignty over his world and everybody that dwells it in. “… The earth is the Lord 's, and the fulness thereof ; the world, and they that dwell therein …” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “… He (God) does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth … (Daniel 4 NLT).If you have been through or are going through a loss of control simply surrender the outcome to God’s will. “…"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…If the Lord will , [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).To be autonomous is to depend on the limitations of your own control. To surrender to God is to depend on the unlimited control of God’s sovereignty. “…the things which are impossible with men ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “… NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along … (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “…the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all controlof the ship. It was a cork in the storm…” (Acts 27:15 MSG).Once a CHOICE is made and is set in motion; it cannot be retracted. A destiny is set on course. People often prefer to be the master of their own ships/destinies or the expert captains of the own souls.However, a Euraquilo wind is the enemy of autonomy. “… the ship  … was a cork in the storm …” (Acts 27:15 MSG). The SHIP was no longer autonomous, but it became weakened, submissive, and subservient.If a Euraquilo wind is blowing through your life and you have given way to it, become angry, or feel helpless; then: BOLDLY CALL ON GOD and CHOOSE TO TRUST THE OUTCOME TO HIM. “... Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE … and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). The FOOD for thought QUESTIONS: Has a wrong DECISION become a STORM? Are you WILLING to CHOOSE to TRUST GOD to get you OUT of the storm, wroth a new outcome, and REDIRECT your steps?Godspeed,Dr. Pensacola

CHOOSING BETWEEN SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE

                                                      
ACTS 27: PERSUADED TO CHOOSE YOUR OWN WAY“…Paul beganto admonish them, and said to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul.... Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB).* “… Paul began to admonish them …” as the Mouthpiece for God’s heart (Acts 27:9 NASB). God’s WORD was written for our admonishment and warning. “…Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition (warning)…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV). God sends Mouthpieces for his WORD to advise and teach his people about CHOOSING the right path. “…Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope…” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “ … Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice …” (Acts 27:21 NASB).“… The law of the LORD is perfect , restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned . In keeping them there is great reward …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).“ … Paul … said “ … you ought to have followed my advice …” (Acts 27:21 NASB). Paul was a Mouthpiece given by God and had richly preached the gospel in Crete. “…And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors, (clergy) and teachers …”(Ephesians 4:11 KJV). Therefore, God was with Paul. Paul also knew the different islands along the shore. “… [However] … the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB). The centurion was persuaded by the traditional, established expert advice, his own experience, and the admonition of the pilot and the captain.The centurion’s BACK was up against the wall and he allowed himself to be persuaded by human prudence whether than God’s revelatory WORD. “…. THE WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV).  “… By them Your servant is warned …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).“… choose LIFE …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).Julius, the centurion, was kind and respectful to Paul. “…A centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius  …  treated Paul with consideration…” (Acts 27:1-4 NASB). However, like many people today, he may have respected Paul, God’s Mouthpiece, yet he DID NOT heed his advice or warning. “… My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice …” (Ezekiel 33:31 NIV). “… the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB).When your situations and circumstances get hard and challenging continue to CHOOSE God’s path for your life. God’s wisdom is STILL sovereign over man’s wisdom - even those perceived as experts - when decisions SEEM desperate. Trust God always. “… The foolishness of God is wiser than men ; and the weakness of God is stronger than men…” (1 Corinthians 1:25 KJV). “… choose LIFE …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…. THE WORDS that I speak unto you … they are LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… Jesus said … I am the life …..” (John 11:25 KJV).The choices of man can often lead them right into the storms of life; even after consulting with human experts. “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, BUT the end….are the ways of death…..” (Ephesians 1:6 KJV). “… There is a way which seemeth right unto a man , but the end thereof are the ways of death...”(Proverbs  14:20 KJV). “…. The way of a fool isright in his own eyes …” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “… Every man is tempted , when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT). “…You have eaten the fruit of lies Because you have trusted in your way …” (Hosea 10:13 NASB).The CHOICES of men can end up shattering autonomy and render an individual’s personal or professional power and skills USELESS. “…They usedsupporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor  … they began to jettison the cargo; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands..…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).  “… They lost all controlof the ship …” (Acts 27:15 MSG).BAD CHOICES can be deeply overpowering and end up draining one’s personal strength. “…Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagle They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint…” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT).BAD CHOICES, which lead into the windy storms of life, prove the importance of trusting God and NOT flesh. “… Don’t put your trust in mere humans . They are as frail as breath…” (Isaiah 2:22 NLT). “…Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint…” (Proverbs 25:19 KJV). “… They lost all control of the ship …” (Acts 27:15 MSG).“…Paul began to admonish them, and said to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB). “… How shall THEY HEARwithout a PREACHER ?” (Romans 10:14 KJV). “… Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:11 NLT).The Centurion was pressured to make a decision of whether to stay in one harbor or go to another harbor. It was winter time. The harbor they were at was NOT convenient, comfortable, or commodious for winter. People usually winterize their boats during the winter season because the winter weather is so dangerously uncertain. The centurion’s dilemma was the ship’s location and the lack of ample accommodations needed for himself and the crew for the long winter season.The centurion was under duress to make a CHOICE. “… We must obey God rather than men …” (Acts 5:29 NASB). “… Trust in the Lordwith all thine heart ; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy waysacknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).There were good reasons to stay at the incommodious harbor and there were good reasons to go. For instance, it was safer to stay than venture out into potential danger. But there would be more conveniences and comforts to go to another harbor than take a chance with incommodious necessities.When your decisions get hard; when your back is up against the wall; when the rubber meets the road; when you feel pressured; when you are under duress: FOLLOW GOD. “… In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths …”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).When CHOICES come under pressure whatever TRUTH truly guides your behavior will persuade your decision. “… the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB). “… There is a way that seemeth (appear) right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV). “… o bey God rather than men …” (Acts 5:29 NASB).At the advice of the human expert - that guided the centurion’s decision - the SHIP left the harbor. “… the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB). AND “ …Because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there…” (Acts 27:13 NASB).The Centurion was not only persuaded by the experts, but the majority of the crew wanted to move to another more convenient harbor too. “… t he majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach … a harbor of Crete…” (Acts 27:12 NASB).  “…what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:25 NASB).When the human experts are supporting your decision and the majority agrees it’s the path to take doesn’t MEAN it’s the right one. “… There is a way that seemeth (appear) right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV). “… obey God ratherthan men …” (Acts 5:29 NASB).A hard CHOICE is the challenging moment when a true believer can CHOOSE to “… Walk by faith ...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “… HOPE … that is seen is not hope : for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? (Romans 8:24 KJV).  . “… Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me ? HOPE (expect from) IN GOD: for I shall yet praise him …” (Psalms 43:5, 42:5, 11 KJV).There are times when human experts are right on point and the majority is necessary for support. “…Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances…” (Proverbs 14:11 MSG). “…Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory…” (Proverbs 14:11 NASB).However, when facing uncertainty in decision-making, no expert or majority can DIRECT your path like GOD. “…The steps of a good man are ordered (directed) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “…In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).“… the Lord your God … teaches you what is best for you, [and]…directs you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17).  “…Thus says the Lord that delivered you, the Holy One of Israel; I am your God, I have shown you how you should find the way in which you should walk…” (Isaiah 48:17).“ I will instruct you and guide you in the way you should go; I will fix My eyes upon You …” (Psalm 32:8).A God-given expert or a God-ordained majority will advise and help you to follow God. “… AND HE GAVE SOME , apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and TEACHERS…” (Ephesians 4:10-13 KJV). “… i n … [the] … abundance of counselors there is victory …” (Proverbs 14:11 NASB). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of ... [the God-ordain experts or majority] … as a means of HELPING the entire church .… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).The WAYS you have done things for years and years become your EXPERTISE in decision-making and usually you are fully PERSUADED it is the RIGHT way. “… There is a way that seemeth (appear) right unto a man, but the end thereof arethe ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).DECISIONS or CHOICES can set our life on a course that will LEAD to the LIFE or DEATH of situations or circumstances. God advises you to ALWAYS choose the way of LIFE. “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “… choose LIFE …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).  “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU] … choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…. THE WORDS that I speak unto you … they are LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV).CHOOSING the way God directs will OFTEN come up against your expert WAYS of having done things for years and years. “… the centurion was more persuaded …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB). AND “ … t he majority reached a decision …” (Acts 27:13 NASB).You know your WAYS have worked over and over and you are FULLY persuaded they will continue to work. “… m y people would not listen to me . They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… the centurion was more persuaded … [by himself, the human experts, and the majority] …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB).However, when FACING uncertainty it is God’s WAYS that “WILL” work and have worked for centuries and centuries. “… GOD IS GREATER THAN WE CAN UNDERSTAND .  His years cannot be counted…” (Job 36:26 NLT). “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledgeof God! how UNSEARCHABLE are his judgments, and his ways PAST FINDING OUT! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV). “… [My]… thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…..as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than you ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV). “…..be not afraid…. only believe …” (Mark 5:36 KJV).  The true believer is FULLY persuaded that God’s WAYS will continue to work. “…I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day…” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).  The believer will CHOOSE to commit and surrender TRUST to God. “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart …”(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish … [take care of]… that which concerns [you]…” (Psalms 138:8 NASB).The TRUSTING believer will put their life WHOLEHEARTEDLY into God’s CARE. “… He (Jesus)… [completely]… entrusted himself to him who judges justly… ” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).The PROBLEM with CHOOSING the “seeming” expert WAY you have depended upon and trusted in for years OVER God’s WAY is that it is NOW the WAY of death. “… There is a way that seemeth (appear) right unto a man, but the end thereof arethe ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).“… I have set before you life and death … therefore … choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…. THE WORDS that I speak unto you … theyare LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV).Some people are fully PERSUADED their WAY over God’s WAY is the RIGHT way. “… There is a way that seemeth (appear) right unto a man, but the end thereof arethe ways of death….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV).“… the centurion was more persuaded … [by himself, the human experts, and the majority] …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB). “… Every man is tempted , when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT). “… Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law ….” (1 John 3:4 NLT). “… s in is the transgression of the law ….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “… t he wages of sin is death …” (Romans 6:23 KJV).Once a CHOICE or DECISION is made your life sets sail in that direction and usually there is NO going back. “… they weighed anchor and began sailing along Crete…” (Acts 27:13 NASB). “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT). There is a POINT of “NO” return on MOST personal CHOICES or DECISIONS. “… Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB). “… the centurion was more persuaded … [by himself, the human experts, and the majority] …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB). “… they  … began sailing along Crete…” (Acts 27:13 NASB). Some CHOICES and DECISIONS made OVERGod’s choices and decisions will initially, for a season, “APPEAR” as if you are sailing along smoothly in the right direction. “… Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily …the HEART of the sons of men is fully set in them to [continue to]… do evil….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV).You may control the CHOICES and DECISIONS of your small corner of the world, but God is SOVEREIGN over the CHOICES and DECISIONS of his WORLD. “… Everything I PLAN will come to pass, for I DO whatever I WISH …” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).  “… The earth is the Lord 's, and the fulness thereof ; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “… the centurion was more persuaded … [by himself, the human experts, and the majority] …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB). “… they  … began sailing along Crete…” (Acts 27:13 NASB). “…. before very long thererushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along…” (Acts 27:15 NASB).King Nebuchadnezzar did NOT heed God’s WORD either and continued in his OWN, persuaded way. “… Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right…” (Daniel 4 NLT).Nebuchadnezzar ignored the opportunity to CHOOSE God’s WAY OVER his OWN way. A year later he still had NOT listen to God.“…. Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?”   (Daniel 4 NLT).Like Nebuchadnezzar many of God’s people are NOT listening to him. “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). King Nebuchadnezzar sailed along his OWN way “seemingly” peaceful and smooth. However, twelve months later, “… a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox…”  (Danial 4 NLT). Nebuchadnezzar’s CHOICE to set sail in his OWN expert WAY had no CONTROL over the EVENTS that followed. “…He (Nebuchadnezzar) was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird….” (Daniel 4 NLT).  The King hadn’t listened to the expert WORD of God. God gives man a human will to make choices and decisions. “…They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). However, God can GIVE or TAKE AWAY the situations and circumstances in which you make those choices and decisions. “…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away…” Job 1:20-22 NASB). When Nebuchadnezzar’s prideful choices and decisions came up against uncontrollable EVENTS he recognized that ONLY God truly “…does whatever pleases HIM…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “… At the end of that time , I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven , because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (self-will) he is able to humble…” (Daniel 4 NIV).Nebuchadnezzar’s expert and prideful WAY of making CHOICES and DECISIONS gave WAY to God’s WAY. He said: “…. And those who walk in pride (human choice made by human expertise) HE IS ABLE to humble…  NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel 4 NIV).Nebuchadnezzar’s story gives credence to CHOOSING life or CHOOSING God’s EXPERT WAYS OVERyour OWN. The lesson is clear: “…If the Lord will , [YOU] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).  “…. HE IS ABLE to humble (YOU)… [and]...NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).Nebuchadnezzar was warned through a prophetic and “expert” word from God to DO RIGHT, but he did not LISTEN. “… Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue…” (Daniel 4 NLT).Many of God’s people today are NOT listening to the expert Word of God or to God’s anointed leaders, but eventually their choices and decisions will become OBVIOUS. “…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV).“… m y people would not listen to me . They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continueto live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).God’s expert WORD IS POWERFUL and WHATEVER he says “WILL” definitely come to pass! “…And in the PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).  “…. HE IS ABLE…[and]…NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel 4 NIV). “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “… NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).“…Paul began to admonish them, and said to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB).“…. before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo;and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along…” (Acts 27:15 NASB).When it came to making CHOICES and DECISIONS Jesus left the believer an example to follow. “… n ot My will, but Yours be done… " (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). ). Jesus came to do God’s will. “… I seek NOT mine own will …” and submitted to His will. “…but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).  “…For I have come down from heaven NOT TO DO MY WILLBUT to do THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). Jesus could make choices and decisions too. Like YOU and many believer’s today; he did not have to follow God’s DIRECTIONS. However, Jesus said, “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).“…. t he ship was caught in … [the Euraquilo] …and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along…” (Acts 27:15 NASB).“… Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my adviceand not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB). Apostle Paul, God’s mouthpiece, had delivered the message to Julius, but he did NOT heed God’s warning. “… Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice …” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB). “… The highway to hell is broad , and its gate is WIDE for the many who choose that way . But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).  “ … Paul … said “ … you ought to have followed my advice …” (Acts 27:21 NASB).To their benefit Apostle Paul, God’s righteous servant was among them. God will SAVE and BLESS a WHOLE household or country for his RIGHTEOUS ONES! “…The Lord was with Joseph … the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake ; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field …” (Genesis 39:2-6 NLT).“…Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the Lord. Abraham came near and said, “Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten...” (Genesis 18:22-32 NASB).God was MERCIFUL when the centurion and the seamen’s CHOICES and DECISIONS led them into the WHIRLWINDS of LIFE. His LOVING, AMAZING GRACES sent another expert WORD through Apostle Paul “…Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told…” (Acts 27:22-25 NASB).Some of your own CHOICES and DECISIONS have you going through one of the WORST storms of your life, but there is HOPE. “….Don't put your confidence in … people (not even yourself); there is no help for you there….” (Psalms 146: 3 NLT). “… Don’t trust anyone —… I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. … For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light…” (Micah 7:5-8 NLT). “…To You [GOD]… they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED ... (PSALMS 22:5 NASB). Sometimes the ONLY CHOICE you have or the DECISION you can make is to surrender “TRUST” in God. “…Trust in the Lordwith ALL thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… [ e ntrust yourself]… to him who judges justly… ” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV). DEPEND totally on HIM. A DEPENDENT is someone who RELIES on another for some kind of support assistance, or supply. The support, assistance, or supplies are necessary. The dependent can no longer rely on their own strength to meet their own needs. A dependent has to rely on the voluntary and willful assistant of some else’s benevolence. A dependent, therefore, is NOT self-sustaining and is at the mercy of another. A dependent’s ability to survive is determined, contingent upon, or controlled by another. A dependent is no longer autonomous.An autonomous person believes they do not need assistance, support, or anyone to help them. An autonomous person relies on themselves, but a dependent relies on another.ALL SEAMEN became DEPENDENTS on God. Paul said: “…I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. …I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told…” (Acts 27:22-25 NASB). “… [The seamen could NOW] … do all things THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [them]…”(Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…. Apart from Me (JESUS) … [they could]… do nothing …” (John 15:5 NIV). “….And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).Whenever you find yourself in a storm because of your OWN CHOICES or DECISIONS, boldly CALL on God’s GRACE. “… Come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “… God is ableto make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). The seamen did everything to hold onto their SHIP. “…They used supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor  … they began to jettison the cargo;and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands..…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).  They were DEPENDENT upon the SHIP and their expertise to get them to their destiny SAFELY. The SHIP and their expertise “proved” to be UNRELIABLE. “…. t he ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along …” (Acts 27:15 NASB). “… They lost all control of the ship …” (Acts 27:15 MSG).The seamen’s CHOICE and DECISION took them to a DARK place. “… neither sun nor stars appeared for many days , and no small storm was assailing us …” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). Their expert knowledge, experience, and skills were USELESS. “… from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned .…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).CHOICES and DECISIONS made apart from God will end up KILLING something. There will be LOSS and DEATH. “…. THE WORDS that I speak unto you … they are LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU] … choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “… Every man is tempted , when he is drawn away of his own lust (desires, wants, choices, etc.) and enticed.Then when lust hath conceived, it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT). “… There is a way which seemeth right unto a man , but the end thereof are the ways of death...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV). The seamen’s HOPE died. “… from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned (gone or dead) .…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). They LOST cargo.. “…they began to jettison the cargo (provisions)…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).  They LOST tackle. “…they threw the ship’s tackle (equipment or material goods)overboard with their own hands…” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). They LOST the SHIP. “… They lost all controlof the ship …” (Acts 27:15 MSG). They LOST control. “…. we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along …” (Acts 27:15 NASB).There is a PRICE to be PAID when CHOOSING DEATH over LIFE. “…. THE WORDS that I speak unto you … they are LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… I have set before you life and death … choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). In the Old Testament the Israelites paid a price for CHOOSING their WAY over God’s WAY. “… Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God , being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God: “Blessed shallyou be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country…   “But it shall come about, if you do not obey the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: “Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country…” (Deuteronomy 28:1-33 NASB).Often CHOICES and DECISIONS are made from an individual’s OWN lifelong arsenal of expertise. “… y ou ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition’ …” (Mark 7:6-8 NLT).  “… You skillfully….hold on to YOUR OWN tradition ...” (Mark 7:9 NLT). “… t hey have stubbornly followed THEIR OWN desires …” (JERMIAH 9:14 NLT).They are determined to HOLD onto an experienced LIFE in which they have found autonomously CONTROL over their OWN material comforts, provisional conveniences, and routine normality’s. “…They used supporting cables in undergirding the ship …they let down the sea anchor  …” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).  Material comforts, provisional conveniences, and routine normality’s may be counted as controlled blessings until an individual’s CHOICES or DECISIONS turned them into burdens. “… You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail…” (Hebrews 10:34 NLT).The time may come when storms forcibly TAKE AWAY material comforts, provisional conveniences, and routine normality’s and you joyfully let them GO for your safety. “…and when all you owned was taken from you,you accepted it with joy. …” (Hebrews 10:34 NLT).The CHOICES and DECISIONS made to sustain and maintain an individual’s material comforts, provisional conveniences, and routine normality’s may spin out of control causing pain instead of pleasure. “…. there is a grievous evil which I have seen … riches (resources) being hoarded (saved) by their owner to his hurt…” (Ecclesiastes 5:13 NASB).However, material comforts, provisional conveniences, and routine normality’s may be readily relinquished under overwhelming duress. “… t hey began to jettison the cargo (material comforts) ; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle (provisional conveniences) overboard with their own hands…” (ACTS  (27:14-19 NASB). “…. we gave way to it (routine normality’s) and let ourselves be driven along …” (Acts 27:15 NASB).Independent CHOICES and DECISIONS can eventually turn into surrendered, dependent TRUST in the SOVEREIGN God. “ … Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven , because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (autonomy) he is able to humble…” (Daniel 4 NIV). “…And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).A BAD CHOICE or DECISION that lead to a VIOLENT STORM will utterly challenge hope and shipwreck autonomy. “… all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned …” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “…. we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along …” (Acts 27:15 NASB).When hope is challenged and autonomy is shipwrecked bad choices and decisions plunge an individual into deadly darkness. “… neither sun nor stars appeared for many days , and no small storm was assailing us …” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB).When bad choices and decisions plunge you into deadly darkness CONTROL and AUTONOMY is USELESS and INEFFECTUAL. “…. we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along …” (Acts 27:15 NASB).Material comforts, provisional conveniences, and routine normality’s are meaningless in the STORMS of LIFE. “… all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned …” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “… t hey began to jettison the cargo (material comforts) ; and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle (provisional convenciens) overboard with their own hands…” (ACTS  (27:14-19 NASB). “… They lost all control of the ship …” (Acts 27:15 MSG).It was God’s  “expert” WORDS out of Paul’s mouth that RESTORED hope. “…I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship …” (Acts 27:22-25 NASB).Apostle Paul was persuaded that God would SAVE him and all the other seamen. “…I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day…” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).  “… k eep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told …” (Acts 27:22-25 NASB). “…‘Do not be afraid, Paul … God has granted you all those who are sailing with you…” (Acts 27:22-25 NASB). “… A ll of us in the ship were two hundred and seventy-sixpersons …” (Acts 27:35 NASB). God, the ULTIMATE expert said: “… there will be no loss of life …” (Acts 27:22-25 NASB). “… And so it happened (as the expert said it would) that they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).God SAVED the WHOLE SHIP because of righteous Paul. “…The Lord was with Joseph … the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake ; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field …” (Genesis 39:2-6 NLT).“…Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the Lord. Abraham came near and said, “Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten...” (Genesis 18:22-32 NASB).When you are persuaded by human expertise, alone, to make CHOICES and DECISIONS it could easily lull you into a stormy path or a false sense of security; GOD’s AMAZING and EXPERT Word is your ULTIMATE guide. “… t here will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship …” (Acts 27:22-25 NASB). “… A ll of us in the ship were two hundred and seventy-sixpersons …” (Acts 27:35 NASB). “…And … they all were brought safely to land …” (Acts 27:44 NASB).“… NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVES to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “…I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day…” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).  “… the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul…” (Acts 27:9-21 NASB).  It is DANGEROUS to allow your CHOICES and DECISIONS to be persuaded by human expertise ALONE.“… choose LIFE …” instead (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).“…. THE WORDS that … [God has spoken to you through Jesus] … they are LIFE …” (John 6:63 KJV).  “… By them Your servant is warned …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB). “… I .. am persuadedthat he is able …” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).  Dr. Pensacola H. JeffersonProfessional Pastoral CounselorYADA Counseling MinistryTHE MOUTHPIECE FOR HIS HEART

