Heart-training for Kingdom Living!

© Barry Hall 1997-2011 Taste Heaven Ministries Corvallis, Or.

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Almost all scriptures are taken from the updated NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1987, 1988, The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Other scriptures are from the New International Version or Amplified Bible as noted. All emphasis mine.

You don’t have to quench your thirsty desire for God with earthly things and relationships that are inadequate to supply what you long for most. You can repent of “other gods” and enjoy...

A Taste of Heaven...Now! The series.

Part Three:

Heart-training! A Guide for Directing your Heart toward God —in Accordance with His Grace

By Barry Hall

Taste Heaven Ministries Mission Statement: To Provide Understanding and Tools for a Reformation in Receiving the Presence of God into, onto, and around us by Faith!

“...he who takes refuge in Me will inherit the land and will possess My holy mountain. And it will be said, ‘Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstacle out of the way of My people.’ For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy, ‘I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” (Isa. 57:13-15)

Contents and Trouble-Shooting guide Introduction —Introduction for Heart-Training

7

Core Classes for Your Heart Core Classes Group One: —Believing and Enjoying the Truth About God

20

—Trusting Salvation for the Acceptance of God

25

—Changing Mis-beliefs About God (Elective that if needed goes here)

29

Core Classes Group Two: —~ How NOT to Change! Ineffective and Sinful Ways of Trying to Change 32 —~ Trusting the Punishment of Christ

33

—Turning from Bitterness and Unforgiveness

37

—Receiving Forgiveness and Cleansing

39

Core Classes Group Three: —Truth about us: Self-Esteem and Our Human Glory

45

— Believing God as Our Righteousness, Goodness, and Perfection

48

—Changing From Performance to Grace

52

Core Classes Group Four: —Believing and Enjoying God as Our Security

58

—Believing and Enjoying God as Our Reassurance

70

—Believing and Enjoying God as Our Protection

78

Core Classes Group Five: —God as Our Adequacy and Strength — and No Fear

88

—Confidence to Drink from God, Rather than Despair or Hopelessness

96

~—Inner Healing: Letting God Give You a New Heart

103

—Believing and Enjoying the Love of God

106

Core Classes Group Six: —Redefining Success: Being to the praise of God’s Glory, not my own

109

—Believing and Enjoying God as Our Thrill and Pleasure

117

—Believing and Enjoying God as Our Reason to Boast

122

—Turning from Demonic Pressure to Avoid or Believe Lies About God

125

~—Heart-training – Condensed

128

(Uses diagrams!)

Core Classes Group Seven: —I CAN Stand Before the Lord and Receive

136

—Being “to the Praise of His Glory”

146

—Healing and the Miraculous

150

Electives for Your Heart Electives Group One:

Encouragement and Instruction about Growing and Change —Benefits of Changing our Mind and Directing our Heart Toward God

164

—~ Believing “I CAN Change” and How to Do It

166

—God Speaks: Listening and Hearing God Speak to You

174

—God Listens: Prayer is Talking to God

179

—God is Involved: The Calling and Will of God

180

—Turning from Fear of Being Hurt by God

181

Electives Group Two:

Removing Obstacles Coming From Outside Influences —Turning from Pressure from People to Avoid God

184

—Turning from Pressure from Religious People to Hold Back

187

Electives Group Three:

Turning Away from Distractions and Specific Pursuits —Ministry as Idolatry

191

—~ Changing from Works to Grace (for Women)

197

—~ Turning Away from Self-Sabotage

208

—Turning Away from Money and Material Things

210

—Turning Away from Drug and Alcohol Abuse

212

—Turning Away from Food as Idolatry

215

—Turning Away from Bulimia

219

—Turning Away from Anorexia

225

—Turning Away from Self-Mutilation, Cutting, Burning

233

—Turning Away from Depression (as a habit or addiction)

239

—Turning Away from Sexual Pursuits

242

—Turning Away from Anger as Idolatry

251

—Turning Away from Violence

253

Electives Group Four:

Removing Obstacles that Decrease Motivation —Turning Away from Spiritual Pride (about God’s presence)

256

—No Vacations from God

257

Appendix —Appendix A: Process Steps for Doing what You Learn

260

—Appendix B: Being “to the Praise of His Glory” – Explained

261

—Appendix C: Exercises for the Soul 263 NOTE: The “Exercises for the Soul” are almost equal in importance to heart-training itself. Later in the Heart-training, more time should be in these exercises than the Heart-training.

Introduction

Heart-training Introduction The Bible says that “...the heart of man reflects man” (Pro. 27:19). And, “They always go astray in their heart...” (Heb. 3:10). So the best focus for Christian growth, must always be our heart. Great spiritual growth requires an ongoing re-alignment of our heart-level thinking, with truth in the Bible. The beliefs, loves, and fears of our heart must all be re-aligned. This book is a tool for people who want to do just that. Heart-training is a practical and effective method of getting truth into our heart and keeping it there. Hearttraining is a joyous and guilt free kind of repentance, aimed specifically at helping people to “draw near” and receive God’s presence with childlike freedom and faith. This book is both the “how to do it” and the “what to do.” But your heart-training shouldn’t ever stop. People need freedom in their relationship with God. Freedom to love Him without being bound to earthly things. Freedom to worship. Freedom to draw near to God and also to let Him draw near to them (Jam 4:8). These are things that will always need improvement. And Jesus explained how to do that when He said, “...you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Joh 8:32). But the truth that sets us free is much more than just what we know in our head. Freeing truth is that which our heart is fully convinced about. I learned in the workplace about continual process improvement. The Christian life is like that. Relationship with God is not a goal to achieve. It is a process, something we do over and over again. And if we think of our relationship with God as a process, then our efforts to improve become much more effective. Thinking of it this way also means that we never fully arrive at the “goal” because the goal is to always improve. Hearttraining gives people a powerful way to be engaged in the process of continual improvement. I wanted to remember these next 2 sentences so I taped them to walls in our home. The first is that “Great spiritual success and fulfilment of your calling are NOT possible without heart-training faithfully. The second sentence is continues by saying, “And, because people are just people, heart-training is necessary for very many others also. More spiritual success = more heart-training.” Those words are helpful because they remind me that I am not alone. They also remind me that I will always need to continue using this tool faithfully. And even though I have used some of these pages more than a thousand times, I continue to use this tool because it works far better than anything I have found. Next, you need to know the kinds of truth that this book aims to help you move from your head to your heart.

A Reformation of Faith for the Presence of God Long ago, there was a “reformation” in the church about salvation by faith. It was a biblical realignment in thinking about receiving Christ into us for salvation. It was primarily “good news” about eternity future. This book is an attempt to provide practical understanding and tools for fueling a second reformation. Like the first, this also represents a major biblical realignment in thinking. But here is the difference. This reformation is about receiving God’s presence onto and around us by faith AFTER salvation. This change in thinking isn’t about the future. It is primarily good news for the present. Consider this. If we were to receive the presence of God by faith in His grace, it could easily be just as history changing as the first reformation.

Introduction

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The truth is that we can experience the presence of God far more intensely and far more regularly than most think is realistic. And do this, we MUST. But getting there, requires that we look honestly at idolatry in our heart. We must also consider God’s plan for HOW He intends to be a better God to us than the “other gods” of this world. God wants to be God to us by His presence in, on, AND around us becoming our refuge, strength, and glory – our entire basis for confidence and security. So, God purposely designed us with a driving NEED to experience Him in the very way that He wants to be God to us. But most Christians today are afraid of this kind of closeness and don’t know how to make it work. So, driven by our unmet need, we have unknowingly become addicted to earthly “glory.” And idolatry in our heart is preventing God from being God to us as He desires. And let’s face the truth. There are MANY obstacles that prevent us from experiencing God as we know we should. Human weakness and fears are great. Therefore, we must also think biblically, creatively, and we MUST be practical about how we can change, and then how we can maintain that change. It all adds up to this: Christians need to get back to basics and then we need to apply those basics to go beyond where we have ever been. Heart-training is a tool for helping people to do just that.

I Wrote this Book For People... I believe that many will read this book as a devotional because they will find themselves greatly encouraged and uplifted by the words they read here. But I did not write this book for them. I wrote this book for people who believe that very little will change unless we show the world the love of God and His kingdom, at least as clearly as it was during the time of Christ. These are people who want the presence of God and His kingdom close to them, far more than they want anything else (or, at least they want to want it). Yes, there will be many who experience healing by applying these things. But healing, and even miracles won’t slow them down because they know that the moment they let themselves be satisfied with anything other than God Himself, their forward progress stops completely. I wrote this book for those who decide they will use this tool with determination and purpose. They will use it to go far beyond just being encouraged and uplifted by this book. They will use it to strip away their earthly dependancies, pride, and disbelief. And they will keep using it until faith and delight toward God grow so strong that they find spiritual understanding for drawing near and entering before the Lord. This book is for the people who will use the heart-training to turn their neediness toward God until they find freedom to receive and to make the presence of God their reason for courage, confidence, and security. They will use it to teach themselves to greatly love and enjoy the closeness of God as their “I AM.” And, they will continue using the heart-training because they will have found it to be an effective tool for experiencing the kingdom of God and even heaven itself, all around them here. Their worship will be boastful and strong, because the heart-training will help them to experience God as the God who “draws near” and who is a far better God to them than the “other gods” of this world. So, be encouraged and blessed by using this book! But if you are one who wants to use this tool to go beyond those things, then this “introduction” and the “background teachings” in this book will be important as a foundation for helping you to do that.

Introduction

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Changing How We Think in Our Heart Christian growth works best when it is based on a continual process of true Biblical repentance. Technically speaking, repentance means to “change our mind.” But in the context of the Bible, true repentance changes the thinking patterns of our heart. It also means we have to change the beliefs, loves, and fears in our heart so that we think in ways that are consistent with the kingdom of God. The beliefs, loves, and the fears of our heart must change or our behavior will remain unaffected. And, we CAN change the thinking patterns in our heart, by speaking truth out loud, listening to what we are saying, and by letting the truth sink down deep into our heart: “...faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17). “...confess with your mouth...and believe in your heart...” (Rom 10:9). “for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness...” (Rom 10:10). God designed us as needy people. We need security, a sense of being significant, and a basis for having courage. A lifestyle of repentance is one of continually training our heart to turn from trying to meet these needs by feeding ourselves with earthly glory sources. And at the same time, also training our heart to find freedom to draw near to God, let Him draw near to us, and enjoy His presence with us as the basis for meeting these needs. By this process, we trade earthly glory for the glorious presence of God. By this process God is becoming our one and only God as He desires. Heart-training involves teaching our heart to believe that the payback for repentance is so great that turning our dependance away from earthly glory and sin is a price well worth paying; “...repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). So repentance is more than stopping the bad behaviors! Repentance includes changing the way we think about God’s grace and our being able to enter before God and love Him more fully. If repentance hasn’t taken us to deeper levels of experiencing God, it isn’t really complete yet. Even so, please note that the repentance that God desires is without regret: “...the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret...”(2 Cor. 7:10). So, God wants us to feel sorrow for sin but it is NOT God’s will for us to repent by how bad we make ourselves feel for sin. The focus for repentance is our heart, not our outer behavior. Behavior is the result, not the cause: “...the heart of man reflects man.” (Pro. 27:19). “They always go astray in their heart...” (Heb. 3:10). “...from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the...evil things...” (Mark 7:21-23). So, read the statements on the heart-training pages out loud and listen to what you are saying. At each (pause) stop and rest into letting your heart believe and love the truth. Don’t worry about having to do everything perfectly, only believe to the extent that you are able at the moment. Then, move on to the next statement. Just be sure to use the (pause) for brief moment to think about what you just said, and to allow your heart to hear, believe, and to love the truth of it. Please also note that while there are major sections in the heart-training called “levels,” don’t make the mistake of moving from one level to the next and leaving the earlier ones behind. All of it works together.

Distractions and How I Keep Doing These Things Deep down I believe that behavior flows from the heart and our heart follows what we treasure. I also believe that if we change what we treasure, then our behavior will follow that, and change. Even so, I can fill my life with distractions just as well as the next guy. I mean if you were to peak into my life, it would often seem like I am treasuring anything and everything except God. You might even see that sometimes my distractions appear to be carefully crafted in order to dull my desire to move forward.

Introduction

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Then again, there are also times when I suddenly wake up enough to realize that “continuing on this path will easily waste the entire rest of my life. And that makes me afraid, because when I am old and looking back, I don’t want to feel pain from a meaningless and wasted life. So, whatever I do for a job, or where I live, or whatever things are on that level, I want the underlying foundation of my life to be focused on the most meaningful and significant things possible.” When I wake up enough to think and feel those things, at that point, it is either continue on living in hopelessness and a quiet kind of despair, or I have to look for a reason to have hope so that I can move forward again. For me, I always seem to come back to the same thing because deep down in my heart I deeply BELIEVE that behavior flows from our heart and our heart follows what we treasure. So, if I change what I treasure, then my behavior will change. And, I will be able to pursue the Lord. And, I won’t be so bogged down with earthly distractions. For me, those become windows of time where I might “appear” to be a disciplined person. Because, for as long as the distractions stay away, I try real hard to focus my effort in the best way I know is possible. What do I do? I teach my heart what to believe about earthly things and about God. I teach my heart by giving myself reasons to love God, reasons to NOT be afraid, and reasons to treasure the closeness of the Lord. Sure distractions come back. But during those times when I am seeing things clearly, I try to run with it as hard as I can. So even though changing my behavior is the goal, I focus almost totally on changing what I treasure. And I do that by teaching my heart what to believe, what to love, and what NOT to be afraid of. By doing this, I am renewing my mind. I am renewing the mind of my heart. So, is discipline the reason I am able to do these things? NO WAY! The truth is that it is avoidance of pain. I don’t want to waste my life, and I want to live it for absolutely the most significant things possible.

The Role of Discipline and Decisions Some people think that being a Christian is just about making the right choices. If that is true then the Christian life has more to do with discipline than the loves, beliefs, and fears in our heart. And, I don’t believe it! Have you ever fallen to temptation so fast that afterward you wondered what happened? I have. In times like those I don’t believe that our conscious mind had time to rationally choose what we would do. Discipline is important, but I think that most of us are more reactive than disciplined. If growth in the Christian life is mainly about discipline, how is it that the gospel is for weak and sinful people? Our relationship with God is primarily a thing of the heart—and not purely from discipline. Don’t get me wrong. Sin is sin and we need to make the right choices. But sin is also a desperate attempt to fill our neediness apart from God. In those cases you may not even be aware that a choice was made. It is vital that we make the right choices—but it works better when those choices flow out of faith and love toward God. Discipline is good. But purity is deeper than surface behaviors. Disciples are “disciplined ones.” But disciples are those whose discipline is a response to their love and faith in God.

Introduction

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You can try as hard as you want to stop every time, and think about making the right choices. But eventually, your heart is going to take over and you will still do the wrong thing. It is what is in our heart that has to improve! So, living the Christian life can’t be boiled down to making right choices. It can’t be boiled down like that because decisions and choices do little to change the heart that produces the behavior. Our behavior has to improve! But the focus of our effort must be to improve the beliefs, decrease the fears, and to increase the love in our heart. Two times the Bible talks about “...the obedience of faith...” (Rom. 1:5 and Rom. 16:26). To me that says that obedience comes from faith—not from duty or from pure discipline.

Disciplining yourself to just make the right choices isn’t the answer. Can you tell I am frustrated here? I have had enough of accountability groups that focus on what people do or don’t do. Why not help each other to go after the root of the problem instead of just focusing on behavioral symptoms? Why not use our small groups for helping one another to change the way we think in our heart. When we Christians train our heart to think according to the kingdom of God, the whole world will see a dramatic result.

The Bible tells us where to focus when it says, “...applying all diligence, in your faith...” (2 Pet. 1:5). And, “...building yourselves up on your most holy faith” (Jude 1:20). Why not focus our effort where it counts? The solution for fear is to believe and to love (John 14:1; 1 John 4:18). The Bible is clear when it says that “...everyone who believes is freed from all things…” (Acts 13:39).

The choices we make don’t start with choices. The choices we make are the result of what we believe in our heart, what we are afraid of, what we love. When you change those things good choices and good behavior are the result.

So, what is the answer for weak and hurting people who don’t have any discipline? I think we have to make repentance fun! When teaching your heart what to believe and love, use delight in your tone of voice. Talk to yourself! King David did that a lot! Thrill yourself into loving God. Your heart will respond and right behavior will follow. Doing these things is the kind of repentance that makes the gospel work for those of us who are weak and who sometimes act before WE think. So don’t wait until after you sin. Change the beliefs and loves of your heart, before you have the next choice to make where you might do something wrong. It works best to change the way your heart thinks for preventative reasons rather than something you do as a reaction. This way, the repentance that actually changes your patterns of thinking, also changes your outward behavior because then your behavior becomes a simple response to changes in what your heart is believing and loving.

Introduction

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If your repentance is only a strong decision that you make with your head, it won’t ever work well enough. Far more than a simple decision, when you change the thinking patterns in your heart, your “want to” changes. And that IS true biblical repentance because it makes you want to do the right thing before you are even presented with the “choice” to do wrong. The practical result is that it seems like you have already made the right choice before the circumstance arrives. Are you a person who helps others live the Christians life? Please don’t boil repentance down so far that you tell people that they just have to make the right choices. That might work for you—on an external level, but it certainly doesn’t help the rest of us. For the rest of you, the next time that someone boils the Christian life down to pure discipline don’t listen to it. Just smile and thank the Lord that you know a better and much more effective way.

“Process Goals” Below are the major “process goals” for you as you use the heart-training tool. I call them process goals because the Christian life is a process and not an achievement. Growth happens in cycles. Improvement is always possible and we never arrive. God may have us focus in one area of the heart-training and then months, or years later, come back to it because then we are ready and able to go deeper with it than when we focused on it before. Please note that the essence of each of these process goals is for us to use the heart-training as a tool for helping us to love and worship the Lord more fully. Having said these things, allow me now to be more specific about the purpose of the heart-training statements and the major “process goals” you should have for yourself as you use it.

The First Major Process Goal The first process goal of heart-training is for you to use the heart-training as a tool for teaching your heart about the character of God, forgiveness and cleansing, about how to change, and about the love and acceptance of God. In general, use the sections in the heart-training under “Group One,” and also under “Group Two.” Keep in mind that it is likely that you won’t be as successful as you desire with this first process goal until you move on and begin focusing on the second and third process goals. So on one hand, you can’t afford to rush through these early concepts, but you can’t let yourself get stuck here either. The heart-training sections in all the major “groups” work together to loosen the hard ground of our heart. So just keep moving with the heart-training because eventually, momentum will build as your love for God grows more and more. The seeds of the word of God will get planted in your heart, they will be watered, and they will begin to grow. When teaching your heart about “how NOT to change” use the section by that title and also the next called, “Trusting the Cross: Trusting the Punishment that Christ Took upon Himself.” Your goal for this area of focus is to get your heart to begin believing that it is sin for you to use condemnation and guilt as tools for repentance and change. Both of those sections will be important for changing you in this area. At this point, you can move to the section called, “I CAN Change, I can direct my heart toward God.” Or, you can move to the next sections about the character of God and come back to this.

Introduction

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The order here isn’t nearly as important as the simple fact that you need to change how you think about repentance and change. Doing this is vital because using condemnation in order to force “growth and change” makes us cower inside. It closes us off from God. Condemnation and guilt as tools for change harden our heart and make it very difficult for the heart-training to do the work it is intended to do. So let the statements and the verses in these sections work in deep. Then later when you get discouraged about how slow things are moving, come back to these sections because they will encourage you to keep going with the heart-training. The next major portion in this first process goal involves the character of God. For this area of focus you should use the section called, “Truth about God” and the next one called “Changing Mis-beliefs about God.” These sections are a great place to start if you have been hurt deeply and you are having difficulty trusting the Lord. If that is the case with you, use these sections to begin softening your heart but remember what I said earlier about not getting stuck here. There are normally many issues affecting our inability to trust God. Just keep using the heart-training because as you do that, the Holy Spirit will guide you and help you work through the heart issues affecting your faith and trust. The next sections in the “group two” have to do with the love and acceptance of God. There are also sections here for hearing God speak, prayer, and the calling and will of God. Use these sections as needed but try to remember they are here because it is likely they are ones you will need to come back to at a later time.

The Second Major Process Goal The second process goal for you is to use the heart-training as a tool for removing the obstacles between you and the Lord by turning from feeding yourself in earthly and human ways. This process goal includes any of the heart-training sections in “group three” through “group six.” This second goal involves coming to a place where you “rest” from having to feed yourself by sin, or by subtle forms of internal self-directed praise. Use the heart-training to remind your heart that you want security, a sense of confidence, and strength. Along with this, use the heart-training to teach your heart to believe and love that God is a better and much more realistic source for you to meet these needs. Make it your intention to allow the heart-training to change you from wanting, and from working to achieve a sense of having human glory yourself – so that you can feed yourself emotionally with that. Let your heart hear, believe, and love feeding on and enjoying the closeness of God. Since Christian maturity is all about greater dependance on God, know for certain that depending on God this way is right and good for you. Depending on God is also central to what it means to have God as your God. Said another way, this second process goal is for you to use the heart-training to get your heart to love finding the refuge you need by trusting the presence of God to draw near and surround you so that you can find refuge and strength by being IN Him. Note also that this second process goal includes the heart-training sections in “group five.” These sections are important because they focus on heart-training statements aimed and removing obstacles that come from influences outside of ourselves. These outside influences include other people outside the church, the demonic, and also religious people inside the church.

Know What to Expect The heart-training is designed to remove obstacles from all of these things, just by your using it. You won’t really need to think about these “process goals.” Just keep making sure you are faithful to use the hearttraining tool.

Introduction

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In the early stages of heart-training you will find yourself greatly encouraged and built up. And, if you keep going with it, you need to know some about what to expect. Under normal conditions, human energy and motivation come from internal praise toward ourselves. The heart-training will help you to turn from doing this (But if you are like me, it won’t ever be a 100% kind of turning from living this way). Just know that the heart-training tool is effective enough that if you keep going with it, you will go through a time where motivation and energy greatly decrease. When this happens, you need to know that the heart-training is working. You are changing from feeding yourself with internal selfdirected praise, but you haven’t yet made the transition to finding that motivation (and energy on a human level) through your relationship with God. This stage is kind of a “no man’s land.” By that I mean it is hard and not fun at all! Just know that you need to keep moving forward! The heart-training will help you! Important: All of us have areas in our heart that are more hard than others. These don’t always soften easily with a direct approach. If you recognize some problem and go to a section that seems directly related, it is possible that you won’t be able to break the hardness because of too much self-protection. When that happens, you can’t stop heart-training. You need to go to a different section that you believe may be related to the problem as you know it. Eventually what happens, is that you will find the key that begins to soften your heart and then when you come back to the main section you know to be a problem you will find a lot more success breaking through.

The Third Major Process Goal The third process goal for you in using the heart-training is for you to find spiritual understanding and freedom to draw near to God and let Him draw near to you. The one main heart-training section for this third process goal is in “Group Seven,” and is titled, “Our Access and God’s Grace to Draw Near.” By the time you get to this section, most of the concepts won’t be new because most of the verses used in this section are used throughout the entire heart-training book. Note also that for getting your heart to believe you can receive the presence of the Lord, the sections that are most important at the start are the early ones about forgiveness and cleansing, and also the sections about security and protection. Diligence in applying yourself to the earlier process goals of the heart-training enables you to do this third goal. In other words, if you haven’t been diligent with the first two process goals the third and fourth process goals won’t seem realistic to you at all. Allow me to explain. The Bible tells us to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). We are also told to “...have confidence to enter the holy place....” (Heb. 10:19). And, “...through [Jesus] we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18). Jesus also told us that “...no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). And, “...Christ... died...so that He might bring us to God...” (1Pet 3:18). To me, these verses have just as much application to this life as after we die. So if we draw near to God how can we be sure that He will draw near to us? Well, the short answer is that doing that is just how it works. When we “draw near” to God we are getting close to the radiance of the Holy Spirit surrounding the Father and the Son. So, as we draw near to God, He “draws near” to us HERE simply because we have come close to Him. The principle is simple. If you get close to a fountain, you are going to get wet. And that is what we are doing when we get close to God. Reality is however, that drawing near to God is something that has to be spiritually understood.

Introduction

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So why aren’t we drawing near as we should? I believe the main obstacle is our pride from feeding ourselves in earthly ways and living to the praise of our own human glory. The Bible says that “...God resists the proud...” (1Pet 5:5 KJV). The heart-training is for helping you to “humble your soul” so that you can do these things with freedom and childlike joy. So while we know in our head that we should draw near to God, we really ought to expect that before we humble ourselves from feeding on earthly things, we really won’t being able to draw near, and we certainly won’t understanding how to do it. But the good news about this is that as you do your heart-training, understanding WILL come. You will know how to enter before the Lord, and freedom to draw near WILL come. So the real issue with entering and drawing near to the Lord isn’t really about knowing how to do it. It has a lot more to do with removing the obstacles that keep us from the understanding just being there. The more the obstacles are removed, the more the Holy Spirit will be free to teach you and the more you will understand. That is why applying yourself to the earlier process goal for using the heart-training enables you to be able to do this third process goal. There is more. The Bible explains that it was by the grace of God that “...you have been saved through faith...” (Eph 2:8). It also says that “...we...receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:14). And then regarding life after salvation, the Bible tells us that “...as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,” (Col. 2:6 ). So receiving Christ for salvation was by faith. We continue to receive Him by faith after salvation the same way. How does it work? The Bible explains about salvation that “...we were all made to drink of one Spirit” (1Cor 12:13). So when we received Christ at the start we believed God and at the same moment in time, we also “drank” the Holy Spirit from Him. The Bible also explains that “He saved us...by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:5-6). So we received the Holy Spirit for salvation by drinking the Spirit of God who was “poured out” through Jesus. We know from scripture that Jesus is still “...the radiance of [the Father’s] glory...” (Heb. 1:2,3. And we know that our God continues to be “...the fountain of living water...” (Jer. 17:13). So I believe that after salvation we “walk in Him,” we walk inside His presence, by learning to keep on drinking from God all the time: “...Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:37-39). So the Bible is true when it says that “...You give them to drink...For with You is the fountain...” (Psa. 36:8,9). Now we know “in our head” that we need to draw near and drink from the Lord. And we also know that we ought to believe it because “...we...receive...the Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:14). Even further, we know that we MUST believe it because the Bible tells us that “...he who comes to God must believe that...He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). So why aren’t we doing it? Certainly a few are drinking from God, but why aren’t vast numbers of Christians drawing near and drinking from God? Jesus explained when He said, “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?” (John 5:44). So “receiving glory” from earthly sources is damaging to our faith for receiving from God. Allow me to say again that drawing near to God is something that has to be spiritually understood. So is “drinking” from Him. That is why the first goal for using the Heart-training is for you to do your part in removing the obstacles of pride and of drinking glory from earthly sources.

Introduction

16

Will you or I ever be successful at removing these obstacles completely? I don’t believe so. Certainly my own experience is testimony to that. All we can really do is go after re-training our heart so that enough of these obstacles are removed for us to go on to working toward the next goals of the heart-training. Then we have to continue with the heart-training in order to maintain these changes. So just keep turning your faith away from trusting earthly sources to feed you and toward the Lord. And keep on doing this until you change to a place of being free to confidently believe that the grace of God is so great that you are able to draw near to God and continually receive the glory that is the presence of God. By this you will be living in the realm of the kingdom of God and praising God’s glory HERE (instead of praising your human glory). The Bible calls it living “to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12) and also living to the “praise of the glory of His grace” (Eph. 1:6). More information about doing this is available in the section by that title toward the end of this book.

The Fourth Major Process Goal The fourth process goal for you in using the heart-training is for you to transition from living to the praise of your glory, “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12). This fourth process goal involves learning to stay in the throne room HERE, before the Lord, and exalt Him as your God by your worship and your dependance on Him. This fourth process goal is where you trust that God has drawn near to you by bringing heaven with Him all around you here. Remember again that the first process goal was for you to learn to find refuge in the presence of the Lord. This fourth process goal is where you learn to “possess” the kingdom of God because “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13). When you “possess” the mountain of God, you will have taken possession of His kingdom (if you are like me, you will still have to keep using the heart-training in order to maintain this level of “abiding”). This fourth process goal is for you to use the heart-training to teach your heart to trust that Jesus and the Father are before you here, and angels are all around. Here, you also learn to keep your eyes on Jesus and the Father, trusting God to be clothing you with His power: “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). And even here just as in the first process goal, you are still trusting that “...we...receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:14). And let me say again that “...it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all...” (Rom. 4:16). Certainly by this stage in your heart-training your love and worship toward the Lord will have greatly increased. There is a practical human benefit that is part of this fourth process goal. You need to understand this also. This fourth process goal in your using the heart-training is also for you to change to a place where motivation and energy come from knowing, believing, and enjoying that you are exalting the Lord in a very significant and eternally valuable way. Let me to explain.

Motivation and Energy to Face the Challenges of Life Our humanity is in a fallen state and doesn’t measure up to the glory standard set inside us.

Introduction

17

When we are living according to the flesh, motivation and energy come from our level of confidence to believe that our human glory is, and will be, worthy of honor and respect, praise and love. As long as we can believe that we are and will be worthy of these things, then motivation and energy levels remain strong. If for any reason we can’t believe or we loose hope of being worthy of honor, respect, praise, or love, then energy and motivation escapes us. When we are living according to the flesh, we are living to the praise of our own human glory. Honest evaluation brings a recognition that living to the praise of our glory is meaningless and empty. And deep inside we sense that the value of our praise is insignificant. It doesn’t last beyond our own existence. And, the result is a wasted life. When we live according to the Spirit, our humanity is still in a fallen state, but the presence of God is making up for what our humanity lacks. The fourth goal for you in using the heart-training is for you to learn to live according to the Spirit where our motivation and energy on a human level comes from knowing that our praise toward God is honoring Him so greatly that we enjoy the fact that the value of our praise will last for eternity. Consider now how our praise and worship becomes a cycle of such great motivation and energy that we want to “...continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Heb. 13:15). It is our “spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1), to present our bodies to the Lord. Doing that requires that we trust the promise of the new covenant where it says, “...I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people’” (2Cor 6:16). So when we are believing God is “walking among us,” and that heaven is all around us here, “...we have...witnesses surrounding us...” (Heb. 12:1) in vast numbers watching and joining us as we praise Him (examples of those in the heavenly audience are listed in Heb. 11). Also surrounding us are very many thousands of “....rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:10). They also are witnesses to our praise. And, by freely admitting our childlike neediness and dependance on the closeness of God and His kingdom, we exalt and honor Him in heavenly realms before a vast audience of heavenly beings. When we feed ourselves from earthly sources or from the glory of our humanity, our demonic enemy enjoys it. They “glory” in our dependance on earthly things. They party in it. But we avoid being reason for the enemy to celebrate and party when we let ourselves enjoy that truth while we are worshiping Him, we feel energy and motivation because of it; “...since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” (Heb. 12:28). And by praising Him as a God who is greater than the gods of this world, we are exalting Him above “...spiritual forces of wickedness...” (Eph. 6:12). By consciously enjoying this truth during our worship toward God, we are strengthened We have motivation and energy on a human level. We find significance that is eternal, and our life is NOT wasted because of it. So, when we let ourselves believe and be confident that our praise and worship is VERY significant; and that our exalting God has eternal value, we find ourselves filled with motivation and energy that affects our entire life. By this, we find a kind of motivation and energy that creates an on going cycle. The motivation and energy that we find from confidently believing that our worship and praise is highly significant and has eternal value supplies a kind of motivation and energy that keeps us doing the same thing over and over. By this we are living ““to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph 1:12). We are living “to the praise of the glory of His grace...” (Eph 1:6).

Introduction

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Our praise and worship is significant in the heavenly realms and it has value that will last for eternity. Know with certainty that we are constantly drinking from something that has glory, and it is an energizing kind of praise that is always the result. So instead of earthly things, “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). It is a “sacrifice of praise” because we are sacrificing praise that would normally have gone toward us. And our life is NOT wasted because of it! Allow me to repeat myself but say it more briefly. Seek to worship and praise the Lord while trusting that God has drawn near with heaven is around you here, with Jesus and the Father in front of you, and with angels all around you here; and while being confident about the eternal value and significance of your worship, make it your intention to find motivation and energy humanly speaking, from exalting the Lord by boasting in the Him, and in the kingdom of God being all around you here.

Don't Feed on Your Spiritual Achievements! Every time you grow to some new level with God you should expect to have to fight against turning from God and feeding yourself with the “achievement” rather than with God Himself. This too is a “works” approach to life rather than resting in His grace. Be careful about this one because I have been at this for many years and I still struggle on this point sometimes.

A Warning and a Challenge For as long as you feed yourself with the new “heights” you have “achieved” you will plateau and stop growing. None of us can afford to do that. We have to keep moving forward. Remind your heart over and over that it is only by standing before the Lord and looking at Him that He is able to “author and perfect” your faith (Heb. 12:2). Drinking from God and enjoying His presence is our only and our best option. Anything else is an idolatrous and prideful substitution.

What if you don’t feel like rejoicing about the truth? You are treating the truth with honesty when you thank God for what you know to be true in your head—even when you don’t feel like it in your heart. The truth is worthy of delight and passion in your tone of voice even when your heart isn’t there yet!

“Process Goals” Let me say again that the goals for your heart-training are “process goals.” That means that none of us ever fully “arrive” at some vague and lofty spiritual goal. All we can do is to get the change started as best as we can by using the heart-training. Then, we have to keep using the heart-training so that we can maintain this change. At times I have been frustrated that I can’t seem to grow past using the heart-training. But then it is as though I realize all over again that the Christian life is always a process. Obstacles between us and the Lord find there way in. That is just the way it is. So in order to keep growing, heart-training has to be a way of life. And the way I see it, that is just another one of those things that won’t ever change.

Heart-Training “Core Classes” for Your Heart

Group One “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

© Barry Hall 2011 www.tasteheavennow.net

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(These scriptures may be hard for you to deeply believe at first. Even so, read them out loud. “Ascribe glory” to God by impressing the greatness of these truths on your heart. Purpose to listen to what you are saying. Eventually, your heart will hear. You will believe. And, your delight in God will increase.) (This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! Heart hear this: God is good. It is evil that is evil! (And, then one of these...)

... (Your name) , delight in the truth about God! I can trust God because He does not lie. IT IS WRITTEN that He is “...God, who cannot lie...” (Titus 1:2). (pause to feel reassured by it!) “...has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19). (pause to feel reassured by it!) “God is not a man, that He should lie...” (Num. 23:19). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). (pause to hear it) ... (Your name) , delight that it is safe for me to trust God because He is holy, righteous, and very good. Heart, rest into believing that God is good to me. I love the truth that “...the Lord is good...” (Psa. 135:3). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...Holy is He.” (Psa. 99:3). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness...” (Psa. 11:7). (pause to feel reassured by it!) “You are good and do good...” (Psa. 119:68). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.” (Psa. 100:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psa. 34:8). ... (Your name) , I love the truth that I don’t have to stay away from God because He forgives me freely. I rest into receiving the touch of God’s cleansing on me and in me. “...You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive...” (Psa. 86:5). And, I love the truth! “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) God says to me that “I...am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins” (Isa. 43:25). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud, and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” (Isa. 44:22). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , delight in the truth that I don’t have to be afraid to get close to God because God is kind, slow to anger, and compassionate. Heart, it is safer to trust God than to trust in earthly things or in myself. Heart, rest into believing and let yourself feel joy about God. “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate” (Psa. 116:5). (pause to hear it) “...you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psa. 86:15 NIV). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime...” (Psa. 30:5). (pause to hear it) “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail” (Lam. 3:22). “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God...” (Psa. 36:7). (pause to feel confidence from it!)

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(This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! Heart hear this: God is good. It is evil that is evil! (And, then one of these...)

... (Your name) , I am humbling myself into believing and loving that truths apply to me... God “...has not despised...the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him...” (Psa. 22:24). God promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7). (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...Jesus prayed, “...Of those whom You [Father] have given Me I lost not one” (John 18:9).

... (Your name) , it IS the truth that I don’t have to be afraid to let God draw near to me. Heart, rest into believing that God will not abandon or betray His people and God will not abandon or betray me. God says to me that “...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). He is “...the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls” (1 Peter 2:25). And, I love the truth about MY God! “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16).“My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people" (Ezek. 37:27). “I will also walk among you and be your God...” (Lev. 26:12). “...the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake [us, as] His inheritance” (Psa. 94:14). “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22).; “...those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You...have not forsaken those who seek You” (Psa. 9:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...He will not fail you...” (Deut. 4:31). My God is not like other people who have failed me. I will trust Him. “...He...is called Faithful and True...” (Rev. 19:11). (pause to love the God who is close!)

... (Your name) , enjoy the truth I don’t have to be afraid to draw near to God. God is loving and He takes pleasure in His people. Heart, this IS the truth! God loves and He takes pleasure in me! “...the Lord loves His people...” (2 Chron. 2:11). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you” (Deut. 23:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...the Lord takes pleasure in His people...” (Psa. 149:4). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...great is your love toward me...” (Psa. 86:13 NIV). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph. 3:17 NIV).; “...love is from God...” (1 John 4:7). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

...Heart, delight that I don’t have to stay away when I am hurting because God comforts His people. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psa. 34:18). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...God...comforts the depressed...” (2 Cor. 7:6); “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you...” (Isa. 66:13). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...I, am He who comforts you...” (Isa. 51:12); “...the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

22

Believing and Enjoying the Truth About God (This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! Heart hear this: God is good. It is evil that is evil! (And, then one of these...)

... (Your name) , rest into loving the truth that I don’t have to protect myself from believing God’s love for me. God’s perfect love for me casts out my fears! (1 John 4:18). (pause to believe, and love the truth!) God’s love for me IS patient and kind! (1 Cor 13:4

RSV).

(pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!)

God’s love looks for ways of being constructive with me! (1 Cor. 13:5a Phillips). (pause to hear it) “For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines...He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness...afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:6,10,11). God does NOT get irritated in His love for me! (1 Cor 13:5 The Living Bible). (pause to hear and love it) God’s love for me is NOT condemning in any way! (Rom. 8:1). And, I love the truth about God! God’s love for me is NOT like a roaring lion that is seeking to devour me! (1 Peter 5:8). God knows everything about me, yet still, God deeply loves me — I cannot escape it!

(Psa. 139).

God’s love does not decrease when I fail! (1 Cor. 13:8; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:36-39). (pause to hear it) God’s love for me does not increase when I succeed! (Eph. 3:17-19). (pause to feel reassured by it!) God’s love for me is good. God’s love is good enough for me to trust! (Psa. 34:8; John 15:9). ...my faith and my trust in God’s love causes Him to feel pleasure! “And without faith it is impossible to please Him...” (Heb. 11:6). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.” (Psa. 149:4). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!)

I turn my heart to abide inside Your love. I rest into receiving the touch of God’s love all around and in me. “keep yourselves in the love of God...” (Jude 1:21). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...God is love, and the one who abides in love, abides in God and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16). “...abide in My love.” (John 15:9). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (Psa. 33:22 NIV). “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deut. 6:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...cling to Him.” (Deut. 13:4). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...the Lord longs to be gracious to you...He waits on high to have compassion on you...” (Isa. 30:18). “'For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and...of Judah cling to Me,' declares the Lord, 'that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise and for glory; but they did not listen.'” (Jer. 13:11). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of the Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (pause to hear, believe, and love the closeness of God and the kingdom of God, all around you here!)

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(This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! Heart hear this: God is good. It is evil that is evil! (And, then one of these...)

... (Your name) , God IS our healer. So, rejoice in the truth that the radiance of the Holy Spirit is pouring out all around God. And since “...we...receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:14), I am RESTING into believing and receiving the touch of God’s healing power all around and in me. IT IS WRITTEN that “...I, the Lord, am your healer” (Exo. 15:26). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). “...all the people were trying to touch Him, for power was coming from Him and healing them all” (Luke 6:19). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick” (Mat. 14:14). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). (pause to hear and love it) “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases” (Psa. 103:2,3; see also Mat. 8:16,17 and Isa. 53:4,5). (pause to feel confidence from it!) ... (Your name) , delight in the truth that I don’t have to hide when I feel insecure! God is a refuge of strength and power for His people. And Lord, I am trusting that I am protected by YOUR presence. “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psa. 9:9 NIV). “God is to us a God of deliverances...” (Psa. 68:20). And, I love the truth about God! “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe” (Prov. 18:10). “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” (Psa. 118:8). (pause to hear and love it) ... (Your name) , God does NOT give the glory from our worship to any other (Isa 42:8). But God DOES give the glory of His presence because the Lord gives “grace and glory”(Psa. 84:11). And since God wants US to be His glory here on earth (Jer 13:11), I am trusting that the glory of God is with me! The glory of God distinguishes us from other people (Exo 33:15-18)! Heart, the glory of God is what makes me special! “‘...as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and...of Judah cling to Me,’ declares the Lord, ‘that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise and for glory; but they did not listen’” (Jer 13:11). “The Lord bless you...the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-26 NIV). (pause to feel confidence from it!) “...The Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psa. 84:11). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...the God of all grace...” (1 Peter 5:11); “...your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). (pause to hear and love it) “...the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His...” (2 Chron. 16:9). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary...God...Himself gives strength and power to the people...” (Psa. 68:35). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

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(This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! Heart hear this: God is good. It is evil that is evil! (And, then one of these...)

... (Your name) , delight in the truth that I don’t have to avoid God even when others hurt me. (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “God is a righteous judge...” (Psa. 7:11). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...His judgements are true and righteous...” (Rev. 19:2). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...the Lord is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him” (Isa. 30:18). “Behold, these are the wicked; and always at ease, they have increased in wealth...When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end” (Psa. 73:12 and 16,17). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , I don’t have to stay away from God because Jesus is the righteousness I need inside me, AND when God’s presence touches my body, His cleansing makes me holy on the outside also. I rest into believing it as the truth because IT IS WRITTEN that I am “...sanctified by faith in [Jesus Christ]” (Acts 26:18). So, I rest into receiving the touch of God’s holiness all around and in me. Heart, believe it because IT IS WRITTEN that “...I am the Lord who sanctifies you” (Lev. 22:32). God has promised and He won’t hold back: “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols” (Ezek. 36:25). “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely...” (1 Thess. 5:23). “...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:22). (pause to hear it) “Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies” (Rom. 10:33). ... (Your name) , it is best to turn my heart toward God. My God is greater than all the “other gods!” “...I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all the gods” (Psa. 135:5). (pause to hear) “...I, the Lord, am the first, and with the last. I am He” (Isa. 41:4). And, I love the truth about God! “...you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exo. 34:14). (We get jealous because we can’t get. God gets jealous because He can’t give.) “...it is Heaven that rules” (Dan. 4:26). And, I love the truth about God! ... (Your name) , it is right and safe for me to trust that God wants to draw near and have relationship with me. Heart, let yourself find courage and feel joy because of these truths! “...God is Light...if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another...” (1 John 1:5,7); “...as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,” (Col. 2:6 ). “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “God is spirit...” (John 4:24); “Now the Lord is the Spirit...” (2 Cor. 3:17). (pause to feel reassured by it!) “...they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with us.’” (Mat. 1:23) “...have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed...” (Heb. 10:19, 22). “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8; also Heb. 4:16). (pause to hear it)

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Trusting Salvation for the Acceptance of God (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! .. (Your name) , hear this, “...the gospel of God, [is so] that...the Gentiles might become acceptable...” (Rom. 15:16). And “...to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Rom. 4:5). So it is because of believing God for my salvation that I have His righteousness and His full acceptance! “...Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness...” (James 2:23). Heart, rest into believing the truth that I HAVE the acceptance of God because I am trusting the gospel about Christ!

Thank You Lord! I turn away from wanting to earn Your acceptance by (something from the diagram) ....

.. (Your name) , I am turning away from protecting myself with disbelief. By salvation I have the

acceptance of God. And because of my faith, I have the approval of God AND His pleasure (Heb 11:1,2,6) . And Lord, I submit to the truth and I rest into enjoying Your full acceptance of me. Right now Lord, I am trusting that Your presence is inside me and all around me touching me. Lord, Your Holy Spirit is what makes me acceptable. And Lord, I am letting myself believe and enjoy the truth that You are accepting me without any holding back... (pause to let yourself enjoy the acceptance of God!) .. (Your name) , under the Old Covenant, “When you [make] a sacrifice...to the Lord, you shall sacrifice it so

that you may be accepted.” (Lev. 22:29). And again, “Now when you offer a sacrifice...to the Lord, you shall offer it so that you may be accepted.” (Lev. 19:5). “As a soothing aroma I will accept you...” (Eze. 20:41; see also Eze. 43:27).

.. (Your name) , under the New Covenant, “...Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering

and a sacrifice to God...” (Eph. 5:2) “and He Himself is the...[payment] for our sin...” (1 John 2:2). (pause to hear and love it) “...Christ...gave Himself up for us...a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” (Eph. 5:2) (pause to believe the truth and enjoy being reassured by knowing that God accepts you!) ... (Your name) , it is “...by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift

of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8,9). So, the acceptance of God depends on my faith in HIM, and NOT faith in myself. And, I rest into confidently believing that I have the full acceptance of God because of my trusting the power of the sacrifice of Christ. The punishment Jesus suffered was more than enough punishment for me. I have received the gift of salvation because I am trusting that the blood of Christ is more than enough to cleanse me from all my sin. (pause to love the truth and to be reassured about having the acceptance of God!)

Trusting Salvation for the Acceptance of God

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don't have to love a righteousness that comes from what I do—that is NOT what makes me acceptable. I set my heart to trust the blood of Christ. I turn my heart to rest confidently in Your full acceptance Lord. And, I pause to let myself enjoy Your acceptance Lord... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to get God to use me in order to feel successful or acceptable. I rest into believing that I can walk in the Light of God because God is Light—and as I do this, He is cleansing me from all sin and I have fellowship with Him (1John 1:5,7)... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I am not made acceptable by the ways God has used me in the past. Lord, You are the God who makes me acceptable... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don't have to love my spiritual impressiveness as what justifies God’s acceptance of me. Jesus died for me—I rest in that... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to (example of what you don’t have to do for acceptance) in order to be acceptable to God. I turn my heart to confidently trust the power of the blood of Christ washing and cleansing me. By faith I am trusting that I am walking in the light that shines from Him...(pause to hear and love it) “...God is Light...but if we walk in the Light...we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1John 1:5,7)... (And then this...)

...I turn away from trying to justify God’s acceptance of me! I love the truth—God’s presence burns away everything about me that is unacceptable. Lord, I love basking in Your acceptance... (And then one of these...)

The death of Christ made full payment for me and because of it I CAN draw near to God! “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God...” (1 Peter 3:18). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8,9). ...Lord, when Your presence touches me, You make me holy. You are Yahweh M'kaddish... “...Whoever touches them shall become consecrated” (Lev. 6:18 and also Exod. 30:29). “...consecrated by My glory” (Exo. 29:43). “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion...by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning” (Isa. 4:4). “and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:9) . “...sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” (2 Thess. 2:13 ). Lord, I am trusting YOU to wash me on the inside and on the outside. “...since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19,22). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) Lord, Your presence in me is my righteousness on the inside. And, Your presence around and touching me is my righteousness for the outside of me. “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.” (Psa. 16:2). “...the Lord is our righteousness.” (Jer. 33:16). “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness...” (Psa. 11:7).

Trusting Salvation for the Acceptance of God

27

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that my being acceptable to God is not prevented by what is wrong with me humanly speaking. Jesus died for that too. And I pause to let myself enjoy His acceptance touching me and washing all over me right now... (pause to let yourself love the closeness of God with you!) ...Heart, delight that I don't have to achieve a higher level of spirituality in order to earn God’s acceptance. I put my trust in the power of the blood of Christ. My eyes are on You Lord...(pause to hear and love it) ...Heart, delight that the acceptance of God can NOT be earned by my kindness toward other people. By trusting God for salvation I enjoy the full acceptance of God. I love Your acceptance Lord... ...I am NOT made acceptable by helping others because of what I teach them. I put my faith in the power of the death of Jesus—that is what earns the acceptance of God for me. Oh I love Your grace Lord... (pause to feel reassured by it and to love the Lord because of it!) ...Heart, delight that I don't have to love the amount of effort I make and I don’t have to earn the acceptance of God by it. I turn my heart to trust the power of the cross and the cleansing that comes from God. I love Your cleansing radiance pressure washing me Lord... (pause to believe God is doing it!) (And then this...)

...I turn from disbelieving God’s word in an attempt to protect myself. By trusting the power of the cross I have God’s acceptance! My faith causes Him pleasure! Lord, I submit into believing that Your acceptance is all around and touching me. And Lord instead of running away from You, I hide myself in your presence in order to find the protection I need... (pause to feel reassured by it!) (And then one of these...)

“If his offering is a burnt offering...he shall offer it...that he may be accepted before the Lord.” (Lev. 1:3). “...offer your burnt offerings on the altar...and I will accept you,' declares the Lord God." (Ezek. 43:27). “...Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God...” (Eph. 5:2). “...Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” (Rom. 15:7). Heart, delight that “...there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 8:1) “Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies” (Rom. 8:33). “Now faith is...the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.” (Heb. 11:1,2) “...Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of God” (James 2:23). “And without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). “...to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,” (Rom. 4:5) ...“...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28) ...when Your presence touches me, You make me holy. You are Yahweh M'kaddish... “...Whoever touches them shall become consecrated” (Lev. 6:18 and also Exod. 30:29). “...consecrated by My glory” (Exo. 29:43). “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion...by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning” (Isa. 4:4). “and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:9) . “...sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” (2 Thess. 2:13 ).

Trusting Salvation for the Acceptance of God

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight that I don’t have to protect myself or hide from believing that God accepts me. I rest into believing the acceptance of God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that the power of God’s acceptance toward me can’t be overcome by how bad I have been. I love the power of God’s acceptance of me... (pause to let yourself love God’s acceptance!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don't have to do enough in order to possess God’s acceptance. I love that God’s acceptance is by my believing it... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to earn God’s acceptance by how much I know. I rest into receiving the touch of God’s acceptance all over and through me... (pause to let yourself enjoy God!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that my being acceptable is not prevented by my human condition. I love that the power of God’s acceptance is greater... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don't have to achieve a higher level of spirituality that earns God’s acceptance. I love that Your acceptance is by grace...(pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...Heart, delight that I don't have to believe the lies of the enemy that I have to try and earn the forgiveness I need. I denounce these things! Lord, You are my God; rebuke any enemy pushing me away from You. And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power You would be armor around me that is so strong that the enemy can’t get through it....(pause to let yourself hold on to God as armor that is all around you!) (And then this...)

...I turn away from trying to justify God’s acceptance of me! I love the truth—God’s presence burns away everything about me that is unacceptable. Lord, I love basking in Your acceptance... (And then one of these...)

“[The Father] made [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2Co 5:21). And, “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.” (Psa. 16:2). “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28) “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned” (Psa. 34:22). (pause to hear it) “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psa. 34:8) “...all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” (Mark 11:24) (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...Lord, I agree with the scriptures that the payment of Your blood is enough to make me acceptable; I can enter and stand before You confidently and without fear because You wash me holy when I draw near... “...since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19,22). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you.” (Hos. 10:12). “...the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,” (Phil. 3:9). “...the Lord is our righteousness.” (Jer. 33:16). “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness...” (Psa. 11:7). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

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Changing Misbeliefs About God Changing Misbeliefs About God

© Barry Hall 2011 www.tasteheavennow.net

One of the most common unsafe reactions to pain is that we hold back from God because of fear. The solution requires that we plow up the hard ground of our heart by giving ourselves reasons why it is far safer to hear and believe the truth about God than to keep on believing lies. Note: If this section is especially painful, you may find it helpful to do this page with a friend. Others find it is better to do heart-training in other sections, and then come back to this at a later time.

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! Heart, delight in the truth that I can be confident that I don’t have to stay away when I am hurting because God comforts His people. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psa. 34:18). (pause to feel reassured and to love the God who is right up close and all around you!) ...Heart, delight that I am free to be fully confident about the Lord because IT IS WRITTEN that “...God...comforts the depressed...” (2 Cor. 7:6). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...I am confident about God because He is “...the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!)

I am confident that I don’t have to stay away from God when I feel oppressed and want to hide. ...Heart, delight that I can be completely confident that God is very good to me because “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psa. 9:9 NIV) ...Heart, delight that God cares for me: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth! And read it again if you need to!) ...Heart, delight that it is right and good for me to completely rest in my trust toward God because He is “...the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) I grab my soul and I turn it to You Lord because You are so very good. God’s heart is to be kind to me! Lord right now, I am trusting that Your radiant presence is all around me. And, instead of believing the devil’s lies about You, I am trusting that You are being very good and kind toward me... (pause to believe and love it)

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Changing Misbeliefs About God ... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! My God is not like other people who have hurt me. And, my God is NOT the evil that tries to hurt me.

Heart believe and love the truth that my God is NOT and love the truth!)

(something from the diagram)

(pause to believe

Lord right now, I am remembering that it is the devil who lies to me about what You are like. Lord, I am trusting that Your radiant presence is all around me and that the truth about You is that You are cleansing me, You ARE being good and compassionate toward me. Heart, let yourself believe the truth that God is NOT a God who abandons or betrays His people. And, even though evil might lie to me, God will NOT abandon or betray me... (pause to believe and love it)

... (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more of Him I can receive. And also, the more I trust His glory with me as what makes me special, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of the Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (pause to feel reassured and to love the God who is right up close and all around you!)

Please note the pages toward the end of this book for entering the throne room and also Appendix A for crawling into His lap so that He can reach inside us and heal our hurts from the past. If your heart is eager and your fears aren’t too great go ahead and go there now but know also that this book is organized in the way it is to help you get to the place described above. Some people do better by working through these pages one by one. Others are able to move more quickly. If it takes you longer don’t be discouraged because taking longer means the work in you will go deeper. Either way, the spiritual exercises in Appendix A will be very important for you to practice.

Heart-Training “Core Classes” for Your Heart

Group Two “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

How NOT to Change! Ineffective and Sinful Ways of Trying to Change © Barry Hall 2011

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www.tasteheavennow.net

(How NOT to repent: this section should be used together with the one about trusting the power of the cross and the punishment that Christ took upon Himself. Self-contempt prevents us from being able to open up and drink from the Lord. Therefore, it is vital that you train your heart away from self-condemnation!) (This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! (And, then one of these...)

...I set my heart to repent the way God wants. It is right to feel sorrow for sin but it is NOT God’s will for me to repent by how bad I make myself feel! (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret.” (2 Cor. 7:10). ...“regret” means to feel disappointed or distressed about something. Heart, hear this! I must change! But God’s will for how I change is to do it WITHOUT “regret.” Using regret as a tool for change is against God’s will and I should consider it sin. (pause to hear, believe and love the God who is close!) ...trying to change by anger or self-hate only gives me a false sense of goodness before God... “...the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20). Getting angry about my bad behavior does not achieve the righteousness that I desire. (pause to believe and love the truth!) ...trying to repent by anger and self-contempt makes me feel religious, but it does nothing to change my behavior! I repent of pride from how much pain I cause because of wanting to do better next time... "...the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement...are of no value against fleshly indulgence." (Col. 2:23). (pause to hear, believe and love the truth!) “Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement...” (Col. 2:18) ...self-abasement and self-condemnation is “self-made religion” because it eases my sense of guilt for sin, just enough so that I don’t feel the need to trust the power of the cross of Christ. But no amount of feeling bad will ever make the payment or justify what I have done wrong. Self-inflicted pain doesn't justify us before God because, “...God is the one who justifies” (Rom. 8:33b)! (pause to believe and love the truth!) ... “self-abasement” or self-contempt may punish me into a temporary appearance of doing better, but it does nothing to change my behavior long term. Heart hear this! Beating myself up won’t help me to stop doing the wrong things. I repent of using “self-abasement” as a tool for trying to produce change! Repentance by anger and self-abasement is sin. (pause to hear, believe and love the truth!) ...I repent of trying to “help” myself and others by a “ministry of condemnation” (2 Cor. 3:9). Condemnation is attractive because it controls surface sins just enough to have the appearance of glory. Yes, “the ministry of condemnation has glory...” (2 Cor. 3:9), but all it produces is death in myself and others (2 Cor. 3:7). ...I repent of trying to change by how well I perform and then condemning others when they don’t. It feels religious but it only shuts myself — and others, off from being able to experience God: “...woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people...” (Mat. 23:13). And, I repent of trying to control bad behavior in myself and others by a “ministry of condemnation.” Doing that prevents us from drawing near to God. And, it closes us off from receiving His kingdom! ...if I demand repentance by self-condemnation I am trying to change in a way that is according to the law and the “works of the flesh.” The freedom I desire comes from getting my heart to believe the truth... “and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses” (Acts 13:39). (pause to hear, believe and love the truth)

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Trusting the Punishment of Christ (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I CAN stop putting my faith in self-inflicted punishment. No matter how bad I make myself feel it won’t ever pay the price for my sin—I love that I can trust the power of the cross of Christ. Jesus paid with His blood so I wouldn’t have to... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Heart, delight that the power of the cross is stronger than my sin. Anger and condemnation won’t help me—instead of that, I will trust God. Heart, it is right and good for me to trust that the Lord Jesus is my righteousness; I am confident that “...the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20). (pause to let yourself feel confident and secure because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight that it does not pay the price for my human weakness to just go along and live in dullness! I will trust the power of the blood of Christ to cover my human imperfections. The condemnation and pain that Jesus suffered is enough for me. I love You Lord...(pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) (And then this...)

... (Your name) , I grab my soul and I turn it away from having to make the payment for what I do wrong! The pain Christ suffered and His death was enough for my sin—I love YOU God. I CAN draw near because YOU paid it all... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, IT IS WRITTEN: “...He loved us and sent His Son to be the [payment] for our sins.” (1 John 4:10; propitiation = payment). Jesus Christ paid for my sin—my faith is in the payment that He made for me, NOT in any payment that I could make... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , I CAN stop trying to change by making myself feel regret (or remorse): “...the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death." (2 Cor. 7:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because, “God is not a man, that He should lie...” (Num. 23:19). “...having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). ... (Your name) , you believe in your head already, it is your heart that doesn’t get it. So, I am commanding my heart to hear, believe, and love that the power of the cross of Christ is far greater than my sin : “...and [we] will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God” (1 John 3:19-21). (pause to let yourself feel relieved and reassured because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , I repent of feeding on religious pride from how well I put myself down: “...the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement...are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” (Col. 2:23). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ... (Your name) , I repent of trying to change by how well I perform and then condemning others when they don’t. It feels religious but it only shuts myself — and others, off from being able to experience God: “...woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people...” (Mat. 23:13). (pause to let yourself feel relieved and reassured because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , I repent of condemning and making myself feel guilty for sin because “...the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1John 1:7). (pause to hear, believe and love the truth)

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Trusting the Punishment of Christ (One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I humble myself from loving how well I punish myself. I repent of punishing myself even where I sense that my humanity is not enough—I don’t have to be! God designed me inadequate so that I could depend on Him. Lord, I love Your nearness as my adequacy—You are what makes me enough... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to hurt myself—even when I know that something is wrong with me. No amount of self-inflicted pain will ever earn justice for what I do wrong—Jesus You paid the price. It is safe and right for me to trust God and not myself... (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...it doesn’t hide me from God to harden my heart by self-condemnation—that will never justify what I do wrong. Jesus You took the punishment for my sin—You died so that I wouldn’t have to. Lord, I love the power of the cross... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

(And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from trying to feel bad in order to earn forgiveness for what I do wrong. The death of Christ is more powerful than my sin. I repent from trying to improve by selfcondemnation... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) hear this: Jesus took the punishment for my sin so that He could bring me to the Father... “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God...” Peter 3:18). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “Jesus said...no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). (pause to feel reassured by it!) ... (Your name) sin...” (1 John 2:2) ...

(1

, I am confident about being forgiven because “...He Himself is the [payment] for our

(Your name) , the pain that Jesus took on Himself is payment and justice enough for my sin... “Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried...He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.” (Isa. 53:4,5) “...we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” (Gal. 2:16) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes...” (Rom. 1:16).

“But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,” (Rom. 4:5) “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God” (1 John 3:21). And, I love You Lord. I love Your presence—and, I set my heart to love You with more and more freedom and delight all the time. ... (Your name) , I am confident and I am secure because “...having forgiven us all our transgressions...[He] canceled out the certificate of debt...against us...having nailed it to the cross.” (Col. 2:13,14). I love my God who is close: “...He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness...” (1 Peter 2:24). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight that I can humble myself from loving pride because of how much I hurt people. I CAN stop punishing other people in order to make them pay the price for what they do wrong—Jesus paid the price for their sin too...(pause to hear and love it) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to punish myself for my human inadequacies. I rest in the truth that my humanity will never be enough—it doesn’t have to be because God is my adequacy (2 Cor. 3:5). Lord, I love that You want to be my God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it from trying to feel bad in order to earn justice and forgiveness for what I do wrong. The death of Christ is more powerful than my sin. I repent and turn from trying to improve by self-condemnation... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , I am confident and secure in the truth that my God is “...a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psa. 86:15 NIV). (pause to enjoy it!) ... (Your name) IT IS WRITTEN: “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God” (1 John 3:21). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , I am confident because, IT IS WRITTEN: “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is compassionate.” (Psa. 116:5). “...His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime...” (Psa. 30:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ... (Your name) IT IS WRITTEN: “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.” (Lam. 3:22). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , the pain Jesus suffered was enough for me so that I can draw near to God: “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God...” (1 Peter 3:18). ... (Your name) O God...” (Psa. 36:7).

, I am determined to be joyous about You God: “How precious is Your lovingkindness, (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

... (Your name) , I am hopeful because God gives me reason to have hope—God’s plans are to give me a good future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure about my relationship to God because I am God’s and God is mine (2 Cor. 6:16). God has bought and paid for me with the blood of Christ—I do believe that Jesus was punished enough for my sins (1 Cor. 6:20; Rom. 3:24,25). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ... (Your name) , I am confident about being justified. Being justified by God is far greater than anything I could ever earn. I am justified as a gift from God (Rom. 3:24,25). I don’t have to work at justifying myself to God. ... (Your name) , I am confident and I am secure because “...I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” (Psa. 13:5 NIV). “...soul...my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:5-7). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close)

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

... (Your name) , I repent of trying to achieve my own righteousness. I repent of trying to improve by anger toward myself: “...the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). ... (Your name) , I am turning away from a hard heart and I am letting my heart hear, believe, and love that the power of the cross of Christ is far greater than my sin : “...and [we] will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God” (1 John 3:19-21). ... (Your name) , I set my faith in the death of Christ as payment for me because “...He Himself is the [payment] for our sin...” (1 John 2:2). I am confident and secure because God has given me His righteous. I am not sin any longer. God has made me to be the righteousness of God because of my faith in Jesus Christ—God has done it! (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:22). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ... (Your name) , if I do sin, I can still be confident because Jesus Christ is speaking to the Father in my defense (1 John 2:1 NIV). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because, “God is not a man, that He should lie...” (Num. 23:19). “...having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). (pause to let yourself feel confidence from it!) ... (Your name) , I grab my soul and I turn it away from trying to earn justice and forgiveness for what I do wrong. The death of Christ is more powerful than my sin. I repent and turn from trying to improve by selfcondemnation... ... (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day.

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Bitterness and Unforgiveness (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to soothe myself with bitterness. Lord God, it is Your closeness that soothes and comforts me... ...the support that I wanted—but that they didn’t give me, doesn’t matter because I can quench my thirst with God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’'t have to try and find security from a cup of bitterness toward God when He doesn’t cooperate with the way I want things done... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to use criticism as a tool to get people laughing. The Lord is my delight... ...I don't have to use bitterness as a way to protect myself in my relationships - with God or with other people... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to use rejection, criticism, impatience, or contempt as tools for getting other people to do what I want... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

(And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from putting my hope in how well I can protect myself. It is the Lord who is God—not me. I love wearing the armor of God’s presence—He is strong and powerful to protect me... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

(And then one of these...)

...Lord, “You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV)... “O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (Psa. 68:35) “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1)... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “God is to us a God of deliverances...” (Psa. 68:20)... (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psa. 34:18) “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) “...I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psa. 9:9 NIV)... “On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:7) “...You are my strong refuge.” (Psa. 71:7) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Heart hear this: “...justice for man comes from the Lord.” (Prov. 29:26)... “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5) “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psa. 9:9 NIV)... Lord, “...You are my strong refuge.” (Psa. 71:7) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to love rejection or criticism toward others in order to refuge myself inside a hard shell of selfprotection... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to thrill myself with twisted feelings of power from criticism or contempt. Instead of that kind of power, I will enter the sanctuary of God and thrill myself with His power and glory (Psa. 63:1,2)... I turn from wanting pleasure, control, and reassurance from bitterness and withholding forgiveness. I reject bitterness and unforgiveness as a way to feed myself... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) Thank You Lord that I don't have to believe the lies of the enemy that I have to get the security I need apart from drinking Your presence. I pray that You would rebuke any enemy pushing me to trust depression, selfsabotage, or bitterness as ways to protect myself. I denounce these things! Lord, You are my refuge of great power and strength. You are my God. And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power You would command the forces of evil to leave me alone and to never come back...(pause to let yourself believe that He is doing it)...

(And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from putting my hope in how well I can protect myself. It is the Lord who is God—not me. I love wearing the armor of God’s presence—He is strong and powerful to protect me... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

(And then one of these...)

Heart hear and believe this! “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). (pause to hear and believe it) “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him” (Psa. 28:7). (pause to hear and believe it) “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psa. 18:1). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you” (Deut. 3:21). “...Do not fear or be dismayed because...the battle is not yours but God's” (2 Chron. 20:15). “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) Heart hear this and don’t hold back: “...Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you...” (1 Chron. 28:20) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...O my God, in You I trust...” (Psa. 25:1,2). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

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Receiving Forgiveness and Cleansing (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! ...Heart, delight in the truth that forgiveness is not earned by how bad I make myself feel—Lord, I love that You are so ready to wash me clean. I turn to You...(pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...I don’t have to wait for God’s forgiveness until I deserve it somehow. Lord God, I love Your grace. And Lord, I am pausing here to let myself believe and love Your forgiveness and cleansing... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to hide from God when I feel dirty—Lord, I hide myself in the washing that flows from You. I love You Lord...(pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...I don’t have to wait to trust God’s forgiveness until after I have felt enough pain from guilt. Lord God, I love that the power of Your forgiveness is far greater than my sin... (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that no matter what accusation the devil brings against me, I will turn to You Lord and let You wash me clean... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...I humble myself from loving pride from thinking that I deserve being forgiven. Forgiveness cannot be earned by how many “good works” I do for God. I repent of trying to earn forgiveness by (give an example of what you do when trying to earn forgiveness) ...(pause to hear and love it)

(And then this...)

...Heart, delight in the truth! I CAN grab my soul and I turn it from trying to earn the forgiveness and cleansing of God. It is right, good, and safe for me to receive forgiveness and cleansing by faith in God...(pause to believe and love the cleansing of God!) Lord right now, I am thinking about Your radiant presence pressure washing me and filling my need... (pause to believe and love it) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , if I admit my sin to God, He forgives me and cleanses me completely from all unrighteousness. IT IS WRITTEN: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) ... (Your name) hear this, “...all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” (Mark 11:24). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , I don’t have to feel shame as I draw near because as I enter, the fountain washes me clean, even my body of flesh; “...draw near...in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19 and 22) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because I am “...washed...in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:11); And, I am confident about being forgiven because “...the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1John 1:7). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I submit into fully believing that I am forgiven. God forgives me because I have faith that He is forgiving me—and without my trusting God to forgive me it doesn’t happen (Acts 26:18; Luke 5:20). I love You Lord! I am confident and secure about being completely surrounded by Your cleansing because “...God is Light...” (1 John 1:5) And, “...if we walk in the Light...the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us...” (1 John 1:7)...

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! ...Heart, let yourself delight that I don't have to justify or hide from the subtle sins of my heart. Lord, I love that You are so ready to forgive and I am letting myself enjoy Your forgiveness and cleansing right now... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to hide from God when something is wrong even when I don’t know what it is. I repent of pride from thinking that I can protect myself. I turn to You Lord. I set my heart to love hiding myself in You God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don't have to hide my need for forgiveness by holding back from God and wanting Him to submit to my demands. I love You Lord... (pause to hear and believe the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I am not justified by what I do or don't do when compared to others—I turn my heart from trusting myself. And I am letting myself enjoy being cleansed by You right now Lord... (And then this...)