TRANSFORMING INTIMACY:THE "PERFECT" BOND FOR UNITY

                            THE PERFECT BOND   GOD, THE GREAT CAREGIVER, Part 1 “…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)*The caregiver relationship(s) are the first encounters with attachment and intimacy a new born will experience. At this very tender age an infant will begin to be shaped, influenced, and formed for future intimate relationships where bonding is meant to take place and one human is able to unite with another.  An infant’s perspective about love (which is meant to be the perfect bond of unity between humans) starts to take shape the moment he or she “ draws a response,” for the first time; from their caregiver(s). “...clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony...” (COLOSSIANS 3:14).The initial attachment between infant and caregiver(s) becomes the template for attachment, for the infant, throughout its lifespan. “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). "…Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works , and glorify your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB).This template for attachment will remain a learned way he or she has been taught to be intimate with others. So human caregivers; “... Be … imitators of [Jesus]…”(Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ …” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT). “...The lord (Jesus) is GOOD …there is none good but one, that is, God (the Holy Spirit)... ” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). Another important fact to know about the infant and caregiver attachment relationship is that it will demonstrate mutuality. “…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, that ye also love one another…” (John 13:34 KJVMutuality is attachment in action, where infant and caregiver(s) equally contribute to the intimate relationship through the “draw a response” and “react to stimuli” behaviors. "… In everything , therefore, TREAT people the same way you want them to TREAT you …” (Matthew 7:12 NASB).As mentioned in the previous chapter, a baby is born with God-given attachment abilities to both draw a respond from their caregivers and to react to their caregiver’s stimuli.    These “draw and react” attachment abilities enable infants to elicit loving care, from their caregivers and react to that love as well. “... Call to Me...” (Jeremiah 33:3 NASB). “...He (she can) call on me...” (Psalm 91:15 NASB).Ideally, the caregiver(s) lovingly meets and provides for the infant’s needs as a demonstration of their commitment to the intimate relationship between them. “... I will answer you...” (Jeremiah 33:3 NASB). “... I will answer him(her and) will be with him(her) in trouble...” (Psalm 91:15 NASB).In order for a loving, intimate attachment to take place, both the infant and the caregiver(s), preferably, contribute to interactions that strengthen and reinforce this powerful, intangible bond of unity between them. “... Call to Me and I will answer you...” (Jeremiah 33:3 NASB). “...He (she) call on meand I will answer him(her) will be with him (her) in trouble...” (Psalm 91:15 NASB)The infant and caregiver(s) have different roles in the attachment process, but both roles are equally important in order for the bonding process to actually take place. “… I am the vine, you are the branches…” (John 15:4-6 NASB)The caregiver, however, has the responsibility of knowing and paying attention to the infant’s need, especially when he or she “draws a response” from them. “… God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). ”... ye shall ask what ye will , and it shall be done unto you ...” (John 15:7 KJV). “…I will supply all your NEED …” (John 12:32 KJV). “… God will generously PROVIDE all you need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). Mutuality in this phase is where the infant simply draws a response and the caregiver responds. The infant draws a response by making vocal sounds, showing emotions, or through body language. “… You can ask for anything ... Yes, ask me for anything ... ” (John 14:12-14 NLT). The caregiver(s) responds through calming, soothing, comforting, or touching behaviors. “ .... and I will do it ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). The caregiver(s) communicates to the infant that it’s okay to have needs and those needs are important. Need is an intimacy building block . “…I will supply all your NEED …” (John 12:32 KJV). The caregiver joyfully and lovingly meets the infant’s needs. “… God will generously PROVIDE all you need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). It “feels good” (oxytocin released in the brain) to be needed. The infant's needs gives the caregiver purpose and makes them “feel good” too (oxytocin released) to be able to meet the needs of the infant. Need is an intimacy building block of attachment. “...Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom...” (Luke 12:32 NASB). “...it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom...” (Luke 12:32 NLT).Eventually, as the infant develops, the caregiver(s) begins to gently and lovingly teach the infant how to regulate some of their own internal needs. The caregiver helps the infant regulate internal needs as a way to prepare them to self-regulate, when necessary, in the future. “… grow in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ …” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV). The purpose of teaching an infant to self-regulate “some” of their own internal needs is to teach them aspects of healthy, emotional and physical care.The purpose of having healthy, emotional and physical care is so they will not become overly needy or out of balance in their dependence upon others to always meet their every need. “...love your neighbor AS yourself...” (Matthew 22:39 NLT). "… In everything , therefore, TREAT people the same way you want them to TREAT you …” (Matthew 7:12 NASB). “...love others AS WELL as you love yourself...” (Matthew 22:39 MSG).The caregiver(s) wants the infant to know ALL their internal, emotional and physical needs are important.  Therefore, by teaching the infant to self-regulate, he or she will learn to pay attention to their own personal needs as well as learn to know and ask when they need help. In addition, the infant will learn to trust another person to help them meet those needs when they ask or at least, show empathy and understanding when they are trying to meet those needs themselves. “… Allmen will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another …" (John 13:35 NASB). “... …Beloved, let us love one another…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...love others AS WELL as you love yourself...” (Matthew 22:39 MSG).“… LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU…” (John 13:34 KJV).“…Owe no man (woman) any thing, BUT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER…” (Romans 13:8 KJV). “…For all the law (of God) is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt LOVE THEY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF….” (Galatians 5:14 KJV). “...If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt LOVE THEY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF, ye do well…” (James 2:8 KJV). “…Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets…” (Matthew 22:36-40 KJV).“… In this world we are LIKE JESUS …” (1 John 4:17 NIV). Examples of self-regulation include: knowing when they are hunger, knowing when they have to go to the bathroom, expressing when they are full or sleepy, etc.  When the caregiver (s) meets the needs of the infant it teaches them their needs are important or significant and SOMEBODY CARES. “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… God..[the holy spirit]... is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).Therefore, the infant learns “LOVE” will meet my needs. They can trust “LOVE” to empathize and understand their needs within the safety of an intimate, attachment relationship where mutuality exists. “… The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you] …” (John 14:31 NASB).Meeting another person’s needs, with compassion and empathy, is the deepest expression of love. Need builds intimacy between two people. Our most neglected needs are usually our emotional needs. However, our physical needs usually get the most attention, whether from food, sex, exercise, or whatever.  Many physical attachments make you “feel good”, mainly from the hormone, oxytocin, and not necessarily from a true emotional attachment. When oxytocin is released during an exchange of physical interactions only, the “feel good,” “…like an angel of light...” masquerades as a love attachment when, in fact, its not. “..For such [attachments] are [like] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into [love] or…the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness…” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14 KJV).Therefore, if the caregiver does not meet the infant’s, emotional or physical, needs; the quality of the infant’s attachment skills will be severely reduced. “… I want to do what is right, but I can’t . I want to do what is good, but I don’t … ” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).In addition, if the caregiver does not fully participate in the initial bonding relationship, the attachment will be dysfunctional at best. “…This people honoureth me with their lips , but their heart is far from me… ” (Mark 7:6 KJV).   And the God-given attachment ability, within the infant, will be highly impaired and the quality of his or her skills, regarding intimacy with others, will be seriously impacted. “… I want to do what is right, but I can’t … ” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).Wherever the caregiver(s) and infant attachment is broken, it will affect intimacy skills, for the infant, from that point, going forward. “… I want to do what is right, but I can’t … ” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).The infant will grow and develop experiencing attachment and intimacy as untrustworthy, undependable, without empathy or compassion, without understanding, with a price tag, and not mutually enriching. “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [the sin nature]…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).God-given attachment abilities for the infant, especially in regard to emotional needs, are locked away and are deemed to be unreliable or of no use. An infant that locks away his or her God-given attachment abilities for eliciting love will most likely reject, ignore, distant themselves, become emotionally unavailable or totally unaware of attachment opportunities. These infants may grow up unable to attach in healthy ways. However, because of the universal sin nature, “most” people may be inept at healthy attachment on some level. “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [the sin nature]. … Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [dysfunction ]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).Even the best of parents, can damage the infant and caregiver attachment, especially if they don’t recognize the purpose of the attachment bond for what it was really meant to be.Human attachments are better between infant and caregiver (s) when God’s standard of love forms the bond. God’s love “….is the perfect bond of unity…” (Colossians 3:15 KJV). God’s love never fails and will outlast any other lesson the infant will ever learn “... Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled....”(1 Corinthians 13: 8-10 MSG). “... love will last forever !...” (1 Corinthians 13:8 NLT).“...Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love...” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT).If a person is trained, from an infant, to go the path of loving attachments, even when he or she gets old; they won’t depart from it “... Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it...” (Proverbs 22:6 NLT). If your child is taught the love of God, within the infant and caregiver attachment, “…GREAT shall be [their] peace...” (Isaiah 54:13 KJV).Children are said to be a heritage or gift from God “...Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him...” (Psalm 127:3 NLT).We understand “...every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights….” (James 1:17 KJV). Too often we see reasons for having a baby from a very narrow perspective. People have children for many reasons, such as: to create a family, add to the human race, to save a relationship, to have someone to care for them when they get older, to take away their loneliness, to alleviate boredom, to give their parents grandchildren, to get on welfare or stay on welfare, to have someone to leave their possessions to, its traditional, they like kids, to give purpose to their life, or a number of other reasons. None of those reasons are bad per se, but it will cause you to raise and train that child, if possibly, for your reasons only and not God’s!The most important reason a child is gifted to you is to love and be loved . An infant is born ready to fulfil their part in the attachment relationship, but the caregiver may not be ready.However, the bible teaches Christian parents to “…bring [their children]… up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord...” (Ephesians 6:4). The key phrase here is the “….nurture and admonition……of the LORD...” It means to train them in the way of love, correction, and discipline and for the same reason God does his children; holiness . Remember, God disciplines his children so “…that [they] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters [of God] at all...” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV). God’s discipline is a nurturing and loving correction. “….For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH……” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).  If you are “...blessed [through God’s discipline,]…” (Job 5:17) then your children will be blessed through your discipline.  Therefore, children are a heritage or gift from God trusted to individuals to nurture them, first of all, through the infant and caregiver attachment. And second, to train them up for holy, loving, and righteous living.“..Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth...” (Deuteronomy 11:18-19 KJV).God gifted the infant to the caregiver(s), for two reasons that are rarely or ever emphasized in the pulpit or other literature.  First, the caregiver is given the opportunity to walk in God’s shoes by providing for the needs of the infant; and second the caregiver is given the opportunity to witness how their own needs are to be met and received, by God, through the infant. The human caregiver has the responsibility for providing for the needs of the infant by: picking the baby up when he or she cries, cuddling them, feeding them, massaging them, kissing them, playing with them, holding or rocking them, singing to them, changing their diaper, talking to them, reading them a story, or taking a nap with them. All these activities take care of the emotional and physical needs of the child while enriching the attachment relationship.The greater the infant and caregiver attachment, the greater chances the infant will have to experience close, healthy intimate relationships throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.  When the caregiver(s) recognizes the most important reasons for having a child is to: bond with them through God’s love, “…the perfect bond of unity…”(Colossians 3:14 KJV) and to raise them in the “…nurture and admonition of the LORD” (Ephesians 6:14 KJV); then the “gift” has a higher purpose. Love is humanity’s most important need and when the caregiver provides a healthy  human bond with the infant it gives them a fair chance to find intimate relationships with others in the future; and most importantly, with God. Since trust, for meeting one’s personal needs, is developed in healthy intimate human bonds; it has been the most abused.An infant “draws a response” from the caregiver, the caregiver will either respond or not respond. From the first time, an infant elicits the caregiver for a love response, trust either awakens or trust remains asleep. If a trusting bond never takes place between the infant and caregiver, the long-term affect will be devastating for the infant. The infant is totally dependent on the caregiver(s) for EVERYTHING, especially love. The lack or level of love behaviors, provided by the caregiver, will profoundly impact the infant’s experiences with intimate relationships for the rest of the lives. I believe a child must attach to something and even if it’s dysfunctional, an enduring, although impaired, intimacy binds the infant with the caregiver. The caregiver’s role, good or bad, creates an attachment in which the infant emerges with patterns of “learned” bonding skills that are either wholesome or damaging to their well-being.Regardless, of how the infant emerges, their initial attachment skills were totally influenced by their caregiver(s). Poor attachment skills are linked to many behavioral problems, illnesses, suicides, identity crises, abuses, generational predispositions, repeated relationship issues, etc. The bigger problem is not necessarily “IF” the infant is attached to the caregiver, but is the attachment healthy or unhealthy?Infants experiencing unhealthy attachments with caregivers may eventually find intimate relationships unpleasant or consider them unsafe or undesirable. If the caregiver’s foundation for love attachments is impaired, so will the infant’s love attachments be impaired. Dysfunctional love attachments, for the infant, will follow unless there is a miraculous intervention. The more dysfunctional the attachment, between infant and caregiver, the more dysfunctional intimate attachments, for the infant, will be in the future. The bible says, “…ye must be born again...” (John 3:7).  God said you “ must ” be born again and thus start life as if it’s just beginning. God wants you to live as the “…new creation...” you have become in Christ (1 Corinthians 5:17). You have a new nature now and have become an entirely different person. God provided this new birth through his Son and it has totally changed EVERYTHING about you through the power of his indwelling Holy Spirit.“…The (indwelling) Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT). “… The (indwelling) Spirit of God dwell in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).“…If any man (woman) be in Christ , he(she) is a NEW CREATURE …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [New creations]… are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works …” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV).As a new creation, you “…become as little children…” (Matthew 18:3 KJV). Children, during infancy, have the ability to “draw a response” from their caregiver (s) and “react to their stimuli.” The infant, therefore, uses their God-given attachment abilities to get their needs met by drawing the caregiver’s response. God purposely send infants into the world with “needs” and hardwires them to elicit for those needs from their caregiver. Therefore, the infant will “need and depend” on the caregiver to respond to them. The infant has “needs” that spring from a primary “need” for loving care. Needs are something that is required or essential. Further, what is required or essential, for the infant, is “dependent” upon the caregiver. In other words, the infant is dependent, helpless, and at the mercy of the caregiver to survive.  Caregivers have the role of meeting the needs of the infant and are to represent a reliable source, to the infant, for getting those needs met. A Godly caregiver recognizes the child as a gift and will allow God to “…worketh in [them]… to both will and to do of his good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).God designed the infant and caregiver(s) to attach to one another in a mutual exchange of bonding behaviors that release the hormone, oxytocin and causes them to “feel good” within the intimate relationship they share. It seems as if God wanted intimate relationships to “feel good” and be one of the motivations for desiring bonding experiences. This “feel good” attachment enriches, reinforces, and heightens the intangible and powerful love bond. Christians understand that God’s love is an essential part of a”… perfect bond…” of attachment (Colossians 3:14).God’s love is not like human love, so Christian caregivers will allow God’s kind of love, to empower them, in the attachment relationship with the infant. The bible tells us, “…A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken...” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT).  Since God’s love is the most powerful BOND available to mankind; it is the primary need for the infant. The caregiver, God’s “vessel of honor”, supplies the infant’s need for a Godly love attachment (2 Timothy 2:21). When God is included in the infant and caregiver attachment, “…it is not easily broken…” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT).Attachment actually offers the best opportunity to experience a Godly bond within the infant and caregiver’s intimate relationship. Especially if the caregiver “… put[s] on love , which is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB); and, “…[if the caregiver]is joined unto the Lord [and] is one spirit [with him]…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).In order to include God in the attachment relationship, between infant and caregiver; the caregiver must, first, be joined to God. “...But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).  “…God is love…” (1 John 4:8 KJV).  According to the scriptures, the MARK of one of God’s vessels is that they would “…have love (God’s kind of love) one (caregiver) to another (infant)…” (John 13:35 KJV). Godly caregivers would make a point of demonstrating a holy love attachment with their infant in “…like manner…”as God has loved them (John 5:19 KJV). If God’s love is the “…perfect bond of unity…” between the caregiver and God, then the caregiver knows it will be the “…perfect bond…” between their infant and themselves.God’s love is a higher quality of love. The more the caregiver comes to know God’s kind of love for themselves; the easier it will be to transmit that love to their infant. The bible says, “... We love , because he first loved us...” (1 John 4:19 ASV). Likewise, in the infant and caregiver attachment, the infant will love, because the caregiver first loves him or her. It is important to examine how the caregiver’s love should reflect God’s love in the intimate attachment relationship with the infant.  Corinthians chapter thirteen says, “...Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, Love never fails...” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  God’s kind of love is the safest, most secure and protective love we know. It is a reliable source for the caregiver and for the attachment bond with their infant. Love, the perfect BOND, keeps the caregiver joined to the Lord through the “One Spirit” relationship and empowers them to provide a supply of intimate love to their infant. The caregiver’s attachment with God will make them feel safe and secure. God’s love is patient and his “…..lovingkindness endureth for ever…” (Psalm 106:1, Psalm 100:5, 1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV). God’s love is kind and “….[he] careth for you… (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). God’s love is never rude ,but gracious. God’s love is not self-seeking , but self-sacrificing (John 3:16).   God’s love is not easily angered , but peaceful. God’s love will NEVER fail or end, but goes on eternally (1 Corinthians 13:8).  The caregiver’s healthy, intimate, attachment relationship with God will be a template for a healthy, intimate, attachment relationship with their infant.The role of the caregiver can be learned through God’s role as caregiver to them. As God’s child, the human caregiver is already attached to God, the ultimate caregiver, and is “One Spirit” with him or her (1 Corinthians 6:17). Therefore, the relationship with God will empower, the caregiver, to be shaped for future intimate relationships where the “...perfect bond of love...” "IS” the attachment. If the caregiver is “new creation,” they have been made ready to experience intimate relationships “through” Christ.  HALLELUYAH!!God, the caregiver, is bonded to human caregivers, through Christ, and they are “One Spirit” with HIM (1 Corinthians 6:17). The BOND, with God, the Holy Spirit, is the holiest and most loving attachment relationship and it is restored. God is attached to the human caregiver through HIS “...love...the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).  The human caregiver has a new template for forming intimate attachments from the BOND they share with God through Christ.The human caregiver and God, the Holy Spirit, are in an intimate relationship, where bonding takes place because “....[they]... are joined unto the Lord [and have become] …one spirit [with him.]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). God, the Caregiver, SETS the standard for INTIMATE that can become bonded with HIS kind of love.