...I delight that I don’t have to use pain and guilt in order to “buy” forgiveness from God. Lord, I love Your grace to forgive and wash me clean without my having to earn it. Lord right now, I am thinking about Your Holy Spirit shining out from You, pressure washing me and filling my need... (pause to believe and love God who is close!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , the cleansing is real because God says, “I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me...” (Jer. 33:8); “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.” (Eze. 36:25) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure in my relationship to God because while I am near to the fountain of God, I am being cleansed holy; “...God is Light...” (1 John 1:5) And, “...if we walk in the Light...the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us...” (1 John 1:7). “...by the sanctifying work of the Spirit... sprinkled with His blood...” (1 Peter 1:2) ... (Your name) , I don’t have to feel shame as I draw near because the fountain of God pressure washes me clean, even my body: “...have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near...in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19 and 22). God says that He makes me holy, “...I am the Lord who sanctifies you” (Lev. 20:8). ... (Your name) , I delight that I can stand before the Lord and live in His Light here: “...if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light...the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7). “...He wraps himself in light as with a garment;” (Psa. 104:1,2 NIV). “...God is Light...” (1 John 1:5) ... (Your name) , when the enemy makes me feel dirty I present myself before God and He burns away the filth: “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion...by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning” (Isa. 4:4); “...having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19 and 22). (pause to trust that God is doing this for you right now!) ... (Your name) , I repent of wrapping myself in disbelief about God’s forgiveness and love. IT IS WRITTEN: “...the Lord loves His people...” (2 Chron. 2:11). And, I love You Lord. I love Your presence—and, I set my heart to love Your presence with more and more freedom and joy all the time. I thank You that You love me. “...the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you.” (Deut. 23:5). (pause to love the truth and to love the God who is close to you right now!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to wait to be close to God. I am trusting His forgiveness and cleansing right now. I don’t have to wait until I find a reason why I deserve His forgiveness. I will not trust myself. Lord, I love Your grace to forgive me... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that forgiveness is not earned by how bad I make myself feel—Lord, I love that You are so ready to wash me clean. And I am letting my heart enjoy it right now Lord... ...I don’t have to hide from God when I feel that something is deeply wrong with me. Lord God, I am trusting You to touch me and wash my humanity with Your presence. I love Your power to wash away all reason to feel shame... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and to love His cleansing right now!) ...I turn from soothing myself with pride myself because of how bad I have made myself feel about sin. The kingdom of God is my glory. I “...receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken...” (Heb. 12:28). I delight that God’s kingdom comes to me and surrounds me with His power that heals and does miracles... ...Heart, delight in the truth that no matter how bad the devil tries to make me feel, I will trust God to wash me clean. I love Your forgiveness Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my heart away from trying to do something to help me deserve the forgiveness and cleansing of God. The Lord is God and I put my faith in Him — not me. I love the cleansing God gives freely. Lord right now, I am stopping to trust and to think about Your radiant presence washing me and filling my need... (pause to believe and love it) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , my God does not hold the memory of my past against me. If I fall to temptation God is always ready to forgive me. “...for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins” (Isa. 43:25). ... (Your name) , I am confident because IT IS WRITTEN: “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” (Isa. 43:25). (pause to hear it) “Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, You forgive them.” (Psa. 65:3). (pause to hear it) ... (Your name) , I am secure in my relationship to God because “...your sins have been forgiven you for His name's sake” (1 John 2:12). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You” (Psa. 86:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” (Mark 11:24). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because God washes me inside and out. IT IS WRITTEN: “...draw near...in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19 and 22). I am confident about the cleansing power of my being “...washed...in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:11). God makes me holy because He says, “...I am the Lord who sanctifies you” (Lev. 20:8).

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! ... (Your name) , by drawing near and drinking like a sponge from the Lord I become a spring and a cistern for the LIVING water of God. And, even when something dirty is said or done by others around me, God just keeps on washing me clean. (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...unclean [things,]...whoever touches them...becomes unclean...Nevertheless a spring or a cistern collecting water shall be clean...” (Lev. 11:31-36). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst; I, the Lord, will answer them Myself...I will not forsake them. I will open rivers...and springs...I will make...the dry land fountains of water.” (Isa. 41:17-18; see Isa 62:4 where it calls people “land”). ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure about drawing near to God because IT IS WRITTEN: “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37); “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned” (Psa. 34:22). (pause to feel reassured and confidence from loving this truth!) ... (Your name) grace...” (Eph. 1:7,8 )

, “In Him we have...the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His

... (Your name) , I am confident because my sins have been forgiven—for His glory, for His sake: “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; and deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name's sake.” (Psa. 79:9)

... (Your name) , I confess my sin to God and He forgives me. I turn from holding back because it does NOT depend on whether I deserve it or not; “...your sins have been forgiven you for His name's sake” (1 John 2:12). God forgives me freely because God is God! ... (Your name) , I stop my resisting and I rest into trusting the truth about the forgiveness of God because “...You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive...” (Psa. 86:5). (pause to feel confidence from it!) ... (Your name) , I am secure in the forgiveness and cleansing of God because “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , I set my heart to submit and believe the truth because God is “...cleansing their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:9); And right now, I am letting myself enjoy being pressure washed by God... ... (Your name) , God makes me holy by my believing the Spirit of God to do it: “...sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth” (2 Thess. 2:13) ... (Your name) , I rest into receiving the touch of the Spirit of God all around and in me here: “...washed...in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:11). I love You Lord. Oh, I love Your presence! ... (Your name) , it is not because I earn or deserve forgiveness, it is for God’s sake that He forgives me: “...your sins have been forgiven you for His name's sake” (1 John 2:12). (pause to hear and love it) Lord right now, I am stopping to trust and to think about Your radiant presence pressure washing me and filling my need... (pause to believe and love it)

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure about drawing near because the forgiveness of God cleanses me inside and out. I submit into believing the truth that I “...have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19 and 22). (pause to hear and love it) “...[at] the door of the house...water was flowing from under the threshold...water reaching the ankles.” (Ezek. 47:1,3)

“...He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean...” (John 13:10) “and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal...” (Rev. 4:6). “...the sea was for the priests to wash in.” (2 Chron. 4:6; see also Exo. 30:21). (pause to hear it) ...right now Lord, I am trusting that You are washing my feet and that I am being made clean all over because of it. Heart, let yourself enjoy the reality and the ease of being washed with the presence of God right now... ... (Your name) , my God forgives me completely. God says to me, “I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud, and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” (Isa. 44:22). And right now I am letting myself enjoy the cleansing of God washing me all over... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure in my relationship to God—I confesses sin to God and He is faithful to immediately forgive and cleanse me (1 John 1:9). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. Lord right now, I am stopping to trust and to think about Your radiant presence pressure washing me and filling my need. Oh, how I love Your closeness and the closeness of the kingdom of heaven all around me here. You Lord, are my greatest treasure... (pause to believe and love it)

Heart-Training “Core Classes” for Your Heart

Group Three “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

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Truth About Us: Self-Esteem and Our Human Glory (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don't have to be afraid about not having what “it takes” to be Ok. I am turning from trusting self-esteem because “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, and in Him they will glory”(Jer. 4:2). And, I can do that too. ...Heart, let yourself enjoy the truth that the glory of my humanity won’t ever measure up to the glory of God. I’m free because it is the Lord who is God, and not me! ...Heart, delight that my humanity won’t ever be enough—and it doesn’t have to be! I turn from having to depend on “esteeming” myself in order to feel good. And I turn my heart to love that my “...adequacy is from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5). (pause to believe it!) ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to define “success” by the glory that I earn and achieve. I repent of pushing to find reasons to pride myself with self-esteem. Instead of that, I set my heart to find the thrill, the confidence, and the security that I need, by enjoying the presence of the Lord and the kingdom of God, right here close to me and all around... ...Heart, delight that I don't have to avoid the truth about my human inadequacies. I don’t have to quench my need with the glory of my humanity—that won’t ever be enough because I want more than that! I set my heart to “...glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” (Phil. 3:3). I love You Lord... ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to define “success” by how much I know or of how much I am learning. I repent of priding myself with the approval of people or with the impressiveness of my humanity. Instead of that, I set my heart to find the thrill I need, by enjoying the presence of the Lord: “...You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.” (Psa 3:3). (pause to believe and love the God!)

(And then this...)

...Heart, delight in the truth that I am turning from having to depend on myself to be what I need. Lord You are my God—the pressure isn’t on me, and I rest into putting my trust in You. Right now Lord, I am trusting that Your presence is all around me, reassuring me, and filling my need...

(And one of these...)

... (Your name) , I am determining to let myself be confident and secure in God. I agree with King David who said, “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice” (Psa. 34:2). ... (Your name) , I am determining to enjoy being confident and secure in the presence of God. Heart hear this: “Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God” (Psa. 20:7). So, “...glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” (Phil. 3:3). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I am confident because the pressure isn’t on me to justify my human glory. I turn my heart to trust that “...You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head” (Psa. 3:3); “In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11). (pause to believe and love the truth!) ...where I do wrong or don’t measure up in some way, I praise You Lord that “...You, Lord are good, and ready to forgive...” (Psa. 86:5); “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You” (Psa. 16:2). And, “I have set the Lord continually before me...He is at my right hand...” (Psa. 16:8).

Truth About Us: Self-Esteem and Our Human Glory

46

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...nothing is so desperately wrong with me that I should avoid God! The only solution is to get close to God so that He can fix it. Instead of self-esteem, “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice” (Psa. 34:2). (pause to believe, and love the God who is close!) ...my human glory does NOT have to be greater before I “deserve” closeness to God. I turn my heart to trust that “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28). I love the truth that “...the Lord is [my] righteousness” (Jer. 33:16). (pause to believe it and to love God!) ...my human abilities don’t have to be worthy of praise. Instead of that, I set my heart to glory in the presence of God by exalting Him instead of myself. It is better to find delight in exalting the Lord because He is God: “In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11). (pause to enjoy the Lord!) ...I repent of defining “success” by how much self-esteem I have. I repent of worshiping other people who seem to have what it takes humanly speaking. Heart hear this: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...God is the standard and He is my source—not other people. I will not fear others who feast themselves on self-esteem: “...You shall not fear man, for the judgement is God’s...” (Deut. 1:17). “...do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.” (1 Pet. 3:14). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...“success” is not to feed myself with my having “achieved” a new spiritual experience. I set my heart to stay before the fountain of God and exalt Him. That way, God can work because the kingdom of God is here... (And then this...)

... (Your name) , my heart IS turning away from my having to struggle at what I need to be. Lord You are my God—the pressure isn’t on me. I set my heart to glory in the nearness and the greatness of God.Right now Lord, I am trusting that Your presence is all around me reassuring me (pause), being my reason for confidence (pause), and being my reason to NOT be afraid...(pause!) (And one of these...)

... (Your name) , I am confident and I am secure about being able to “bless myself” in God because “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, and in Him they will glory” (Jer. 4:2). (pause to love it!) ... (Your name) , I am confident about being able to cling to God because IT IS WRITTEN that “‘...as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and...of Judah cling to Me,' declares the Lord, 'that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise and for glory; but they did not listen’” (Jer. 13:11). I set my heart to cling to God. (pause to believe it and to love God!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and I am secure in God. I repent of fear toward other people because IT IS WRITTEN: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6); “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). ...I am confident and I am secure about drawing near to God because He says to me that “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37); “In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11). (pause to feel confidence from it and to love God for the truth of it!)

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(This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , confidence and security from the presence of God is far better than what comes from “esteeming” myself; I love the truth that “...confidence...is ours through Christ before God...our competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV). “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid...” (Isa. 12:2). ...

(Your name) , let yourself love the truth in saying, “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5). And, I love turning from having to depend on myself: “You are my God...I exalt you” (Psa. 118:28 NIV). ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure in the presence of God. I will NOT fear others who boast in themselves because IT IS WRITTEN: “Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you” (Deut. 3:21). I turn from fear about their confidence in themselves as their god because “...You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down yourselves to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them” (2 Kings 17:35). (pause to feel reassured and enjoy that “my God is greater!”) ... (Your name) , I am confident and I am secure because by drawing near to God, He draws near and by this I am “...armed in the presence of the Lord...” (Num. 32:32). “I love You, O Lord, my strength” (Psa. 18:1). So, “...Be strong and courageous, and act...” (1 Chron. 28:20). (pause to love God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and I am secure about being able to glory in God because “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, and in Him they will glory.” (Jer. 4:2). (pause to hear it) ... (Your name) , hear this and rest with confidence because “...it is Heaven that rules” (Dan. 4:26). And, “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). (pause to love God and His kingdom that is close and all around!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and I am secure because the pressure isn’t on me to be my own god: “...O my God, in You I trust...” (Psa. 25:1,2). (pause to feel reassured and to love trusting God!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and at peace because I don’t have to live to the praise of my own human glory; “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...” (Psa. 34:2). I am not the one who has to be worthy of praise! “...You, O Lord, are...my glory...” (Psa. 3:3 TAB). Heart hear this, “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21). Lord, “You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , relax and believe the truth that I can find a refuge of power and love in the presence of God: “...the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psa. 34:8). “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8)). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , “...Do not fear or be dismayed because...the battle is not yours but God’s” (2 Chron. 20:15). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and I am secure because it is not about me; Lord, “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). I am turning away from my having to be what quenches my thirst. Right now Lord, I am trusting that Your presence is all around me reassuring me (pause), being my reason for confidence (pause), and being my reason to NOT be afraid... (pause to believe and love it)

Enjoying God as Our Righteousness, Goodness, and Perfection (One of these...)

...

(Your name)

© Barry Hall 2011

48

www.tasteheavennow.net

, I delight that my [“goodness,” or “righteousness,” or “perfection”] is...

...not my human respectability. The nearness of God is my good. I love that I can stand before the Lord and stay inside the Spirit of God. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at You Lord .. ...not the things I don’t do. I can draw near to God and He draws near to me! Lord I rest into enjoying the closeness of the kingdom all around me here. I turn away from finding confidence in what I do or don’t do. Right now Lord, I am letting myself enjoy the closeness of Your righteousness as my righteousness... ...not how well I discipline my behavior and make good choices. Doing that is a good thing, but Lord, I am letting myself enjoy the closeness of Your perfection as my perfection... (let yourself enjoy it!) ...not from the closeness of another person. The nearness of God is my good. And Lord, right now I am letting myself enjoy the purity of Your goodness with me is my goodness... ...not from my having done enough for God. Instead of that, I am believing that God is at work because He is in me. And, He is also working all around me because I am believing that the kingdom of God is here... ...not how well I provide. The Lord is the provider who is worthy of praise—not me. I set my affections on God. By faith I trust that I am looking at the closeness of God and His kingdom all around me here... ...not based on whether the circumstances cooperate with my plans. Right now, I am letting myself find courage from the closeness and the sovereignty of my God all around me here... ...not from the results I get. God is sovereign—not me. I rest into You Lord—not the results I get from the things I do. I turn my eyes to stay focused on God with me here... (pause to feel confidence from it!) (And then this...)

...Jesus commanded that I should, “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). And, it says to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to [me]” (James 4:8). I “...have confidence to enter the holy place....” (Heb. 10:19); “...through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18). By faith, I trust that I am entering before God and that by this I am receiving the Holy Spirit that radiates from the fountain of God. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the presence of the kingdom of God all around me here. And, I am letting myself feel confidence from believing that God’s presence touching me is perfection, my righteousness, my goodness... (love it!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because God’s presence is around and in me. IT IS WRITTEN: “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28); Lord, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114). “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2). My eyes are on Your closeness with me here Lord. Your presence touching me is pure goodness... (pause to believe and love God as your righteousness and goodness!) ... (Your name) , I believe God! The Lord is my Savior and my God. I am confident that I have God’s approval because it says that “...faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval” (Heb. 11:1,2). “...Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness...he was called the friend of God” (James 2:23). Lord, I am trusting that Your presence touching me is making my humanity righteousness...(pause to believe and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , my faith pleases God! I am determined to let myself believe that every time I come to Him He will reward me with His presence: “And without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that...He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6).

Enjoying God as Our Righteousness, Goodness, and Perfection

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(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I delight that my [“goodness,” or “righteousness,” or “perfection”] is...

...not how well I fix other people. I rest in God because the Lord is the wonderful counselor. God is worthy of praise because He is the One who causes the growth—not me. I love that You Lord Jesus made a way for me to draw near to the Father... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...not from how well I manipulate conversations. I put my faith in God as my righteousness all around me. By faith I trust the perfection of God to be all around and touching me. By this, God is my perfection... ...not how much I prayed today. Praying is important, but I am trusting that I can draw near to God and He does draw near to me. The nearness of the goodness of the Lord is touching me and He is my goodness... ...not how much I read the Bible. Reading my Bible is vital, but I am trusting God’s grace to draw near and be my righteousness... (pause to love and enjoy God as your righteousness!) ...not how much I share my faith with others. Witnessing is important, but I am trusting God as my good... (Or one of these...)

My righteousness is not from exalting myself above other people who... ...don't do enough, or who don't measure up...

(pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

...are struggling with sin and failing, or who are not spiritual enough... (pause to believe it!) ...are not friendly enough, or who don't know or believe the right things... (pause to believe it!) (And then this...)

...Jesus commanded that I should, “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). And, it says “Draw near to God and He will draw near to [me]” (James 4:8). Therefore I “...have confidence to enter the holy place....” (Heb. 10:19); “...through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18). So, I trust that I am entering before God right now and that by this God is drawing near so that the Kingdom of God is here! Angels are all around me. I am letting myself feel confidence and courage because the righteousness and the perfection of God are here... (And then one of these...)

...Lord, I am confident that You have given me access into Your presence. I rest into opening up inside to You and I receive Your Presence around me as my goodness, “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You” (Psa. 16:2). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...I am confident because when I draw near to God He draws near to me. And; “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28). “...the Lord is [my] righteousness” (Jer. 33:16). ...I am secure in God’s love because IT IS WRITTEN: “...the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness...” (Psa. 11:7) . If I do sin, I can be confident because Jesus Christ is speaking to the Father in my defense (1 John 2:1 NIV). And, I am confident that I am forgiven because God forgives me for His name sake (1 John 2:12). I am confident that I am washed because I am trusting that God is washing me with the Light that is God the Holy Spirit (Heb. 10:22; 1 Cor. 6:11; 1 John 1:7; Acts 10:15). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I am confident and secure because God has made me “the righteous of God” inside Christ. I am not sin any longer. I am the righteousness of God because I have faith that Jesus Christ has done this for me (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:22). I am confident that God is my good because He has made me to be a dwelling place for Himself (Rev. 21:3). God has made me a temple where the Spirit of God dwells (1 Cor. 3:16; 1 Cor. 6:19).

Enjoying God as Our Righteousness, Goodness, and Perfection

50

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I delight that my [“goodness,” or “righteousness,” or “perfection”] is...

...not in how well I perform. It is not about the work that I do for God. Lord I am trusting that You are here, Your power is here, and I am believing that You are doing Your work... ...not in how well I make people laugh. My greatest thrill is causing God pleasure by my faith and my trusting in Him... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not in how clean my house is. It is the nearness of God that is my good—not my earthly appearances... ...not the church I go to. The Lord is my righteousness—not my church. The Lord is my God—not my church... (pause to believe and love the closeness of God as your righteousness and perfection!) ...not in how well I manipulate circumstances and conversations so that people think I am righteous. I turn from praising myself for that. Lord, I praise You God... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...not in how well I fit in at church. The Lord is my righteousness. His is the acceptance I have and long for most... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not in how well I related to them. I turn from putting faith in my human goodness. I praise God as my good... (pause to believe and love the closeness of God as your righteousness and perfection!) ...not in how nice I am to people. The Lord is my righteousness. I set my love on God —not on myself... ...not in how well I make them feel accepted. It is God’s acceptance and His love that they long for most... ...not the appreciation and thanks I get from other people. God is my good. Lord, I praise You—not myself... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then this...)

...Heart hear this. I am turning away from having to achieve the reassurance I need in earthly ways. I rest and rejoice into believing the grace of God because His presence reassures me. I turn my eyes to look at Your closeness to me Lord. And, I am believing that God’s presence touching me is perfection (pause), righteousness (pause), goodness (pause)... (pause to believe that God is touching you all around and that HE is your righteousness, perfection, and goodness!) (And then one of these...)

...Lord, my confidence and security is because You ARE my I AM. Your Presence around and in me is my goodness: “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28); I am confident about being “in” Christ because “...by His doing you are in Christ Jesus...” (1 Cor. 1:30); “...the Lord is our righteousness.” (Jer. 33:16). And, I love You Lord. I am determined to love Your presence with more and more freedom and thrill all the time. ...I submit into believing this truth: I am not a slave to sin—God has made me a son (or daughter) and His heir (Gal. 4:7). I set my heart to trust that the Holy Spirit is leading me—I am not under the law that makes me have to earn righteousness before God (Psa. 23:1; Gal. 5:18). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...I am confident and secure because God has called me into fellowship with Jesus Christ and that hasn’t changed (1 Cor. 1:9). God has put me in right relationship with Himself. God has done it (2 Cor. 5:18). Jesus Christ calls me His friend (John 15:15). God has chosen me—He wants me. God wants the best for me (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 2:9; 2 Chron. 29:11). I am at peace because I am trusting that God has justified me (Rom. 5:1). I am confident because God has made me Light in the Lord (Eph. 5:8,9). God has made me the light of the world (Matt. 5:14). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

Enjoying God as Our Righteousness, Goodness, and Perfection

51

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I delight that my [“goodness,” or “righteousness,” or “perfection”] is...

...not in how well I achieve being a perfect Christian. God is perfect. He is worthy of praise—not myself... ...not in the bad things I help people avoid. God is their deliverer. I praise You Lord, NOT myself... ...not in my being right and their being wrong. God is the one who is right. Lord, I praise You—not myself... (pause to believe and enjoy God as your righteousness and perfection!) ...not in how “justified” I feel about being “right.” The Lord is my righteousness, God alone is my good. The Lord is the God who justifies my value and my existence. And, God is near... (pause to love Him!) ...not to make myself feel bad after I do something wrong. Lord I love that I can admit when I do wrong. I don’t have to punish myself or hide. I am confident that the cross is payment that is enough for me. And for my humanity, “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28). ...not how well I impress them. The Lord is my righteousness. I turn from trying to impress them with myself. I delight and praise You God that Your kingdom comes with power to heal and do miracles. Your kingdom is here and I rest in the Spirit that shines onto me from the radiance around God... ...not from how well I avoid that I might have done something wrong—instead of that, I set my heart to be confident that God is my good. I love trusting that God forgives and cleanses me completely. I love the truth about my being pressure washed; “...washed...in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:11)... (And then this...)

...Jesus commanded that I should, “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). And, it says to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to [me]” (James 4:8). I “...have confidence to enter the holy place....” (Heb. 10:19); “...through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18). By faith, I trust that I am entering before God and that by this I am receiving the Holy Spirit that radiates from the fountain of God. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the presence of the kingdom of God all around me here: Lord, “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5); I am believing that God’s presence touching me is perfection, righteousness, goodness... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then one of these...)

...I am confident about being cleansed because I confesses sin to God and He forgives and cleanses me (1 John 1:9). I am secure about the forgiveness of God because it is by my faith in Him that He does it (Acts 26:18; Luke 5:20). (pause to believe that God is all around you here and that HE is your perfection!) ...Lord I am trusting that I am near to You right now. I am cuddling into You. You Lord are my reassurance and my good.“...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8); “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.” (Psa. 16:2); “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV). (pause to hear it) ... (Your name) , I am confident because God has made me a new person inside Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). I am confident because my Jesus Christ is wisdom for me. My Jesus is righteousness for me. My Jesus is sanctification for me. My Jesus is redemption for me. What I am inside Christ, I am—because God has done it (1 Cor. 1:30). Because of being inside Christ, God has made me complete and I am confident because of it (Col. 2:10). I am confident because I repent of putting faith in myself; “...the Lord is our righteousness.” (Jer. 33:16). I love You Lord. I love Your presence—and, I set my heart to love Your presence with more and more freedom all the time. (pause to believe and love God as your righteousness and perfection!)

52

Changing from Performance to Grace (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to stay away from God because of fear about what people think. Lord, I turn to You because I am confident in You. I reject being afraid. I worship You Father. Thank You Lord Jesus for being the way to the Father and for giving me access (Joh 14:6, Eph 2:18)... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to let my desperation push me into trusting how well I perform spiritually. I turn from faith in myself. Lord Jesus I love Your provision for me to enter. I delight in Your grace. I am confident that You draw near to me without holding back... (pause to love the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to measure my performance by how well I feel Your presence Lord. I turn my heart to confidently trust You to carry me near and to quench my thirst. I rest inside Your Presence because I submit to the truth about You being here... (pause to hear and love it) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to let pressure from Christians be what drives me. I grab my soul and I turn it from trying to perform for them. Lord I turn to You because You are my God. My confidence and security is in You—not them... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn from fear of failure about experiencing God’s presence. My confidence is in You Lord—NOT in my doing spiritual things just right – and NOT in how much excitement I force into my worship toward You. I submit into being boldly confident about God’s grace and provision for me to draw near—and for Him to draw near to me. Heart, let yourself believe that I am near to the fountain of God and that God is here. By faith in the strength of the radiance around God, I am believing that God is shining His presence onto me here. The Holy Spirit is INTENSELY present because of the power of the radiance that thunders onto me from the fountain of God... (love it!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , I am secure about experiencing God because “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” (Psa. 118:8). Lord, You are a refuge of power and beauty around me... (pause to love it!) ... (Your name) , I am confident that God doesn’t hold back because “...we...receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:14); “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , IT IS WRITTEN: “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). And, “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2). (pause to hear, believe, and love God!) ... (Your name) , I am confident about receiving God’s presence because I am boldly believing God’s grace to draw near to me; “...it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all...” (Rom. 4:16); “...receive the Spirit...by...faith” (Gal. 3:2—implied)... ... (Your name) , I am confident in God because I am “...being built...into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:22). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , even though I don’t understand it fully, I am believing that I am before the Lord right now. And, I am confident that when I boldly believe I am close to Him then He is here with me: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8); “for through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph. 2:18; see also Heb. 4). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!)

Changing from Performance to Grace

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to let my “feeling God” be what justifies me. My faith is in the power of the blood of Christ. God is the One who justifies me. My confidence is in the truth that Jesus paid the price so that I can draw near to the Father. Thank You that You are here... (pause to love God!) ...I don’t have to let the hopes of other Christians make me feel pressure to perform spiritually. I turn from having to perform for them. I rest into being confident that I am looking and listening to the Holy Spirit who is pouring out from the glorified Jesus Christ. I am confident because of boldly believing that I CAN do what David did where he said, “I have set the Lord continually before me...” (Psa. 16:8) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to be afraid to believe because of how much I want God’s presence. I grab my soul and I turn my fears away from wanting to avoid God. I rest into boldly believing the grace of God for His drawing near to me. I am confident in You Lord... (pause to confidence from it!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from trusting the amount of excitement in my worship in order to experience God’s presence. My confidence is NOT in how perfectly or in how much excitement I have in my worship toward God, my confidence is in You Lord—and, I will NOT fear failure. I am boldly confident about God’s grace and provision for me to draw near—and that God is determined to draw near to me. By faith in God to do what He says, I rest in faith that God’s presence is here all around me and touching me because of HIS grace... (pause to let yourself enjoy God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out” (John 6:37). Heart, let yourself be delighted and at peace that “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I am confident because I am commanded to “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , hear this and have fun drinking up the radiance around God like a sponge. I will NOT hold back because I CAN “...receive the kingdom of God like a child...” (Luke 18:17); “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). (pause to love it!) ... (Your name) , it is not how well I perform! Instead of that I am “...building yourselves up on your most holy faith” (Jude 1:20); And, my confidence is in You to do what You say Lord because I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). (pause to feel confidence from it!) ... (Your name) , I am not holding back because I am commanded to “...draw near with confidence to the throne of grace...” (Heb. 4:16). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , rather than daydreaming of earthly glories—it is by faith that I can do what David did when he said, “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psa. 16:8); And “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because I can receive God’s presence by His grace! IT IS WRITTEN: “...the one who has entered [God’s] rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His” (Heb. 4:10); “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mat. 11:28,29). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

Changing from Performance to Grace

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to be afraid about not being able to achieve God’s presence. I turn from letting Christians put that kind of pressure on me. I grab my soul and I turn it away from having to come to God by faith in my works... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to feel God’s presence in order to measure up to the standards of other Christians. Lord You are the standard. I turn and I rest from having to achieve Your Presence Lord—I just set my heart to love the God of heaven, who I am trusting is close... ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to let the pressure of “getting and having” material things to be what holds me back from God. Instead of that, I set my heart to love getting and having You Lord. And, I love that it is right for me to receive the kingdom like a branch drinks and to “possess” You as my God... ...I don’t have to be spiritually distracted by needing approval from people. I am depending on You Lord. You are the God that I love to please. And Lord, I love that my faith causes You pleasure (Heb 11:1,6)... (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from pressure to perform in order to experience God’s presence. My confidence is in the truth about You Lord—I will NOT fear failure because Your Word is worthy of my complete trust. By faith in God to do what He says, I am believing that God’s presence is here all around me and that He is touching me because of HIS grace... (pause to believe) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , because God has done it I rest believing that I am one who has Jesus Christ and the Father also (1 John 2:23). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , because God is doing it—I am one who has fellowship with the Father and the Son—I am trusting God for His Light to be continually shined upon me (1 John 1:3; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 1:5). ... (Your name) , because God has done it—I am a kingdom priest to God and a priest to other people on God’s behalf (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , I submit into being confident that “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned” (Psa. 34:22). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.” (Rom. 11:6). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , I set my heart to confidence about believing because “...they were not able to enter because of unbelief” (Heb. 3:19). And, “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because IT IS WRITTEN: “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2); ... (Your name) , IT IS WRITTEN: “I, the Lord, am your God...Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” (Psa. 81:10); “...has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19); “...My people will be satisfied with My goodness,’ declares the Lord.” (Jer. 31:14). (pause to believe and love God and His kingdom here!) ...

(Your name) , let yourself love the closeness of God. Lord, You are “...my rock and my fortress.” (Psa. 71:3). “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114). (pause to believe and love the truth!)

Changing from Performance to Grace

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to let other people define what it means to be a “sucessful” Christian. Lord, I trust Your word. I rest into drawing near to You and I rest into letting You draw near to me because it is right (James 4:8)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by the closeness of God and His kingdom!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to put pressure on myself to perform spiritually for those I love. I rest and I trust in You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to try to feel God’s presence because of pressure from the religious culture around me. Lord I love that I can trust You to carry me closer. You are the God who quenches my thirst—I have nothing else but You... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...I don’t have to I put my faith in the experience of other people. I turn and will trust the truth in the Bible about drinking from God. It is right and good for me to draw near... (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...I don’t have to perform for other Christians because that doesn’t justify me before God. I turn from having to prove myself to them. God is my glory—not what other Christians think about me... ...I don’t have to be afraid because of how thirsty I am for God. He doesn’t hold back. I turn from fear because I don’t have to trust myself—I don’t have to perform for God. Lord I rest in You... ...I don’t have to be afraid about entering before the Lord. I turn my soul to rest confidently in God. Lord I trust I am drawing near but I put my faith in You to carry me close. God doesn’t hold back... (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from pressure to perform to experience God’s presence. My confidence is in You Lord—I will NOT fear failure. I am boldly confident about God’s grace and provision for me to draw near—and for Him to draw near to me. I believe that I am near and that God is here... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , I turn from fear because God will not abandon His people: God says to me that “...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” (Heb. 13:5). (pause to believe and love God who is close!) “...the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:25). (pause to feel confidence from it!) ... (Your name) , I love that I can trust God! “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because “...those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psa. 9:10). (pause to hear it) ... (Your name) , heart hear this—stop fighting against the truth and let yourself believe it! “...He will not fail you...” (Deut. 4:31). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I am secure because “...the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake [us, as] His inheritance.” (Psa. 94:14). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...

(Your name) , I am confident because God is my inheritance—God is my portion in this land (Num. 18:20; Deut. 18:2). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

Changing from Performance to Grace

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to make pleasing others to be my “god.” The Lord is my God—not other Christians, not members of my family, not my co-workers, not my pastor. I turn and rest into faith that believes God to draw near to me because that is what pleases Him (Heb 11:6)... ...I don’t have to agree with pressure to achieve spirituality that would let me draw near. Lord I love that I don’t have to put my faith in works. I turn and I trust Your grace. I love You Lord... (pause to hear it) ...I don’t have to measure up to the unspoken spiritual standards in the Christian culture around me. The Lord is my God—I love You Lord, not the standards other Christians want me to live up to... (And then this...)

...I turn from fear of failure. I reject pressure to perform spiritually . Experiencing God is about confidence in You Lord—NOT in myself. I am confident about God’s grace and provision for me to draw near—and for Him to draw near to me. I am boldly believing that I am near and that God is here... (pause to let yourself feel confidence, be reassured, and love God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because IT IS WRITTEN: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). And, God promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I rest in the truth because “My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” (Ezek. 37:27); “...the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...the tabernacle of God is among men...” (Rev. 21:3); “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I experience God because I set my heart to find a safe refuge of strength in His presence: “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” (Psa. 36:7-9) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure in directing my heart to glory in God, because IT IS WRITTEN: “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, and in Him they will glory.” (Jer. 4:2) ... (Your name) , I CAN enter and stay before the Lord because “O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells.” (Psa. 26:8); and because it says, “...where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mat. 6:21). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I am confident about experiencing God here because “...God is Light...if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another...” (1 John 1:5,7). “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” (2 Cor. 13:14); “God is spirit...” (John 4:24); “...the Lord is the Spirit...” (2 Cor. 3:17). ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure about experiencing the fullness of God because “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8); “God is not a man, that He should lie...” (Num. 23:19). “'See, the Lord your God has placed the land before you; go up, take possession...Do not fear or be dismayed.'” (Deut. 1:21); “God is to us a God of deliverances...” (Psa. 68:20). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

Heart-Training “Core Classes” for Your Heart

Group Four “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

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Believing and Enjoying God as Our Security © Barry Hall 2011

(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

www.tasteheavennow.net

, let your heart delight that the security I NEED is...

...not from how well I stay in control. Heart, it is a far better security for me to trust the closeness of God... ...not from how well I avoid “rocking the boat.” Security is NOT from how well I accept mediocrity... ...not changed by people who try to intimidate or hurt me! They can’t hurt my security because God is with me here. And, it is heaven that rules... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...not by how well I use words to put other people down. And, my security is NOT by sarcastic laughter that hurts other people. Heart, security from God is realistic for me! My place of security is to enter and standing before the God of the armies of heaven with angels are all around me. I love You Lord.... ...not by my getting even with those who hurt me. Vengeance belongs to God. And, God’s presence is safer and far more thrilling; my God is the Lord of hosts... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...not the power I feel when putting myself down. The Lord is God—not me. I love that God draws close with His power all around me. And, I love that my God is “...the head over all rule and authority” (Gal 2:10)... ...not from the smiles I get from other people. I love the radiance shining onto me from Your face—God is my security. I love standing before the Lord and having His kingdom all around me here... (And then this...)