TRANSFORMING INTIMACY: ATTACHMENT: JESUS IS THE DOOR

          ATTACHMENT, PART 2 GOD’S ATTACHMENT TO YOU IS AN OPEN DOOR TO INTIMACY WITH HIM!
 “…LOVE…THE PERFECT BOND OF UNITY….” (Colossians 3:14).*Through the intimate attachment to God, his children can trust in and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower them to live free. “… God ...the … HOLY SPIRIT .. is the SOURCE of ...[indwelling power] …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS children]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “... The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to unite with his children) THROUGH ( the indwelling Holy Spirit within ) each of us ( His Children ) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… the Father that dwelleth in [his children] … he doeth the works...[of uniting them with the bond of HIS love] …” (John 14:10 KJV).The intimate attachment to people, things, objects will keep God’s children limited to trusting in and depending upon the lifeless idols or finite humans, which CANNOT and will not empower them to live free from anything. “… Because you belong to him , the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death (spiritual death) …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son ....” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).Whatever you become intimately attached to can end up CONTROLLING you either directly or inadvertently!Experiencing the intimate attachment with God is a CHOICE. You CHOOSE, each and every day, whom you want to SERVE or FOLLOW; the dictatorship of old, intimate attachments, or the freedom empowered by indwelling Holy Spirit.Remember, the infant reacted or responded to the caregiver’s loving care. God’s children choose to response to HIS loving care too, through faith and obedience.  “… So I say, let the Holy Spirit (IF you have the indwelling Holy Spirit) guide your lives ...the [ indwelling Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature (body) desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “... Their minds are full of darkness ; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him ...” (Ephesians 4:8 NLT).“ ... continue ... in my love ...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).Food, I thought, made me feel calm and contented like a caregiver does, or a romantic partner, but it never lasted.As an infant, I needed my caregiver in order to survive. Over time I came to believe I needed food to survive, particularly emotionally.My intimate attachment to sweets (food) was all consuming and deeply prevailing to the point it gained mastery over me. I was enslaved to sweets. “...Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey…?” (Romans 6:16 NIV).Without healthy human attachments, at any age, the hardwired, God-given attachment abilities will still demand and seek an attachment. The sad thing about my attachment to sweets(food) is that it had become an entrenching lifestyle. I had intimately bonded with food years and years before, and it had taken control of my mind, my emotions my body, and my behavior.The interference of Satan in the attachment process is solely for the purpose of killing, stealing and destroying all opportunities for truly loving and intimate attachments between people and with one’s “own” self. Individuals need to attach to something even if it ONLY offers the illusion of an intimate loving attachment. Further, illicit sex, releases oxytocin, which makes you “feel good” and creates an illusion of an intimate loving attachment. Whenever we attach to something or someone, without love, it is a “false” attachment. Real intimacy will be elusive at best. Especially, since sex is ONLY physical and with the release of oxytocin one can believe it’s emotional too, since it made them, momentarily, "FEEL good."There are many people who are only sexually, not emotionally, close to another person and privately experience deep loneliness. Closeness is a nearness to another person, but being “One Spirit” is an undivided wholeness, experienced with God through Christ (1 Corinthians 5:17). People accept many different levels of intimacy, some close and some distance, but if that is all they’ve ever known they have nothing better to compare it with. Dysfunctional attachment is better than no attachment at all, even if it’s lonely sometimes.God offers an intimacy many of us have never known and aren’t even aware it exists. If God is not your standard for examining what a loving, caring attachment should be, then you may need to reevaluate who or what you are in an intimate relationship with. Intimate attachments or relationships can make you a better person or they can destroy you. Whatever manner you’ve learned to attach – whether to a particular thing or type of person – it is what you have come to believe is love, care, and/or intimacy. In addition, what you have come to believe is love, care, and/or intimacy has, most likely, become essential to your survival.God is more intimate with you than you are with yourself.  God uses this intimate attachment to love you in the deepest, most caring manner, along with a continual, not-stop intention on supplying your need. Some children of God are still running, chasing, and looking for that “One” intimate attachment that can satisfy them and have not found it yet. God is what you are looking for, so when you do find an intimate attachment you will truly know how to bond with him or her. No matter how old you are or how long it’s been since you’ve had a real human, intimate attachment, or if you never had one at all; God wants, desires, and has made it possible to become intimate with him through “his” indwelling Holy Spirit. God wants you to experience and try out your restored, God-given attachment abilities upon him. Like an infant, draws a response from their caregivers, God, the Holy Spirit, and Caregiver encourages, his children, to ask him anything. “...If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you ....” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “…This is the confidence that we have in him , that, if we ask any thing according to his will (his love, his choices, his desires, his heartfelt words,etc.), he hearethus (his children) …” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “… He (God, the Holy Spirit) has granted to [his children]… His precious and magnificent promises …” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “… As many as are the promises of God , in Him (in Jesus, the Word of God) they are yes …also … Amen (so be it) … ” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “… Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass …” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). God, the Caregiver, of his children is “… watching over [his[… word to perform it (for them) …” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall [God, the Holy Spirit’s,]… word be that goeth forth out of [his]… mouth: it shall not return unto [God, the Holy Spirit,]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God, the Holy Spirit,]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God, the Holy Spirit]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “… The Father (God, the Holy Spirit,)that dwelleth in [YOU, through Jesus] he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “...[To his CHILDRE, God, the Holy Spirit, says to] ...ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).God is always in intimate proximity to you, you will feel eternally safe and protected since he is always your refuge. God, your caregiver, will “… Never leave nor forsake you …” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).  “… You surround … [your children] … WITH FAVOR as with a shield …” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).  “…Behold, I ( God, the Holy Spirit ) am with … [you ] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest… I ( God, the Holy Spirit ) will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).“… [God, the Holy Spirit] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD , Your rock , in whom [you] … take refuge…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… t here is none like unto thee …” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).You are forever cared for through his everlasting love, and God is “always” with you. “... He (God, the Holy Spirit, your caregiver) careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“…[God, the Holy Spirit, your caregiver, has] ...loved [you]...with an everlasting love ….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “… There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life …” (John 15:13 NLT). “… [Nothing]…will be able to separate us (his children) from the love of God , which is in Christ Jesus our Lord …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “… I  (god, the holy spirit) am with you always , to the very end …"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).Humanity’s greatest need is God’s love, which restores them to wholeness through Jesus Christ. “… Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (RESTORES YOU AGAIN) …” (Acts 9:34 KJV).It is usually easier to elicit physical love than emotional love from others. It is also easy to mistake the experience of physical attachment for an emotional attachment too; since oxytocin is released in the brain, in both experiences, producing the “FEEL good” effect of calm, peace, or well-being. Without the emotional attachment of love, the “FEEL good” moment is reduced to a physical attachment only. The emotional attachment (love), often, during the physical experience, most likely, is missing altogether. Only Godly love, sent to the heart through Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit, provides the appropriate attachment that is essential for an intimate relationship where a lasting WHOLENESS and well-being is experienced. “....God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… Jesus Christ maketh thee whole …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). In order to experience, this WHOLENESS and well-being, a CHILD of GOD trusts in and depends upon the truth that they are “new creations” in Christ Jesus. “…If any man (woman) be in Christ , he(she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… I will put a “new” spirit in you . …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “… Jesus Christ makeththee whole [again] …” (Acts 9:34 KJV).Old intimate attachments, made through the sinful nature, have passed away and are no longer in control. “.. . [god’s children] ... are not controlled by ...[their]... sinful nature. (unless they choose to be) ... [they]... are controlled by the Spirit if [they choose to be AND] have the Spirit of God living in [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “... Knowing this, that our old man(woman) is crucified with him, that the body of sin (and its old intimate attachments) might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin...” (Romans 6:6 KJV). “... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith (trust and dependency upon)... of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).God has restored your original God-given attachment abilities like NEW. “... old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).Therefore, like a new born baby, we are brand new, born again. "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “...all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).The child of God has intimately attached to God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus and he will forever be their caregiver“… [God, the Holy Spirit, sent the ] … one … who can [REUNITE] God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus (WHO comes to DWELL WITHIN) …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“... we were reconciled (intimately attached) to God by the death of his Son (if you choose to believe in him) ...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).“... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ , and thou shalt be saved …” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “… I believethat Jesus Christ is the Son of God… ” (ACTS 8:37 KJV). “... confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… God has given [you] his Spirit as PROOF that [you]… live (are alive) in him and he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).  “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).God, the Holy Spirit, is your Caregiver forever. He will lovingly care for you and meet your every need, generously. “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you] …” (John 14:31 NASB).“…I (God, the Holy Spirit) will supply all [the] NEED [of his children] …” (John 12:32 KJV). ). “... He careth for [his children] .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… God ( the Holy Spirit ) is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “… God (the Holy Spirit) will generously PROVIDE all [the his children’s] need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).Jesus’ death upon the cross was proof that he wants to heal every emotional pain you have ever experienced in your entire life. “…Just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV). “…he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV).“…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). Jesus’ directs you back to God, who cares about your heart more than anything else. “… [Jesus is the way that will] direct your hearts TO the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3). “… May the Lord (Jesus) lead your hearts INTO a full understanding (awareness, knowing) and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT). “... the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  The heart has been damaged more than anything else, not just with sin, but with pain, heartache, lack of intimate love, disappointments, mistakes, rejections, abuses, betrayals, misunderstandings, lack of attachment relationships, and many other experiences. Thankfully, God will “…restoreth [your] soul…” (Psalms 23:3 KJV). God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV).God, therefore, restores your God-given attachment abilities so you can enjoy and receive his everlasting love. “...For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).Here are some truths about your Caregiver, God, the Holy Spirit. “… God is l ove…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… I will do whatever you ask in my name ( Jesus, the Word ) …” (John 14:13 NIV). "… [Depend upon me and] …what [you] say will happen [and]…will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV). “… Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD , Your rock , in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation , YOUR stronghold .…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).There is nothing you do or nothing you have done that will stop God from loving you, in this way, each and every day. “…What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?...Who will separate us from the love of [Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...[NO] …But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. …[Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God,which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB).God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” His powerful love works with you and helps you through your weaknesses and mistakes. “...My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helpsme …” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  . “ …God … works in you TO WILL (to “want” to be intimate with Him) and TO ACT (to “actually” experience that intimacy) in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…God … equip[s] ...you with everything good for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me (his redeemed children, he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).In fact, his “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). No matter where your struggle with the intimate attachments, from the old nature. has increased in your life. No matter where those struggles have caused you to fall, or stumble, in the last few seconds,  minutes, over the past few hours, days, weeks, months, or years, GET UP!  God’s loving grace is sufficient to cover you and empower you to overcome the struggle STILL, because HIS “… mercy triumphs over judgement...” (Romans 5:20, James 2:13 NASB). “…where sin increased (continues to be a struggle over time), grace abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB).God doesn’t just want you to know “about” his love as a collection of facts, but he wants you to “know” his love as an authentic, intimate attachment experience. “… God is l ove…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD .…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).“… You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).  “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “… [God’s] strength is made perfect (is in full force) in weakness ...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “… I can do ALL THINGS throughChrist which strengtheneth me …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).“… [God] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD ... YOUR stronghold .