...I turn away from having to achieve security for myself. I rest into trusting the abundant grace of God to draw near. By faith, I trust that I am entering with my body and soul before God. By this, I am receiving the Holy Spirit that radiates from the fountain of God. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the presence of the kingdom of God all around me here: Lord, “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). My safe refuge is inside God’s presence... (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1). My God is a shield of light around me that makes evil and darkness flee! Jesus said to the Father, “...Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one” (John 18:9). ... (Your name) , God has made me a descendent and heir of the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:29); Therefore heart, “...remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deu 8:18). ...

(Your name) , I turn my heart to love God as my security; “The eternal God is a dwelling place...” “God is my strong fortress...” (2 Sam 22:33). My God is a fortress of strength and miracle power all around me; “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Heb. 13:15). (pause to praise Him!) (Deut. 33:27);

... (Your name) , I am secure because I am making God my refuge. Lord You are “...a refuge for me, a tower of strength...Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings...” (Psa. 61:3,4). When I draw near to God, He draws near, surrounding me as a refuge of strength and love... ... (Your name) , even “Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” (Hab. 3:17-19). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Security

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord, and

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the security I NEED is...

...not in soothing myself with how nice I am to people. It is the closeness of God that soothes me. Lord, I love that I can receive Your presence like a sponge. And, I am trusting that You are a fountain of love and goodness right in front of me here... (pause to be soothed, receive like your whole body is a sponge!) ...not how impressive I am in conversations with people. And, my security is NOT from how well I defended myself verbally. God is my defender. Lord, I praise You—not myself. And Lord, I delight that it is my birthright as a believer to confidently trust that the God who is walking with me is the risen and glorified Jesus. Heart, He IS before me here right now. By faith, my eyes are looking to You Lord... ....not by how well I manipulate relationships people. I turn from twisted forms of human power. I love Your power Lord. When I draw near, God draws near to me and He is my refuge of power and strength... ...not found in rebelling against the truth about God. It is safe for me to trust that God is good and be near to Him. And, it is safe to trust that my God is the Almighty commander of all of heaven’s angels... ...not from the religious culture that surrounds me. Lord, I worship Your power—not theirs. All my security is in trusting that You are my powerful refuge. By faith, I trust that I am looking at You Lord... ...not from getting more money or from having money in my pocket. God is the possession I treasure. I rest into receiving the closeness of Your presence Lord.. (pause to receive His presence like a sponge!) ...not from how much I do or the projects I complete. Heart, my security is NOT from my competence... ...not from how much I know. I rest into receiving the presence of God as my strong security. I put my trust in You Lord. Thank You Lord! (pause to feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then this...)

...I turn my heart away from security that can decrease because of people or the circumstances. And I humble myself from pride because it only wants to feed on the glory of earthly things. I rest into receiving God’s presence. And, I grab my soul and I turn it from doubt. God is my security! (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , God is not asking me to give up anything that He hasn’t also promised to replace it with something far better: “...repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). And, “...the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake [us as] His inheritance.” (Psa. 94:14). Thank You Lord! (pause to enjoy it!) ... (Your name) , I am secure because God is with me here. My Jesus Christ is wisdom for me. My Jesus is righteousness for me. My Jesus is sanctification for me. My Jesus is redemption for me. What I am inside Christ, I am by His doing (1 Cor. 1:30). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I am secure because God is my confidence; “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me...I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock” (Psa. 27:1 and 3,4,5). God is my refuge of strong security, beauty, and light...(pause to love it!)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Security

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the security I NEED is...

...not from my dominance compared to others. Heart, my security is NOT decreased because of the skills of others around me. The closeness of God is my security! I love that my God is the commander of a vast army of angels and I am setting my heart to trust that His angels are all around me here. Thank You Lord... ...not from using self-contempt as a tool to keep me from opening up to the Lord. God is a better way to find security. Thank You Lord that You are my strong security .. (pause to believe and love the truth!) ...not from using laziness as a tool for holding back from God. The Lord is my good and powerful refuge. I turn my heart to love You Lord. I love that my God is the Almighty commander of heaven’s angels... ...not from how well I keep people liking me. The approval and pleasure of God feeds me better. Lord, I face toward You. And, Lord I am trusting that my faith causes You to feel pleasure (Heb 11:6)... (pause to let yourself enjoy being able to cause God to feel pleasure by your faith and dependance!) ...not from the sympathy I get from people. God soothes me better—His presence is easier to receive and much more abundant. Thank You Lord! I love Your grace to draw near to me... (pause to enjoy it!) ...not from how well I hide in a cave of doubt or fear. God is a far safer place to hide because of His power and strength that comes close to me. It is heaven that rules! I will not be afraid... (pause to love the truth!) ...not from how much money I have for __________________ . God is my provider. I praise God that You are a wonderful provider. I love You Lord. By faith, I trust that my eyes are looking at You Lord. And, I turn my ears to listen to the Holy Spirit in me, and who comes onto me intensely from the fountain... (And then this...)

...the security I love is NOT from pride in myself. I love the security that comes from the powerful and miracle working presence of God with me. I CAN find safe refuge in God because when I draw near, He draws near to me by bringing the kingdom of heaven with Him all around me here... (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22). God says that “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37); Lord, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114); “..You are my refuge in the day of disaster.” (Jer. 17:17); “Guard my soul...for I take refuge in You.” (Psa. 25:20). Thank You Lord that You are so gracious to draw near and be my God! Heart, love the Lord because His closeness is my strong and powerful refuge of love and kindness. ... (Your name) , be determined to rest confidently into faith that allows me to enter and stand before the Lord. Heart, love the Holy Spirit surrounding me because by this, the presence of God becomes my refuge of security. I CAN receive the presence of God because the fountain that thunders and roars floods me intensely with the Holy Spirit all around... (pause to enjoy the security of God’s closeness!) ... (Your name) , God has made me a descendent and heir of the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:29); Therefore heart, “...remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deu 8:18). ... (Your name) , God is “...my rock and my fortress.” (Psa. 71:3); I WILL trust that God draws near because God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and Gal. 3:29). Lord, “...You are my help and my deliverer...” (Psa. 40:17). Thank You Lord! (One of these...)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Security ...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

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, let your heart delight that the security I NEED is...

...not from a fortress of self-inflicted guilt and shame. God is my strong and powerful fortress—not because of my doing things to earn it but because of my trusting His grace... (let yourself love Him!) ...not by my trying to have people around me all the time. I thrill my heart with the closeness of God. And, I am trusting God to be near. Thank You Lord! Your power and love ARE here God...(pause to enjoy it!) ...not by my trying to keep people saying or doing things that make me feel secure. I love the closeness of God’s power to make me secure. My God is the commander of all of heaven’s angels... ...not by my stretching the truth to impress others. God’s glory is greater. And, the God of all glory is with me here! Lord, I receive Your radiant Presence like I am a sponge in front of a mighty and gushing fountain. Lord, I love Your Holy Spirit all around me here. I love the personality of God who is with me... ...not from how much my money can buy. God is my provider. Lord, I am believing that Your presence with me and that Your kingdom around me are more real than money and more wonderful than all the things money can buy. Lord, You are my security, YOU are my provider. I love You Lord... ...not from using foul language. The kingdom of God is far more impressive! I humble my heart into loving and receiving the Kingdom of God all around me here like a sponge in front of a fountain. I love You Lord. And, I am trusting that the kingdom of God is here in the miracle power and authority of God... (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) (And then this...)

...I turn away from thinking that my security can decrease because of the circumstances, or people, or anything else. I set my heart to trust the closeness of God as my security! My delight is in God. And I rest in His presence by resting the weight of my entire being, like I were holding a coat onto me by letting the pockets support the weight of my hands and arms... (pause to rest in Him!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , I “...receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:14); “...it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace...” (Rom. 4:16). Thank You Lord! I am believing that I am receiving Your Holy Spirit coming to me from the fountain of Your grace and goodness Lord. ... (Your name) , I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). By faith in Him” I am trusting the scripture that says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). ... (Your name) , I set my heart to love the closeness of God and His kingdom here! Lord, “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” (Psa. 91:2); “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness and touch of God’s power and glory!) ...

(Your name) , make it your delight that “...your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). I have drawn near to God and God does draw near to me because IT IS WRITTEN, “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). ...

(Your name) , “...The word of the Lord is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” (2 Sam 22:31). Lord, I love You as my refuge because Your Holy Spirit is all around me touching me with Your love and goodness. And Lord, You are a shield of power and strength around me... (pause to enjoy Him!)

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the security I NEED is...

...not from power or pride in being able to hurt someone. And, my security is NOT from the respect I get. The closeness of God’s power is MY strength and security. Heart, delight that “...it is Heaven that rules.” (Dan. 4:26), NOT me... (pause to love the closeness of God and enjoy the security of His closeness!) ...not by dominance or pride that comes from lust or sexual sin. Lord, I turn to You and praise You. Lord, You are MY strength and security. I love YOU Lord... (pause to let yourself love and enjoy God!) ...not from being on drugs. Rather than loving the drugged feeling, I am purposing myself into believing the presence of God as my security and pleasure. I love having the kingdom of heaven around me here... ...not by soothing myself with what I smoke. And heart, my security is NOT from the feelings of power and control there is in smoking. I set my heart to love soothing myself with God’s presence. Heart, enjoy God’s presence quieting and calming yourself! It is the closeness of God and HIS power that I love. Lord, You are MY power and strength. I worship YOU Lord, not myself... (pause to feel soothed and calmed!) ...not in deadening my pain by drinking alcohol. Drawing close to God and drinking like a sponge from the fountain fills me better. Heart, love drinking from the fountain of God’s goodness and beauty.. ...not from the power and control there is in drinking alcohol. It is God’s power that I love. I love that I can drown myself in Your presence Lord. I don’t have to hold back and I won’t. God’s power and sovereignty IS here and when I draw near to God, the kingdom of God comes all around me here... ...not from the power and control that could keep me on drugs. I humble myself from finding security that way. Heart, I am humbling myself into confident faith for entering and receiving heaven here... (And then this...)

...the Lord is God—not me. I grab my soul and turn it from trusting myself. I humble myself from the pride that tries to find security apart from God. And, I humble myself into confident faith for drawing near and letting God draw near to me. (Your name) , let God be your God! Hide yourself by wearing the strong and powerful armor of the presence of God... (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9). “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God and His kingdom!) ...

(Your name) , I am secure and I am confident because I draw near to God and He draws near to me (James 4:8). Lord by Your presence here, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114); “...You are my refuge in the day of disaster.” (Jer. 17:17). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , by making God my refuge it says that I possess heaven HERE: “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain.” (Isa. 57:13). And, God has promised that “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37). (pause to believe and love the closeness of God!) ... (Your name) , I put my trust in the presence of God in me and around me, “The eternal God is a dwelling place...” (Deut. 33:27), I set my heart to trust God to draw near to me and be a safe refuge of love and goodness around me. “Guard my soul...for I take refuge in You.” (Psa. 25:20). (pause to enjoy it!)

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the security I NEED is...

...not from believing lies about power of evil. The power and love of God is far stronger. And by faith, I am trusting that I am abiding IN His love... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by it!) ...not from how well I stay in control. Heart, my security is NOT from subtle demands to control my relationship with God! Security from God IS realistic for me! Heart, security from God is what I love... ...not from the power and control there is in holding back from God. The closeness of God’s power and love is a far better way to find security. The Lord is a strong refuge of goodness and love around me here... ...not by my trying to escape from confidence to receive the Holy Spirit and glory in God. Lord, I love Your grace. I set my heart to trust that I am before the Lord, angels are all around me. And the God I love is the commander of all the angels. The God who is close is all powerful and strong. God is my security... ...not by my being afraid of the Holy Spirit and protecting myself from God. Lord, I love hiding myself in You. I draw near to God and He draws near as a strong refuge of acceptance and love.. (pause to enjoy it!) ...not in how well I avoid the throne room of God. It is safe for me to trust God and draw near. I love that it is good for me to love and believe that God is with me here right now. All my security is in You Lord... ...not by making God do what I want. Lord, I praise You who are close. It is what You control that makes me secure... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) (And then this...)

...I turn away from thinking my security can decrease because of the circumstances, or people, or anything else. God is my security! God’s presence is a far more powerful security —my delight is in the closeness of God all around me here. I turn my eyes toward God. By faith, I trust I am looking at His power and glory around me here: Lord, “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). (pause to let yourself feel reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , I have determined to believe that I do “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12); I “...have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread...though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident” (Psa. 27:1,3). (pause to hear and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , God has made me His child (1 John 3:2). And, God has made me a descendent and heir of the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:29); Therefore heart, “...remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deu 8:18). And, God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29). (be thankful and trust God for this truth!) ... (Your name) , IT IS WRITTEN: “Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you” (Deut. 3:22). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the security I NEED is...

...not from the power, rebellion, and control there is in choosing to sin. I rest into submitting to God as my God. And, I turn my heart to love Him more than the twisted power and rebellion in sin... ...not from my being ‘in control’ of my surroundings or people. Lord, I love Your closeness as my security. I praise You. And, I rest into believing that I am before the Lord, angels are all around me. And the God I love is the commander of all the angels... (pause to let yourself feel confidence from it!) ...not from lowering myself into despair or laziness. God is my great reason for hope. I repent of drinking from a cup of disbelief or despair. By faith I am turning toward the Lord and am drinking from Him... ...not from praising myself for how well I use force to demand that the circumstances cooperate. Lord, I praise You... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not by my nagging people into submission. God is my righteousness and my security—not me, or them... ...not by punishing others around me when I feel like a failure. Lord, I love that I can thrill myself with Your perfection... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not by lies that cover up part of the truth. Lies are not my security. I love hiding myself in God’s presence. I delight my heart into believing and loving that I can enter the throne room and that the fountain of God is right in front of me now... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then this...)

...I love the security that comes from the presence of God with me. God hides me inside His kingdom, inside a kingdom that is not of this realm, nor of this world. I love taking refuge in the strength, miracle working power, and in the beauty of the kingdom of God all around me here... (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8); And, IT IS WRITTEN that I have “...confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). I WILL believe it! And, “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13). So, it is right for me to confidently believe that the kingdom of God IS all around me here... ... (Your name) , by trusting that I am before the Lord, He shines His power and authority all around me from the fountain of God. And it is right for me to say, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1); “...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” (Rom. 13:12, 14). ... (Your name) , You Lord! “...You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength...let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings...” (Psa. 61:3,4). (pause to hear it) “...The word of the Lord is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” (2 Sam 22:31). Lord, “You are my hiding place...” (Psa. 32:7). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...

(Your name) , “...In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...” (Isa. 30:15). “...clothe yourselves with humility...” (1 Peter 5:5) “The eternal God is a dwelling place...” (Deut. 33:27); I love You Lord and “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8). I love that my God is a strong and miracle working refuge of love, acceptance, and goodness... (pause to love and to enjoy the closeness of God and His kingdom all around you here!)

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the security I NEED is...

...not by retreating into my mind and trying to figure things out. Lord, I love the understanding that You give. Lord, lead me in the questions I ask. And, by faith I am listening to the Holy Spirit in me and who comes to me by my standing before the fountain of God... (pause to let yourself enjoy and love God!) ...not from how well I protect myself from the risk of pain. It is safer to stand before the Lord of hosts and trust that the kingdom of heaven is all around me here. Thank You Lord! I love that You ARE here.. ...not in feeding myself with how much I know—I don’t know it all. I feed on the closeness of my allknowing God. Heart, I am determined that I will love and delight in God, and not in myself... (love Him!) ...not from analyzing it more. I submit into believing that all my security is in You Lord... ...not from how well I understand. I can try to understand, but God is my security. Lord, I praise You who are close to me. I am trusting that Angels are here, that I am before the Lord and He is before me here... ...not from the doctrines I believe. God alone is right—He is my “right-ness.” By faith I am trusting that I am looking at the glory and power and wisdom of my God. And, the Lord is perfecting my faith... ...not in making my mind a place of refuge. Lord, I love Your grace that lets me make Your presence my refuge of power and love. Thank You Lord.. Your closeness is my delight... (pause to delight in God!) ...not in my figuring out why __________________. I rest into receiving the touch of God’s presence as my security. Lord, I love that You are a strong refuge of miracle working power... (pause to love Him!) (And then this...)

...I turn away from thinking my security can decrease because of the circumstances, or people, or anything else. God is my security! God’s presence is a far more powerful security—my delight is in God because the kingdom of God around me is my strong refuge of power, acceptance, and love... (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , I have “...confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). My faith is in Jesus for my being able to come before the Father, and when I trust I am drawing near, He carries me into the throne room; “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions. The Lord alone guided him, and there was no foreign god with him. He made him ride on the high places of the earth, and he ate the produce of the field; and He made him suck honey from the rock, and oil from the flinty rock,” (Deut. 32:11-13). (believe it) ... (Your name) , God has made me a descendent and heir of the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:29); Therefore heart, “...remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deu 8:18). ... (Your name) , delight in the Lord and say strongly to Him, “I love You, O Lord...” (Psa. 18:1). “... God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” (Psa. 54:4). I love that God wants me to stay near to Him so much that He is “planting” me in His presence (Exo. 15:17); “The eternal God is a dwelling place...” (Deut. 33:27). (pause to love it!) ...

(Your name) , love the Lord because God has made me free from sin and a slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:18). God has made me free from the control of man (1 Cor. 9:19 Amp. Bible). (pause believe and love God!)

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the security I NEED is...

...not from my accepting blame for what others do wrong. Approval from God is stronger than disapproval from people. Lord, I love that You are my refuge of comfort and acceptance... (pause to enjoy God!) ...not from giving up for fear of not being able to maintain “success.” Success for me is to “...continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Heb. 13:15), “sacrificing” praise with worship that normally would have been inner praise toward myself. Heart, delight that success and meaning for me is living life, “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:12), and NOT to the praise of my glory... ...not from how well I hide in a cave of fear. God has granted me access into His presence. I hide myself in the radiance around God who is with me here. The eternal and powerful God is my refuge of security.. ...not from my staying in control. Lord God, I praise You that You are a strong place of security. I love You Lord. I set my heart to rest into believing that I am before the Lord and angels are all around me... ...not from the sympathy that bad health earns. Sympathy from people is nothing compared to what God offers freely... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from acceptance I earn because of physical pain I feel. God’s acceptance is by faith in the truth about His grace... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...I don't have to believe the enemies lies that I have to get the security I NEED apart from You. Lord, You are my security. I rebuke any enemy pushing me to keep protecting myself apart from a wall that is Your presence around me. I denounce these things! And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power You would command the forces of evil to leave me alone and to never come back (pause to let yourself believe that He is doing it)... (And then this...)

...I don’t have to be God to myself. I delight to turn, draw near, and receive the Holy Spirit radiating powerfully the fountain of God. Lord, I love Your presence as my security—given freely by God’s grace... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name) , “...it is Heaven that rules.” (Dan. 4:26). “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. So, ignite your love toward God and let your delight feel freedom because, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and...my stronghold.” (Psa. 18:2)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and love God who is close!) 28:7).

... (Your name) , God is “...my rock and my fortress.” (Psa. 71:3); Heart hear this: “Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you.” (Deut. 3:22); My God is far stronger than the enemy and my God surrounds me here. Heart, love the truth because “My help comes from the Lord...” (Psa. 121:2)... ... (Your name) , “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord...For in the day of trouble He will conceal me...in the secret place...He will hide me...” (Psa. 27:4 -5). (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...

(Your name) , God will win! Evil will be judged (Luke 19:27). “God is not a man, that He should lie...” “...has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19). My Jesus said to the Father, “...Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one” (John 18:9). Thank You Lord... (pause to love God!) (Num. 23:19).

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the security I NEED is...

...not from my telling people I don’t want to talk about it. My security is from God. I rest into receiving from the fountain of God like a sponge. And by my trusting God to draw near, I take refuge in Him... ...not from how well I protect myself by disbelief. Faith in the power and closeness of God is my best hope for security. I love being able to stay before the Lord and have angels all around me here... ...not by my subtle demands for justice from God. I repent of trying to feel power that way. Thank You Lord! I love that when you draw near to me, You bring Your kingdom all around me here... (love God!) ...not from finding out if people approve of me. It is God’s acceptance and approval that makes me secure. I praise You God.. I love that by God’s grace, I can receive His presence and I am comforted and soothed inside a strong refuge of God’s acceptance and love...(pause to feel confident and to love and enjoy God!) ...not by how well I cower and close up inside. Lord God, I love that it is safe to draw near and stand open before You. Heart, the fountain of God is before me here and I drink from Him like a sponge... (enjoy it!) ...not by my throwing something and feeding on the power I feel. God’s power is greater and God is here. I feed on You God. Heaven that rules! And I am resting in faith that the Lord of hosts is before me here... ...not from money. God is the possession I hold close. I praise You Lord that the security You provide is so much better. I am determined to work hard, but I love that You are my provider God... (love Him!) (And then this...)

...I love the security that comes from the presence of God with me. God hides me in His kingdom. It is a kingdom that is more real than the material world around me... (pause to feel reassured by it!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , my security is not dependant on me or my circumstances! Lord, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114); “I love You, O Lord...” (Psa. 18:1). “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?” (Psa. 56:3,4); Thank You Lord that “...it is Heaven that rules.” (Dan. 4:26). I love You being close to me Lord... (pause to enjoy God!) ...

(Your name) , “Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies;” (Rom. 10:33). Thank You Lord that Your presence is a strong refuge of Your love and acceptance all around me... ... (Your name) , “Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident.” (Psa. 27:3). “I cried out to You, O Lord; I said, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’” (Psa. 142:5). Lord, You are my God and I love You... ... (Your name) , God has made me a descendent and heir of the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:29); Therefore heart, “...remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deu 8:18). ... (Your name) , “Many are saying of my soul, there is no deliverance for him in God...But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head.” (Psa. 3:2,3). I love You Lord! even though, “...my foes will rejoice when I fall...I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” (Psa. 13:5 NIV); Heart, “...I have hope in Him.” (Lam. 3:24). “God is my strong fortress...” (2 Sam 22:33).

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...Thank You Lord! And, heart believe and love the truth! ... (Your name) , trust that you are facing toward the Lord because blessing, grace, and peace come to you from the shine of His face. Heart hear this: “The Lord bless you...the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Num. 6:24-26 NIV). ... (Your name) , “...the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His...” (2 Chron. 16:9). “Praise the Lord, O my soul!” (Psa. 146:1). ... (Your name) , God has given me everything that pertains to life and godliness. By His promises I have become a partaker of His nature (2 Pet. 1:3,4). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , God didn’t spare His own Son. So, I can be confident about His freely giving me all things (Rom. 8:32). (let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , it is safe and good for me to fully trust God because “...the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2). (pause to hear, believe, and love God!) ... (Your name) , “...the Lord is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him.” (Isa. 30:18). (pause to let yourself enjoy being blessed because of this truth!) ... (Your name) , even when the “wicked” seem more blessed, I remember that “...these are the wicked; and always at ease, they have increased in wealth...When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end.” (Psa. 73:12,16,17). ... (Your name) , I set my heart to find delight in trusting God’s loving presence as my strong security! “I love You, O Lord...” (Psa. 18:1); “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8). I am determined to love Your closeness and to ignite my love for You with greater joy and thankfulness all the time. ... (Your name) , “You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence...or of the destruction...it shall not approach you...For you have made the Lord...even the Most High, your dwelling place” (Psa. 91:5-9). Heart, believe and be thankful that the “Most High God is a strong and powerful “dwelling place” all around me here. “Praise the Lord, O my soul!” (Psa. 146:1) ... (Your name) , I am secure and I am confident because Lord, “...You are my refuge in the day of disaster.” (Jer. 17:17). “The eternal God is a dwelling place...” (Deut. 33:27); I “...cried out to You, O Lord; I said, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’” (Psa. 142:5). (let yourself be thankful and enjoy!) ...

(Your name) , I am determined that I will not be negligent about standing before the Lord (2Chron. 29:11). Like Elijah and Elisha, I am (your name) who stands before the Lord. Heart, believe and love that God is before me HERE (1 Kings 17:1; 18:5; 2 Kings 3:14). (let yourself feel confidence because of this truth!) ... (Your name) , I am secure and I am confident because the loving and strong presence of God is all around me HERE: The Spirit of God makes me one with the Father and the Son—the person of God is in me; I am in Him because I stand before the glorified Christ and am receiving His presence here (Gal. 3:28; John 15:4; 17:20,21; 10:30; 10:38; Eph. 4:4,6; Col. 2:6). (pause to let yourself be thankful and feel secure because of God!) ... (Your name) , God has made me His child (1 John 3:2); God has made me a descendent and heir of the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:29); God has made me an offspring of Israel who will glory in God (Isa. 45:25). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory and love!)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Security

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...Thank You Lord! And, heart believe and love the truth! ... (Your name) , God has made me His child (1 John 3:2). God has adopted me and He is my Daddy who is very good (Gal. 4:4-7). And, God has made me a descendent and heir of the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:29); Therefore heart, “...remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deu 8:18). (pause to be thankful and to trust God to be true to His word!) ... (Your name) , God lives in me and when I draw near to God He draws near and walks along with me (James 4:8; 2 Cor. 6:16). And, I “...receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken...” (Heb. 12:28). The kingdom of God comes to me with power: “O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary...God... Himself gives strength and power to the people...” (Psa. 68:35). (pause to be thankful and love the kingdom of God!) ... (Your name) , “You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence...or of the destruction...it shall not approach you...For you have made the Lord...even the Most High, your dwelling place” (Psa. 91:5-9). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , “...The Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psa. 84:11). I “...have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, [my] dwelling place. No evil will befall [me], nor will any plague come near [my] tent.” (Psalm 91:9,10). (pause to love it!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because God can do all things through me—God is my strength (Phil. 4:13). “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7). (pause to enjoy God!) ... (Your name) , God is, “...the God of all grace...” (1 Peter 5:11). And, “...the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you...” (Isa. 30:18). “...the Lord loves His people...” (2 Chron. 2:11); “...the Lord takes pleasure in His people...” (Psa. 149:4); “...great is your love toward me...” (Psa. 86:13 NIV). And, I am made confident by Your being my strong refuge of miracle working power. ... (Your name) , Jesus Christ is stronger in me and He is greater than any demonic enemy (1 John 4:4). God has made me a good soldier of Christ (2 Tim. 2:3). And, the God of peace will crush Satan under my feet (Rom. 16:20). So Lord, I humble myself into being strong because of You. And, I praise You, not myself. ... (Your name) , my God makes me to leap over walls and run upon enemy troops (Psa. 18:29). God has made me like a majestic horse in the time of battle (Zec. 10:3). My praise is toward You God, not myself. ... (Your name) , I have made the presence of God my sun and my shield—and because of this, God doesn’t hold back His grace or His glory from me (Psa. 84:11). Heart the Bible says of God that “...those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psa. 9:10). And IT IS WRITTEN, “...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” (Heb. 13:5). ... (Your name) , I CAN “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). Therefore, I CAN “...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Rom. 13:12 and 14) Lord, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , “...say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” (Psa. 91:2). “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!’ For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark” (Psa. 91:1-4). (pause to enjoy God as refuge!)

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Believing and Enjoying God as Our Reassurance © Barry Hall 2011

(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

www.tasteheavennow.net

, delight that the reassurance I NEED is...

...not from having people around me all the time. And, I am determined to find the reassurance I need because of trusting God to draw near and bring the kingdom of heaven around me here. I love You God... ...not from how much I get honor, praise, acceptance, or respect. I turn my heart from loving reassurance from self-directed praise. And, I set my heart to enjoy that God is greatly honored by my worship toward Him. My praise and worship toward God has a vast audience of angels, apostles and prophets, rulers, and authorities in heaven. My worship and praise toward God has value and meaning that lasts for eternity... ...not from soothing myself with the sin. My God is a refuge of love and acceptance that soothes me best... ...not in the approval I sense from other people. I have the approval of God because of my faith and my faith gives Him pleasure. I turn my heart to love the pleasure that my faith causes God to feel (Heb 11:1,2,6)... ...not in power and control from rebellion. I am training my heart to enjoy being thrilled with the closeness of God’s power and sovereignty around me here. Heart, it is heaven that rules! I am trusting that Jesus is before me here. Angels are all around. And, each of them have personality and roles in the kingdom... ...not from my getting and having more money. It is far better to love receiving and to enjoy having God’s presence close. Lord, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at You... (pause to believe and love the truth!) ...not from how well I protect myself by being cynical or angry. Instead of that, I set my heart to trust Your closeness as my protection and reassurance Lord. I love Your closeness as a refuge around me of love, goodness, and acceptance. I turn to You God and I love You Lord... (pause to feel reassured!) (And then this...)

...Circumstances, people, or the demonic can’t rob me of my being reassured; my reassurance is because God is here with me! I am depending on You God. Lord, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the presence of the kingdom of God all around me here: Lord, “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , listen and let yourself be reassured by loving this truth! ...Jesus is a fountain of the Holy Spirit because He is still receiving “...the Spirit...who proceeds from the Father...” (John 15:26). And, by my drawing near to receive the Spirit who pours out from Him, the Holy Spirit pours out through me also (Joh 7:37-39, Isa 41:17,18)... “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5); “...You, O Lord, are...my glory...” (Psa. 3:3 TAB); “...confidence...is...through Christ before God...competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV). ...IT IS WRITTEN that: “...He has not despised...the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him...” (Psa. 22:24). And, “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22). (pause to love it) ... (Your name) , “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock” (Psa. 27:1 and 3,4,5). (pause to let yourself feel reassured by God being your God!)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Reassurance

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, delight that the reassurance that I NEED is...

...not from believing lies that my human competence is enough. The closeness of God as my adequacy is far greater. Lord, You are my “I AM” and I turn from faith in what “I am”... (pause to hear and love it!) ...not in the power and control there is in disobedience to God. Setting my heart to enjoy God soothes me better. And, I rest into trusting that I am before the Lord, that He is before me here and that angels are all around. My God is the Almighty commander of all the angels of heaven... (pause to hear and believe it) (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself be reassured by loving this truth!

...my God knows everything and doesn’t need instruction from anyone (1 Cor. 2:16). And God has given me the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) ...IT IS WRITTEN: “God is not a man, that He should lie...” (Num. 23:19). “...has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19). And, “...the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...I CAN exalt You Lord, and not myself: “From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.” (Psa. 113:3). “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV). (pause to love the truth!) ...IT IS WRITTEN: “...repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...IT IS WRITTEN: “...precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light” (Psa. 36:7-9). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) Lord, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114); “...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...” (Psa. 63:1). Thank you that You don’t hold back from me because “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ....

... (Your name) , God has made me His child (1 John 3:2). And, God has made me a descendent and heir of the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:29); Therefore heart, “...remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deu 8:18). (pause to be thankful and to trust God for this truth!) ...my Jesus said, “...Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one” (John 18:9). (pause to hear it) ...“On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God” (Psa.. 62:7). ...“...You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’” (Psa. 142:5) ...God chose us as His own possession so that we would be royal and holy priests. God called us out of darkness and into His light—I am among those who proclaim the excellencies of God (1 Pet. 2:9). ...Jesus Christ has made us to be a kingdom—priests to God the Father (Rev. 1:6). (pause to hear it) “...we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). (pause to hear it) “...through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph. 2:18; see also Heb. 4). (pause to hear it) IT IS WRITTEN: “My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers and burn incense” (2 Chron. 29:11). (pause to hear it) ...God is my inheritance—God is my portion in this land (Num. 18:20; Deut. 18:2). (pause to hear it) ...like what Elijah and Elisha did, I am [your name] who stands before the living God—I am confident because I am constantly before Him (1 Kings 17:1; 2Cor. 3:4,5). (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...I am reassured and confident because God has grafted me to Jesus Christ (Rom. 11:17). (pause to love it)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Reassurance

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, delight that the reassurance I NEED is...

...not in distracting myself with what I watch on T.V. I turn my heart to enjoy God more than TV. Heart hear this: My delight is to trust that I am in the throne room and to love standing before God here—in all His glory. My delight is in You God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from getting and having more money or material things. I turn to enjoy having God as a refuge that is more real than material things. By God being my refuge, I “possess” the His holy mountain (Isa.57:13). Lord, I love the richness of Your glory touching me all around. And, I am reassured as I believing You are right here close to me. I love You Lord... (pause to believe and by believing, enjoy the closeness of God!) ...not in the power and control there is in holding back from relationship with God. Lord, it is You that I love. All my reassurance is in You God. You are the Lord of hosts... (pause to hear and believe it) ...not in soothing myself with the food I eat. I love that the abundance of the radiance around God is more filling. I rest into feeding on You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from the impressiveness of the clothes I wear. I love wearing the presence of God and Lord, I praise You that the beauty of Your closeness touching me is a far greater glory than any earthly clothes...

(And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from earthly ways of soothing myself—I repent of little “gods.” Lord, I love Your grace to soothe my hurt with an abundance of your presence—without my having to deserve it. Lord, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at You close to me here... (pause to hear and love it!)

(And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself be reassured by loving this truth!

...I “...have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...[I will] draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) ...“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.” (Psa. 28:7). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...my faith and my trust in God causes Him to feel pleasure! (Heb. 11:6 and Psa. 149:4). (pause to hear it) ...“...You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.” (Psa. 16:2). “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8). ...God grows me up in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ—and I give Him glory because of it (2 Pet. 3:18). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) ...God likes being with me because He has made me His field and His building (1 Cor. 3:9). (believe it) ...God has made me the salt of the earth—and I am setting my heart to remain very salty (Matt. 5:13). ...God has given me His mercy and has made me one of the people of God (1 Pet. 2:10). (pause to hear it) ...God has made believers to be ambassadors—representatives of and for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). ...my “...God is the one who justifies” (Rom. 10:33). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...“...it is Heaven that rules.” (Dan. 4:26). “...the Lord is great, and...our Lord is above all the gods.” (Psa. 135:5).

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Reassurance

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, delight that the reassurance I NEED is...

...not from sin or from the glory of how well I avoid getting caught. I turn and I set my heart to love the closeness of God’s power and glory more... (pause to let yourself feel reassured by God’s closeness!) ...not from righteousness that I might think I have earned. God is my righteousness. Receiving Christ has made me righteous on the inside, and I am trusting that the LIVING water from the fountain of God is continually cleansing me, and is making the outside of me righteous also...(pause to be enjoy God!) ...not from how good I appear to other people. The beauty of God’s presence is what reassures me. I love You, Lord. And, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the Father and the Son before me here... ...not in how hard I've worked and how much I've done for God—not even from approval I earn by reading my Bible and praying. Lord, I love that You work by what You pour through me. I love that I can draw near and drink by Your grace... (pause to let yourself feel reassured because of it!) ...not in seeing bad things happen to other people. I turn my heart to believe that I am before Jesus and the Father. The Holy Spirit and angels are all around, above me, and even below. The kingdom of God is here and my reassurance is by remembering the closeness of God touching me all around... ...not from how others fail to measure up. God is the standard—not me. I set my heart to enjoy the closeness of God’s love far more... (pause to let yourself be reassured by the closeness of God’s love!) ...not by soothing or exalting myself when I hear bad things about people. My reassurance is from God... ...not in how justified I am in feeling contempt toward other people. I set my heart to trust that God knows. It is the closeness of the kingdom of God that reassures me... (pause to hear and love the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from letting circumstances, people, or the demonic push insecurity onto me! God and His kingdom all around me is my reassurance! I set my heart to confidently rest in the presence of God—continually given by His grace... (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself be reassured by loving this truth!

...“You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114); “...You are my rock and my fortress; for Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.” (Psa. 31:3); “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV). “You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV). (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...“How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength...” (Psa. 89:15-17). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) ...“...God is Light...if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another...” (1 John 1:5,7); “The Lord is my shepherd...” (Psa. 23:1); “...He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake” (Psa. 23:3). “...He will not fail you...” (Deut. 4:31). “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust...”(Psa. 25:1,2). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God!) ...God has made me a competent minister who helps people be made right with God (2 Cor. 5:18; 2 Cor. 3:6 NIV). Jesus has given me access to heaven itself. And, I will NOT be negligent about ministering to Him and standing before the Lord (2 Chron. 29:11). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Reassurance

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, delight that the reassurance I NEED is...

...not from how much I help other people. Jesus is the Messiah, NOT me! My delight is in the Lord. I draw near by faith, And, I submit into believing the truth that Jesus and the Father are before me here... ...not from how well I get what I want. Instead of that I turn my heart to want God—my soul shall make its boast in Him. My God is the commander of the angels in the army of heaven... (pause to love the truth!) ...not from reasons why I deserve their sympathy. I set my heart to find my reassurance by resting into faith about the closeness of God with me here. Lord, my eyes are on You... (pause to believe the truth!) ...not from how well my anger controls people. I turn and submit myself to trusting that God is in control. God is good... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how well I get others to feel condemned. God is the standard! I turn to exalting You Lord—not myself... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not in how well I justify myself. God is the one who justifies me. God is my validation—not anything else. I love that I can enter and receive the kingdom of God is all around me here... (pause to love it!) ...not from the money I wish I had in my pocket. I turn my soul to love possessing You Lord. I set all my delight on God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...not in how well I achieve the expectations of people. I love that God doesn’t treat me that way. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Jesus and the Father before me here. God is my reassurance... (And then this...)

...I turn and repent of having to reassure myself by praise for what I achieve. I delight that I can turn and confidently trust God to draw near so intensely that His closeness becomes my strong reassurance... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself be reassured by loving this truth!

......Lord, “...You are my refuge in the day of disaster.” (Jer. 17:17). You are “...my rock and my fortress.” (Psa. 71:3); God, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114). “...in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.” (Psa. 27:5) ...“I love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psa. 18:1). “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2)... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is compassionate.” (Psa. 116:5) ......“Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident.” (Psa. 27:3). “Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you.” (Deut. 3:22). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...God is bringing me into His dwelling place—God is planting me in His presence (Exo. 15:17). ...I am one who stands before the Lord and stays alert. WAKE UP and keep on praying at all times! And, I will escape the things about to take place because I stand before the Lord of hosts (Luke 21:36; 2 Chron. 20:9). I am not afraid—even if I hear of wars or rumors of wars (Matt. 24:6; Mark 13:11). The presence of God is my hiding place! (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Reassurance

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(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, delight that the reassurance I NEED is...

...not from wearing self-inflicted guilt and shame as status. Jesus paid the price on the cross. Trusting that the Lord, His angels, and the Holy Spirit are all here, that is what reassures me... (pause to love the truth!) ...not from how much people need me. The kingdom of God is where I belong. Lord, I love that I can receive Your kingdom all around me here. I rest into letting the presence of God touch me here... ...not from my having a relationship with_______. I rest into faith that God is close—Lord, You are the one who reassures me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...not from how well I earn their praise. I am redirecting the loves of my heart so that I can be to the praise of God’s glory, not mine. Exalting God and His glory is my treasure.. ...not in how well I keep people impressed. Lord, it is Your glory that is impressive—not mine. And, I set my heart to love the reassurance that comes from Your kingdom all around and touching me here... ...not from having more money to buy things. I was designed to keep on receiving and having God’s presence! It is You that I love Lord. My delight is in God! I rest into letting myself be reassured because of Your presence Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...not from who I know and NOT from having more status than other people. Lord, it is You that I love to know. It is YOU that I praise—not myself. I am believing that God is close to me and I am enjoying the reassurance that comes from having You close... (pause to believe and enjoy the closeness of God!) ...not from what I do, and not from the feedback I get about how well I did. The closeness of God is where I get the reassurance that I need. My God is a safe refuge of love and acceptance... (pause to love God!)

(And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself be reassured by loving this truth!

...God has given me the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) ...God has made me a disciple of Jesus Christ because I die daily and I continue in the word of Christ (John 8:31). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!). ...God gives me mercy and I receive it (1 Pet. 2:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...God has freed me from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2); ...along with other believers, God has made me an ambassador—a representative for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). ...God has gifted me by the Holy Spirit. God has given me gifts and abilities that build up the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:4-11); ...God is helping me to grow and I set my heart to use my abilities and skills to exalt Him. I do not hide my abilities or potential under a rock (Luke 19:11-27). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...“...O Lord...‘You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living’” (Psa. 142:5). “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8). “Guard my soul...for I take refuge in You.” (Psa. 25:20)... (pause to hear and love the truth!) ...God has made me competent to minister to Himself and to people because I minister while staying before God (2Cor. 3:4-6 NIV); God has made me one of His co-workers (1 Cor. 3:9); I speak to people with sincerity because I am sent by God and I am before Him when I speak to them (2Cor. 2:17).

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Reassurance

76

(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, delight that the reassurance I NEED is...

...not how well I protect myself from risk. Lord, You are my reassurance. I set my heart to believe and love the closeness of God and the reassurance that comes from Him... (pause to love the truth!) ...not in what I know. The closeness of the wisdom and knowledge of God is what I love. Lord, I turn my ears to listen to the Holy Spirit in my and surrounding me because of the radiance from You... ...not from what I justify as being right. God is the righteous judge. And, God’s wisdom is worthy of praise—not mine. The wisdom of God comes down onto me from above (James 3:15,17; Isa 55:10,11)... ...not in my analyzing it more. It is God who is my reassurance. God’s knowledge is greater... ...not how well I understand it. Lord, You are my reassurance and it is You that I praise—not myself... ...not from the doctrines I believe or the new things I learn. God is my reassurance. Lord, I rest into believing that I am before You and that You are here. Angels are all around, and my God is the Almighty commander of the armies of heaven... (let yourself feel confidence because of the kingdom of God!) ...not in making my mind a place of refuge. God is a safe refuge of goodness and beauty. I love reassurance from God—and not from me. I am resting into faith that I have entered and am before the Lord. Heart, rest into confident faith that the kingdom of God is all around me here... (pause to love it!) ...not in how respectable I feel. Lord, You are my glory. I rest into receiving and enjoying Your reassuring presence Lord. I turn my heart to remember and enjoy the closeness of God and His kingdom... ...not in my figuring out why (something bad that happened) . God knows. I rest my mind on You Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul from letting circumstances, people, or the demonic rob me of my being reassured. God is my reassurance! I set my heart to rest in the presence of God—given freely to me by His grace... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself be reassured by loving this truth!

...Heart, let yourself believe that God wants to be “...my rock and my fortress.” (Psa. 71:3). “...the Lord loves His people...” (2 Chron. 2:11). And, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8). God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29). Lord, “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV). (pause to believe and love God who is close!) ...I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12); Heart, rest into believing that “...He has not despised...the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him...” (Psa. 22:24); Heart love it that I CAN “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). (pause to hear and love it!) ...and when I draw near, I expect to see what God is doing, without visualization, I rest into being confident that the eyes of my heart are looking at the same thing as what Ezekiel saw: “the heavens were opened and...on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man...and there was a radiance around Him. As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance...” (Ezek. 1:1 and 26,27). (pause to hear and love it)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Reassurance

77

(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, delight that the reassurance I NEED is...

...not how respectable I must have appeared to them. I set my eyes and ears on You Lord—not on them or on myself. Heart, let yourself trust that God and His kingdom are here – angels are all around. And let yourself feel reassured from that... (let yourself feel confidence because of the kingdom of God!) ...not how well I blend into my surroundings. God’s presence around me that is my protection. I love that Jesus died so that I can enter the throne room and draw near to the Father. I trust that I am with You and that You are with me here... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...not from worry or fear. I set my heart to believe that I am before the Lord and that His presence is here! I rest into reassurance from the kingdom of God being here... (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) ...not from ________________. I rest into receiving the touch of Your reassuring presence all around and through me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...not in how well I avoid people who might not like me back. Lord, it is Your love that gives me energy to love them. The Lord is my God. And He is the Almighty Lord of hosts... (pause to love the truth!) ...not from the impressiveness of what I say or the applause I receive. I turn my heart to love God instead of that! I rest into trusting I can enter and stand before the Lord. Having God close is what I love... (And then this...)

...I delight to turn my soul and “die” to independence from God. Being fully convinced that I am before the Lord and that He is before me here is the safest thing I could do. I love God’s radiance upon me. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the presence of the kingdom of God all around me here: Lord, “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself be reassured by loving this truth!

...“...The Lord is my God.” (Zech.. 13:9). “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2). ...“...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28). “You are my hiding place...” (Psa. 32:7); “Since I am afflicted and needy, let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer... O my God.” (Psa. 40:17); I am reassured and I am confident because “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” (Psa. 54:4). (pause to believe, and love the God who is close!) ...God has chosen to use me even when I feel foolish and weak. God chooses to use me even where I am despised by other people (1 Cor. 1:27-29). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) ...God is making me fruitful in helping and ministry to others. I am trusting Him that it is a ministry that will have results that will last for eternity (Psa. 45:17). I glorify the Father because I have come to Him and am drinking from Him like a branch (John 15:5; John 7:37-39). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...God goes before us and leads me in triumph—He manifests through us evidence that we know Him in every place (2 Cor. 2:14). God has made me a fragrance of Christ to Himself and to other people (2 Cor. 2:15). ...God makes me able to pull down strongholds. My weapons are spiritual and are divinely powerful. With my spiritual weapons I am able to destroy lofty things and spiritual fortresses that raise up against the knowledge of God (2 Cor. 10:3-5). (pause to be thankful and love the truth!)

78

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Protection © Barry Hall 2011

(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

www.tasteheavennow.net

, let your heart delight that the protection I NEED is...

...not from my hiding under a ‘lid of self-protection’ that I hold down tightly from inside. I turn my heart to love God and His kingdom around me as my strong fortress—I am resting into loving that I can enter, stand before Him, and receive His kingdom all around me here. God is my protection... (pause to love it!) ...not in staying away from God. Drawing near to God is a better place to hide. I love the protection I find in You Lord. Angels are here and my God is the almighty commander of a vast army of angels... ...not by how well I keep from believing God’s love and grace. I set my delight on God’s presence as my protection. Like Elijah and Elisha, I am trusting that I am standing before the Lord of hosts... ...not by my using a lack of hope as an excuse for avoiding spiritual growth. God doesn’t hold back and nothing else works. Heart, hear and believe that it is heaven that rules... (pause to love the truth!) ...not from hiding in a cave of fear. I humble myself from believing that I have to protect myself. God Almighty is my strength. I am delighting my heart into believing and loving that I can draw near to God and receive the kingdom of God all around me here... (pause to believe, and love the God who is close!) ...not by wearing the armor of hardness and rebellion. God is the Lord of all authority and strength and I entrust myself to Him. I set my heart to love You... (pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!) ...not from ___________ . I humble myself and I admit my need. I thrill my heart into believing that I am entering before the Father here and that You Lord Jesus are standing with me in all Your radiant glory. The radiance that is the Spirit flowing from Jesus and the Father is my strong fortress... (And then this...)

...I turn my soul from letting circumstances, people, or the demonic rob me of confidence about the power of God’s protection. I set my heart to enter, to stay before God, and to trust His presence as my protection... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself love the presence of God as your protection!

God is my protection because I am entrusting myself to His presence around me as my refuge of power and strength: “Guard my soul...for I take refuge in You” (Psa. 25:20). (pause to believe and love God!) ...“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock” (Psa. 27:1 and 3,4,5). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God!) ...I can enter and I can rest into receiving the presence of God — by this God IS here and I am protected because Lord, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114). (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...I am confident that God is here and that He is protecting me because “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken...my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) ...God is my strong protection because the radiance of the glorified Christ is upon me—by this I “...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Rom. 13:12 and 14). (pause to hear and love it)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Protection

79

(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the protection I NEED is...

...not by priding myself with the things that I control. I humble myself into believing that I can enter and receive the kingdom of God all around me here. I am setting my heart to trust that I am standing on the sea before the throne of God. Angels are above me, behind, and they are even underneath... ...not by winding myself up and being hyper. I turn my praise toward God. I love that receiving the kingdom of God around me is a strong fortress... (pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!) ...not with the “bubble” of their acceptance around me. Soul hear this and hold onto God. All my delight is in You Lord. I take refuge in You power and love, and by this I “possess” Your holy mountain (Isa.57:13)... ...not by manipulating people against each other. God is a greater glory. I praise You Lord not myself. And, my eyes are on You Lord. The God I serve is the commander of the armies of heaven... ...not by my using self-contempt to keep myself hiding in a cocoon of depression. God is a stronger fortress. I set my heart to thrill myself that I can enter and stand before God here. My love is to hide in Your glory Lord—not in depression... (pause to let yourself feel reassured by the closeness of God!) ...not from a fortress of self-inflicted guilt and shame. I love finding the refuge I need in Your cleansing protection Lord. I delight my heart into loving that I can receive and wear the kingdom of God... ...not by using dominance to control other people or the circumstances. It is the kindness of God that I love. I rest into receiving the touch of the presence of God as my strong shield and fortress... (And then this...)

...I love the protection that comes from the presence of God with me. God hides me His kingdom, inside a kingdom that is not of this realm, not of this world. My God is the Almighty Lord of hosts... (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself love the presence of God as your protection!

...I am confident about being protected because I am setting my heart to stay in the throne room with God: “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13). The kingdom of God IS here... ...but even if God does not protect me, I am determined to keep entrusting myself to His presence for the protection I need. “...[the king] ...said to them, ‘Is it true...that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up...if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire...Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king...we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:14-18). (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) ...by faith I draw near to God and He floods my with His radiant presence. I declare with boldness and confidence that “The Lord is my light...The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1). ...“In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11). (pause to believe and love God!) ...“...God...gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (Psa. 68:35) ...It was my Jesus who prayed to the Father saying, “...Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one” (John 18:9). And He will not lose me either! (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Protection

80

(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the protection I NEED is...

...not in staying away from God. I will run to You Lord. I will not stay away. I set my affections on the closeness of God... (pause to feel confidence from trusting that God’s presence is here!) ...not from fear and disbelief as my best hope for a place of refuge. By faith in the strength of the radiance around God, I am believing that God is shining His presence onto me here. And, His Spirit is INTENSELY present because of the power of the radiance that thunders from the fountain of God... ...not from a fortress of self-inflicted guilt and shame. God is a better hiding place. I rest into receiving God’s presence. And I set my heart to trust that I can draw near and “set the Lord continually before me” like David did. I rest into believing that angels are all around me here and that I am standing before the Lord who is the commander of the armies of heaven... (pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!) ...not by my using a lack of hope as an excuse for avoiding spiritual growth. God is worthy of my trust. I turn my faith to God’s presence. I set my love of protection on You Lord. All my delight is in You Lord... ...not by how well I cower and close up inside. I turn from holding back. I rest into receiving the touch of Your protection... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...not from how much I can make myself hide because of self-directed anger and contempt. I submit into hiding in God... (pause to feel confidence from trusting that God’s presence is here!) ...not from hiding in a cave of fear. God is a safer place to hide. I am trusting that God is with me here. I trust that my eyes are looking at You Lord. I rest into entrusting myself to God’s presence as my fortress. All my protection is in You... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul from letting circumstances, people, or the demonic rob me of confidence about the power of God’s protection. I set my heart to believe and enjoy staying in the radiance around Him... (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , listen and let yourself love the presence of God as your protection! ...by faith I enter before the Father, I open myself to God, I trust that His radiance is upon me, I receive His presence here. By this I hide myself in God and He alone is my protection because I “...have made the Lord...even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:9,10). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... “Be gracious to me, O God...For my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by.” (Psa. 57:1). ...by confidently believing I have entered and are before the fountain of God, I wrap myself in His presence of God because “...God is Light...” (1 John 1:5). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) ...Lord, “...You have been a refuge for me...let me dwell in Your tent forever...” (Psa. 61:3,4)... ...Heart inside me, you will listen and believe: “You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence...or of the destruction...it shall not approach you...for you have made the Lord...even the Most High, your dwelling place” (Psa. 91:5-9). ...God is my protection because God is here! I am receiving God’s presence and by faith I trust that I “...walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light...” (1 John 1:7 see also Psa. 104:1 NIV). ...it thrills my heart to walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light (1John 1:7). “He wraps Himself in light as with a garment” (Psa. 104:1 NIV). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) (One of these...)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Protection ...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

81

, let your heart delight that the protection I NEED is...

...not from maintaining their approval by accepting the blame for what they do wrong. I turn and I open myself to God... ...not from giving up for fear of not being able to maintain success. I will trust in God and I will not be afraid. I love You... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...not by how well I cower and close up inside. I rest into receiving the touch of Your strength Lord. I love that it is right for me to believe that I can stand in the throne room here and that God is before me in all His radiant glory... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...not from how much I can make myself hide because of self-directed anger and contempt. I set my trust in You Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not by wearing anger and harshness toward others like a coat of armor around me. I repent of putting my faith in me. And I turn my heart to trust that I can draw near with freedom and stand before the Lord who is the commander of the armies of heaven... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not by using anger and harshness in order to protect a sense of my being adequate. I rest into receiving the touch of God as my protection, all over me, around me, in me. I set my eyes and my ears on You God. Oh how I love You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not by covering up the sin of those who I wish would love me and do right. I turn and I set my hope on You Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) (And then this...)

...I love the protection that comes from the presence of God with me. God hides me His kingdom, inside a kingdom that is not of this realm, not of this world. I love the kingdom of as my strong armor. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the presence of the kingdom of God all around me here: Lord, “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , listen and let yourself love the presence of God as your protection! ...Heart believe this! “...In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...I am secure and I am confident because “...I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28). ...“God is to us a God of deliverances...” (Psa. 68:20). (pause to hear and believe it) ...the God of all power is “...my rock and my fortress.” (Psa. 71:3). (pause to hear and believe it) ...“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and...my stronghold.” (Psa. 18:2); “The eternal God is a dwelling place...” (Deut. 33:27). ...Lord, “...You are my refuge in the day of disaster.” (Jer. 17:17). “...You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5). Lord God, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114). ...“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith...be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). (pause to hear and believe it) ...“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). (pause to hear and believe it) ...I am confident about the power of the presence of God with me: “...You shall not fear man, for the judgement is God’s...” (Deut. 1:17). “...Be strong and courageous, and act...” (1 Chron. 28:20) ...I am confident about being protected by God because IT IS WRITTEN: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Protection

82

(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the protection I NEED is...

...not by retreating into my mind and trying to figure things out. I trust You Lord because You know best. I love You God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from how well I protect myself from being hurt. God is the one who soothes and who heals my pain—He doesn’t hold back. I rest into receiving the touch of Your compassion and love. I make You my delight. I rest in Your protection Lord.... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not in what I know. I love Your wisdom Lord. I rest into receiving Your wisdom that comes down onto me from the fountain... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not in my analyzing it more and not in how well I understand something. I rest from fear and I quiet my heart into listening to the Holy Spirit who lives in me and who is being radiated on and all around me from the fountain of God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from the doctrines I believe. God is my righteousness—not the details of what I believe. I set my love on You Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not in making my mind a place of refuge or retreat. I love the protection that comes from standing before the Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not in my figuring out why (some bad thing happened) . I turn and I set my trust on You Lord. You are the God I love... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from my telling people that I don’t want to talk about it. God is the protection I NEED. I entrust myself to You Lord. Let yourself believe that you are before the Lord and that He is here before you. Angels are all around, above behind and to the sides... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not by how well I control my emotions and stay respectable. I will be passionate in my love toward God—I will not hold back... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul from letting circumstances, people, or the demonic rob me of confidence about the power of God’s protection. I set my heart to stay before the Lord and to trust Him as my protection... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself love the presence of God as your protection!

...God’s word to me is: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6). “...Be strong and courageous, and act...” (1 Chron. 28:20). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...I have entered, and I am trusting that I am in His radiant presence. By this, I am being protected because “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken...my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9). (pause to hear and believe it) ...I have protection because I stand before Jesus and the Father God. By His power I am able to pull down strongholds. My weapons are spiritual and are divinely powerful. With my spiritual weapons I am able to destroy lofty things and spiritual fortresses that raise up against the knowledge of God (2 Cor. 10:3-5).

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Protection

83

(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the protection I NEED is...

...not by making them laugh all the time. I love that my faith pleases God. It thrills me that my praise make Your Holy Spirit enjoy being here with me in power, strength, love, kindness. I love the touch of Your protection Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not by talking so much that others can't. I calm my heart into faith. I rest into receiving Your presence Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not in how well I keep myself from being embarrassed. God has given me so much that I choose to love Him back with a with a passionate kind of continual praise. Oh, I love You Lord. I turn my heart to make God my great delight... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not by avoiding something that might require change. I can change because the beliefs and loves of my heart can change... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not by preventing myself from hearing the truth about my own heart. God is the protection I need. I choose to go all the way with repentance. Holding back from total repentance cuts down on what I am able to receive from God—I want it all... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not by my trying to prevent the possibility of pain. Repentance with joy can help me turn and run to God. I set my heart to turn and keep facing toward You Lord. I love Your radiant protection all around me here... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and turn away from earthly sources. Lord, I love the intensity of Your glory and grace. My delight is to stand before You Lord and to trust You as my protection—24 hours-a-day... (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself love the presence of God as your protection!

...I am confident about being protected because “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” (Prov. 18:10). (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) ...I am trusting that I have entered before Him and that God is here: “...You, O Lord, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.” (Psa. 3:3)... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...“You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV); “...the Lord loves His people...” (2 Chron. 2:11)... ...IT IS WRITTEN: “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psa. 9:9 NIV). ...even if God does not protect me, I am determined to keep entrusting myself to God’s presence for the protection I need. (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places...” (Hab. 3:17-19)

...by faith I draw near to God and He floods my with His radiant presence! By this I obey the command to “...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Rom. 13:12 and 14). And, I declare with boldness and confidence that “The Lord is my light...the Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...Because of receiving God’s presence and because of trusting that the kingdom of God is here, “I have become a marvel to many; for You are my strong refuge” (Psa. 71:7). (pause to hear and believe it)

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84

(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And,

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the protection I NEED is...

...not from _____________________. I make God’s Presence the protection that I love. I set my affections on You Lord and on having the kingdom of heaven all around me here... ...not by justifying the sin of those who are not as honest and loving as they should be. I will not hold back from God... (pause to hear, believe, and love the closeness of God!) ...not by how well I avoid people who try to cause emotional pain. I set my heart to love holding tightly to the presence of God right up close to me here. Lord, You are my protection. I entrust myself to You... ...not by avoiding honest and open interaction. God knows and I repent of protecting myself from truth... ...not from fear and disbelief as my best hope for a place of refuge. I rest into receiving the closeness of God as my refuge of power and strength. My safety is in receiving and loving the kingdom of heaven all around me here. Am setting my heart to love having the Lord before me here. Angels are all around... ...not by avoiding ideas that make me think. I pause right now to think about the closeness of God as my strong shield... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and reassured by God’s presence with you!) ...not by wearing the armor of hardness and rebellion. I turn and face toward God. Your radiance around me is my shield... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) I refuse to agree with the lies of the enemy that I have to get the protection I need apart from God. The Lord God, is a strong shield of protection around me. God, I pray you would rebuke any enemy pushing me to trust myself. And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power You would command the forces of evil to leave me alone and to never come back...(pause to let yourself believe that He is doing it)... (And then this...)

...I turn my soul from letting circumstances, people, or the demonic rob me of confidence about the power of God’s protection. I set my heart to stay before the Lord and to trust Him as my protection. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the presence of the kingdom of God all around me here: Lord, “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5)... (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself love the presence of God as your protection!

...I am determined to rest in God is my protection. I turn my heart to You God! I “...have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, [my] dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:9,10). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...I am confident about the protection of God — but even if God does not protect me, I am determined to keep entrusting myself to His presence for the protection I need. “...[the king] ...said to them, ‘Is it true...that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up...if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire...Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king...we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:14-18). (pause to be thankful and love the truth!)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Protection

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...I love the protection that comes from the presence of God with me. God hides me His kingdom, inside a kingdom that is not of this realm, not of this world... ...I am protected by God because I have set my heart to trust the power of His presence with me: “...Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You” (2 Chron 14:11). (pause to hear and believe it) ...Heart, delight in the truth that by drawing near and receiving His presence all around me, “...I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28). And, I am confident about it because by standing before Jesus and the Father I become “...armed in the presence of the Lord...” (Num. 32:32). (pause to hear and believe it) ...Heart, delight that I do not have to be afraid: “...do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.” (1 Pet. 3:14). “Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you” (Deut. 3:21). “...Do not fear or be dismayed because...the battle is not yours but God's” (2 Chron. 20:15). (pause to hear and believe it) ...“I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken...my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9); “For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.” (Psa. 27:5). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...Heart, determined to believe that I am secure in the presence of God. I will be confident about the protection of God because “...In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...” (Isa. 30:15). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...I turn my trust to the presence of God. Lord, “...You are my refuge in the day of disaster.” (Jer. 17:17); “The eternal God is a dwelling place...” (Deut. 33:27); “You are my hiding place...” (Psa. 32:7). (pause to love Him!) ...“...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7); “Since I am afflicted and needy, let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer...” (Psa. 40:17). Heart, delight that it is my Jesus has said, “...Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one” (John 18:9). ...Heart, delight in the truth that I am free to be confident about being protected because “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock” (Psa. 27:1 and 3,4,5). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God!) ...I am confident about the protection of God. I rest into trusting the grace of God for receiving His presence: “...In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...” (Isa. 30:15); “Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I take refuge in You.” (Psa. 143:9); “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5); “...You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.” (Psa. 3:3); “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24); “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) ...Heart, delight that I can be confident about the protection of God because the God of peace will soon crush Satan under my feet (Rom. 16:20)... (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Protection

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...Heart, delight in the truth that it is safe and good and right for me to listen and obey the voice of God. When God speaks to me, He wants me to obey because sometimes it is for my protection and sometimes it is so that He can bless me. ...Heart, delight in the truth that by my obedience... ...God blesses me by setting me high above all the nations of the earth (Deut. 28:1); God blesses me in the city and in the country (Deut. 28:3); God blesses my family and my work (Deut. 28:4,5); God blesses me when I come in and when I go out (Deut. 28:6); God blesses me by causing my enemies to be defeated (Deut. 28:7); God blesses me in all that I do and in all that God gives me (Deut. 28:8); God blesses me by establishing me as a holy person for Him (Deut. 28:9); God blesses me so that all the people of the earth know and see me as one who has God with them (Deut. 28:10); God blesses me by making me to abound in prosperity (Deut. 28:11); God blesses me in all the work that I do. God blesses me so that I am a lender and not a borrower (Deut. 28:12); God blesses me so that I am the head and not the tail. God puts me above and not underneath (Deut. 28:13,14). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...I am confident about the protection of God — but even if God does not protect me, I am determined to keep entrusting myself to His presence for the protection I need. “...[the king] ...said to them, ‘Is it true...that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up...if you do not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire...Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king...we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:14-18). (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) “Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places...” (Hab. 3:17-19). ...Heart, delight in the truth that I am completely free to enter and I trust that I am near to God. I open myself to receive the presence of the kingdom of God all around me here. By this His presence is here and I am protected: “...Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Eph. 6:10). By trusting my access into the throne room and entering, He draws near to me and I am “...armed in the presence of the Lord...” (Num. 32:32). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I am strongly protected because of the presence of God: “...soul...my hope is from Him. He only is my rock...” (Psa. 62:5,6); Heart, “...you have made the Lord...even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:9,10). ...Heart, delight in the truth that I am confident about the protection of God because it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons (Mark 16:17). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...Heart, delight that I can and I will remain confident about God as my strong protection. I declare these scriptures boldly and I am listening as I say them: “Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you.” (Deut. 3:22); “...In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...” (Isa. 30:15); “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psa. 9:9 NIV); “O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psa. 34:8).

Heart-Training “Core Classes” for Your Heart

Group Five “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

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God as Our Adequacy and Strength — and No Fear © Barry Hall 2011

(One of these...)

...Thank You Lord! And, NEED are...

(Your name)

www.tasteheavennow.net

, let your heart delight that the adequacy and strength I

...not in what I know or don’t know. I turn from faith in me because the closeness of God’s wisdom is my adequacy... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not in how well I can figure things out for myself. I turn my ears to listen to the Holy Spirit—inside and close to me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not in how much I deserve respect. My praise is toward God; He is worthy of all respect—not me. And, I love enjoying confidence from having You here Lord. The kingdom of heaven is all around me here... ...not from my physical strength and not from how well I protect myself. I turn and I trust that my eyes are on You Lord. I love that I don’t have to be afraid because when I enter and stand before the Lord, the kingdom of God is all around me here and my God is the commander of the armies of heaven... ...not in having people thinking I am righteous. I turn from wanting to treasure pride because of respect toward me... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not in my having people who want to listen to my answers. God is their teacher and mine... (And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from accepting pressure to be the adequate one myself. I don’t have to keep trying to achieve my being enough. Lord, Your nearness is my adequacy—You are my “I AM”. And heart, let yourself love that you don’t have to be afraid about not having enough discipline to keep drinking from God – use your neediness as motivation! (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (pause to let your heart hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) (And then one of these...)

Heart hear this: that even when I do wrong, God’s word to me is, “...Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart” (1 Sam. 12:20). IT IS WRITTEN: “Do not fear...rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done great things.” (Joel 2:21); Heart hear this: “...You shall not fear man, for the judgement is God’s...” (Deut. 1:17); God says to me, “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37); I turn from faith in myself because I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5); “In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11); I will not give up or give in because my “...adequacy is from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5); God’s word to me is: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6); IT IS WRITTEN: “...Be strong and courageous, and act...” (1 Chron. 28:20). (pause to hear and believe it) “O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary...God...gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (Psa. 68:35); I will not hold back! Entering and staying before God is my birthright as a Christian! Heart hear this: “...the Lord your God has placed the land before you; go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has spoken to you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deut. 1:21). (pause to hear it)

God as Our Adequacy and Strength — and No Fear

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(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, let your heart delight in the truth that the adequacy and strength I NEED are...

...not in my being right and their being wrong. The closeness of God’s righteousness is my adequacy. I draw near to God and He draws near to me! And, I love enjoying the adequacy that comes from having the kingdom of heaven all around me here – I trust that I am before the Lord and that angels are all around... ...not in how well I answer questions. I turn from wanting to love human wisdom. I love and I praise God who is close... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how well I know the Bible. I love God’s word, but I turn from pride toward me because of what I know. I set my heart to enjoy the adequacy from believing that God and angels are here with me... ...not from how well I think things through. I praise Your wisdom and knowledge Lord. I turn and I love You... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how well I prevent all risk of my being wrong. I love that God’s wisdom is far safer than mine... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from what I buy, or from how expensive it is. I praise the royal majesty and adequacy of the God who is close... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from the people with me. My adequacy is from God who is before me here. I look at You Lord... ...not from how well I make others get excited. Controlling others is not my adequacy. My adequacy is from enjoying the closeness of God and from having the kingdom of heaven all around me here... (And then this...)

... (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a branch on a tree. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen to what you are saying and let yourself believe and love the truth!

Heart hear and believe this! “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). (pause to hear and believe it) “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him” (Psa. 28:7). (pause to hear and believe it) “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psa. 18:1). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). “Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you” (Deut. 3:21). “...Do not fear or be dismayed because...the battle is not yours but God's” (2 Chron. 20:15). “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5) Heart hear this and don’t hold back: “...Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you...” (1 Chron. 28:20); “...O my God, in You I trust...” (Psa. 25:1,2).

God as Our Adequacy and Strength — and No Fear

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(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the adequacy and strength I NEED are...

...not from how much status I have. Rather than daydreams about me, I turn to God. The glory of God is greater than mine! I humble myself to believe and to let myself be reassured by the closeness of Your adequacy Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how well I perform. God is the standard — not me. I love how well You perform Lord... ...not from how much influence I have. I am reassured by the power of the Holy Spirit. I drink from You God... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how well I do in sports. I trust and I receive Your adequacy and strength Lord. God is my adequacy... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from my physical strength. My adequacy is from the closeness of God. And right now, I am letting myself enjoy feeling reassured because of the closeness of Your adequacy all around me Lord... ...not from the car I ride in, or the cloths I wear. I can draw near to God and He does draw near to me. Right now I am trusting that I am before the Lord. The kingdom of God is all around me here. Angels are here. And, the God who is right here before me now, He is the commander of the armies of heaven... ...not from the (earthly possession) that I have. The closeness of God is my adequacy. Right now, I am letting myself feel adequate because God is with me here... (pause to believe, and love it as the truth!) ...not from how clean my house is, or how good my yard looks. I praise You Lord for the beauty of Your adequacy, and I am strengthened by Your kingdom being all around me here... (pause to love it as truth!) (And then this...)

...It is thrilling to turn from earthly sources and toward God. My adequacy is to stand before the Lord of hosts and praise His presence close to me. I will not hold back. My eyes are on You Lord... (And then one of these...)

“O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary...God...gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (Psa. 68:35). God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29). “Be strong and let your heart take courage...hope in the Lord” (Psa. 31:24). “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Cor. 16:13). “...Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Eph. 6:10). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God!) “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” (Isa. 12:2). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “...confidence...is ours through Christ before God...our competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV). “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psa. 18:1). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him” (Psa. 28:7). (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) My God is greater than the little gods this world has to offer. God says to me, “...You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down yourselves to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them” (2 Kings 17:35) “...do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.” (1 Pet. 3:14). (pause to hear and love it)

God as Our Adequacy and Strength — and No Fear

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(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the adequacy and strength I NEED are...