…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… He will keep you strong to the end …” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).God’s love is the perfect “bond” of unity, which is the truest and holiest (without sin) experience of intimacy. “…[God’s] love …is the perfect BOND of unity ...”(Colossians 3:14 NASB). “...But he (she) that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “….[Nothing]…shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God (the intimate bond of UNITY) which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord …” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV).  “….the…faithful love of the Lord , never ends...” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).  When the “good news” of the gospel is heard, people come to God, because his incredible love draws them. “...No one can come to Me unless the Father (who “is love and) who sent Me draws him...” (John 6:44). “....for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).Like a magnet, our original attachment abilities are powerfully restored as NEW CREATIONS. God’s children are, again, intimately attached to God, the Holy Spirit, through Christ.  “… There ... [is] … …one … who can reconcile (intimately attach) God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… [The person who]… is joined (attached) unto ...[Christ Jesus]... is ONE spirit… [with God, the Holy Spirit, again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). They are INTIMATELY ATTACHED to God, the Holy Spirit.God so loved every single person, upon earth, that he sent his magnetic love through his only Son, Jesus. “ … God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son , that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life...” (John 3:16 KJV). “... Herein is love , not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation(substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ (provided PROOF of God LOVE and CARE when he) ... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God (to love) …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “....for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).When Jesus (the Word) is lifted up from the earth he causes all men(women) everywhere, that hear and believe, to be powerfully and magnetically drawn (directed) to God’s love. “… [Jesus, the living Word, is the way that will] direct your hearts TO the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3). “… May the Lord (Jesus) lead your hearts INTO a full understanding (awareness, knowing) and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT).Jesus, the Son of God, had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “...if I (Jesus, the Word) am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself...” (John 12:32 KJV). “…   It is (the word is) the power of God at work (miraculously), saving  ( drawing, directing, etc. ) everyone who believes ( who trusts in and depends upon the Word ) …” (Romans 1:16 NLT).“...No one can come to Me (Jesus, the Word) unless the Father (who “is love and) who sent Me (Jesus, the Word) draws him...” (John 6:44). “....for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… There ... [is] … …one … who can reconcile (intimately attach) God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the Word) …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… [The person who]… is joined (attached) unto ...[Christ Jesus]... is ONE spirit… [with God, the Holy Spirit, again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“…confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ , and thou shalt be saved, and thy house…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  Salvation is a critical and miraculous moment, for the new convert, for it is the moment where their soul is intimately attached to God, the Holy Spirit, again, through Jesus Christ. “ …[Salvation comes] by the Holy Spirit , whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior …” (Titus 3:4-6 NIV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).   “… GOD IS SPIRIT …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV). Jesus is the door, the path, and the way that opens up the opportunity to experience intimacy with God, the Holy Spirit, again.  “… I am THE DOOR …” (John 10:9 KJV). “… I am the way …” (John 14:6 KJV). “…God … opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles…” (Acts 14:27 KJV). “…behold , I have set before thee an open door , and no man can shut it…: (Revelation 3:8 KJV). “… I have opened a door for you that no one can close…” (Revelation 3:8 NLT).“...Dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.  By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving waythrough the curtain into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).Here is an example of what happens: “... One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord OPENED her heart to respond to Paul's message... ” (Act 16:14 NIV). “… The sower (Paul) SOWETH THE WORD (the message) …The seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR (Lydia’s) HEARTS…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).  “... The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed . Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ ...” (Galatians 3:16 NIV). “… [Jesus Christ’s name]... is called The Word of God (the SEED)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “...The seed is the word of God...” (Luke 8:11 KJV). Lydia was listening and worshipping when God “opened” her heart to respond to the “good news” of the gospel through Paul’s preached message. “... The Lord OPENED her (lydia’s) heart to respond to Paul's message... ” (Act 16:14 NIV). “… The sower (Paul) SOWETH THE WORD (the message) …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “……The seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD (the message)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “… [Jesus Christ’s name]... is called The Word of God (the SEED)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“...The seed is the word of God...” (Luke 8:11 KJV).“… THE WORD (Jesus) …was sown in THEIR (Lydia’s) HEARTS (like a seed)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).Jesus says:  “… I am THE DOOR …” (John 10:9 KJV). “… I am the way …” (John 14:6 KJV). “...Jesus opened a new and life-giving way (for Lydia)... into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).Paul’s message lifted up Jesus, the atoning sacrifice, for Lydia’s sin. “...if I (Jesus, the Word) am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself...” (John 12:32 KJV). “…   It is (the word is) the power of God at work (miraculously), saving  ( drawing, directing, etc. ) everyone who believes ( who trusts in and depends upon the Word ) …” (Romans 1:16 NLT).Paul’s message let Lydia KNOW God loved her and “HIS” love was the reason he SENT Jesus. “…THIS is LOVE… [God]… sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 4:10 NIV). Powerful truth!If you noticed, Lydia’s heart had to be opened, unlocked, released, or unfastened, by God, the father & Holy Spirit, BEFORE, she could RESPOND to the message Paul preached. “...No one can come to Me (Jesus, the Word) unless the Father (who “is love and) who sent Me (Jesus, the Word) draws him(her)...” (John 6:44).Earlier, I wrote that a baby is born with God-given attachment abilities that enable them to draw a response from their caregivers and react to their caregiver’s stimuli.  The infant needs to “ draw a response” from their caregivers in order to get their needs met, be cared for, and to experience loving intimacy with them. And they also need to “ react to stimuli” from their caregivers in order to communicate their needs have been met, they are cared for, and that they are experiencing the loving intimacy between them and their caregiver(s). Lydia was able to “react to stimuli” since she was a worshipper, but her ability to attach and experience true intimacy with God, the Holy Spirit, had to be healed. Thus God, miraculously, opened her heart through Jesus, the way to an intimate, covenant relationship to HIM.  “... The Lord OPENED her (lydia’s) heart to respond to Paul's message... ” (Act 16:14 NIV). Jesus says:  “… I am THE DOOR …” (John 10:9 KJV). “… I am the way …” (John 14:6 KJV). “...Jesus opened a new and life-giving way (for Lydia)... into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).Apart from Jesus, Lydia would have never been able to experience an intimate relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.  “…. Apart from [Jesus], you can do nothing (You can’t experience an intimate relationship with God)...” (John 15:5 NIV).  “… BY GRACE (undeserved favor) have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH (trusting in and depending upon God); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES , IT IS (jesus is) THE GIFT OF GOD ; …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit sent the] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). God, the Holy Spirit, didn’t send his Son for the sun, moon, stars, earth, universe, or galaxies....he sent him FOR YOU, ME, and Lydia! “ … God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son ...” (John 3:16 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit]... delivered him  (his son) up for us all….” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “… the just for the unjust , that he might bring us [back] to [himself (back to love)] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “… He did this , not because we DESERVED it, but because that was (LOVING) his plan from before the beginning of time …” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “… [His Son]… gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).AND “...to show us his GRACE   (LOVE and undeserved FAVOR) through Christ Jesus ... who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil ; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV & 2 Timothy 1:9).Pauls’ message helped Lydia SEE God’s love for her. “... This is love : not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son…” (1 John 4:10). God saved Lydia through Jesus and opened up an opportunity for her to experience a true and authentic intimacy with HIM. “...Jesus opened a new and life-giving way(for Lydia)... into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).God wanted Lydia BACK.  “… the just for the unjust , that he might bring us [back] to [himself] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).Paul’s message DIRECTED Lydia BACK to God’s love so he could restore her soul, through Jesus and open the door to an intimate covenant relationship with HIM. “… [May God’s righteous people] direct your hearts TO the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3). “… May the Lord (the Word) lead ...[their]... hearts INTO a full understanding (awareness, knowing) and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT). WHY did God want Lydia back? “…. [So she would, personally and intimately,] know that [HE is]... the Lord (who personally and intimately, loves her)...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “… God is l ove…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “... He careth for you (and Lydia).. .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  “… [He has] done [the miracle of sending his son] … so you (and Lydia) will know that [He is] the Lord [your god, who loves you(her)]…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT).God wanted Lydia to be WHOLE. “… Jesus Christ maketh thee (Lydia) whole [again] …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…If any man (woman) be in Christ , he(she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “… God ...makes everything holy and whole , make you (and Lydia) holy and whole , put you together [again]— spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).God SAVED Lydia and opened the door, for her, to experience intimacy with HIM. Lydia was restored to HEALTH and HEALED of her wounds. “... For I will restore health unto thee , and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).God returned Lydia’s SOUL and our souls back to WHOLENESS. “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB).Restore it (soul) to what wholeness? Bring it back to what wholeness? Return it to what wholeness? The restoring of the soul is the REUNITING of the soul and the SPIRIT. “… God ...makes everything holy and whole , make you holy and whole , put you together [again]— spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).Restoration makes you into a NEW CREATION similar to the original created glory of mankind back in the Garden of Eden, God said, “…. LET US MAKE man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “….. GOD CREATED MAN in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). This is what the bible says about God: “… THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV). “….THE LORD IS OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE…” (DEUTERONOMY 6:4 KJV). “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 CORINTHIANS 8:4 KJV). Therefore, God said, “…. LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his own image…..male and female created he them…”(Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit);and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).The scriptures say, “…I pray …your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY (these three things are ONE again) be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 KJV). “…the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (body)…” (HEBREWS 4:12 KJV). “…the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).“….. GOD CREATED MAN in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).Restoration is simply a part of the salvation process where you are restored to God’s Holy Spirit. You become spiritually ALIVE again. “…the body without the spirit (apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit) is dead!!! …” (James 2:26 KJV). God “….made [you]… ALIVE …” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU were]…. DEAD and [you have been made]… ALIVE AGAIN; [you were]… lost and [have been]… found…” (Luke 15:24 NIV).Lydia was a NEW CREATION, immediately, but it would take time, for her mind, to transform, so God also prepared the process of sanctification. “...God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION by the Spirit (indwelling empowerment) and faith (trust and dependency) in the truth…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).God helps with the process of sanctification by empowering the righteous through the indwelling Holy Spirit, by faith (the spiritual fruit of faith that aids in obedience), and the washing power of his Word. “...Every branch (every Lydia)... that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye (the righteous) are clean ( sanctified ) through the word which I have spoken unto you....” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...the will of God (his heart’s desire.), [is]…your SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB). “…God (the Holy Spirit) ... Himself SANCTIFY you entirely…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “...You [Lydia, the righteous, etc.]... were washed (cleansed from sin), you were sanctified (made holy), you were justified (made right with God again) [through Jesus, the Word and the indwelling Holy] Spirit of our God...” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV).Every way in which past intimate attachments have hurt you, restricted you, wounded you, or caused you to struggle, God will heal every one of them to the last drip drop and will restore you to emotional health. In fact, IT IS ALREADY DONE! God has already healed you through Jesus and wants you, his children, to give HIM every hurtful experience. God has already absorbed it, for you, through his son, Jesus. Jesus took upon himself EVERYTHING, you’re facing, as if it happened to him, so YOU can walk in FREEDOM. Jesus said, “….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).When you do that by faith (trust in and depend upon the truth), then the painful intimate experiences, from the past, becomes his and no longer yours. “...For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places...” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT).“...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).He will right every wrong done to you. That’s why the bible says, “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord...” (Romans 12:19 ASV). “… all things work together for good to them that love God …”(ROMANS 8:28 KJV.God is protective of ALL his children, even you, letting no one “…do them wrong...” and says “….touch not mine anointed (his holy children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them] no harm.” (Psalm 105:14-15 KJV). Another example of God taking your hurtful experiences and absorbing them for you is Paul on the road to Damascus. If you have ever read the biblical story you know Paul was killing and persecuting God’s disciples and Jesus took it personally, as if Paul was doing it to him.“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou ME? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man...” (Acts 9:1-7 KJV).God is your ETERNAL Caregiver. Jesus opened the WAY to have an intimate attachment to God, the Holy Spirit. Because of that intimate attachment, God’s children are ALL New Creations in Christ Jesus. They are FREE to live a VICTORIOUS life, overwhelmingly, in all things! INTIMACY WITH GOD IS THE INTIMACY THAT TRANSFORMS YOU.