...not from the results I get or from how hard I work. I turn and I rest into believing God’s adequacy on my behalf... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how well I justify myself. God is the one who justifies — not me. My eyes and my ears are on You... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how well I achieve being a perfect ____________ . It is the closeness of my perfect God that reassures me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from how tough I am apart from God. The strength of God is adequate and I turn to put my trust in You Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from pride in my own strength to fight. The Lord is the God who fights on my behalf. My confidence is in God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from the things I get done on my list. God is the standard. I receive God’s perfect presence and I am reassured... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how well I stay in control. The strength that reassures me is the closeness of God. I set my affections on Him... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then this...)

...heart, let yourself love that you don’t have to be afraid about not having enough discipline to keep drinking from God – use your neediness as motivation! (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. My need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (love it!) (And then one of these...)

“In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11)... “...confidence...is ours through Christ before God...competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV). “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) Heart hear the word of the Lord! “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). (pause to feel reassured by it!) “Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” (Psa. 27:36). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) I will not be afraid because “...it is Heaven that rules.” (Dan. 4:26); “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5); “In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11); “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psa. 18:1); “Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” (Psa. 54:4)...

God as Our Adequacy and Strength — and No Fear

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(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the adequacy and strength I NEED are...

...not from what I haven't done. I turn from wanting religious pride. My praise goes to the adequacy and purity of God... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how well I discipline myself. The sovereign control of God is what reassures me. I submit to You Lord. It is heaven that rules and You are the commander of the armies of heaven... ...not from how well I plan and organize. I turn from having to depend on myself. I trust the Holy Spirit to speak to me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from what I provide. I humble myself into being reassured by the closeness of God’s adequacy to provide for me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from how well I set standards and achieve goals. I love the closeness of God who is adequate to do what He wants... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not dependant on my getting more _____________ . I humble myself into trusting the closeness of the adequacy of God... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how well I anticipate what might happen next. It is God who knows the future. I turn my ear to You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...not from my having conquered people. It is God’s power that is the adequacy and strength that I love — not my own... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...are not from my finding friends who will share my dreams. God is my adequacy. I feed on Him and not my daydreams... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...are not from how well I fit in. The courage I need comes from God. Lord I turn and I let Your closeness refresh me... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...are not from the appreciation I get from other people. By salvation I have the acceptance of God—by my faith, I have His approval and pleasure. I turn to God! It is the acceptance of God that thrills me. I love that my faith gives God pleasure... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...are not from the approval or disapproval of my parents. God approves of me and I am strengthened by Him... ...are not from relationships with people. God is my adequacy. It is relationship with God that thrills me... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...are not from how well I related to them. I turn from pride because of that. My adequacy is the closeness of God... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how hard I push myself to do something that avoids disapproval. My protection is the closeness of God. When I draw near to God He draws near by bringing heaven with Him (Isa.57:13)... ...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5).

God as Our Adequacy and Strength — and No Fear

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(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the adequacy and strength I NEED are...

...not from doing enough to deserve acceptance. I trust the power of the blood of Christ for salvation, forgiveness, and for the acceptance of God — I submit into believing that I have God’s full acceptance... “...a burnt offering...he shall offer it...that he may be accepted before the Lord.” (Lev. 1:3). “...Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God...” (Eph. 5:2). “...Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” (Rom. 15:7). (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...not from how tough I am apart from God. I turn to You Lord! In quietness and in resting in God is my strength. And right now, I am letting myself feel strengthened by confidently trusting that I have drawn near to the Lord and that the kingdom of God is all around me here... (pause to love it as the truth!) ...not from the counsel I give to important people. I turn my heart to love the counsel that freely comes from the Holy Spirit in me and the Holy Spirit being radiated onto me from the fountain of God... ...not from people who want to talk to me. God is my boast. My adequacy is God. I turn to You Lord... ...not from the compliments I get. Heart hear this! My “...praise is not from men, but from God.” (Rom. 2:29)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then this...)

... (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (And then one of these...)

“...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5); I “...will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea” (Psa. 46:2); “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) ... (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) Heart hear this: “...You shall not fear man, for the judgement is God’s...” (Deut. 1:17). .. “The Lord is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Psa. 118:6) “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16). Heart hear this: “...Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's” (2 Chron. 20:15). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge” (Prov. 14:26). “In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11); I will not give up or give in because my “...confidence...is ours through Christ before God” (2 Cor. 3:4 NIV). (pause to feel confidence from it!) God’s word to me is: “...do not be afraid...for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you...” (Deut. 31:6). “...Be strong and courageous, and act...” (1 Chron. 28:20) (pause to believe, and love God!) Heart hear and believe this! “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!’ For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day...a thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you” (Psa. 91:2-5,7).

God as Our Adequacy and Strength — and No Fear

94

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the adequacy and strength I NEED are...

...not from how well I fix other people’s problems. Jesus is the Messiah not me! I put my trust in God as Savior... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how well I achieve “spiritual goals.” The adequacy I love is the closeness of my God. I feed on You Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from the dreams I have for the future. I turn from exalting me and I feed on God. I love exalting You Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from people who desire me. The measure of my adequacy is God. I am strengthened by Your closeness Lord. My God is the commander of the armies of heaven. And, it is heaven that rules... ...not from how much money I earn. I turn my soul to receiving and possessing the closeness of the Lord as my God, not money... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from how tough I am apart from God. God is my strength. And when I draw near to God, it is the commander of the armies of heaven who comes close to me here. The kingdom and angels are here... ...not from people who are impressed with my spirituality. I turn from adequacy that is from me. The Lord is my God... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...not from my being able to cause pleasure in others. I love that my faith gives God pleasure (Heb. 11:1,2,6)... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

(And then this...)

...It is thrilling to turn from earthly sources and toward God. My adequacy is to stand before the Lord of hosts and praise His presence close to me. Lord, I love that You draw near to me without holding back... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then one of these...)

I will not look at myself and lose hope in God’s promises to me because my “...confidence...is ours through Christ before God” (2 Cor. 3:4 NIV). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “...adequacy is from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) Lord, it is not to my inadequacies that I cling, “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8); Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21); “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psa. 18:1). I rest in God because “...In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) God is my confidence because He says to me, “My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!” (Hag. 2:5). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9)... “I have become a marvel to many, For You are my strong refuge” (Psa. 71:7). “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, a people in whose heart is My law; do not fear the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings.” (Isa. 51:7). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!)

God as Our Adequacy and Strength — and No Fear

95

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that the adequacy and strength I NEED are...

...not from how well I keep others impressed with me. God’s glory is greater. I look at Your closeness and am refreshed... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...how well I get them to believe the truth. I turn from feeding on how well they accept my word. My fruit is from God... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

(And then this...)

...I turn my soul from having to be adequate apart from God. Lord, I turn and face toward You. You are God—not me. You are Lord over all the armies of heaven. It is heaven that rules! And so heart hear this: My adequacy is from God... (pause to enjoy confidence because of the truth!)

(And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen to what you are saying and let yourself believe and love the truth!

God says to me, “...Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” (Isa. 43:1). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) I rest confidently in God because God says to me, “...My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!” (Hag. 2:5). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) Heart hear and turn to God, “...do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.” (1 Pet. 3:14). “...Do not fear or be dismayed...for the battle is not yours but God's” (2 Chron. 20:15). Heart listen and believe God’s Word to me! “...Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Jos. 1:9). (pause to feel confidence from it!) “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). “Be strong and let your heart take courage...hope in the Lord” (Psa. 31:24); “...Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Eph. 6:10); “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Cor. 16:13). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace...To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness...The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this” (Isa. 9:7). “...righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne” (Psa. 97:2). “...a river of the water of life...coming from the throne of God...” (Rev. 22:1). “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amo. 5:24). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). ... (Your name) , I delight that I don't have to agree with demonic lies to find confidence and adequacy, apart from God. Lord, I pray that You would rebuke any enemy pushing me to boast in something apart from You. I denounce these things! The Lord is my God. And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power You would command the forces of evil to leave me alone and to never come back...(pause to let yourself believe that He is doing it)....

Confidence to Drink From God , Rather than Despair or Hopelessness (One of these...)

...

(Your name)

© Barry Hall 2011

96

www.tasteheavennow.net

, I grab my soul and I turn it from despair because...

...struggling with sin and failing. God forgives me by His grace. Self-inflicted pain won’t buy His forgiveness. And, I rest into just letting myself believe it... (be thankful about the fountain of God!) ...earthly things are not the best I can confidently hope to feed on. I am thirsty. I can come to the Lord. And, I will be confident about God’s promise to quench my thirst with a river of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39)... (pause to delight yourself in the abundance of the fountain of God! Isa 55:1,2) ...my glory is not to protect myself with lies. I CAN and I should be confident to “...glory in Christ and put no confidence in the flesh” (Phil. 3:3)... (pause to be thankful and love the truth!)

(Or, one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I grab my soul and I turn it from dulling my thirst for God...

...by soothing myself with how much money I spend—God has given me access and freedom to draw near... (pause to be thankful and love God and the radiance around Him! Isa 55:1,2) ...by sleeping too much—my access is free and clear. I set my heart to thrill myself with the abundance of the throne room... (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) ...by playing too much—the intensity of the radiance around God is always greater. Lord, I love that you are a fountain of power and glory... (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...by watching too much TV—I can quench my thirst better with the presence of my God. Lord, I praise You... (be thankful about drinking from God like a sponge. Let yourself enjoy the fountain of God!) (And then this...)

...I turn from trying to keep myself away from God and I repent of letting myself lose hope about receiving His presence and then punishing myself for it. I turn away from despair because God gives grace and glory (Psa. 84:11). Lord, I love Your radiance that You give so freely. Heart, let yourself believe that I am near to the fountain of God and that God is here. By faith in the strength of the radiance around God, I am believing that God is shining His presence onto me here. And, His Spirit is INTENSELY present because of the power of the radiance that thunders from the fountain of God..... (pause to let yourself feel confident and be reassured by the kingdom of heaven here!) (And then one of these...)

...God doesn’t hold Himself back from me: My God is always a fountain who never stops gushing the Spirit intensely... (pause to be thankful and love God and the radiance around Him! Isa 55:1,2) “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13) “...You give them to drink...For with You is the fountain...In Your light we see light.” (Psa. 36:8,9) “...soul...my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:57). (pause to believe and be thankful about drinking from God like a sponge! Love the fountain!) “’The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’” (Lam. 3:24)... I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). “...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22). (pause to be thankful and love God and the radiance around Him! Receive like a sponge.) I rest into believing I can enter the throne room and draw near to You (Heb. 3:19 and ch. 4). Lord, “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV)

Confidence to Drink From God , Rather than Despair or Hopelessness

97

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I grab my soul and I turn it from despair because of...

...sin is not my best hope of something to glory in. God has promised to fill my soul with abundance and with His goodness (Jer. 31:14)... (pause to be delight in the abundance of the goodness around Him! Isa 55:1,2) ...falling short whey I compare myself to other people. I repent of that and I turn to You Lord.. ...my not getting as much attention as other people. Lord I love that you keep your eye upon me. Abiding in Your love is what I crave. By faith I am believing that my eyes are looking at You Lord... ...my not having the right things or my not having the right clothes. God is my greatest possession. Lord I love clothing myself with You... (pause to be thankful and love God and the radiance around Him!) ...my not being athletic enough. Lord I love Your adequacy and You are my God. I love Your closeness... (Or, one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I turn from dulling my thirst for God...

...by soothing myself with a cigarette. God soothes me better... (pause to enjoy the radiance around God!) ...by taking drugs. I love that I can escape into God and His kingdom. Hiding in Him takes away all reason to have to escape. By receiving the presence of God, the kingdom of heaven around me here becomes a reality that is more real than the material world... (pause to be thankful and love the fountain of God!) ...by drinking alcohol. Lord, it is You that I was designed to drink. Lord I love that I don’t have to lose confidence to drink from You. I love that You wash me clean so that I can turn and trust that I am close. (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and turn it away from using despair in order to soothe my pain. I turn from trying to avoid hope. And, I turn from letting myself lose confidence about receiving God’s presence and then punishing myself for it. Lord, I love that I can confidently draw near to You and “...drink of the river of Your delights” (Psa 36:8). I face my whole being toward You and by faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at You... (pause to be thankful and delight yourself in the abundance around God (Isa 55:1,2). Be thankful and delight in radiance that you are trusting is shining on and all around you!) (And then one of these...)

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa. 73:26 NIV). “...I have hope in Him” (Lam. 3:24). (delight in the abundance of the fountain of God! Isa 55:1,2) Lord You have promised me that “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” (Heb. 13:5) “...You give them to drink...For with You is the fountain...” (Psa. 36:8,9) “for through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph. 2:18). “...draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24) “...Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” (Psa. 42:5) “...You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5) “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV). (pause to be thankful; delight in the abundance of God!)

Confidence to Drink From God , Rather than Despair or Hopelessness

98

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, let your heart delight that my glorying in God is not prevented by...

...the people who didn't love me when I was growing up. My God loves the weak and He cares about those who hurt... (pause to be thankful and delight to receiving the radiance around God! Isa 55:1,2) ...the abuse I received. My God isn’t the same as those who hurt me. My God is good and I can confidently trust Him .. (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) ...what _____________________ did to me. Lord I love that You are good and that You do good. ...the health that I don't have. My God is a God who heals. Lord I love that I can trust You for healing...

(Or, one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I turn from losing confidence and hope when other people love to glory in...

...their ability to intimidate people with the strength of their anger and contempt... ...their cold shamelessness...

(pause to be thankful about not losing confidence and hope!)

...their ability to make people hurt...

(pause to be thankful about not losing confidence and hope!)

...their cunning deceitfulness and their ability to lie... (pause to be thankful toward God!) ...their love of sin...

(pause to be thankful about not losing confidence and hope!)

(And then this...)

...Strongly, I grab my soul and turn it away from thinking I should settle for hopelessness and despair. I can have more because my God gives grace and glory (Psa. 84:11). I turn from letting myself lose confidence about receiving God’s presence and then punishing myself for it. Lord, I love that I can confidently draw near to You and “...drink of the river of Your delights” (Psa 36:8). Lord, I love Your abundant grace... (pause to delight yourself in the abundance of the fountain of God! Isa 55:1,2) (And then one of these...)

“’The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’” (Lam. 3:24)... “...as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.” (Psa. 71:14) “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24) “...I have hope in Him.” (Lam. 3:24) (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “...soul...my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa.. 62:5-7)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) “...Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” (Psa. 42:5) Lord, I rest into believing I am before Your throne: the radiance around you is so great it makes a lake and a river of the Spirit before the throne! I love that I can drink like a sponge from the fountain of God and from the river of Your delights Lord (Psa 36:8). “...a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Rev. 22:1). (pause to be thankful and delight yourself in the abundance around God! Isa 55:1,2) “...and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal....” (Rev. 4:6; 22:1) “Let the godly ones exult in glory...Let the high praises of God be in their mouth...” (Psa. 149:56).

Confidence to Drink From God , Rather than Despair or Hopelessness

99

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I turn from losing confidence to drink from God when...

...people try to prevent what is good... (be thankful about not losing confidence to drink from God!) ...people don't care enough about unrighteousness and even seem to disapprove of what is right... ...people I care about, seem love lies and think that evil is good... (be thankful about drinking from God!) ...it feels like the risk is great and “self-protection” seems better... (be thankful about drinking from God!) ...they don't share my hope for the future and they don’t want to even try to understand... ...they are not the friend that I wanted them to be... (be thankful about being free to drink from God!) ...everything seems to be going against me and nothing is cooperating with my goals... ...they don’t value my contribution or what I have to offer... (be thankful about drinking from God!) ...lovingkindness and compassion are not valued... ...people are insensitive and hurtful...

(be thankful about being free to drink from God!)

(be thankful about being free to drink from God!)

(And then this...)

...I turn from despair because my best hope to quench my thirst is not with myself. I turn from trying to force myself to stay away from God. And I repent of letting myself lose confidence about receiving God’s presence and then punishing myself for it. Lord, I love that I can confidently draw near to You and “...drink of the river of Your delights” (Psa 36:8). The Lord is my God and I love YOUR closeness Lord. By faith in the strength of the radiance around God, I am believing that God is shining His presence onto me here. And, His Spirit is INTENSELY present because of the power of the radiance that thunders from the fountain of God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and delight in the abundance of the radiance from the fountain of God! Isa 55:1,2) (And then one of these...)

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa. 73:26 NIV); “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...I don’t have to lose confidence to glory in God because I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). (pause to delight yourself in the abundance of the fountain of God! Isa 55:1,2) “...You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” (Psa. 42:5)... “...as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.” (Psa. 71:14) “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24)... “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psa. 34:18) “’The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’” (Lam. 3:24)... “Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” (Hab. 3:1719). (pause to hear, believe, and love the radiance around God!)

Confidence to Drink From God , Rather than Despair or Hopelessness

100

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I turn from losing confidence to draw near and drink from God when...

...they just keep trying to justify themselves... (be thankful about not losing faith to drink from God!) ...people seem to think I am a joke and they want to gloat over being ‘above’ than me... ...when other people try to get me to do bad things... (pause to delight in the abundance around God) ...they won't receive my help...

(be thankful about not losing confidence to drink from God!)

...people are afraid to face the truth and change... (delight in the abundance from the fountain! Isa 55:!,2) ...people reject the gospel that God has used to set me free... (pause to love the abundance around God!) ...friends don't want to talk to me sometimes... (believe you CAN drink from the abundance of God!) ...they put limits on me because they don't have vision... (pause to delight in abundance of the river!) I delight that don't have to believe lies that I need to avoid being confident of my hope to glory in God. I denounce these things! Lord, You are the God of all glory. Lord, You are my God—I pray that You would rebuke any enemy pushing me to protect myself with disbelief. And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power that You would command the forces of evil to leave me alone and to never come back...(pause to let yourself believe that God is doing it) (And then this...)

...I turn away from hopelessness and despair. I turn from trying to keep myself away from God. I repent of letting myself lose confidence about receiving God’s presence and then punishing myself for it. Lord, I love that I can confidently draw near to You and “...drink of the river of Your delights” (Psa 36:8). Heart, let yourself believe that I am near to the fountain of God and that God is here. By faith in the strength of the radiance around God, I am believing that God is shining His presence onto me here. And, His Spirit is INTENSELY present because of the power of the radiance that thunders from the fountain of God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured because of believing you ARE receiving from the abundance around God! Isa 55:1,2) (And then one of these...)

“‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’” (Lam. 3:24)... “...love is from God...” (1 John 4:7) (pause to believe the radiance of God is on and all around you!) “keep yourselves in the love of God...” (Jude 1:21) (pause to love being reassured by His love!) ...I rest into believing that You are radiating Your Holy Spirit onto me: “...God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa. 73:26 NIV) (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength...For our shield belongs to the Lord, and our king to the Holy One of Israel” (Psa. 89:15-18). (pause to believe the radiance around God is the Holy Spirit Himself John 7:37-39) Lord, I rest into believing I am before Your throne. I love that I can drink from You like a sponge Lord. “...a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Rev. 22:1).

“...and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal....”

(Rev. 4:6; 22:1)

Confidence to Drink From God , Rather than Despair or Hopelessness

101

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I turn from dullness about drawing near to God because of...

...my human condition or my lack of ability apart from God... ...circumstances or people that aren’t cooperating... (pause to be confident about drinking from God!) ...how much I have struggled with sin and failed... (pause to delight yourself in abundance Isa 55:1,2) ...the clothes I don't have...

(pause to be believe and love drinking from the fountain of God!)

...the promotion or the job I didn't get... ...my human imperfections...

(pause to be confident about drinking from the radiance around God!)

...my not thinking as clearly as others...

...

(Your name)

(pause to delight yourself in abundance Isa 55:1,2)

(pause to delight yourself in abundance Isa 55:1,2)

, I grab my soul and I turn it from dulling my thirst for God...

...by sleeping too much—the radiance of God is readily available to me personally. Lord, I praise You God... (pause to believe and love drinking from the abundance from the fountain of God! Isa 55:1,2) ...by stuffing the pain with food—I can fill myself with the presence of God. Lord, I love Your grace... ...by soothing myself with sin—it is much easier and better to soothe myself with the radiance of God close to me and touching me... (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...by wanting to find pleasure in rebellious sin—standing before the Lord and having Him before me is far more thrilling... (pause to believe the radiance from God is the Holy Spirit Himself John 7:37-39)

(And then this...)

...I turn from despair because my best hope to quench my thirst is not with myself. The Lord is my God. I turn from trying to avoid God by letting myself lose confidence about receiving His presence and then punishing myself for it... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” (Psa. 43:5)... “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...” (Psa. 34:2) Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21) “...as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.” (Psa. 71:14)... “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’” (Lam. 3:21-24) ...Lord, I humble myself into believing I can, “...worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus...” (Phil. 3:3); “...as for me, I will hope continually...” (Psa. 71:14)... “I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Your name forever.” (Psa. 86:12); “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8). (pause to let yourself love God’s presence!)

Confidence to Drink From God , Rather than Despair or Hopelessness

102

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I turn from losing confidence about drawing near and drinking from God...

...when unrighteousness seems like it is everywhere. .. (pause to delight yourself in abundance Isa 55:1,2) ...when other people try to get me to do bad things...(pause to enjoy the Holy Spirit that shines from God!) ...when it is a struggle to allow my heart to believe... (pause to delight yourself in abundance Isa 55:1,2) ...when evil is just being evil... (pause to love that the Holy Spirit shines onto you from God John 7:37-39) ...when injustice wants to overwhelm me...

(pause to delight yourself in abundance Isa 55:1,2)

...when the right things didn't get done... (pause to believe you ARE receiving the radiance from God!) ...when the circumstances don't cooperate or when circumstances want to overwhelm me... ...when other people make God’s approval a thing to achieve... ...when when someone doesn’t want to be my friend...

(pause to delight in abundance Isa 55:1,2)

(pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!)

...when they won't move ahead because of their fears... (pause to delight yourself in abundance Isa 55:1,2)

(And then this...)

...I turn from despair because my best hope to quench my thirst is not with myself. I turn from trying to keep myself away from God by letting myself lose faith about receiving His presence and then punishing myself for it. The Lord is my God and He is my best hope to feed my neediness...

(And then one of these...)

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24)... “...The Lord is my God.” (Zech.. 13:9). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...I have hope in Him.” (Lam. 3:24); “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) “...as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.” (Psa. 71:14). “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” (Psa. 43:5). “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...” (Psa. 34:2); “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21). “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa. 73:26 NIV)... (pause to believe and trust that the fountain of God is close!) “...soul...my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:5-7) ...I can draw near and drink (receive) the Holy Spirit, any time, any where, as much as I want... “...come to Me and drink...From [my] innermost being will flow rivers...of the Spirit...” (John 7:37-39). “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2) “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” (Psa. 36:7-9) “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary...” (Psa. 150:1).

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Inner Healing: Letting God Give You a New Heart © Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

“Come, let us return to the Lord...He will bandage us. He will revive us...He will raise us up...that we may live before Him” (Hos. 6:1,2). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...I, the Lord, am your healer.” (Exo. 15:26). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of this truth!)

!“Thank You Lord that I don’t have to be afraid of You! And, I turn away from agreeing with demonic pressure to avoid exposing my hurt to You for healing!” !“Heart hear this, because I am telling you to believe and to feel delight about this truth!” IT IS WRITTEN that “...unto you...the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy” (Mal 4:2, Amplified). And Jesus said, “I have come as Light into the world...” (John 12:46).

!Trust you are entering and are now before the Lord here. Open up to God and let yourself receive: “Right now Lord I am trusting that Your healing Light is reaching into me and is and giving me... —healing for past and recent hurts...” (pause to believe that God’s Light is shining into you, and is healing you! Wait just a few seconds, believing it, then, go to the next statement.) —healing for the result from the darts, the lies, and the poison of the enemy...” (pause to receive) —healing from the emotional and spiritual damage done by sin...” (pause to believe that God’s Light is shining into you, and is healing you! Wait just a few seconds, believing it, then, go to the next statement.) —healing from the damage done by the sin of others toward me...” (pause to believe and receive!) —healing from the result of hurtful or careless words from other people, or from other Christians...” (pause to believe, receive, and love it as the truth!)

“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone...” (Ezek. 36:26). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) !Trust you are before the Lord and open up: “Right now Lord I am trusting that You are reaching in and that You are removing any hardness of heart in regard to ; remove hardness from... —fear (believe and receive); doubt (pause); worry (pause); disbelief (pause); discouragement (pause); hopelessness (pause); despair (pause); depression (pause); anger (pause); defiance (pause); rebellion (pause); rejection (pause); abandonment (pause); fears about human inadequacy (believe and receive)...”

!Trust that the veil was torn and you are NOT separated from heaven. You have entered before the Lord and God is before you here: “Right now God I am trusting that You are reaching in and are giving me... —a soft heart toward being able to have greater relationship with You, toward obeying You God, toward believing that You are supremely good...” (pause to believe God is shining and that you ARE receiving!) —a soft heart toward the truth (pause), toward loving the truth (pause), and toward obeying the written and spoken word of God...” (pause to believe God is shining into you and healing you!) —a soft heart toward loving others (pause), toward living in righteousness and purity (pause), and a soft heart to forgive others and to forgive myself...” (pause to believe the power of God and receive!)

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!“Thank You Lord that I don’t have to be afraid of You! And, I turn away from agreeing with demonic pressure to avoid exposing my hurt to You for healing!”

“I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart” (Jer. 24:7). (pause to hear, believe, and love God) !Trust power of God: “Right now Lord I am trusting that You are reaching in and are giving me... —a whole heart that returns easily and keeps moving forward to know You more intimately...” (pause to believe that God is shining and that you ARE receiving His power for healing into and all around you!) —a hope and faith filled heart that returns and stays continually turned toward You as my God...”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22,23). !Trust you are before the Lord and that God is before you here. Open up to God and to the radiance of the Holy Spirit coming to you because of His shine: “Right now Holy Spirit I am trusting that You are working into me and out of me the fruit that only You can produce... —love (pause to believe and receive!), joy (pause), peace (pause), patience (pause), kindness (pause), goodness (pause), faithfulness (pause), gentleness (pause), self-control (believe and receive)...”

‘for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). !Trust that the veil was torn and you are NOT separated from heaven. Let yourself confidently believe that You have entered before the Lord and God is before you here: “Right now Lord I am trusting that You are reaching in and are working into me... —the will and the willingness to work for Your good pleasure... (pause to believe and receive!) —a passion and zeal for abiding, for drinking from God, and for a continual sacrifice of praise... (pause to believe God is HERE shining onto and into you and that you ARE receiving!) —a passion and zeal for continually receiving the kingdom of God.. (pause to believe and to receive!)

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth...God...causes the growth” (1 Cor. 3:6,7).

!Trust you are before the Lord and that God is before you here. “Right now Lord I am trusting that Your Holy Spirit is a person who is strong and an intense Light that is reaching in and is working in me to... —cause growth in character (pause to believe and to receive); faith (pause); hope (pause); confidence (pause); steadfastness (pause); integrity (pause); obedience to You God (pause); greater capacity for intimacy with You (pause); a strong will and moral resolve to say, “No,” to temptation and sin (pause to believe and to receive!)...

“with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 2:25). !Trust you are before the Lord and that radiant fountain of God is before you here. “Right now Lord I am trusting that You are reaching in and are working in me to... —grant repentance in regard to ...” (pause to believe and to receive!)

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!“Thank You Lord that I don’t have to be afraid of You! And, I turn away from agreeing with demonic pressure to avoid exposing my hurt to You for healing!” “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). !Trust you are entering and are now before the Lord here. Open up to God and let yourself receive: “Right now Lord I am trusting that You are reaching in and are giving me... —a confident and restful peace about who You are and about what You are doing with me...” (pause to believe and to trust you ARE receiving the healing Light of God shining into and onto you!)

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2 Cor. 9:8)... !Trust that the veil was torn and you are NOT separated from heaven. Let yourself confidently believe that You have entered before the Lord and God is before you here: “Right now, I present my body before You Lord and I am trusting that You are reaching in and are giving me... —an abundance of grace for sufficiency in everything and an abundance of grace for every good deed...” (let yourself feel confidence about God’s power to heal you, receive, and expect healing!)

“...I am the Lord who sanctifies you” (Lev. 20:8). “...walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). “...if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:13). “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Rom. 6:12,13). “...present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom. 12:1). “...just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification” (Rom. 6:19). !Trust you are before the Lord and that God is before you here. Open up to God and to the radiance of the Holy Spirit coming to you because of His shine: “Right now Lord, I present my body before You Lord and I let You reach into my body... —I present my body before you as a slave to righteousness...” (pause to believe, receive, and love it) —work in me so that the result is sanctification...” (pause to believe, receive, and love God for it) —I am trusting that You Holy Spirit will work in me and put to death the deeds of the body...” (pause to believe that God’s healing power is shining into you and all around; you ARE receiving it!) —As I continue to present my body before You I will keep trusting that You are putting to death the deeds of the body and that You are also working through me and are using me as an instrument of righteousness...” (pause to believe, receive, and to love God’s presence working in and all around you!)

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Believing and Enjoying the Love of God (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to do some righteous thing before I let myself believe God loves me—it is safe to trust... ...God’s love for me is not overcome by how bad I have been. I love the closeness of Your love Lord... ...I don't have to justify God’s love for me. I love that I can draw near to God and that He does draw near to me. I rest into letting God’s love touch me all around and I am letting myself enjoy that right now... ...I don’t have to be proud of my human goodness before I let myself believe God loves me. It is because of my getting close to the radiance around You that I can enjoy the touch of Your abiding love... ...I don’t have to (example of some good behavior ) in order to keep myself inside the love of God showered down all around me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I do repent of trying to find security through disbelief about God’s love! Heart hear and be soft. Listen and let yourself enjoy God’s love! (pause to love His love!) (And then this...)

...I delight that it is safe and right for me to rest and openly receive God’s love. I grab my soul and I turn it away from believing lies from the devil about God’s love for me! I turn from fear about my having to maintain spiritual “success” in order to keep deserving His love. Right now Lord, I am trusting that Your presence is all around me touching me and I rest into believing the truth that You are right here loving me without any holding back... (pause to believe and love it) (And then one of these...)

Lord, I delight to draw near to You—it is safe and thrilling to hide myself in the love that You shine upon me from Your face... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (Psa. 33:22 NIV). “...love is from God...” (1 John 4:7); “...God is love, and the one who abides in love, abides in God...” (1 John 4:16). I hide myself inside the substance of Your love because You said to “...abide in My love.” (John 15:9); “keep yourselves in the love of God...” (Jude 1:21). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) I love that Jesus commands me, “...abide in My love.” (John 15:9); So right now Lord, I am resting in the truth about Your love touching me and staying all around me – and I am letting myself enjoy it... “...the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues...” (Psa. 100:4 NIV); “...great is your love toward me...” (Psa. 86:13 NIV); “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psa. 34:8); “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22); “...He has not despised...the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him...” (Psa. 22:24); “...the Lord loves His people...” (2 Chron 2:11); “I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me” (John 17:23); And right now, I am letting myself enjoy the love of God touching me all around... “'For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and...of Judah cling to Me,' declares the Lord, 'that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise and for glory; but they did not listen.'” (Jer. 13:11). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you.” (Deut. 23:5). “...He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph. 3:17 NIV); “...the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.” (Psa. 149:4). (pause to hear)

Believing and Enjoying the Love of God

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that God’s love for me is not because of what I do for God. It is You who are worthy of praise. I praise You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that God’s love for me is not because of pity. I rest into receiving the touch of God’s perfect and good love abiding in me and all around me... (pause to and love God’s love!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that the amount of effort I make will never earn God’s love for me. I praise You Lord that Your love for me is so great and free just for believing... (pause to believe, and love it!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to protect myself from believing God loves me—it is safe and good to believe God’s love for me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...I don't have to do more in order to possess God’s love. I rest into receiving His love lavished onto me from the continual blast of fountain of God... ...I don't have be more impressive spirituality in order to earn God’s love. Oh, how I love You Lord... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don't have to believe the lies of the enemy that I have to try and earn God’s love. I denounce these lies! Lord, You are my God; rebuke any enemy pushing me to try to earn Your love... (pause to let yourself believe and enjoy the love of God as powerful armor around you)... (And then this...)

...I repent of having to protect myself with disbelief about God’s love for me. And, I repent and I turn from believing that I could fail and then lose His love! Lord, Your love is what I wrap myself with. Right now, I am trusting that Your presence is all around me and I rest into believing the truth that You are right here touching me with Your love... (pause to believe and love His love!) (And then one of these...)

...Heart, delight in the truth that God’s love is perfect enough to cast out my fears! (1 John 4:18) ...Heart, enjoy that God’s love for me is patient and kind! (1 Cor. 13:4 RSV) ...Heart, delight that God’s love looks for ways of being constructive with me! (1 Cor. 13:5a Phillips) ...Heart, enjoy that God’s love for me is not irritable and is never touchy! (1 Cor. 13:5 The Living Bible) ...Heart, delight in the truth that God’s love for me is not condemning in any way! (Rom. 8:1) ...Heart, delight that God’s love for me is never like a roaring lion that is seeking to devour me! (1 Peter 5:8) ...Heart, be comforted by letting yourself believe and love the truth that God knows everything about me, yet still, He deeply loves me - I cannot escape it! (Psa. 139) ...Heart, delight in the truth that God’s love does not decrease when I fail! (1 Cor. 13:8; Rom. 5:8; Rom. 8:36-39) ...Heart, delight in the truth that God’s love for me does not increase when I succeed! (Eph. 3:17-19) ...Heart, enjoy the truth that God’s love for me is good. Lord, Your love for me is good enough for me to trust! (Psa. 34:8; John 15:9). ...God’s love for me is a jealous love. We get jealous because we can’t have. But, You Lord, You get jealous when You can’t give. (Exo. 34:14; Isa. 30:18; Psa. 84:11,12). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...My God does not abandon His people. Heart hear this: My God will never abandon me: “...the Lord will not abandon His people, Nor will He forsake [us, as] His inheritance.” (Psa. 94:14); “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22); “...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” (Heb. 13:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psa. 9:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

Heart-Training “Core Classes” for Your Heart

Group Six “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

Redefining Success: Being to the Praise of God’s Glory, Not my Own (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

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www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...heart, let yourself find joy and delight that success is NOT defined by I achieve humanly speaking. Success is to keep drinking from God and to let Him work as He pours Himself through me... ...the success I love is NOT from exalting myself with subtle forms of internal praise: I will exalt God with a continual sacrifice of praise for His attributes. I turn from feeding myself with praise about my attributes. I love worshiping God, not myself... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT to enjoy exalting myself with evidence of how good I am. I love praising You Lord because it is You who are good. Any good that comes through me is because Your goodness is near to me. And I set my heart to keep on receiving the radiance that shines from God because I am determined to allow God to do His work by what He pours through me... ...heart the success I long for includes loving God by a continual sacrifice of not exalting myself. I delight that I can love God by praising His attributes and not mine. I love You Lord, and I set my will to sacrificially love God with continual praise that would normally go toward me... ...the success I love is NOT in trying to find reasons why they should be impressed with me. You are the God of all glory. Success isn’t to bring honor to myself. Any human glory that comes to me, I will exalt You with it Lord. My God is the commander of the armies of heaven and it is heaven that rules... ...the success I love is NOT in fighting to achieve and then defend my “self-worth.” I don't have to play that game anymore. My am trusting that my eyes are looking at You Lord. My ears are set to keep on listening for You to speak to me here... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from having to find reasons for praising myself. I don’t have to feed myself that way! I will exalt and honor God—He is a far better refuge, a greater strength and glory... And heart, let yourself love that you don’t have to be afraid about not having enough discipline to keep drinking from God – use your neediness as motivation! ... (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (pause to let yourself love and enjoy the closeness of God!) (And one of these...)