TRANSFORMOMG INTIMACY: ATTACHMENT: JESUS IS THE DOOR

          ATTACHMENT, PART 2 GOD’S ATTACHMENT TO YOU IS AN OPEN DOOR TO INTIMACY WITH HIM!
 “…LOVE…THE PERFECT BOND OF UNITY….” (Colossians 3:14).*Through the intimate attachment to God, his children can trust in and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower them to live free. “… God ...the … HOLY SPIRIT .. is the SOURCE of ...[indwelling power] …it is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS children]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “... The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to unite with his children) THROUGH ( the indwelling Holy Spirit within ) each of us ( His Children ) … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… the Father that dwelleth in [his children] … he doeth the works...[of uniting them with the bond of HIS love] …” (John 14:10 KJV).The intimate attachment to people, things, objects will keep God’s children limited to trusting in and depending upon the lifeless idols or finite humans, which CANNOT and will not empower them to live free from anything. “… Because you belong to him , the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death (spiritual death) …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son ....” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).Whatever you become intimately attached to can end up CONTROLLING you either directly or inadvertently!Experiencing the intimate attachment with God is a CHOICE. You CHOOSE, each and every day, whom you want to SERVE or FOLLOW; the dictatorship of old, intimate attachments, or the freedom empowered by indwelling Holy Spirit.Remember, the infant reacted or responded to the caregiver’s loving care. God’s children choose to response to HIS loving care too, through faith and obedience.  “… So I say, let the Holy Spirit (IF you have the indwelling Holy Spirit) guide your lives ...the [ indwelling Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature (body) desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “... Their minds are full of darkness ; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him ...” (Ephesians 4:8 NLT).“ ... continue ... in my love ...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).Food, I thought, made me feel calm and contented like a caregiver does, or a romantic partner, but it never lasted.As an infant, I needed my caregiver in order to survive. Over time I came to believe I needed food to survive, particularly emotionally.My intimate attachment to sweets (food) was all consuming and deeply prevailing to the point it gained mastery over me. I was enslaved to sweets. “...Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey…?” (Romans 6:16 NIV).Without healthy human attachments, at any age, the hardwired, God-given attachment abilities will still demand and seek an attachment. The sad thing about my attachment to sweets(food) is that it had become an entrenching lifestyle. I had intimately bonded with food years and years before, and it had taken control of my mind, my emotions my body, and my behavior.The interference of Satan in the attachment process is solely for the purpose of killing, stealing and destroying all opportunities for truly loving and intimate attachments between people and with one’s “own” self. Individuals need to attach to something even if it ONLY offers the illusion of an intimate loving attachment. Further, illicit sex, releases oxytocin, which makes you “feel good” and creates an illusion of an intimate loving attachment. Whenever we attach to something or someone, without love, it is a “false” attachment. Real intimacy will be elusive at best. Especially, since sex is ONLY physical and with the release of oxytocin one can believe it’s emotional too, since it made them, momentarily, "FEEL good."There are many people who are only sexually, not emotionally, close to another person and privately experience deep loneliness. Closeness is a nearness to another person, but being “One Spirit” is an undivided wholeness, experienced with God through Christ (1 Corinthians 5:17). People accept many different levels of intimacy, some close and some distance, but if that is all they’ve ever known they have nothing better to compare it with. Dysfunctional attachment is better than no attachment at all, even if it’s lonely sometimes.God offers an intimacy many of us have never known and aren’t even aware it exists. If God is not your standard for examining what a loving, caring attachment should be, then you may need to reevaluate who or what you are in an intimate relationship with. Intimate attachments or relationships can make you a better person or they can destroy you. Whatever manner you’ve learned to attach – whether to a particular thing or type of person – it is what you have come to believe is love, care, and/or intimacy. In addition, what you have come to believe is love, care, and/or intimacy has, most likely, become essential to your survival.God is more intimate with you than you are with yourself.  God uses this intimate attachment to love you in the deepest, most caring manner, along with a continual, not-stop intention on supplying your need. Some children of God are still running, chasing, and looking for that “One” intimate attachment that can satisfy them and have not found it yet. God is what you are looking for, so when you do find an intimate attachment you will truly know how to bond with him or her. No matter how old you are or how long it’s been since you’ve had a real human, intimate attachment, or if you never had one at all; God wants, desires, and has made it possible to become intimate with him through “his” indwelling Holy Spirit. God wants you to experience and try out your restored, God-given attachment abilities upon him. Like an infant, draws a response from their caregivers, God, the Holy Spirit, and Caregiver encourages, his children, to ask him anything. “...If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you ....” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “…This is the confidence that we have in him , that, if we ask any thing according to his will (his love, his choices, his desires, his heartfelt words,etc.), he hearethus (his children) …” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “… He (God, the Holy Spirit) has granted to [his children]… His precious and magnificent promises …” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “… As many as are the promises of God , in Him (in Jesus, the Word of God) they are yes …also … Amen (so be it) … ” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “… Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass …” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). God, the Caregiver, of his children is “… watching over [his[… word to perform it (for them) …” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall [God, the Holy Spirit’s,]… word be that goeth forth out of [his]… mouth: it shall not return unto [God, the Holy Spirit,]… void, but it shall accomplish that which [God, the Holy Spirit,]… please[s], and it shall prosper in the thing whereto [God, the Holy Spirit]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “… The Father (God, the Holy Spirit,)that dwelleth in [YOU, through Jesus] he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “...[To his CHILDRE, God, the Holy Spirit, says to] ...ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).God is always in intimate proximity to you, you will feel eternally safe and protected since he is always your refuge. God, your caregiver, will “… Never leave nor forsake you …” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).  “… You surround … [your children] … WITH FAVOR as with a shield …” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).  “…Behold, I ( God, the Holy Spirit ) am with … [you ] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest… I ( God, the Holy Spirit ) will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).“… [God, the Holy Spirit] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD , Your rock , in whom [you] … take refuge…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… t here is none like unto thee …” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).You are forever cared for through his everlasting love, and God is “always” with you. “... He (God, the Holy Spirit, your caregiver) careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).“…[God, the Holy Spirit, your caregiver, has] ...loved [you]...with an everlasting love ….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “… There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life …” (John 15:13 NLT). “… [Nothing]…will be able to separate us (his children) from the love of God , which is in Christ Jesus our Lord …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “… I  (god, the holy spirit) am with you always , to the very end …"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).Humanity’s greatest need is God’s love, which restores them to wholeness through Jesus Christ. “… Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (RESTORES YOU AGAIN) …” (Acts 9:34 KJV).It is usually easier to elicit physical love than emotional love from others. It is also easy to mistake the experience of physical attachment for an emotional attachment too; since oxytocin is released in the brain, in both experiences, producing the “FEEL good” effect of calm, peace, or well-being. Without the emotional attachment of love, the “FEEL good” moment is reduced to a physical attachment only. The emotional attachment (love), often, during the physical experience, most likely, is missing altogether. Only Godly love, sent to the heart through Jesus, the indwelling Holy Spirit, provides the appropriate attachment that is essential for an intimate relationship where a lasting WHOLENESS and well-being is experienced. “....God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… Jesus Christ maketh thee whole …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). In order to experience, this WHOLENESS and well-being, a CHILD of GOD trusts in and depends upon the truth that they are “new creations” in Christ Jesus. “…If any man (woman) be in Christ , he(she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… I will put a “new” spirit in you . …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “… Jesus Christ makeththee whole [again] …” (Acts 9:34 KJV).Old intimate attachments, made through the sinful nature, have passed away and are no longer in control. “.. . [god’s children] ... are not controlled by ...[their]... sinful nature. (unless they choose to be) ... [they]... are controlled by the Spirit if [they choose to be AND] have the Spirit of God living in [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “... Knowing this, that our old man(woman) is crucified with him, that the body of sin (and its old intimate attachments) might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin...” (Romans 6:6 KJV). “... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith (trust and dependency upon)... of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).God has restored your original God-given attachment abilities like NEW. “... old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).Therefore, like a new born baby, we are brand new, born again. "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “...all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).The child of God has intimately attached to God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus and he will forever be their caregiver“… [God, the Holy Spirit, sent the ] … one … who can [REUNITE] God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus (WHO comes to DWELL WITHIN) …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).“... we were reconciled (intimately attached) to God by the death of his Son (if you choose to believe in him) ...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).“... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ , and thou shalt be saved …” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “… I believethat Jesus Christ is the Son of God… ” (ACTS 8:37 KJV). “... confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… God has given [you] his Spirit as PROOF that [you]… live (are alive) in him and he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).  “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).God, the Holy Spirit, is your Caregiver forever. He will lovingly care for you and meet your every need, generously. “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you] …” (John 14:31 NASB).“…I (God, the Holy Spirit) will supply all [the] NEED [of his children] …” (John 12:32 KJV). ). “... He careth for [his children] .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… God ( the Holy Spirit ) is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “… God (the Holy Spirit) will generously PROVIDE all [the his children’s] need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).Jesus’ death upon the cross was proof that he wants to heal every emotional pain you have ever experienced in your entire life. “…Just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV). “…he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV).“…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). Jesus’ directs you back to God, who cares about your heart more than anything else. “… [Jesus is the way that will] direct your hearts TO the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3). “… May the Lord (Jesus) lead your hearts INTO a full understanding (awareness, knowing) and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT). “... the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  The heart has been damaged more than anything else, not just with sin, but with pain, heartache, lack of intimate love, disappointments, mistakes, rejections, abuses, betrayals, misunderstandings, lack of attachment relationships, and many other experiences. Thankfully, God will “…restoreth [your] soul…” (Psalms 23:3 KJV). God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV).God, therefore, restores your God-given attachment abilities so you can enjoy and receive his everlasting love. “...For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).Here are some truths about your Caregiver, God, the Holy Spirit. “… God is l ove…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… I will do whatever you ask in my name ( Jesus, the Word ) …” (John 14:13 NIV). "… [Depend upon me and] …what [you] say will happen [and]…will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV). “… Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD , Your rock , in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation , YOUR stronghold .…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).There is nothing you do or nothing you have done that will stop God from loving you, in this way, each and every day. “…What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?...Who will separate us from the love of [Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...[NO] …But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. …[Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God,which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB).God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” His powerful love works with you and helps you through your weaknesses and mistakes. “...My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helpsme …” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  . “ …God … works in you TO WILL (to “want” to be intimate with Him) and TO ACT (to “actually” experience that intimacy) in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…God … equip[s] ...you with everything good for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me (his redeemed children, he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV).In fact, his “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). No matter where your struggle with the intimate attachments, from the old nature. has increased in your life. No matter where those struggles have caused you to fall, or stumble, in the last few seconds,  minutes, over the past few hours, days, weeks, months, or years, GET UP!  God’s loving grace is sufficient to cover you and empower you to overcome the struggle STILL, because HIS “… mercy triumphs over judgement...” (Romans 5:20, James 2:13 NASB). “…where sin increased (continues to be a struggle over time), grace abounded all the more…” (Romans 5:20 NASB).God doesn’t just want you to know “about” his love as a collection of facts, but he wants you to “know” his love as an authentic, intimate attachment experience. “… God is l ove…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD .…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).“… You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).  “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “… [God’s] strength is made perfect (is in full force) in weakness ...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “… I can do ALL THINGS throughChrist which strengtheneth me …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).“… [God] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD ... YOUR stronghold .…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… He will keep you strong to the end …” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).God’s love is the perfect “bond” of unity, which is the truest and holiest (without sin) experience of intimacy. “…[God’s] love …is the perfect BOND of unity ...”