“...worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,” (Phil. 3:3) “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:12); “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV); You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV); Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21) “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psa. 84:11); Lord, “...You...are...my glory...” (Psa. 3:3 TAB) “I will be glad...in You...O most High.” (Psa. 9:2); “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) “...I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all the gods.” (Psa. 135:5) Success comes from God because “...from Me comes your fruit” (Hosea 14:8). The success I long for comes by my receiving the shine of God’s face upon me, “the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you” (Num. 6:24-26). And so, “...as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He is gracious to us” (Psa. 123:2).

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Redefining Success: Being to the Praise of God’s Glory, Not my Own (One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the success I love is NOT in how well I soothe myself by earthly means in order to deaden the desperate pain from my longing for God... (pause to let yourself feel reassured because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT in the pleasure I find exalting myself with evidence of my knowledge and understanding: I will exalt the Lord and His attributes—not mine. I love praising You Lord, You are the God of all knowledge and wisdom... ...the success I love is NOT to exalt myself when I think I have things figured out. God is the God of all understanding. I will love Him with a continual sacrifice of praise... ...the success I love is NOT to daydream about saving the world. Jesus is savior, not me. I humble myself before You Lord. Heart hear this! Jesus is Savior—not me! Because You are here Lord Jesus I can and I will depend on You to be Savior to the people around me... ...the success I love is NOT by what I do for God—it is by what God does in and through me. I will keep on drinking from You Lord Jesus so that together we can glorify the Father... ...the success I love is NOT to exalt myself because of how much I help other people: I love that Jesus is the Messiah and Savior—not me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT to satisfy myself when other people enjoy me: Soul, feed on God! I will exalt the Lord with any glory that comes toward me. Inside, I will erupt with praise toward God. I demonstrate my love for God that way. My God is the commander of the armies of heaven and it is heaven that rules...

(And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it from exalting myself. Lord, I turn and give You praise — I give You a sacrifice of praise that normally goes back toward me. You are the Lord — not me...

(And one of these...)

“You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2) Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21) “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) I set my heart to live, “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:12) “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...” (Psa. 34:2) “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.” 20:7)

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary...” (Psa. 150:1) “...The Lord is my God.” (Zech.. 13:9) “...Ascribe greatness to our God!” (Deut. 32:3) “...you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psa. 86:15 NIV) Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.” (Lam. 3:22)

(Psa.

Redefining Success: Being to the Praise of God’s Glory, Not my Own

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the success I love is NOT in coveting earthly things in order to try and dull my thirst for God. It is the presence of God that is my delight. I love that I can love God with praise and that I can give the Holy Spirit reason to enjoy being near me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT in how well I protect myself: Even if I have to praise Him quietly, I will exalt the Lord instead of myself. It is only God who is strong enough to provide the protection I need. I love Your closeness Lord. I hide myself in You... ...the success I love is to love God and know that He enjoys it. I will love God by praising His attributes and not mine. Success isn’t to feed myself with human glory. I turn from that and I set my will to sacrificially love God with continual praise... ...the success I love is NOT to find joy in how well I justify myself: I will exalt the Lord—not myself. You alone are the God who justifies... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT in daydreams of when I might achieve standards that just keep getting higher: Lord, You are the standard. I set my eyes are on You Lord—not on myself... ...the success I love is NOT to thrill myself over evidence of my human significance. I turn from wanting to feed myself with the praises of people. When it comes, I will thank them, but inside I will explode with praise toward You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn from living to the praise of my glory. The Lord is God. His presence given to me freely is a far better refuge, a better strength, a greater glory than the little gods of this world. Lord, I praise You... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) (And one of these...)

Success comes from God because “...from Me comes your fruit” (Hosea 14:8). The success I long for comes by my receiving the shine of God’s face upon me, “the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you” (Num. 6:24-26). And so, “...as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He is gracious to us” (Psa. 123:2). I set my heart to live, “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:12) “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” (Heb. 13:15) “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21) “From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the Lord is to be praised.” (Psa. 113:3) Lord, “...You...are...my glory...” (Psa. 3:3 TAB) “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (Psa. 33:22 “You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV) “My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord...” (Psa. 145:21)

NIV)

Lord, You are “...my rock and my fortress.” (Psa. 71:3); “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2); “I will be glad...in You...O most High.” (Psa. 9:2).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...not to thrill myself with how well I perform spiritually: I will exalt the Lord instead of myself. I set my affections on You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT ________________. Success is to exalt God and to keep drinking from Him like a branch drinks from the trunk of the tree AND like a branch drinks from the rain. I rest into opening up and drinking like a branch. I determine to keep my eyes and the loves of my heart set on You Lord... ...the success I love is NOT in the joy of exalting myself with subtle forms of internal praise: I love exalting God because He alone is worthy... ...the success I love is to keep abiding in the radiance around God and to keep drinking from Him like a branch drinks from a tree. I set my heart to believe Your glory Lord. I open myself to receive by soaking up the Holy Spirit of glory that radiates from You. I delight that it is God’s will to produce fruit through me that glorifies the Father... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT in daydreams of how well I achieve perfection. I love the closeness of Your perfection Lord. You are my God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT to exalt myself because of the new things I learn. I love the closeness of Your wisdom Lord. You are the God of all understanding. I turn my ears to listen to the Holy Spirit who is close and inside me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT in how well I avoid all possibilities of risk: I praise You Lord, even if it has to be quiet. You are my protection. And, my God is the commander of all the angels of heaven... ...the success I love is NOT to drink from the glory of my being what people think I can be: Lord, You don’t hold back Your plans for good... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

(And then this...)

...I turn from looking for reasons to believe I have glory humanly speaking. I grab my soul and turn it toward exalting God—not myself. I praise You Lord! You are a far better refuge, a greater strength... (pause to let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

(And one of these...)

...I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). “for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph. 2:18) “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) I set my heart to live, “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:12) Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21) ...When I come to You Lord, You wash me clean (Heb. 10:19,22). I don’t have to wait to draw near because You are my good; I welcome Your presence (Psa.. 73:28). “...You...are...my glory...” (Psa. 3:3 TAB); “You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV); “...I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all the gods.” (Psa. 135:5); “I will be glad...in You...O most High.” (Psa. 9:2). “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the success I love comes from the shine of God’s face. And, it thrills my heart to praise Him when human glory comes my way. I exalt You Lord. I delight that my praises give the Holy Spirit reason to enjoy being close to me in power, love, compassion, and righteousness... ...the success I love is NOT in how well I use stress as a tool to help me achieve more: I rest into allowing God to work through me. I set my affections on You Lord—not on what I achieve. I love the closeness of the Holy Spirit who is my helper.... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...does not rise or fall when nobody notices the good things I do: God knows and He is writing His own set of history books. As for me, I will keep on trusting that God is with me here and that He is producing spiritual fruit through me by my absorbing His radiance and letting the Holy Spirit flow through me... ...is not in the evidence I find of my own creativity: I will exalt the Lord of all creativity and not myself. I praise You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love does NOT in how well I get someone to make me feel secure. God is my strong security. I love Your closeness Lord. I have no security apart from You. My heart rests and is confident in You Lord—not in myself... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

(And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from having to find reasons for being able to praise myself. I turn from having to feed myself that way! I will exalt and honor God—His closeness to me is a far better refuge, a greater strength and glory... (pause to let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

(And one of these...)

...I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). Lord, “I have become a marvel to many; for You are my strong refuge.” (Psa. 71:7) “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.” (Psa. 28:7) “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...” (Psa. 34:2) Lord, I praise the closeness of all Your attributes. I praise Your name—not mine. “God is to us a God of deliverances...” (Psa. 68:20) Lord, You are “...my rock and my fortress.” (Psa. 71:3) “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). And Lord, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114) “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22) “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the success I love is NOT to find pleasure in how well I protect myself from being embarrassed: I put on the humility of Christ and will thrill my heart by exalting the Lord with praise—even if I have to do it quietly. I turn my eyes to look at You Lord—not at myself... ...the success I love is NOT to feed myself with praise toward me. Lord, You are the God of all glory. Lord, I praise You for the closeness of Your attributes—not mine. I praise Your power, Your beauty, Your awesomeness, Your kindness, Your wisdom, Your strength... ...the success I love is NOT to be more attractive in order to get what I need. Success is in exalting God. You have the beauty, the majesty, and the glory. Nothing on earth will ever comes close. I love knowing that my praise honors You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT to push myself to be something that others want to pursue: Lord, only You are worthy of my pursuit... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT to achieve the praise of people in order to be O.K.. It is God that I love. I rest into enjoying the touch of Your approval Lord... ...the success I love is NOT in loving how well I measure up to the people around me: it is far better to thrill myself by exalting God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT to delight in what people think about me. My delight is the closeness of God. I love that by trusting I am in the throne room the Kingdom of God is here. My eyes are on You Lord and I am trusting You to work through me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

(And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from having to find reasons for praising myself. I don’t have to feed myself that way! I will exalt and honor God—He is a far better refuge, a greater strength and glory... (pause to let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) (And one of these...)

“...worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,” (Phil. 3:3) “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:12); “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV); You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV); Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21) “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psa. 84:11) “I will be glad...in You...O most High.” (Psa. 9:2) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) “...I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all the gods.” (Psa. 135:5) Lord, “...You...are...my glory...” (Psa. 3:3 TAB) Success comes from God because “...from Me comes your fruit” (Hosea 14:8). The success I long for comes by my receiving the shine of God’s face upon me, “the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you” (Num. 6:24-26). And so, “...as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He is gracious to us” (Psa. 123:2).

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Redefining Success: Being to the Praise of God’s Glory, Not my Own (One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the success I love is NOT in the joy of exalting myself with subtle forms of internal praise. Success is depending on God and exalting Him. I set my heart to enjoy that God is honored by my praise and by my dependance on Him. My God is the commander of the armies of heaven and it is heaven that rules... ...the success I love is NOT to love having other people want to be like me: I will love the Lord and thrill myself to exalt Him by praise... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT to enjoy dominating people in order to achieve: My eyes are on You Lord. I will trust You to bear fruit through me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT to drink from respect other people have for me: I can exalt God in spiritual realms even when nobody here sees. Because the scriptures say it, I am believing that I am exalting God before an audience of angels, saints who have died before me, and before demonic rulers and authorities... ...the success I love is NOT to keep talking until they think I am important: I can significantly exalt God by loving His presence and praise... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT in finding evidence that my words have influence: It is God’s word that has power. Success is in exalting You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT to push myself to be more impressive when others around me are competing: Lord, Your glory is greater... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

(And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it from exalting myself. Lord, I turn and give You praise — I give You a sacrifice of praise that normally goes back toward me. You are the Lord — not me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

(And one of these...)

“You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2) Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21) “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) I set my heart to live, “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:12) “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...” (Psa. 34:2) “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.” 20:7)

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary...” (Psa. 150:1) “...The Lord is my God.” (Zech.. 13:9) “...Ascribe greatness to our God!” (Deut. 32:3) “...you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psa. 86:15 NIV) Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.” (Lam. 3:22)

(Psa.

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the success I love is NOT in my having to keep talking until I sense their approval of me. My honor and praise comes from God (Rom. 2:29; 1 Sam. 2:30; Jer. 13:11)... ...the success I love is NOT to exalt myself with evidence of my being right: I love the closeness of God’s righteousness. I love that You told us to seek Your righteousness (Matt. 6:33). You also commanded us to let righteousness “roll down” like “an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). I set my affections to keep doing that Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the success I love is NOT in my having religious status where people are impressed with my spirituality. It is the glory of God that I love. I set my affections on You Lord. I love Your closeness... ...the success I love is NOT in quenching my thirst with what I earn: the Lord is the adequate God. He is worthy of my praise. I rest into receiving the touch of Your adequacy Lord... __ I don't have to believe the lies of the enemy, to get what I need by my having to achieve the glory of God. I denounce these things! Lord, You are my God—rebuke any enemy pushing me, I pray. And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power You would command the forces of evil to leave me alone and to never come back...(pause to let yourself believe that He is doing it)... (And then this...)

...I turn from living to the praise of my glory. The Lord is God. His presence given to me freely is a far better refuge, a better strength, a greater glory than the little gods of this world. Lord, I praise You... (pause to let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ... (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (pause to let your heart hear, believe, and love the God and the closeness of His kingdom all around!) (And one of these...)

Success comes from God because “...from Me comes your fruit” (Hosea 14:8). The success I long for comes by my receiving the shine of God’s face upon me, “the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you” (Num. 6:24-26). And so, “...as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He is gracious to us” (Psa. 123:2). When I draw near to God, He draws near by bringing heaven around me here. And, my God is the commander of the armies of heaven! It is heaven that rules... “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114) “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) “God is to us a God of deliverances...” (Psa. 68:20) “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...” (Psa. 34:2) “I will be glad...in You...O most High.” (Psa. 9:2) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) “...I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all the gods.” (Psa. 135:5) Lord, “...You...are...my glory...” (Psa. 3:3 TAB)

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Believing and Enjoying God as Our Thrill and Pleasure (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...my pleasure is not to come to the place where I think that I deserve Your presence God. Lord, I love that it is by my faith in the truth of Your word and Your grace that You draw near to me. You DO give me Yourself! And, I love that You don’t hold back... (pause to let yourself feel confident and be reassured!) ...the pleasure I long for is not from the twisted glory there is in sin—there is far more glory in being near and in experiencing You God. Lord God of all glory and life, it is Your presence close to me that is my thrill and my pleasure... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...the pleasure I need most is not to change my earthly circumstances—I turn to God because He is my thrill and my pleasure. Lord, I love Your grace to draw near to me and soothe me when things aren’t going well... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...the pleasure I love is not the evidence I find of my being strong—the nearness God is my strength and my pleasure. Lord God, I love the touch of Your strength. I love Your grace and love that draws You to want to be near to me. I rest in You... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the pleasure I need is not from evidence of my human adequacy—the closeness of God is my adequacy. Lord, I love Your grace to draw near so that I can depend on You as my God. I rest into letting You touch me with Your adequacy... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then this...)

...I turn away from earthly sources as my greatest thrill and pleasure. Lord, I love the awesome thrill and pleasure of standing right here before You. I welcome the rush of Your LIVING presence, Your LIVING power, and Your LIVING love into and all around me... (pause to feel courage by it!) (And then one of these...)

...Heart hear this: “Delight yourself in the Lord...” (Psa. 37:4). I turn my heart to You God! The presence of the God is my pleasure. I set my heart to find the thrill I need in enjoying God with me here: “...great is your love toward me...” (Psa. 86:13 NIV). ...I am making God my treasure: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21). God as my treasure is what I want. I grab my soul and I turn my affections from . ...Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21). My soul will love the Lord—and I turn away from loving earthly things. I take pleasure in You God, and heart hear this, “...the Lord takes pleasure in His people...” (Psa. 149:4).

...I am making God my delight and my thrill: “...the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance...of the river of Your delights.” (Psa. 36:7,8). I turn my heart to love Your presence God! “O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house And the place where Your glory dwells.” (Psa. 26:8) ...I am making God my greatest love. “I love You, O Lord...” (Psa. 18:1). And, when God draws near to me, He brings heaven with Him. Angels are here. It is heaven that rules... ...heart hear this and find the delight that you need by enjoying that “Splendor and majesty are before Him, strength and beauty are in His sanctuary” (Psa. 96:6). I am making it my greatest love to be close to God and to thrill myself with His splendor and majesty. “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power...” (Rev. 4:11). I turn my heart to love giving praise toward God—and not toward myself.

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the pleasure I love is not from the power I feel from being over other people—God is my thrill and my pleasure. Lord, I love that it is from Your sanctuary that You give strength and power to the people (Psa. 68:35)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...the pleasure I long for most will never come from daydreams of what I would say to . God will lead me and give me what I need to say. God is my glory—I turn to You... ...the pleasure I need is not from forcing circumstances and people to cooperate with my plans for achievement. My glory is to let God work through me as He chooses... ...the pleasure I need most is not from making comparisons of my status to that of other people. The presence of God is my thrill and my pleasure. I love that I can exalt and honor God by depending on Him to quench my thirst... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...the pleasure I long for will never come from sexual sin or lust. The presence of God is my thrill and my pleasure. It is God’s glory, strength, and His beauty touching me that I love far more... (And then this...)

...I turn away from earthly sources as my greatest thrill and pleasure. It is the rush of God’s presence around me that I love. The closeness of God my greatest joy because doing anything else is evil... (And then one of these...)

...rather than loving , I am setting my heart to love You God. Heart don’t be afraid: “...the Lord loves His people...” (2 Chron. 2:11). I am determined to rest in the truth about God—to love Him and to let God love me back... “...great is your love toward me...” (Psa. 86:13 NIV). ...heart hear this: “Delight yourself in the Lord...” (Psa. 37:4). I set my heart to find delight and pleasure in loving You God... ...I repent of wanting as my treasure. I am declaring to my heart that God is my treasure because “...where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21). It is the presence of God that I love! You are my treasure Lord. ...I am setting my heart to praise God rather than myself: “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary...” (Psa. 150:1)... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear it and rejoice.” (Psa. 34:2)... ...rather than praise toward me about I am telling my heart that praising God is far better: “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2). “...Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.” (Rev. 4:8); “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) ...I am determined that my heart will find the thrill and pleasure that I need in God: “...take diligent heed to yourselves to love the Lord your God” (Jos. 23:11). ...heart hear this: “...you are to cling to the Lord your God...” (Jos. 23:8). I am stopping right now and am trusting that I am taking hold of God. ...I am confident and I am secure because “...the Lord takes pleasure in His people...” (Psa. 149:4). “I love You, O Lord...” (Psa. 18:1)... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) (One of these...)

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...my greatest thrill and pleasure is not to compare myself to other people and find that I am better than they. Lord, I grab my soul and turn away from having to feed myself by comparisons. I love that receiving from You is so much easier... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...the pleasure I want most will never come from my getting more toys—only the Lord will satisfy. I love that I can so freely turn to You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the pleasure I need will never come from earthly possessions, a house, a car, . Lord, I love that Your grace to draw near to me. I can trust You to lavish Your presence on me because You want to be God to me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...the pleasure I need is not to feed myself with how I appear to others. Instead, I am trusting that I am before the Lord in all His glory and that having His glory touching me is a far greater pleasure... ...the pleasure I love most is not to look at friends as evidence of my being worthy. God is my glory—it is not the glory I receive from people. Lord, I love that I can receive Your presence without having to earn a sense of being worthy... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) I don't have to believe the lies of the enemy that I have to get the thrill and pleasure I need apart from drinking Your presence. Lord, You are my God. I pray that You would rebuke any enemy pushing me to delight myself in earthly things. I denounce these things! And Lord, with Your authority and power I ask that you would command evil to leave me alone and to never come back...(pause to let yourself believe that He is doing it)... (And then this...)

...I turn away from earthly sources as my greatest thrill and pleasure. Lord, I love the awesome thrill and pleasure of standing right here before You. I welcome the rush of Your presence upon me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

...I am training myself to “Delight yourself in the Lord...” (Psa. 37:4); making God my delight and treasure helps me to turn from sin because “...where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mat. 6:21). “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (Psa. 33:22 NIV). “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deut. 6:5); “...cling to Him.” (Deut. 13:4). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “'For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and...of Judah cling to Me,' declares the Lord, 'that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise and for glory; but they did not listen.'” (Jer. 13:11). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” (Psa. 96:6) “...Around God is awesome majesty.” (Job 37:22) “How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength...For our shield belongs to the Lord, and our king to the Holy One of Israel.” (Psa. 89:15-18); “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the pleasure I need most is not from having acceptance and approval from people. The Lord is the acceptance I love. By my salvation I have God’s acceptance — by my faith, I have His pleasure... ...the pleasure I long for is not to feed myself with how great I might think my personality is. God is my thrill and my pleasure. I love knowing that my praise exalts God before an on-looking audience of angels, saints in heaven, and demonic rulers and authorities... ...the pleasure I long for most is not to feed myself with my own human intelligence. The understanding of God is greater. Lord, I lift my hands up to Your word (Psa. 119:48). I wait expectantly for You to speak... ...the pleasure I need is not from feeding myself with how good I might think I am. The nearness of God is my God—His presence is my pleasure... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the thrill and pleasure I long for most is not from _____________________________ . God’s presence is my pleasure. I love that I don’t have to deserve your willingness to draw near... ...the pleasure I long for most is not from my sophistication and being “above” other people. It is the Lord who is God—not me... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...the pleasure I need is not from security provided by earthly things or people. God is my security and my pleasure... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then this...)

...I turn away from earthly sources as my greatest thrill and pleasure. Lord, I love the awesome thrill and pleasure of standing right here before You. I welcome the rush of Your presence upon me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

...“...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). Heart hear this: “Delight yourself in the Lord...” (Psa. 37:4).. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21) “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear it and rejoice.” (Psa. 34:2)... “...take diligent heed to yourselves to love the Lord your God.” (Jos. 23:11) “...you are to cling to the Lord your God...” (Jos. 23:8); “I love You, O Lord...” (Psa. 18:1)... “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” (Rev. 4:11). “Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” (Psa. 96:6) “...Around God is awesome majesty.” (Job 37:22) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory! And, pause to love Him!) “...the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you.” (Deut. 23:5); “...He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph. 3:17 NIV). “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.” (Psa. 28:7) (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; It shall exult in His salvation.” (Psa. 35:9)

Believing and Enjoying God as Our Thrill and Pleasure

121

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the pleasure I long for will never come from how much I get done today—it is better to drink like a branch during my activities and let God work through me. I love exalting You Lord... ...the pleasure I long for most will never come from thinking back over how well I protected myself—it is God who is my thrill and my pleasure. Lord, I love Your grace to draw near to me and be my protection... ...the pleasure I love is not from my always being right. The nearness of God is my good—He alone is my righteousness. I rest into letting You touch me with Your righteousness... ...the thrill and pleasure I long for most will never come from what I could eat. Lord, I love that I can feed myself with You... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...the pleasure I love most is not from how well I make people laugh. I love that my faith causes God to feel pleasure. It thrills my heart to know that my praises make the Holy Spirit enjoy being with me in power, love, compassion... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...the pleasure I long for most is not from my having people who are impressed with me. Lord God, I delight that You take pleasure in Your people—and that includes me...

(And then one of these...)

...I set my heart to find the thrill I need by standing before the Lord, enjoying that He is here in all His glory: “...Around God is awesome majesty” (Job 37:22). I set my affections on You God and it thrills my heart that “...the Lord loves His people...” (2 Chron. 2:11). I am setting my heart to love You God and I am determining to let you love me back. (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear it and rejoice.” (Psa. 34:2)... Heart hear this and do it: “...take diligent heed to yourselves to love the Lord your God” (Jos. 23:11); “...you are to cling to the Lord your God...” (Jos. 23:8). ...heart hear this: it is God that I want because “...love is from God...” (1 John 4:7); “...God is love, and the one who abides in love, abides in God and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16). “...abide in [His] love.” (John 15:9); “keep yourselves in the love of God...” (Jude 1:21). “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield...my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psa. 18:2)... Lord, “You are my hiding place...” (Psa. 32:7) “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain.” (Isa. 57:13) “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust...” (Psa. 25:1,2) “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). “...the Lord takes pleasure in His people...” (Psa. 149:4). “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust...” (Psa. 25:1,2); “I will be glad...in You...O most High.” (Psa. 9:2). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.” (Rev. 4:8). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

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Enjoying God as Our Boast (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that my glory is not to exalt myself by trying to make God submit to my demands. I love praising You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that my glory is not to boast in myself—instead of me, I will boast in God. Oh, how I love You Lord. I set my eyes and my ears on You Lord... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that my glory is not to boast in my being God; I don't have to be the sovereign “I AM.” God is who I love to praise... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that my glory is not to boast in being king in order to be “Ok.” I love and praise You Lord. I submit to the truth that it is right for me to love and believe that I am in the throne room and the You Lord are walking with me here—my eyes are on You... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that my glory is not to exalt myself by drinking from the glory of (example of something you drink from) . God is my first love... (pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...Heart, delight in the truth that it is right to boast in God. I delight to grab my soul and turn it away from letting the boasting and praise come back toward myself. The Lord is God—not me. I praise God for the glory of His attributes not mine. My eyes are on You God... (pause to believe it) (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself love the presence of God as your boast!

“My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...” (Psa. 34:2). (pause to hear and believe it) “How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength...For our shield belongs to the Lord, and our king to the Holy One of Israel.” (Psa. 89:15-18). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29). “...I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all the gods.” (Psa. 135:5)... “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, and in Him they will glory.” (Jer. 4:2). “...worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,” (Phil. 3:3). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory...” (Psa. 84:11)... “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:12). (pause to hear and believe it) “...The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8)... “God is to us a God of deliverances...” (Psa. 68:20). (pause to hear and believe it) “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet...” (Rom. 16:20). (pause to hear and believe it) “You know of Jesus...God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and...He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38)

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Enjoying God as Our Boast (One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I delight that I don't have to glory in being above other people who... (pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!)

...don't achieve... ...don't measure up...

(pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!)

...don't have health...

(pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!)

...are struggling with sin and failed...

(pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!)

...are not athletic enough...

(pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!)

...are not friendly enough...

(pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!)

...can’t recognize the truth..

(pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!)

...don't think...

(pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!)

...don’t __________________________...

(pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!)

...who don't know and believe the right things...

(pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!)

(And then this...)

...I repent and turn from directing internal praise toward me. The Lord is God. I praise You who are close to me—I praise Your power, Your love, Your wisdom, Your goodness, Your glory, Your strength, Your beauty. And by faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your presence close and all around me here... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself love the presence of God as your protection!

“Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.” (Psa. 20:7)... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Heb. 13:15); “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21). “Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.” (1 Chron. 16:11). (pause to hear and believe it) “O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary...God...gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (Psa. 68:35). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary...” (Psa. 150:1). (pause to hear and believe it) “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...” (Psa. 34:2). “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2). (pause to hear and believe it) By entering to stand before the Lord of hosts, I “...have made the Lord...the Most High, ...[my] dwelling place.” (Psa. 91:9). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) My “...confidence...is...through Christ before God...our competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV). My “...praise is not from men, but from God.” (Rom. 2:29). “...Ascribe greatness to our God!” (Deut. 32:3). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

Enjoying God as Our Boast

124

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, I delight that I don't have to glory in being above other people who...

...are not impressive...

(pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

...don't have friends...

(pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

...who don't have the right things... ...are not spiritual enough...

...

(Your name)

(pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

(pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

, listen to what you are saying and let yourself believe and love the truth!

...my glory is not to exalt myself by trying to make God submit to my demands... ...I can keep redirecting the praise toward God, even when they like my jokes. I set my eyes to keep looking at You Lord—not on them or on myself... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...I am free to show appreciation when someone compliments me. Inside I will keep the flow of praise going toward God... (pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!)

(And then this...)

...I repent and turn from directing internal praise toward me. The Lord is God. So Lord, I praise Your power, Your love, Your wisdom, Your goodness, Your glory, Your strength, Your beauty. I boast in You. My eyes are on Your power and beauty close to me here Lord... (pause to believe it)

(And then one of these...)

...

(Your name)

, listen and let yourself love the presence of God as your protection!

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...” (Mat. 6:33). “...righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” (Psa. 97:2). “Then he showed me a river of the water of life...coming from the throne of God...” (Rev. 22:1). “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amo. 5:24). “ Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; lovingkindness and truth go before You.” (Psa. 89:14). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...it is Heaven that rules.” (Dan. 4:26). And, by drawing near I can welcome the kingdom of God here: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “...[I] have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). “for through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph. 2:18; see also Heb. 4). “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...” (Psa. 34:2). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “...I know that the Lord is great, And that our Lord is above all the gods.” (Psa. 135:5)... God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29). “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.” (Psa. 28:7).; “...The Lord is my God.” (Zech.. 13:9). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

Turning from Demonic Pressure to Avoid and Believe Lies About God

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(Security and protection from God rather than self-protection by staying away) (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2005

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to doubt whether God’s promises apply to me—they do apply to me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to pride myself because of the presence of God—that only weakens me for spiritual battle. I enter and draw near to God and the God who is before me here is the commander of all the angels of heaven... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to live in dullness or apathy. An river of the Holy Spirit is not too much for me to expect—I love that I can quench my thirst with God. I have full access into the radiance shining from God..... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I don’t have to agree to close up and avoid receiving the Holy Spirit because of pressure to believe demonic lies that I need to do something to deserve God’s presence somehow... ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to believe lies that I should feel shame and avoid receiving the Holy Spirit from the fountain of God—the power of the washing from God burns away my shame... ...I don’t have to agree with pressure to believe lies that evil is good—God is good. It is evil that’s evil. And, I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to believe lies that self-condemnation will help me somehow... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies;” (Rom. 8:33). ...I don’t have to agree with pressure to stay away from because of lies that God doesn’t want me close—God does want me to turn to Him and draw near. it is right and good for me to stand before the Lord of hosts and drink from Him... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...I don’t have to avoid God because of pressure to believe lies about Him. I don’t have to harden my heart when He speaks to me. It is right and good for me to trust that God is good, strong, loving, and kind... ...I don’t have to agree to live within ‘religious’ boundaries put on me by demonic pressure: it is right and good for me to stand before the Lord of hosts, praise Him, and welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit... ...because of the truth about God and the availability of the Holy Spirit, I don’t have to agree with pressure to find refuge in despair because of spiritual intimidation from demons. The Lord is my God... ...I delight to turn away from agreeing with demonic pressure to hide from God because of intimidation or fear... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...It is the Lord who is God not the spiritual forces of evil. My God is a stronger fortress and a better refuge. I trust I am before the Lord and am putting on the armor of light (Rom. 13:12 and Psa. 27:1-8)... “...Though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident...For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle...” (Psa. 27:3 and 5) “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9). “...The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8).

Turning from Demonic Pressure to Avoid and Believe Lies About God

126

(Security and protection coming from God rather than self-protection by staying away) (One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to harden my heart when I hear God’s voice... ...I don’t have to agree about cowering away from the throne room and from standing before God... ...because of the truth about God and my access to the throne room, I don’t have to agree with deception and lies from the demonic intended to keep me away... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...because God is my God, I don’t have to avoid praising Him because of pressure from the demonic. And, I don’t have to agree to avoid the throne room of God because of deception from the enemy. When I draw near to God He draws near by bringing heaven with Him. Angels are here all around me and my God is the commander of all the angels of heaven... ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to enjoy criticizing other Christians... ...I don’t have to believe lies from the enemy regarding my weakness: the God who is with me is strong... “...armed in the presence of the Lord...” (Num. 32:32) ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to stay away from God because of people who care about me think I am wrong... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure find the security I need by staying away from God... ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to believe lies that sexual pursuits are better because of the thrill and pleasure of having intimate closeness with the Spirit of God who is beautiful, strong, and loves me greatly... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I don’t have to agree with demonic lies that I should avoid God because religious people make me feel ashamed... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to agree with the demonic pressure to avoid God because of criticism I receive from people I love... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...because of the truth about God, I don’t have to agree with strong delusion to stay out of the throne room and avoid ‘drinking’ the Holy Spirit like a sponge... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to avoid God because of accusation and gossip from other Christians... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

(And then this...)

...It is the Lord who is God not the spiritual forces of evil. My God is a stronger fortress and a better refuge. I trust I am before the Lord and am putting on the armor of light (Rom. 13:12 and Psa. 27:1-8)... “...Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident...For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle...” (Psa. 27:3 and 5) “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9). “...The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8).

Turning from Demonic Pressure to Avoid and Believe Lies About God

127

(Security and protection coming from God rather than self-protection by staying away) (One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to feed myself with praise because of God’s presence... ...I delight to turn away from accepting demonic pressure that it is wrong somehow for me to praise God freely... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...I turn from agreeing to pride myself with the lie that I am above needing to praise God for some reason... ...I delight to turn away from accepting demonic pressure to avoid putting my hope in God... ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure that it is wrong somehow to pray... ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to live in dullness or apathy—I can quench my thirst with God... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...I don’t have to avoid reading and believing the Bible because of pressure from the demonic... ...I denounce and reject demonic pressure to put my hope in despair... ...because of the abundant availability of the Spirit of God, I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to feed myself with food as my best hope for thrill and pleasure... ...I denounce and reject demonic lies about their power because my God is a strong fortress—His Light is a thick shield... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I don’t have to agree to avoid standing before the Lord because of threats of physical harm... ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to stay away from God when people I care about, make me feel bad... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to harden my heart when I hear God’s voice... ...I don’t have to believe the lies that push me to fear. I don’t have to be afraid. You are my God! Holy and awesome God, I will fear You alone. Lord, rebuke any enemy pushing me to fear or dread. I denounce fear! I denounce any fear that is or was passed on to me by my parents. God, You are the Commander of the armies of heaven. And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power You would command the forces of evil to leave me alone and to never come back...(pause to let yourself believe that He is doing it)... (And then this...)

...It is the Lord who is God not the spiritual forces of evil. My God is a stronger fortress and a better refuge of strong power... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) I set my heart to trust that I am before the Lord here and that the armor of God is all around me because of the radiance that is all around me from Him. By this I “...lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12 )... (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) Heart hear this and turn to face toward God! “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1) “...The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8).

128

Heart-training – Condensed ! (Uses Diagrams) Level 1: “Oh God! I love who You are, and I turn from believing lies about You!” ...