(Colossians 3:14 NASB). “...But he (she) that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “….[Nothing]…shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God (the intimate bond of UNITY) which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord …” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV).  “….the…faithful love of the Lord , never ends...” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).  When the “good news” of the gospel is heard, people come to God, because his incredible love draws them. “...No one can come to Me unless the Father (who “is love and) who sent Me draws him...” (John 6:44). “....for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).Like a magnet, our original attachment abilities are powerfully restored as NEW CREATIONS. God’s children are, again, intimately attached to God, the Holy Spirit, through Christ.  “… There ... [is] … …one … who can reconcile (intimately attach) God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… [The person who]… is joined (attached) unto ...[Christ Jesus]... is ONE spirit… [with God, the Holy Spirit, again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). They are INTIMATELY ATTACHED to God, the Holy Spirit.God so loved every single person, upon earth, that he sent his magnetic love through his only Son, Jesus. “ … God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son , that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life...” (John 3:16 KJV). “... Herein is love , not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation(substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ (provided PROOF of God LOVE and CARE when he) ... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God (to love) …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “....for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).When Jesus (the Word) is lifted up from the earth he causes all men(women) everywhere, that hear and believe, to be powerfully and magnetically drawn (directed) to God’s love. “… [Jesus, the living Word, is the way that will] direct your hearts TO the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3). “… May the Lord (Jesus) lead your hearts INTO a full understanding (awareness, knowing) and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT).Jesus, the Son of God, had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “...if I (Jesus, the Word) am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself...” (John 12:32 KJV). “…   It is (the word is) the power of God at work (miraculously), saving  ( drawing, directing, etc. ) everyone who believes ( who trusts in and depends upon the Word ) …” (Romans 1:16 NLT).“...No one can come to Me (Jesus, the Word) unless the Father (who “is love and) who sent Me (Jesus, the Word) draws him...” (John 6:44). “....for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… There ... [is] … …one … who can reconcile (intimately attach) God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the Word) …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… [The person who]… is joined (attached) unto ...[Christ Jesus]... is ONE spirit… [with God, the Holy Spirit, again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“…confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ , and thou shalt be saved, and thy house…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  Salvation is a critical and miraculous moment, for the new convert, for it is the moment where their soul is intimately attached to God, the Holy Spirit, again, through Jesus Christ. “ …[Salvation comes] by the Holy Spirit , whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior …” (Titus 3:4-6 NIV). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).   “… GOD IS SPIRIT …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… t he Spirit of God dwell in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV). Jesus is the door, the path, and the way that opens up the opportunity to experience intimacy with God, the Holy Spirit, again.  “… I am THE DOOR …” (John 10:9 KJV). “… I am the way …” (John 14:6 KJV). “…God … opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles…” (Acts 14:27 KJV). “…behold , I have set before thee an open door , and no man can shut it…: (Revelation 3:8 KJV). “… I have opened a door for you that no one can close…” (Revelation 3:8 NLT).“...Dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.  By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving waythrough the curtain into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).Here is an example of what happens: “... One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord OPENED her heart to respond to Paul's message... ” (Act 16:14 NIV). “… The sower (Paul) SOWETH THE WORD (the message) …The seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR (Lydia’s) HEARTS…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).  “... The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed . Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ ...” (Galatians 3:16 NIV). “… [Jesus Christ’s name]... is called The Word of God (the SEED)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “...The seed is the word of God...” (Luke 8:11 KJV). Lydia was listening and worshipping when God “opened” her heart to respond to the “good news” of the gospel through Paul’s preached message. “... The Lord OPENED her (lydia’s) heart to respond to Paul's message... ” (Act 16:14 NIV). “… The sower (Paul) SOWETH THE WORD (the message) …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “……The seed (Jesus) is the WORD OF GOD (the message)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “… [Jesus Christ’s name]... is called The Word of God (the SEED)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“...The seed is the word of God...” (Luke 8:11 KJV).“… THE WORD (Jesus) …was sown in THEIR (Lydia’s) HEARTS (like a seed)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).Jesus says:  “… I am THE DOOR …” (John 10:9 KJV). “… I am the way …” (John 14:6 KJV). “...Jesus opened a new and life-giving way (for Lydia)... into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).Paul’s message lifted up Jesus, the atoning sacrifice, for Lydia’s sin. “...if I (Jesus, the Word) am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself...” (John 12:32 KJV). “…   It is (the word is) the power of God at work (miraculously), saving  ( drawing, directing, etc. ) everyone who believes ( who trusts in and depends upon the Word ) …” (Romans 1:16 NLT).Paul’s message let Lydia KNOW God loved her and “HIS” love was the reason he SENT Jesus. “…THIS is LOVE… [God]… sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 4:10 NIV). Powerful truth!If you noticed, Lydia’s heart had to be opened, unlocked, released, or unfastened, by God, the father & Holy Spirit, BEFORE, she could RESPOND to the message Paul preached. “...No one can come to Me (Jesus, the Word) unless the Father (who “is love and) who sent Me (Jesus, the Word) draws him(her)...” (John 6:44).Earlier, I wrote that a baby is born with God-given attachment abilities that enable them to draw a response from their caregivers and react to their caregiver’s stimuli.  The infant needs to “ draw a response” from their caregivers in order to get their needs met, be cared for, and to experience loving intimacy with them. And they also need to “ react to stimuli” from their caregivers in order to communicate their needs have been met, they are cared for, and that they are experiencing the loving intimacy between them and their caregiver(s). Lydia was able to “react to stimuli” since she was a worshipper, but her ability to attach and experience true intimacy with God, the Holy Spirit, had to be healed. Thus God, miraculously, opened her heart through Jesus, the way to an intimate, covenant relationship to HIM.  “... The Lord OPENED her (lydia’s) heart to respond to Paul's message... ” (Act 16:14 NIV). Jesus says:  “… I am THE DOOR …” (John 10:9 KJV). “… I am the way …” (John 14:6 KJV). “...Jesus opened a new and life-giving way (for Lydia)... into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).Apart from Jesus, Lydia would have never been able to experience an intimate relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.  “…. Apart from [Jesus], you can do nothing (You can’t experience an intimate relationship with God)...” (John 15:5 NIV).  “… BY GRACE (undeserved favor) have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH (trusting in and depending upon God); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES , IT IS (jesus is) THE GIFT OF GOD ; …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit sent the] … one … who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus …” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). God, the Holy Spirit, didn’t send his Son for the sun, moon, stars, earth, universe, or galaxies....he sent him FOR YOU, ME, and Lydia! “ … God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son ...” (John 3:16 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit]... delivered him  (his son) up for us all….” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “… the just for the unjust , that he might bring us [back] to [himself (back to love)] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “… He did this , not because we DESERVED it, but because that was (LOVING) his plan from before the beginning of time …” (2 Timothy 1:9 NLT). “… [His Son]… gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).AND “...to show us his GRACE   (LOVE and undeserved FAVOR) through Christ Jesus ... who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil ; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV & 2 Timothy 1:9).Pauls’ message helped Lydia SEE God’s love for her. “... This is love : not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son…” (1 John 4:10). God saved Lydia through Jesus and opened up an opportunity for her to experience a true and authentic intimacy with HIM. “...Jesus opened a new and life-giving way(for Lydia)... into the Most Holy Place...” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).God wanted Lydia BACK.  “… the just for the unjust , that he might bring us [back] to [himself] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).Paul’s message DIRECTED Lydia BACK to God’s love so he could restore her soul, through Jesus and open the door to an intimate covenant relationship with HIM. “… [May God’s righteous people] direct your hearts TO the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3). “… May the Lord (the Word) lead ...[their]... hearts INTO a full understanding (awareness, knowing) and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT). WHY did God want Lydia back? “…. [So she would, personally and intimately,] know that [HE is]... the Lord (who personally and intimately, loves her)...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “… God is l ove…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “... He careth for you (and Lydia).. .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  “… [He has] done [the miracle of sending his son] … so you (and Lydia) will know that [He is] the Lord [your god, who loves you(her)]…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT).God wanted Lydia to be WHOLE. “… Jesus Christ maketh thee (Lydia) whole [again] …” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…If any man (woman) be in Christ , he(she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  “… God ...makes everything holy and whole , make you (and Lydia) holy and whole , put you together [again]— spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).God SAVED Lydia and opened the door, for her, to experience intimacy with HIM. Lydia was restored to HEALTH and HEALED of her wounds. “... For I will restore health unto thee , and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).God returned Lydia’s SOUL and our souls back to WHOLENESS. “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB).Restore it (soul) to what wholeness? Bring it back to what wholeness? Return it to what wholeness? The restoring of the soul is the REUNITING of the soul and the SPIRIT. “… God ...makes everything holy and whole , make you holy and whole , put you together [again]— spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).Restoration makes you into a NEW CREATION similar to the original created glory of mankind back in the Garden of Eden, God said, “…. LET US MAKE man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “….. GOD CREATED MAN in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). This is what the bible says about God: “… THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV). “….THE LORD IS OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE…” (DEUTERONOMY 6:4 KJV). “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 CORINTHIANS 8:4 KJV). Therefore, God said, “…. LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his own image…..male and female created he them…”(Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit);and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).The scriptures say, “…I pray …your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY (these three things are ONE again) be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 KJV). “…the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (body)…” (HEBREWS 4:12 KJV). “…the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).“….. GOD CREATED MAN in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).Restoration is simply a part of the salvation process where you are restored to God’s Holy Spirit. You become spiritually ALIVE again. “…the body without the spirit (apart from the indwelling Holy Spirit) is dead!!! …” (James 2:26 KJV). God “….made [you]… ALIVE …” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV). Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU were]…. DEAD and [you have been made]… ALIVE AGAIN; [you were]… lost and [have been]… found…” (Luke 15:24 NIV).Lydia was a NEW CREATION, immediately, but it would take time, for her mind, to transform, so God also prepared the process of sanctification. “...God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION by the Spirit (indwelling empowerment) and faith (trust and dependency) in the truth…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).God helps with the process of sanctification by empowering the righteous through the indwelling Holy Spirit, by faith (the spiritual fruit of faith that aids in obedience), and the washing power of his Word. “...Every branch (every Lydia)... that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye (the righteous) are clean ( sanctified ) through the word which I have spoken unto you....” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “...the will of God (his heart’s desire.), [is]…your SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB). “…God (the Holy Spirit) ... Himself SANCTIFY you entirely…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “...You [Lydia, the righteous, etc.]... were washed (cleansed from sin), you were sanctified (made holy), you were justified (made right with God again) [through Jesus, the Word and the indwelling Holy] Spirit of our God...” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV).Every way in which past intimate attachments have hurt you, restricted you, wounded you, or caused you to struggle, God will heal every one of them to the last drip drop and will restore you to emotional health. In fact, IT IS ALREADY DONE! God has already healed you through Jesus and wants you, his children, to give HIM every hurtful experience. God has already absorbed it, for you, through his son, Jesus. Jesus took upon himself EVERYTHING, you’re facing, as if it happened to him, so YOU can walk in FREEDOM. Jesus said, “….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).When you do that by faith (trust in and depend upon the truth), then the painful intimate experiences, from the past, becomes his and no longer yours. “...For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places...” (Ephesians 6:12 NLT).“...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper…This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).He will right every wrong done to you. That’s why the bible says, “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord...” (Romans 12:19 ASV). “… all things work together for good to them that love God …”(ROMANS 8:28 KJV.God is protective of ALL his children, even you, letting no one “…do them wrong...” and says “….touch not mine anointed (his holy children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them] no harm.” (Psalm 105:14-15 KJV). Another example of God taking your hurtful experiences and absorbing them for you is Paul on the road to Damascus. If you have ever read the biblical story you know Paul was killing and persecuting God’s disciples and Jesus took it personally, as if Paul was doing it to him.“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou ME? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man...” (Acts 9:1-7 KJV).God is your ETERNAL Caregiver. Jesus opened the WAY to have an intimate attachment to God, the Holy Spirit. Because of that intimate attachment, God’s children are ALL New Creations in Christ Jesus. They are FREE to live a VICTORIOUS life, overwhelmingly, in all things! INTIMACY WITH GOD IS THE INTIMACY THAT TRANSFORMS YOU.

TRANSFORMING INTIMACY: ATTACHMENT, THE DOOR TO INTIMACY

                ATTACHMENT, PART 1 GOD’S "ONE SPIRIT" ATTACHMENT TO YOU IS AN OPEN DOOR TO INTIMACY WITH HIM!
 “…LOVE…THE PERFECT BOND OF UNITY….” (Colossians 3:14).*In my book in the "transforming" series, I talk about God’s transforminglove, but God wants to go deeper by talking about transforming intimacy. Before you can really enjoy God’s transforming love, God wants you to awaken to your restored, innate, God-given ability to bond through his “One Spirit” relationship with you “...But he(she) that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT(with God, the Holy Spirit)...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).In Hebrew, according to Strong’s concordance 5596, the word for attach is saphach and means to join or mix. “...But he that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).A baby is born with innate, God-given attachment abilities they can use to draw a respond from their caregivers and to react to the stimuli from them. These God-given attachment abilities can be witnessed during the interchanges between the primary caregiver(s) and the infant. We understand this to be mutuality where caregiver and infant maintain an ongoing reciprocity of giving and receiving love from one to another. When the infant “draws a response” from the caregiver, he or she is communicating they “need” the caregiver’s love and care. When the infant “reacts to the caregiver’s stimuli,” he or she is communicating they are responding to and receivingthe caregiver(s) love and care.This kind of communication between the caregiver and infant is HOW they both “experience” the INTIMATE relationship with each other. The caregiver communicates to the infant that they will lovingly meet their every need and will generously care for them to the best of their ability.The infant communicates to the caregiver that they depend upon them to meet their needs and trust in their loving care for them. Even though, the caregiver and infant have different roles in the mutuality relationship, both roles reveal the reciprocal bond, between them, that form a unique type of intimacy. The caregiver chooses to become attached with the infant. The caregiver’s desire to become attached should be an open door or invitation, to the infant, that it is okay to become intimate with him or her. In other words, the invitation to intimacy should say to the infant: you are safe, loved, cared for, and will be protected.In healthy attachments, roles may be different, yet they are equally important for supplying, each participant, with the communication skills needed for bonding with love , “….the perfect BOND of unity…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 NASB).  In their different roles and in different ways, the caregiver and infant are, both, loving one another through reciprocal behaviors. However, LOVE becomes the primary, intangible bond between them. They are, both, actually experiencing the unique, intimate BOND.  Again, “…Love….the perfect BOND of unity…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 NASB).  Both parties are highly impacted through this very intimate experience. The infant is impacted by the way the caregiver responds to his or her needs. The caregiver is impacted by the way the infant reacts to his or her love and care.The infant depends upon the caregiver to survive. The caregiver is lovingly faithful and committed to the infant’s survival. Caregiver and infant must both abide in the receptive relationship to one another in a mutually cooperative way. By being mutually cooperative, each party will fully benefit from and experience the intimate bond developing between them. This intimate relationship, between infant and caregiver, was meant to be one of the purest forms of human attachment. It can also serve as a model for the way, the infant, will bond, to others, in future intimate relationships. Unfortunately, it is rare that the infant and caregiver maintain such a pure and open, expression, of their intimate attachment to one another. In order to understand the adverse impact of detachment or lack of intimacy in so-called adult attachment relationships; an adult may need to examine his or her inabilities to bond to people through the lens of earlier intimate attachments.As mentioned before, a baby is born with God-given attachment abilities they use to draw a respond from their caregivers and to react to their caregiver’s stimuli.  “Drawing a response” from caregivers assist infants in being loved, cared for, and getting their needs met. In addition, “reacting to stimuli” from caregivers assist infants in communicating they have been loved, cared for, and their needs have been met. Further, the caregiver’s responses and stimuli (interactions with the infant) assist them in communicating their love and care toward the child.The caregiver and infant’s intimate attachment experience is so critical that God included a hormone called “oxytocin” that enhances the bonding experience.  Oxytocin is said to be a very powerful chemical, in the brain, that highly contributes to the pleasure one “feels” within many intimate attachments between one human and another. Oxytocin plays an important role in pairing, bonding, or attaching one person to another during various types of intimate, social interchanges. Oxytocin is also thought to be released during the bonding experiences. For instance, oxytocin stimulates the caregiver and infant’s oxytocin systems, in the brain, to biologically or chemically influence them to desire to repeat the intimate attachment behaviors over and over again, The infant “needs and depends” upon the caregiver’s love and care. The caregiver supplies the infant’s “needs and tends to them” with their love and care. This is mutual interchange.This mutual interchange is intimate attachment in action. In the meanwhile, oxytocin is released during the process of this experience. As a result - of the ongoing bonding behaviors between infant and caregiver(s) – the mutual interchange becomes desirable to repeat. In fact, oxytocin supposedly BOOSTS the bonding experience between the infant and caregiver(s). This BOOST heavily influences their desire to attach, with one another, over and over again. Oxytocin not only helps motivate the attachment between infant and caregiver, but it is also said to produce a “feel good” affect in the brain. The “feel good” affect produces feelings of peace, calmness, and well-being in the both the infant and caregiver. This God-given hormone, oxytocin, obviously heightens the bonding experiences, which, in turn, inspires and enriches the intimate attachment between infant and caregiver(s).At this tender time in an infant’s life, - getting their needs met in a healthy, balanced way allows them to learn to trust in and depend upon another person to supply their needs in a healthy manner. This is the infant’s first experience with loving care and intimacy. When the intimate attachment is trusting and dependable, oxytocin will help make this mutual, loving interchange something one wants to pursue throughout one’s life.As a child grows, they no longer “need and depend” as much as they “need and desire” their caregiver(s).  The infant’s need for love never changes, but dependence upon the caregiver(s) changes into desire for the caregiver. You often hear children say: “I want Mommy” or “I want Daddy” or “I want you.” When an infant’s stops depending on the caregiver(s) so much and starts “wanting” the caregiver (s); he or she is actually saying my need for our intimate relationship is not something I simply rely on, but something I also desire.In other words, it is the love or the intangible bond that has becomes important to the child. It is important to note, when the infant and caregiver totally give themselves over to the attachment relationship it can become highly addictive, especially for the naïve and impressionable infant. The innocent and vulnerable infant starts out totally “depending” on the caregiver. We as adults know that anything we come to depend upon or give ourselves over to completely and it gives us a “feel good” experience, like oxytocin does, it can easily become an addiction.From the very beginning of his or her life, an infant needs love and uses its God-given attachment abilities to draw a response from  their caregiver(s). The purpose of “drawing a response,” from their caregivers, is to elicit love, be cared for, get their needs met, and to experience that “feel good” high from the intimate attachment.The infant’s whole world is the caregiver(s). The infant reminds us that nothing is more important than the BONDS of loving relationships that powerfully unite one human to another. The infant and caregiver’s attachment is the most critical bond of an individual’s entire life, especially in regard to having other intimate, loving relationships moving forward. How a caregiver responds to the infant from the very first moment of interaction will determine the child’s ability to engage in loving, healthy, and intimate relationships in the future. When an infant “draws a response,” the caregiver will normally do one of the following things: pick the baby up, cuddle them, breast or bottle feed them, massage them, kiss them, play with them, hold or rock them, sing to them, change their diaper, talk to them, read them a story, or take a nap with them. All these activities raise oxytocin levels in both infant and caregiver(s); male or female. And at the same time heighten the intimate attachment.When healthy attachment doesn’t take place, the “feel good” hormone is not produced, but instead the “feel bad” hormone, cortisol, is produced instead.  The infant’s attachment or mutual interchange with their caregiver(s) is experienced as stress. Cortisol levels increase stress, lack of well-being, ambivalence, anxiety, fear, and insecurity.Even though the infant “needs and depends” entirely on the caregiver(s), he or she learns at this very tender age that even though they may need their caregiver(s) they cannot depend on them. The infant never moves to the next stage of “need and desire.” In fact, they may eventually move to a stage of NOT needing the caregiver(s) at all, nor desiring them. The God-given attachment abilities, hardwired into the child, never leave them, and must find a way to be expressed and utilized.  In my opinion, when the infant attempted to “ draw a response ” from caregiver(s) and couldn’t elicit the love or care they needed to get their needs met, they were forced to seek elsewhere. Their innate attachment abilities demanded an attachment to something if NOT someone. Because of the infant’s powerful, God-given attachment abilities; attachment of some kind must takes place. Social interchanges, with people or objects of affection, produces oxytocin. Oxytocin makes you “feel good” both emotionally and physically. It also helps create a much needed attachment of some kind, which becomes desirable to repeat over and over again. Satan will use the infant’s need for attachment to gather disciples for himself. He will fulfill the infant’s “need,” for intimate attachment, by influencing him or her to “trust in” or “depend upon” anything, but “real” love. Eventually, the infant’s “desire,” for the attachment, becomes a source of intimacy, even if its illicit, carnal, or destructive.   The normal “need and depend” on the caregiver attachment becomes abnormal “cravings and dependency” for Satan’s kinds of illicit, carnal, or destructive attachments.Satan knows humanity has a POWERFUL need to attach to LOVE, which is God. He wants to kill, steal, and destroy any chance of that bond taking place.  “… for God is love…” (1 John 4:8 KJV) and “…the thief cometh ...to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV)When an infant “draws a response” and the caregiver doesn’t respond, Satan will influence one of the following ongoing, negative experiences: neglect, lack of affection, no comfort, no attention, no consistent care, no holding or rocking, no stories, no talking or reading, no playing, periods of abuse instead, periods of impatience, etc. All these activities raise cortisol levels in the infant and they learn to ignore or shut off their need for loving, caring human attachments. I believe and it is my opinion, after reading and studying all the research on attachment, that we were all meant to become attached to “one” thing and that’s love. More importantly, the LOVE OF GOD. The caregiver is not the source of that love, but they are the vessels or channels for the love of God to come through to the infant.Infants are hardwired with attachment abilities and cognitive research has concluded them to be competent and capable individuals, even as babies. Thus babies find a way, with or without, the proper assistance from caregiver(s) to survive the “lack of caregiver attachment.” When the infant is left unsafe, unprotected, without a proper intimate attachment, Satan will influence him or her any way he pleases to attach to something or other someones.Furthermore, if healthy human attachment never takes place, research says, some infants grow up to experience ill-health, both emotionally and physically and have multiple behavioral issues. In addition, they normally do not form lasting intimate relationships.These babies probably learned early on to self-soothe, not from a healthy, supported, guided way, but from an unhealthy, neglected, and misguided way.  Satan will take advantage of the infant’s vulnerable state of being and will influence intimate attachments through the evil side of social interchanges and oxytocin. Satan will eventually lure the unprotected infants to raise oxytocin levels by pairing or attaching them with food or drugs or alcohol, or sex or something else; to the point things or objects, not people, become essential for experiencing intimate attachments. Satan’s intentions are to kill any chance for the infant to know true love. The Evil One will set the infant up for failure in regard to loving, caring intimate relationships as soon as possible.I believe people will attach to something . Some attachments are not obviously bad per se, but they may not be spirituality profitable or edifying either. “...You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial...” (1 Corinthians 10:23 NLT).Socially acceptable attachments can be work, exercise, shopping, caffeine, computer games, watching excessive amounts of television, food, or illicit sexual involvements, etc; just to name a few. The infant will become attached to something, but it won’t be true Love.  However, the infant may come to believe its love or some form of love, because it’s a “feel good” attachment. Therefore, the infant will engage in attachment behaviors that make him or her “feel good.” One of the primary, intimate attachments, for infants, is food. Food can become a patterned, habitual response, for the caregiver, in meeting the infant’s needs. The infant can become attached to food instead of the caregiver or both, since they are often paired together. If both, then food or the caregiver can make the infant “feel good.”When the infant can get that “feel good” experience from the caregiver or from food either one will do.  Long after, the initial bonding with the caregiver changes, the bond with food does not. The infant’s “need and dependency” upon food never transitions into desire like it does with the caregiver, but becomes something else. The infant continues to need and depend upon food beyond the required stage. The need and dependency upon food follows them from infancy, to childhood, to adolescents, to teenage years, and into adulthood. According to the experts attachment is an ongoing, entrenching, and lasting, intimate bond that connects a person to another person or object of affection across the lifespan. The infant becomes attached to the food as they were with the caregiver, because both nourished them.This intimate attachment, with food, becomes a lasting bond, for the infant, through classical conditioning with the caregiver.While the caregiver intended to love, care for, and met the needs of the infant, food was, inadvertently, paired with the caregiver’s behavior. The infant was learning, unconsciously, to have the SAME response toward food that they did toward the caregiver. This created an unhealthy behavior and unhealthy response to food, that, often, last through one’s lifespan.In attachment infant’s seek to, regularly, be close to the caregiver and if paired with food, then food too. When the infant feels threatened or stressed they can run to their caregivers and, inadvertently, to food too. As adults when they feel threatened or stressed they can STILL run to food.Overweight, in my opinion, is often a result of “that” PAIRED intimate attachment the infant forged, unconsciously, between themselves, their caregiver, and food.The infant LOOKED to their caregiver, who was also paired with food, for calmness, peace, protection, and well-being. As adults they “still” LOOK to food to do the same thing.As an infant, the caregiver responded to their needs, but so did food, so the intimate bond, inadvertently through classical conditioning, was formed with both food and the caregiver.This response from the caregiver and food eventually turned into a learned behavior. The caregiver and food provided nourishment. The infant learned to form an intimate attachment BOND with both the caregiver and food.Both the caregiver and food made the infant “feel good,” which means both made them feel calm, peaceful, comforted, and gave them a sense of well-being.Both the caregiver and food responded to the infant’s needs and the infant learned to repeat certain behaviors over and over again in order to get what they wanted from the caregiver, food, or both.Food becomes a long lasting, but unhealthy intimate attachment BOND that a person STILL believes meet their NEEDS like when they were infants.Some people believe, there are certain foods, they cannot live without. However, more often than not, that certain food is NOT meeting their needs and it is probably causing DAMAGE to their bodies.The intimate attachment to food, learned as an infant, inadvertently, has become an object of affection that is now destructive. It can negatively impact a person for the rest of their life. According to the World Health Organization’s June 2016 fact sheet over a billion adults (18+ years old) are overweight and millions of them are actually considered obese. When you are overweight or obese, excessive fat accumulation can become destructive to your overall health.Eating is one of life’s major social interactions and will, most likely, raise oxytocin. While eating or drinking milk, it makes the infant “feel good” while doing it and therefore, encourages them to desire to repeat the behavior.  Eating behaviors can and will become addictive in an infant’s quest to “feel good” from the caregiver or food in which they have attached themselves. Initially, the caregiver and the food make the infant “feel better,” together, but during the transition, the food continues, eventually replacing the intimate attachment to the caregiver.  Instead of moving forward in the developmental stage, the infant stays needing and depending upon food throughout the lifespan. Replacing the intimate caregiver attachment with food, instead of making the transition, will not be healthy going forward for the infant. The earliest influences on an infant’s development can impact their emotional or physical growth. It is considered “normal” to transition from “needing and depending” upon one’s caregiver in different ways at different stages.The intimate attachment with food is often missed as a potential developmental problem, so no intervention is provided to offset the impending problem.Growth and development is a process necessary even in one’s spiritual life. “...you have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babieswho need milk and cannot eat solid food...” (Hebrews 5:12 NLT).When attached to food, the “feel good” moments don’t last or it reduces in intensity over time. The longer individuals are attached to a thing or object like food, the more it demands and the less it satisfies. The reason the thing or object or food becomes less satisfying is because individuals adapt to it or it becomes tolerant and therefore, less pleasurable. The attachment to the thing or object or food, though less pleasurable, continues through the process of habituation. The “feel good” pleasure is highly reduced over time, but the attachment to the thing or object or food is now in an uncontrollable state.

TRANSFORMING INTIMACY. ATTACHED, BUT "NOT" INTIMATE

TRANSFORMING INTIMACY: THE INTIMACY THAT LITERALLY CHANGES YOU!

PRACTICING SOMETHING MAKES YOU BETTER

PRACTICEI KNOW THE STEPS BY HEART “… Through this PROCESS, HE MADE the altar HOLY by purifying it…” (Leviticus 8:5 NLT).                                              *Practice is the ONLY way to get better at doing something. Practice builds your confidence about what you are doing. Practice improves your new abilities and skills. Practice increases your experience and can create opportunities for you to teach others in that area. Practice motivates you to share your new abilities and skills in ways that benefit others. “….you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. REPEAT (practice) them again and again to your children….” (Deuteronomy 6:6 NLT).After spiritual training and in order to gain some level of proficiency with your new abilities and skills regular practice is necessary. “…If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow Me…” (Luke 9:23 KJV).Proficiency comes not so much with how often you practice, but from the quality of your practice. “… You must be CAREFUL to KEEP ALL of my decrees and regulations by putting them into PRACTICE.I am the Lord…” (Leviticus 19:37 NLT).Proficiency of new spiritual abilities and skills are the results of faith and the indwelling Holy Spirit. “… The LORD will perfect (mature, make proficient)…. that whichconcerneth… [you]…” (Psalm 138:8 NASB). “…It is God who works in you TO WILL and TO ACT…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).Proficiency of spiritual abilities and skill are a reflection of daily routines of focused practice. “… KEEP ALL my decrees BY putting them into PRACTICE, for I am the Lordwho makes you holy…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT).Focused practices become mundane/ordinary habits and are consistent, common, and steady parts of your daily routine of life. “… They seek Me DAILY , And delight to know My ways…” (Isaiah 58:2 KJV).Focused practice become mundane/ordinary habits that are usually repetitive and NOT necessarily exciting. “…Job would purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them. For Job said to himself, “Perhaps my children have sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s REGULAR PRACTICE…” (Job 1:5 NLT).When you engage in focused practices as it relates to your new spiritual abilities and skills; God’s goal is conformation to the image of his SON.“… be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  “… And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). Spiritual training evolves into focused practice. Focused practice will be infused into your daily routine of life. “… Their DAILY responsibilities were carried out according to the terms of a royal command…” (Nehemiah 11:23 NLT).Your daily routine causes you to engage in the consistent use of your spiritual abilities and skills. It will cause you to use your new spiritual abilities and skills correctly and long stretches of time will cause you to use them repetitively. “… And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). To benefit from your newly acquired spiritual abilities and skills focused practice will be infused into your daily routine. God uses long stretches of time to challenge your new spiritual abilities and skills as well as your patient endurance. “… Your ENDURANCE has a chance to grow. So let it grow ….” (James 1:2-4 NLT). God intervenes in your daily routine situations and circumstances of life in order grow and develop your new spiritual abilities and skills through focused practice. “ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord : and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).Focused practice infused into daily routine can stretch into days, weeks, months, or years and can often become wearisome. “… And in the PROCESSof time …” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). “ Let us not become weary in doing good…. ” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).Focused practice that has turned into a seemingly life-long marathon is NOT fun after a while. It is God’s timing, however, that has sovereignty and his heart-felt investment in your spiritual growth and development is his priority. “ …at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).Practice is the ONLY way to become more Christlike. Practice builds your faith in God by daily trusting him to work IN and THROUGH you. Practice improves your new abilities and skills in order to authentically become a vessel suitable for God’s holy purposes. Practice increases your spiritual experience and will create opportunities for you to teach othersaccording to your special training. Practice motivates you to share your new abilities and skills in ways that also benefit the spiritual growth and development of others. Christian practices are NOT limited to prayer, participating in corporate bible study, going to Sunday day school, attending church services, having private bible study, discipleship training, or knowing Christian clichés. You can be trained to do those things and you can practice them as well, but God’s focus is on “the heart.”The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).“...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART …”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).God knows that “….from WITHIN, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,  adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful DESIRES (emotions, passions), envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from WITHIN; they are what defile you…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT). “... I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … WITHIN me …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…No one needed… to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).. “ O Lord , you have examined my heart and know everything about me.  You know everything I do…” (Psalms 139:1-6 NLT). He knows if you are NOT real. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV). “…he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).Therefore, when God intervenes on your daily routine of life he will infuse spiritual abilities and skills that will impact your heart. God looks at the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). God clearly saw the pride hidden in Hezekiah’s heart. “… Hezekiah’s heart was proud…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV).God is against pride. Hezekiah did a lot of good Christian-like practices. He restored the temple and its worship practices. Yet, in the mist of all his Christian-like deeds, his heart was prideful and God knew it. “In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah’s heart was PROUD and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him…” (2 Chronicles 32:24-25 NIV).King Hezekiah did many Christian-like deeds. Doesn’t that count with God? No. God was not so concerned with Hezekiah’s deeds as much as he was about his heart. “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God is looking at the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “… From within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts…PRIDE….these … come from within, and DEFILE a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).God intervened and put Hezekiah in a position to look at his own desperately wicked, human heart (Jeremiah 17:9). “… God left him, to try himthat he might know all that was in his heart…” (2 Chronicles 32:31 KJV). God saw for himself the pride hidden in Hezekiah’s heart. “…the Lord’s anger came against him... Then Hezekiah humbled himself…” (2 Chronicles 32:24-26 NLT). “… Hezekiah’s heart was PROUD and he did not respond to the kindness shown him…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV). Hezekiah eventually acknowledged his prideful attitude and his blatant ingratitude. Hezekiah “… repented of the PRIDE of his heart; …therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come on [him]… (1 Chronicles 32:26 NIV). God will continue to PUT you into places or KEEP you in a place where you CAN and WILL authentically – from the heart - practice his ways and do his will. “…UNTIL Christ be formed “IN” you…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV).Practice is a part of the Christian journey. The practice of spiritual abilities and skills are infused into daily routine. Practice is ongoing and continual. Sometimes situations and circumstances immensely challenge those spiritual abilities and skills on a daily bases for days, weeks, months, or even years. “ Let us not become weary in doing good… ” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).It is not unusual to grow weary in the process, but keep trusting God to work IN and THROUGH you. “ …At the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).While practicing we are often waiting on God to restore or fix something, someone, or some situation. The LONGER the practice lasts the more challenged our HOPE gets.  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him…” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).What makes the longevity of practicing new spiritual abilities and skills routinely so challenging is the TIME FRAME. The reason it is challenging is because we often have our own expected time frame. Instead of simple trusting God’s time frame we think we know when enough is enough.We often think God is taking TOO LONG. Time is passing, we are going older, things are lost in the process, people change, it begins to look unfixable, how we wanted it to turn out is long over, opportunities are missed, and disappointment gets louder and louder. “…If the Lord will , [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).However, keep practicing. God can take you from a PRISON of circumstances to POWER in ONE DAY. After 13 years of practicing Joseph became RULER. “…Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom isthe Spirit of God?” ….Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the DUNGEON; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I amPharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.”. …Joseph went out over allthe land of Egypt.  Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt…” (Genesis 41:37-46 NLT).KEEP PRACTICING.

ROUTINES DAYS ARE MEANT TO TRAIN YOU FOR SOMETHING!

                                           TRAINING
                                                       PREPARING FOR WHAT?“…grow in grace, and in the KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ… ” (Matthew 23:27-28 KJV). * Training is one of the tasks of routine and ordinary days. Training is all the purposeful activity in your life that imparts knowledge to you. “…He TAUGHT His DISCIPLES and said to them…” (Mark 9:31 KJV). “…Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my DISCIPLES if you remain faithful to my TEACHINGS...” (John 8:31 NLT).Any type of training instructs you in ways that aim at developing a new ability or skill or improving the performance of an old ability or skill. Training is where new knowledge and experience is acquired. “…Then, calling the crowd to join his DISCIPLES, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, YOU MUST GIVE UP YOUR OWN WAY, take up your cross, and FOLLOW ME….” (Mark 8:34 NLT). “…old things are passed away; behold, all things are BECOME NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).In this chapter, we are talking about training as it relates to PROCESS-with-a-PURPOSE, which is spiritual training. Spiritual training is where spiritual growth and development actually happens. “…GROW in grace, and in the KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ… ” (Matthew 23:27-28 KJV).Spiritual training is the part of PROCESS-with-a-PURPOSE where you learn new abilities and skills in order to be God’s disciples. “… Go therefore and MAKE DISCIPLES of all the nations...” (Matthew 28:19 KJV). “…TEACH these new DISCIPLES to obey all the commands I have given you…” (Matthew 28:20 KJV). “….So the DISCIPLES went out, TELLING everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God…” (Mark 6:12 KJV). “…And the DISCIPLESWENT everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs….” (Mark 16:20 NLT).“… They used the EYEWITNESS reports circulating among us from the early DISCIPLES…” (Luke 1:2 NLT).Spiritual training FOCUSES on the IMPLANTED abilities and skills you received through the indwelling Spirit. “…thy seed, which is Christ…” (Galatians 3:16 KJV). … “…Jesus Christ is in you …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… Christ in you , …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). Spiritual training DEVELOPS your new God-given abilities and skills through the enabling power of the indwelling Spirit. “…it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…may the God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).Spiritual training eventually REVEALS your new God-given abilities and skills.  “…By this SHALLall men KNOW that ye are MY DISCIPLES, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:35 KJV). . “… Ye shall know them (MY DISCIPLES) BY THEIR FRUITS …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “… But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much FRUIT, and so prove to be MY DISCIPLES…” (John 15:8 NIV).Spiritual training is God’s METHOD for developing spiritual abilities and skills. Spiritual training AIMS at making you a true disciple by increasing knowledge AND experience. “… Go therefore and MAKE DISCIPLES of all the nations...” (Matthew 28:19 KJV). “… TEACH these new DISCIPLES to obey all the commands I have given you…” (Matthew 28:20 KJV).God miraculously USES your daily routine to grow and develop your spiritual abilities and you are OFTEN unaware of it. “… Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place (routine); and I knew it not…” (Genesis 28:16 NASB).Spiritual training infused into your routine is meant to strengthen your information skills and abilities through a sequence of mundane/ordinary actions and movements. These actions and movements involve mundane/ordinary tasks. “…to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might GROW in your knowledgeof God…” (Ephesian 1:17 NLT).These mundane/ordinary tasks result in gaining or growing knowledge, abilities, and skills where there were none. “… The more you GROWlike this , the more productive and useful you will be in your KNOWLEDGE of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 1:8 NLT).Spiritual training repairs, or replaces, or heals weaknesses, it informs, and it builds strength. Spiritual training is ongoing and continual throughout the Believer’s lifetime. “…GROW to maturity…” (2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT). “…until Christ be formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV).The primary purpose of spiritual training is to teach you and help you learn new abilities and skills. “….I pray… that you will keep on GROWINGin KNOWLEDGE and understanding…” (Philippians 1:19 NLT).Spiritual training helps God’s people acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and mindsets appropriate for Christian disciples. “…. be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind, THAT YOU MAY PROVE what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).When I lost my independence and was at the mercy of others; I had to choose to be submissive to other people’s wants and desires. I did not initially have a godly attitude about it either.  I had a negative attitude, about my situation, that was inappropriate for a child of God. My independent options were greatly reduced and it left me at the mercy of others in MANY different ways. However, the longer I stayed dependent upon others, where I had no choice, the more it became a part of my daily routine. I continued to submit, out of reverence to God, until it eventually chipped away at my negative attitude. “...God is opposed to the proud...” (James 4:6 KJV). “...submit to one another out of reverence for Christ...” (Ephesians 5:21 NLT).The more I submitted to God, out my love and respect, for him, first and foremost, the more I begin to learn about true biblical humility. I also learned about the humility of Jesus. Jesus said, “…I am gentle and humble in heart …” (Matthew 11:29 NIV). Jesus became my example. God was sovereign over his life and I needed to choose to allow him to become sovereign over mine. In my ordinary days of submitting to the “mercy of others,” I was learning, inadvertently, to also submit to God’s sovereignty. It was humbling. “… [God]…does whatever PLEASES HIM…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  “…He does as HE PLEASES   with …the peoples of the earth .NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).The more I submitted to God’s sovereignty, over my life, the more reverence and humble I became toward him and others. “… And those who walk in pride he is able to humble ” (Daniel 4 NIV). It was spiritual training and development embedded in my ordinary days. My attitude transformed into one of respect, honor, and love. I choose mercy over judgement realized nobody is just or righteous without God’s help. “… love one another , as I have loved you…” (John 15:12 KJV). “…. Give to everyone what you owe them: …IF RESPECT, then respect; IF HONOR, then honor…” (Roman 13:7 NIV). “… Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “…. forgive your brother or sister from your heart…" (Matthew 18:35 NIV). “…As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “ For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not ” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV).In my ordinary and routine days, humble submission became a familiar behavior. The more and longer I practiced submitting, within my new circumstance, out of reverence to God, the more humble I became. Jesus said, “…LEARN from me, for Iam gentle and HUMBLE in heart…” (Matthew 11:29 KJV).God kept me in that place, day after day, until humility shaped and molded me into the “image” God wanted me to become. “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).   “… In this world we are like Jesus …” (1 John 4:17 NIV).Training to submit, out of reverence to God, transformed into humility. Humility became a way of life I started to prefer, especially since it was a response that was pleasing to God.  “ HUMBLE YOURSELVES in the sight of the Lord… ” (James 4:10 KJV). “... I am … HUMBLE i n heart… ” (Matthew 11:29 It is PAINFUL to share this spiritual training. It is PAINFUL to be so transparent. We like people to think we don’t struggle with sin. Any form of PRIDE is sin. I struggled through this spiritual training, but eventually my pride dissipated. “… He that hath suffered (struggled) in the flesh hath ceased from sin…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). I didn’t want to be dependent. I didn’t want to be at the mercy of others. I was VERY prideful about receiving HELP from others. “… And those who walk in PRIDE he is able to humble... ” (Daniel 4 NIV). “…..nevertheless, NOT MY WILL, but thine, be done…” (Luke 22:42 KJV). “…If the Lord will , [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).God intervened. He put me in a place where everything in my daily routine taught me lessons in submission. “…. the Lord DISCIPLINES the one he loves, and he CHASTENS everyone he accepts as his son…." (Hebrews 12:6 NIV). “… And those who walk in pride he is able to humble ” (Daniel 4 NIV).Out of reverence to God and respect for his loving sovereignty, I humbled myself to his will. “... HUMBLE YOURSELVES in the sight of the Lord… ” (James 4:10 KJV). “…he does whatever pleases him ” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “...Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the POTTER power over the CLAY...?” (Romans 9:20-21 KJV). All my praise goes to the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and his Holy Goodness!!! “… there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou artgreat, and thy name is great in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).Spiritual training became part of my daily routine and it occurred through mundane, ordinary days. Spiritual training takes place within all the activities, interactions, and experiences in your daily life that challenges NEW behavioral responses and imparts NEW knowledge. New behavioral responses and new knowledge will require new skills and abilities that you will, most likely, NOT like or readily welcome. “…He TAUGHT His DISCIPLES and said to them…” (Mark 9:31 KJV). “…Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my DISCIPLES “IF” you remain faithful to my TEACHINGS...” (John 8:31 NLT).Any type of training instructs you in ways that aim at developing a new ability or skill or improving the performance of an old ability or skill. It takes humility to learn something different. Spiritual training is where new spiritual knowledge and behavior is PRACTICED, routinely. “…Then, calling the crowd to join his DISCIPLES, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, YOU MUST GIVE UP YOUR OWN WAY, take up your cross, and FOLLOW ME….” (Mark 8:34 NLT). “…old things are passed away; behold, all things are BECOME NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).Spiritual training can last for days, weeks, months, or years. Sorry, but it’s true. Only God knows how long it will take to develop you or grow you up spiritually.  “… Through this PROCESS, HE MADE the altar HOLY by purifying it…” (Leviticus 8:5 NLT).Further, spiritual training HURTS.  “...No chastening (spiritual training) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable FRUIT of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby...” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV).  “… [God allows spiritual training]…for our profit, that [you] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). Long after you think you’ve learned the lessons God intended for you to learn; you may find yourself in the same daily routine while more TIME keeps on passing. “…And in the PROCESS of time …” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). You are getting older. Your youth is reducing. You wondered if anything will ever be RESTORED. You are getting tired of the same old ROUTINE. When God when? It is starting to be BORING, DULL, MONOTONOUS, COMMON, and TEDIOUS. “… Through this PROCESS, HE MADE the altar HOLY by purifying it…” (Leviticus 8:5 NLT).Spiritual Training promises this: “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). . “ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time WE WILL REAP A HARVEST if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “…‘We’ve given up everythingto follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus said to him, “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News,will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).DON’T GIVE UP!! You may be getting tired of the same old ROUTINE. It may be getting old or has lasted a LONG, BORING, DULL, MONOTONOUS, COMMON, and TEDIOUS time. Trust the PROCESS and KNOW God has a PLAN for you. “…the plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future ” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).Remember, “…at the PROPER TIME [YOU]… WILL REAP A HARVEST if [you]… do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).God knows your WHOLE situation: how long it’s been, how old you are, opportunities you think you’ve missed, dreams that no longer seem plausible, your health, your years, your disappointments etc. YOUR TIMES ARE IN “HIS” HANDS.“… MY TIMES are in Your hand …” (Psalms 31:15a KJV).  “… MY FUTURE is in your hands …” (Psalms 31:15a NLT). “….To every [thing there is] a season, and A TIME to every purpose under the heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV).  “…For the vision [is] yet FOR AN APPOINTED TIME, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, WAIT FOR IT; because IT WILL SURELY COME,it will not tarry….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV). “…And in the PROCESSof TIME“IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).KEEP TRUSTING HIM!