(Your name) , God is good, it is evil that is evil. “...the Lord is good...” (Psa. 135:3). “...Holy is He.” (Psa. 99:3). “God is not a man, that He should lie...” (Num. 23:19); He is the “...God, who cannot lie...” (Titus 1:2). “...has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19). “...the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). Heart, believe in “...the tender mercy of our God...” (Luke 1:78). “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8). “...the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psa. 34:8). God “...has not despised...the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him...” (Psa. 22:24). “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7). “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psa. 9:9 NIV). And, “...God...comforts the depressed...” (2 Cor. 7:6). He is “...the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). ... (Your name) , hear this! God’s perfect love casts out my fears! (1 John 4:18). God’s love for me is patient and kind! (1 Cor 13:4 RSV). God’s love looks for ways of being constructive with me! (1 Cor. 13:5a Phillips); “...He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness...afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:6,10,11). God’s love for me is not irritable or touchy! (1 Cor 13:5 The Living Bible). God’s love for me is not condemning in any way! (Rom. 8:1). God’s love for me is not like a roaring lion that is seeking to devour me! (1 Peter 5:8). God knows everything about me, yet still, God deeply loves me — I cannot escape it! (Psa. 139). God’s love does not decrease when I fail! (1 Cor. 13:8; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:36-39). God’s love for me does not increase when I succeed! (Eph. 3:17-19). God’s love for me is good. God’s love is good enough for me to trust! (Psa. 34:8; John 15:9). God wants me to stay surrounded by His love (John 15:9). “...the Lord loves His people...” (2 Chron 2:11). “...great is your love toward me...” (Psa. 86:13 NIV). ... (Your name) , let yourself hear and believe that “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned” (Psa. 34:22). It is safe for me to trust God because “...those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You” (Psa. 9:10). IT IS WRITTEN that “...He will not fail you...” (Deut. 4:31). God says that “...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). And, “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22). “...the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake [us, as] His inheritance.” (Psa. 94:14). Lord, YOU are “...the Shepherd and Guardian of [my soul].” (1 Peter 2:25). “...the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). And, I submit into believing that these truths apply to me. My God is NOT... “My God is not like other people. Heart let yourself hear and believe that my God is NOT diagram) ...” (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!).

(from the

Heart-training – Condensed ! (Uses Diagrams) Level 2: “Oh God! I love turning from idolatry of the heart!”

129 © Barry Hall 2011

Directions: •Read the statements over and over while trying to hear, believe, and enjoy what you are saying. •Do NOT read these statements trying to judge whether you are doing these things or not. Just trust that God cleansing you inside and out while you are doing the heart-training. Joy and delight are your goal. Do NOT allow any condemnation or guilt as that will only shut you down inside and keep you away from God. •Try not to fill in the blanks with more than 1 or 2 things from the list or the diagram. Move quickly with the statements, except for the pause at the end of the statement to give a little time to let it sink into your heart. •The goal here is to get your heart to enjoy turning from faith in earthly things and to enjoy and trust the closeness of God’s presence instead. Even though it is not natural to feel delight, if you are intentional about hearing this as truth and enjoying it, then it will become much easier to enjoy God as your God! Spiritual Assignment for this page: •Learn to feel your inner being turning away from earthly sources. Keep at this, and that will happen. •Thank the Lord for these things! Rest into faith and joy by submitting to the TRUTH about how wonderful it is that you don’t have to feed yourself these ways! Eventually, you will find delight in turning away from earthly things. And that, will help you to take delight in the Lord and experience His presence. •Think about God’s presence being close and let yourself enjoy feeling the “benefit” in the statement. Heart-training statement (use this one together with the next statement above the diagram) “Thank You Lord! And heart, DELIGHT that I do NOT have to get (from the “Benefits List”) ... Benefits List (Benefits of “receiving” in order to meet our need / Symptoms of our need for the presence of God) my escape, what relieves stress... my boldness, what makes me special... my refuge, security, protection... my glory, beauty, attractiveness, impressiveness... what soothes, comforts, reassures... my courage, power, strength, honor... my righteousness, goodness, perfection... my significance, my audience, what gives meaning... my love, acceptance, support, help... my adequacy, what gives me authority, confidence... my protection, reason to NOT be afraid... my thrill, pleasure, excitement... my sense of well being, sense of belonging... my justification, peace, what validates me... my hope for provision and needs being met... my power for helping people, what convinces them... ...from (from the “Diagram”) . The Lord is my God; His presence close to me is what I need! Heart, DELIGHT in, and LOVE the presence of God! And, turn away from receiving by self-directed praise. Instead of earthly glory, I am trusting that I am close to God and am receiving His presence and kingdom HERE!” Diagram (diagram of earthly sources we “receive” from)

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Spiritual Assignment for this page: •Learn to feel your inner being turning away from earthly sources and turning toward the Lord. •At the end of the statement, be intentional about stopping briefly to let yourself enjoy feeling secure and reassured because of the presence of God! Heart-training statement: “Thank You Lord that I CAN turn away from finding the security and protection I need by (from the Diagram) . Heart, I am turning to trust God as my security. It is the presence of God close and all around me that is my strong refuge, my security, protection, and what reassures me...” (pause to let your heart enjoy it!) Diagram

As Needed ... (Your name) , let yourself hear and believe that “The eternal God is a dwelling place...” (Deut. 33:27); “God is my strong fortress...” (2 Sam 22:33); “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1); Lord You are “...a refuge for me, a tower of strength...Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings...” (Psa. 61:3,4); “Guard my soul...for I take refuge in You” (Psa. 25:20); “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident...in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock” (Psa. 27:1 and 3,4,5); Lord, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114); “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken...my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9). And, I rest into believing that these truths apply to me. ... (Your name) , let yourself hear and believe that “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned” (Psa. 34:22). It is safe for me to trust God because “...those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You” (Psa. 9:10). IT IS WRITTEN that “...He will not fail you...” (Deut. 4:31). God says that “...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). And, “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22). “...the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake [us, as] His inheritance.” (Psa. 94:14). Lord, YOU are “...the Shepherd and Guardian of [my soul].” (1 Peter 2:25). And, I submit into believing that these truths apply to me.

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Level 3: Preparation for “Oh God! I love making You my God!” “Lord Jesus, I praise You for being the way, the truth and the life and that I CAN come to the Father because of You (pause to hear and believe). In order to turn away from earthly things and sin, I turn my heart to believe and love Your grace that lets me, “...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” (Rom. 13:12 and 14). It is Your grace Father that lets me freely receive the Holy Spirit who comes from You and who radiates from Jesus (pause)... (God gives the glory that is His presence. God does NOT give the glory that belongs to Him in worship.) “...the Lord gives grace and glory...” (Psalm 84:11). But, “...you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God” (John 5:44). So, “...repent and return...in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, and in Him they will glory.” (Jer. 4:2). So (Your name) , I am turning my heart to love trading earthly glories for the glory of God’s presence; I am turning to “...glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,” (Phil. 3:3); “Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.” (1 Chron. 16:10). ... (Your name) , I turn my heart from disbelief and self-protection—I turn from hopelessness and discouragement about my being able to receive the presence of God (pause to believe); “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). Thank You Jesus for the truth! “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32); “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). And, Jesus “”...Christ... died...so that He might bring us to God...” (1Pet 3:18); “Jesus said...no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6); I “...have confidence to enter the holy place....” (Heb. 10:19) because “...through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18); “...we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12); “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). “...draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16); “...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22). (pause to believe the truth!) ... (Your name) , I turn my heart from disbelief and fear about being able to rest confidently, open up and receive the presence of God. I delight in the truth that Jesus made a way for me to draw near and that God WILL draw near to me (pause).” (Your Name) , “...do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11); Rather than daydreaming of earthly glories and setting those before me, I can do what David did when he said, “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psa. 16:8); Therefore, I boldly trust that I am entering (or, “have entered”) into the throne room to come (or, “stay”) before the Father.” “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light” (Psa. 36:7-9); “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). ...I am confident and secure about God because I can playfully “...receive the kingdom of God like a child...” (Luke 18:17); “...on...the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’‘ But this He spoke of the Spirit...” (John 7:37-39). “...You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain...” (Psa. 36:8,9); “...His Son...He is the radiance of His glory...” (Heb. 1:2,3); “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13) And, rather than daydreaming of earthly glories and enjoying those things, I determine to thrill myself with God’s presence by doing what David did when he said, “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psa. 16:8). When my refuge is the presence of God, then the Kingdom of God is HERE because “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13)...

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Heart-training – Condensed ! (Uses Diagrams) Level 3: “Oh God! I love making You my God!”

Spiritual Assignment for this page: Nurture delight toward God by listening to yourself about God as your God! AND with that, also learn to feel yourself putting on and wearing the presence of God and the kingdom of heaven all around you here. Think about the earthly benefit of being close to someone who makes you confident, or

think about clothing that is identity and confidence to you, or think about a blanket that makes a child feel secure. Then intentionally enjoy those same benefits because of the closeness of God. Rest into faith! Being intentional about letting yourself feel joy about these truths will help you to wear God’s presence! (As Needed....)

“Heart, I am trusting I have drawn near to God. And, I love that when I draw near, God draws near to me and brings heaven all around me HERE! I am trusting that Jesus and the Father are before me and that there are angels all around. Each of these heavenly beings have roles, tasks to do, and personality.” (One of these....)

“Lord, it is Your being close with Your kingdom all around me that is

(from the “Benefits list”) ...

(Benefits List – Symptoms of our need for the presence of God)

my escape, what relieves stress... my refuge, security, protection... what soothes, comforts, reassures... my righteousness, goodness, perfection... my love, acceptance, support, help... my protection, reason to NOT be afraid... my sense of well being, sense of belonging... my hope for provision and needs being met...

my boldness, what makes me special... my glory, beauty, attractiveness, impressiveness... my courage, power, strength, honor... my significance, my audience, what gives meaning... my adequacy, what gives me authority, confidence... my thrill, pleasure, excitement... my justification, peace, what validates me... my power for helping people, what convinces them...

(And then this....)

... (your name) I set my heart to enjoy that God is a person who is (from the Diagram) . Jesus and the Father are here. The living person of the Holy Spirit is here in me, and all around me. Heart, believe and enjoy that the power of God IS here for healing and miracles and my God is (from the Diagram) ...” (Diagram)

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Level 4: Preparation for “Oh God! I Love being to the praise of Your glory!” Important: Apply the statements below while trusting that you are in the throne room (with your whole body HERE) standing before the Father and Jesus with angels all around you HERE. ... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying and let your heart believe and love the truth. Heart hear this: God is good. It is evil that is evil! (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) Oh God, I love that You love me and it thrills me that You let me love You back. I turn the loves and the fears of my heart away from the self-protection that keeps me from loving You as You love me. I set my heart to love You God by believing that Your love for me is patient and kind (1 Cor 13:4 RSV); and when I have to wait for You to work in some way, I set my heart to love You without being impatient. Lord, I set my heart to love You by believing that Your love for me is not condemning (Rom. 8:1); Lord, You are NOT trying to destroy me (1 Peter 5:8). Lord, I set my heart to love You by believing that You never stop looking for ways of being constructive with me (1 Cor. 13:5a Phillips). And Lord, I set my heart to love You by looking for ways of being constructive with other people. Lord, I set my heart to love You by believing that your love for me is not irritable or touchy (1 Cor 13:5 TLB), and Lord as best as I can, I set my heart to love You without my getting angry when You do something that I don’t understand. Lord, I set my heart to love You by believing that you want to surround me with Your love continually (John 15:9). Lord, I set my heart to love You by believing that your love for me is good enough for me to trust. And Lord, I set my heart to love You by believing that Your will is good, acceptable, and perfect (Rom. 12:2). Lord, it gives me great joy to know that my faith and trust in Your love can cause You to feel pleasure (Heb. 11:6). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph 1:12); “I turn my heart from living to the praise of my own human glory. And, I set my heart to continually sacrifice the internal praise that normally goes toward myself. Exalting myself is empty and meaningless. It doesn’t count for eternity! And, it doesn’t always have to be about what I get.” It is by my drawing near and by thanks and praise for receiving the kingdom that I am able to offer a kingdom kind of service to God that is so great it creates a sense of awe: “...since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” (Heb. 12:28). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) Since I am constantly drinking from something and since praise is always the result, I can give a sacrifice of praise toward God that is continual: “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). “I admit my neediness and it is my childlike dependance on the presence of God that exalts and honors Him in heavenly realms. By turning my heart to depend on God, He becomes my God—and that exalts and honors Him before vast numbers of saints in heaven and a huge audience of angelic and demonic rulers and authorities. I love that so many are watching. (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “....rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:10); “...spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12); And, in a context of being in the throne room it says, “...we have...witnesses surrounding us...” (Heb. 12:1, examples of those in the heavenly audience are listed in Heb. 11). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ... (Your name) , let yourself love that you don’t have to be afraid about not having enough discipline to keep drinking from God – use your neediness as motivation! I can keep drinking from God because I love glory and power. (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (pause to love God!)

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Level 4: “Oh God! I Love being to the praise of Your glory!” ... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying, believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! ... (Your name) , knowing that human energy and motivation normally come from internal praise toward ourselves, I am making it my intention to find motivation and energy humanly speaking, by exalting the Lord. So heart, love that I can “...be to the praise of His glory...” (Eph. 1:12). And, delight that my childlike faith actually makes God feel pleased (Heb 12:1,6). Love and enjoy the eternal value and significance of exalting God along with a vast heavenly audience surrounding me. “ My soul will make it’s boast in the Lord (Psa 34:2). The closeness of God and His kingdom are far better as (one or two things from the “benefits list” below) . My childlike dependance and faith toward Him honors the only God who is worthy of all praise. I set my heart to love finding meaning and energy humanly speaking from exalting God, because living to the praise of God’s glory has value for eternity. The truth is that for myself and in the eyes of other people Lord, I have NO (from the “benefits list”) apart from You and Your kingdom being with me here.” (Let yourself feel courage and energized because of the eternal significance of exalting the Lord!). (Benefits List) my escape, what relieves stress... my refuge, security, protection... what soothes, comforts, reassures... my righteousness, goodness, perfection... my love, acceptance, support, help... my protection, reason to NOT be afraid... my sense of well being, sense of belonging... my hope for provision and needs being met...

my boldness, what makes me special... my glory, beauty, attractiveness, impressiveness... my courage, power, strength, honor... my significance, my audience, what gives meaning... my adequacy, what gives me authority, confidence... my thrill, pleasure, excitement... my justification, peace, what validates me... my power for helping people, what convinces them...

(Then, this....)

“Instead of self-directed praise, I boldly praise God because YOU are far better as God, than myself or the little “gods” of this world! And, my praise toward You has great value for eternity. Heart, my God is [being] (from the diagram below) . (Pause to feel human energy and motivation from believing you ARE exalting the Lord. He is a Living Person whom you are trusting is as close to you as the clothes you are wearing!) (Diagram)

Heart-Training “Core Classes” for Your Heart

Group Seven “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

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I CAN Stand Before the Lord and Receive (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to work at it until I deserve the Holy Spirit somehow. Even when I ask for forgiveness, God cleanses me by washing me with more of His Spirit. God is not selfish like people. He doesn’t hold back I can ALWAYS receive more of the Holy Spirit. (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I turn my heart from fear about whether God is able or willing to quench my spiritual thirst. Depending on earthly sources is worship toward “other gods.” The truth is that God has promised to be God to me! It is an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29). And, the Bible is true! God IS being gracious toward me because He never stops being a fountain that graciously gives His glorious presence... ...I don't need to wait until I am good enough to enter in and stand before God. I have trusted Christ as my savior AND I am trusting Him to wash my body as I draw near (Heb. 10:19, 22). My God is a fountain of the Holy Spirit and He washes me as I enter: “...enter the holy place...draw near...having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22). And, when I come to God, He does not reject me and He won’t throw me out (John 6:37) because “...the Lord is our righteousness” (Jer. 33:16)... (And then this...)

...

(Your name) , Jesus said that I should, “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). Doing that requires that I “Draw near to God and He will draw near to [me]...” (James 4:8). Therefore, I “...have confidence to enter the holy place....” (Heb. 10:19) and “...through [Jesus] we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18). (Your Name) , “...do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11).... (pause to let yourself trust that the kingdom of God is all around you here!) (And then one of these...)

Because God’s word is true, I am confident about drawing near to God and resting into receiving the Kingdom of Heaven all around me here. By this, I make a place for God to “walk among” us here. "My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people" (Ezek. 37:27); “I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people” (Lev. 26:12); “And I heard a loud v be His people, and God Himself will be among them'" (Rev. 21:3); “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). (let yourself feel confidence because of the truth and confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father...” (Rev. 1:6). As a priest to God I am resting into firmly believing the truth about my being commanded, and able, to stand before the Lord: “...do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) ...I am confident about standing HERE before the Lord because “...the Lord said to Moses, ‘...Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb...’” (Exo. 17:5,6). And also because, “Elijah said, ‘As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand...” (1 Kings 18:15). And “Elisha said, ‘As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you.” (2 Kings 3:14). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ......The Kingdom of heaven is HERE because I have made the presence of the Lord my strong refuge: “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13). By faith I, “...set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psa. 16:8). (pause to be reassured by it)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...repentance means to change my heart-level thinking so it stays in agreement with truth about the kingdom of God. Doing that, is my strong guarantee that I CAN experiencing God’s presence. By repentance with joy, I trade my having to earn earthly glory in order to feed my neediness; I also am able to rest into believing so strongly that it frees me to trust that I am near to the fountain of God; and, I am able to open up and receive God as my glory, just like I would normally receive from earthly things: “...repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). ...I don’t have to settle for things the way they always have been. I am confident that God wants to fill my thirsty desires with His presence. I set my heart to love and believe that I can draw near and stay before the Lord of the armies of heaven... (let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...sin doesn’t have power when I don’t let my inner being reach toward earthly things, and I find the reassurance and soothing I need from the closeness of the Holy Spirit touching me all around. Heart, love and enjoy the closeness of the kingdom of heaven and the angels that are here. Lord I love that I can feed on You in a way that relates to what I am feeding myself with on a human level; human beauty for the closeness and touch of Your greater beauty, human power for the closeness and the greatness of Your power... ...I don't need to find reasons to think highly of myself before I can come to God. Drawing near to God isn’t about faith in me! It is “...access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). And, I don't have to earn God’s pleasure. I am confident that God finds pleasure in my believing and in my loving Him. When I come to God, He does not reject me and He won’t throw me out (John 6:37)! I have trusted Christ as my savior AND I am trusting Him to wash my body as I draw near (Heb. 10:19, 22)... (pause to love the truth!) (And then this...)

...Jesus “”...Christ... died...so that He might bring us to God...” (1Pet 3:18). By faith in the truth, I remove any obstacles of fear or disbelief about my being able to enter freely. Heart, let yourself believe and love that I have trusted Christ as my savior AND I am trusting Him to wash my body as I draw near (Heb. 10:19, 22). “...the Lord is [my] righteousness” (Jer. 33:16), because Jesus lives in me AND because of the radiance around God, He washes my body holy as I draw near! God IS washing me. The Holy Spirit is INTENSELY present because of the power of the radiance that thunders onto me from the fountain of God. And, (Your Name) , “...do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11)... (pause to enjoy God!) (And then one of these...)

...I set my heart to find refuge with my whole body inside the kingdom of heaven, trusting that it has come all around me HERE. IT IS WRITTEN, “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain.” (Isa. 57:13). And yes, there are examples in the Bible of people going into heaven during visions, but I thank you Lord that for everyday, practical abiding, I don’t have to ascend into heaven in order to bring you down here! “...the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down)” (Rom. 10:6). ...So, I am confident about coming before the Father HERE because, “...through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18); And, “Jesus said...no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6); therefore, I will let myself “...have confidence to enter the holy place....” (Heb. 10:19). (pause to love the truth!) ...Jesus paid the price and made the way for me to enter and stay before the Father: So, “...we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12); I do have to trust that I am drawing near, but my faith is in Jesus Christ because He makes that possible; “...through Him we...have...access...to the Father”(Eph. 2:18). I will NOT fear! The finished work of Christ paid for my access. I am believing I am near to the Father NOW.

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...when I come to God, He does not reject me and He won’t throw me out (John 6:37)! I have trusted Christ as my savior AND I am trusting Him to wash my body as I draw near (Heb. 10:19, 22)... (pause to love the truth!) ...God commanded me to abide in Him. I am absolutely confident that God will be true to His word and let me drink of the Holy Spirit: God says, “...I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants; and they will spring up among the grass like poplars by streams of water” (Isa. 44:3,4). (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...I received Christ by faith for salvation. I “walk in Him” by receiving God’s presence through faith even now: “...as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,” (Col. 2:6 ). “He saved us...by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:5); So God cleansed me with the Holy Spirit for salvation, and I am to walk in His continual cleansing even now. “...walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light...” (1 John 1:7); I can walk in Him because “...God is Light...” (1 John 1:5). (And then this...)

IT IS WRITTEN that I should “...be diligent to enter [God’s] rest...” (Heb. 4:11). So, I rest into a confident faith about entering, staying before the Lord, and I am believing the kingdom of God to be all around me here. It also says to “...cling to Him.” (Deut. 13:4). So I “cling” to the kingdom of heaven around me here, by resting the weight of my entire being, like I were holding a coat onto me in a wind storm, by letting the pockets support the weight of my hands and arms. And, (Your Name) , “...do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11)... (pause to enjoy the kingdom of heaven all around you here! I have “set the Lord continually before me” and angels are all around!) (And then one of these...)

...repentance means to change my heart-level thinking so it stays in agreement with truth about the kingdom of God. Doing that, is my strong guarantee that I CAN experiencing God’s presence. By repentance with joy, I trade my having to earn earthly glory in order to feed my neediness; I also am able to rest into believing so strongly that it frees me to trust that I am near to the fountain of God; and, I am able to open up and receive God as my glory, just like I would normally receive from earthly things: “...repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). ...I am confident enough to rest into receiving God’s presence here: “...having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.” (Acts 2:33). And, He never stops pouring forth because our God is always a fountain. It is TRUE that, “...we...receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:14). (so, believe with confidence!) ...I am confident about coming before the God who is the commander of the armies of heaven. My soul rests into staying before Him: “...draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16); “...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace...To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness...The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this” (Isa. 9:7); “...righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne” (Psa. 97:2); “...a river of the water of life...coming from the throne of God...” (Rev. 22:1); “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amo. 5:24). I set my heart to love staying before the Lord of hosts! (pause to believe, and love the God who is close!)

I CAN Stand Before the Lord and Receive

139

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, it is the nearness of the Holy Spirit by God’s radiance upon me that...

...is my glory... (pause to enjoy confidence and reassurance from trusting that God’s presence is here!) ...is my significance...

(pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassure by God’s presence!)

...is my reassurance...

(pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassure by God’s presence!)

...is my thrill and pleasure... ...is my righteousness...

(pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassure by God’s presence!)

(pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassure by God’s presence!)

...is my adequacy for ministry...

(pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

...is my security.. (pause to enjoy confidence and reassurance from trusting that God’s presence is here!) ...is my protection... ...is my defense...

(pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassure by God’s presence!) (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassure by God’s presence!)

...is my justice... (pause to enjoy confidence and reassurance from trusting that God’s presence is here!) (And then this...)

...Jesus commanded that I should, “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). The Bible explains that when I “Draw near to God...He will draw near to [me]” (James 4:8). When I come to God, He does not reject me and He won’t throw me out (John 6:37)! I have trusted Christ as my savior and I am trusting Him to wash my body as I draw near (Heb. 10:19, 22). Therefore I “...have confidence to enter the holy place....” (Heb. 10:19); and that “...through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18). Lord I love that the Kingdom of God is HERE because my strong refuge is the presence of God and “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13). (pause to let yourself enjoy and be reassured that Jesus and the Father are before me here, angels are all around!) (And then one of these...)

...I love that I can so confidently believe that You are before me just as Your word describes it: “the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God...a figure with the appearance of a man...and there was a radiance around Him. As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance...” (Ezek. 1:1 and 26,27). By faith in the strength of the radiance around God, I am believing that God is shining His presence onto me here. The Holy Spirit is INTENSELY present because of the power of the radiance that thunders onto me from the fountain of God.. “...there was a rainbow around the throne...” (Rev. 4:3); “...a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God...” (Rev. 22:1). “and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal...” (Rev. 4:6). “...the sea was for the priests to wash in.” (2 Chron. 4:6; see also Exo. 30:21); “and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father...” (Revelation 1:6). “...[at] the door of the house...water was flowing from under the threshold...water reaching the ankles.” (Ezek. 47:1,3); “...He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean...” (John 13:10) IT IS WRITTEN, “...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19 and 22). (pause to hear and believe it)

I CAN Stand Before the Lord and Receive

140

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Even though I don’t understand it, when I trust that I am drawing near to God I am also trusting You to carry me into the throne room HERE: “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions. The Lord alone guided him, and there was no foreign god with him. He made him ride on the high places of the earth, and he ate the produce of the field; and He made him suck honey from the rock, and oil from the flinty rock,” (Deut. 32:11-13). ...I am secure and confident about experiencing God because I am determined to make His presence my safe refuge of power and strength: I am confident because “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light” (Psa. 36:7-9). I delight my heart into staying before the Lord of hosts...

(And then this...)

IT IS WRITTEN that I should “...be diligent to enter [God’s] rest...” (Heb. 4:11). So, I rest into a confident faith about entering, staying before the Lord, and I am believing the kingdom of God to be all around me here. It also says to “...cling to Him.” (Deut. 13:4). So I “cling” to the kingdom of God around me here, by resting the weight of my entire being, like I were holding a coat onto me in a wind storm, by letting the pockets support the weight of my hands and arms. And, (Your Name) , “...do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11). And I am believing that the Holy Spirit is INTENSELY present because of the power of the radiance that thunders onto me from the fountain of God... (pause to enjoy the kingdom of heaven all around you here! Heart, God is here, angels are all around!) (And then one of these...)

...I am determined to please God. Therefore, I have to drop my self-protection and allow myself to believe that God will reward me with His presence: “...without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). And, it is my thrill and my delight that the Bible is true when it says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (Ja. 4:8); And Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18). ...I submit to the truth; I rest into believing that God brings the kingdom here because, “...the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: ‘Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down)...” (Rom. 10:6-8). “My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God...” (Ezek. 37:27); “I will also walk among you and be your God...” (Lev. 26:12). (pause to believe, and love the God who is close!) ...I am confident about experiencing God because God Himself has promised that “My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” (Ezek. 37:27); Heart, hear and believe that God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29)

...I am convinced and confident that the kingdom of God is here: “...the tabernacle of God is among men...” (Rev. 21:3). God is here and angels are all around me! (pause to believe and love God!) ...Heart, let yourself be delighted about drinking from God because He is “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13). “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to believe, and love the God who is close!)

I CAN Stand Before the Lord and Receive

141

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I am confident that I don’t have to be afraid because Your grace won’t let You hold back! I am absolutely sure because IT IS WRITTEN: “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...I am listening to myself when I declare the word of God that says, “...all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” (Mark 11:24). I turn my heart to believe that I can rest inside God. (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...I am confident about the promise that I can “...walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light...” (1 John 1:7). And, IT IS WRITTEN that “...He wraps himself in light as with a garment;” (Psa. 104:1,2 NIV). So, I trust that I am near and I rest into being open enough to let myself be wrapped in Your Light: “...God is Light...” (1 John 1:5). (pause to enjoy confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...I delight that I can be confident about receiving the presence of God. God wants to pour Himself onto me because IT IS WRITTEN: “...Break up your fallow ground...seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you.” (Hos. 10:12). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) (And then this...)

...Jesus “”...Christ... died...so that He might bring us to God...” (1Pet 3:18). I set my heart to trust God as my righteousness, and His touching me as cleansing for my body. By faith I remove any obstacles of fear or disbelief about my being able to enter freely. Heart, let yourself believe and love that I have trusted Christ as my savior AND I am trusting Him to wash my body as I draw near (Heb. 10:19, 22). “...the Lord is [my] righteousness” (Jer. 33:16), because Jesus lives in me AND because God washes my body holy as I draw near! So, “...draw near...in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19 and 22). And, (Your Name) , “...do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11)... (pause to enjoy the kingdom of heaven all around you here! Angels are here!) (And then one of these...)

...I am fully convinced and confident that I can drink enough of God’s presence for Him to become my strong refuge: “...the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” (Psa. 36:7-9). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...I set my heart to enjoy abiding in the presence of God. I can be confident about being able to experience the presence of God all day long because IT IS WRITTEN that “...they walk in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength...” (Psa. 89:15-17). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...I turn and I open my heart to God. I “...Ascribe greatness to our God!” (Deut. 32:3): There is more glory in being here with the Lord than in anything else I could see, touch, hear, taste, or long for: “O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells.” (Psa. 26:8). (pause to believe it) ...I am confident about experiencing Your presence intensely because IT IS WRITTEN: “I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people will be satisfied with My goodness,’ declares the Lord.” (Jer. 31:14; see also Exo. 31:18-23). Lord, I love that You are the God of the armies of heaven! (pause to love the truth!)

I CAN Stand Before the Lord and Receive

142

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don't have to quench my thirst by what I work for and achieve: God is not selfish like people. He doesn’t hold back... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassure by God’s presence!) ...I humble myself from believing I have to deserve the Holy Spirit somehow: God has made a way for me... (pause to enjoy confidence and reassurance from trusting that God’s presence is here!) ...My humanity doesn't need to have glory in order to receive God’s presence: God is always a fountain. He is always gracious to those who will draw near... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don't have to be afraid of not having “done enough” to deserve God’s grace: God has made a covenant to be with us... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

IT IS WRITTEN that I should “...be diligent to enter [God’s] rest...” (Heb. 4:11). So, I rest into a confident faith about entering, staying before the Lord, and I am believing the kingdom of God to be all around me here. It also says to “...cling to Him.” (Deut. 13:4). So I “cling” to the kingdom of God around me here, by resting the weight of my entire being, like I were holding a coat onto me in a wind storm, by letting the pockets support the weight of my hands and arms. And, (Your Name) , “...do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11). And I am believing that the Holy Spirit is INTENSELY present because of the power of the radiance that thunders onto me from the fountain of God... (And then one of these...)

...I will not fear because my faith is in Jesus. He paid the price and made the way for me to enter and stay before the Father: “Jesus said...no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6); “...we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12); “...through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph. 2:18). And, the Kingdom of God is HERE because my refuge of power is the presence of God and “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13). (pause to love it) ...I don’t have to understand it but I am determined to trust God to carry me near to Himself; “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions. The Lord alone guided him, And there was no foreign god with him. He made him ride on the high places of the earth, And he ate the produce of the field; And He made him suck honey from the rock, And oil from the flinty rock,” (Deut. 32:11-13). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...I am listening when I say this and I submit into believing that these verses apply directly to me: “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth...I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert..To give drink to My chosen people. The people whom I formed for Myself, will declare My praise.” (Isa. 43:18-21). ...I am confident enough to let myself open up and receive the radiance around God: “...you will rejoice in the Lord, you will glory in the Holy One of Israel. The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst; I, the Lord, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights and springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land fountains of water.” (Isa. 41:16-18); And, IT IS WRITTEN that “...I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants; and they will spring up among the grass like poplars by streams of water” (Isa. 44:3,4). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!)

I CAN Stand Before the Lord and Receive

143

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I am fully convinced about my being able to trade earthly glories for the glory of God’s presence. It is a simple trade because IT IS WRITTEN that I should “...glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,” (Phil. 3:3); “Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.” (1 Chron. 16:10). “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, and in Him they will glory.” (Jer. 4:2). ...I love that I don’t have to be afraid to draw near: “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37); “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22); “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32); “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I am confident that I don’t have to be afraid because Your grace won’t let You hold back! I am absolutely sure because IT IS WRITTEN: “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy...without money and without cost. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to enjoy confidence and reassurance from trusting that God’s presence is here!) ...I am confident in the truth of the Bible that I can enter and rest before the Lord. I am trusting that I am in the radiance of God and I am opening up to Him. Heart believe it because, “...all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” (Mark 11:24). (And then this...)

...Jesus “”...Christ... died...so that He might bring us to God...”(1Pet 3:18). I set my heart to trust God as my righteousness, and His touching me as cleansing for my body. By faith I remove any obstacles of fear or disbelief about my being able to enter freely. Heart, let yourself believe and love that I have trusted Christ as my savior AND I am trusting Him to wash my body as I draw near (Heb. 10:19, 22). “...the Lord is [my] righteousness” (Jer. 33:16), because Jesus lives in me AND because God washes my body holy as I draw near! So, “...draw near...in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19 and 22). And, “...do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11)... (pause to remember that it is by faith that I “set the Lord continually before me!” The kingdom of God is here!) (And then one of these...)

...I am confident that God’s word is true! “Let us go into His dwelling place; let us worship at His footstool.” (Psa. 132:7). Heart, be thrilled to stand before the Lord of hosts! (pause to love the truth!) ...I am confident about standing before God because, “Heaven is My throne and the earth is my footstool...” (Isa. 66:1); “...the earth...is the footstool of His feet...” (Mat. 5:35). Heart, the Lord of hosts is here! ...The kingdom of God is here because I am commanded: “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool...” (Psa. 99:5). The Kingdom of God is HERE because my refuge of strength is the presence of God and “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13). (pause to enjoy it!) ...I submit to the truth; I rest into believing that God brings the kingdom here because, “...the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: ‘Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down)...” (Rom. 10:6-8). “My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God...” (Ezek. 37:27); “I will also walk among you and be your God...” (Lev. 26:12). (pause to believe, and love the God who is close!)

I CAN Stand Before the Lord and Receive

144

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to agree with the disbelief of religious people around me. Heart hear that one! It is right to live by faith in God. Lord God, I love that I can so freely draw near and drink... (pause to believe it) ...I can ignore pressure from religious people who want to protect themselves by making me feel like I shouldn’t go outside their religious boundaries... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to agree with religious people who glorify their spirituality and make the presence of God a thing others should try to achieve. Lord God, I love that I can trust I am before You and it happens... ...I can reject pressure from religious people who want to set themselves above me by boasting how special they are... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I repent of trying to decide if I deserve to enter. Jesus died so that “...through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Eph. 2:18). I repent of trying to decide if I deserve the presence of God. Instead of that, I set my heart to rest into believing where it says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8)... (let yourself feel confidence and be reassure by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

...I am confident about my access before God because my faith is in Jesus. He paid the price and made the way for me to enter and stay before the Father: “Jesus said...no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6); “...we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12); “...through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph. 2:18). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...I love that I can drink because of drawing near to the radiance around You Lord Jesus: “the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God...on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man...and there was a radiance around Him. As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance...” (Ezek. 1:1 and 26b,27a); “...and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance” (Rev. 4:3). (pause to hear and love it) ...I am convinced enough to rest into opening up to receive the presence of God: “...we...receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:14); “...it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all...” (Rom. 4:16). (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...I am confident about being able to receive enough of God’s presence for me to be His dwelling place: “...you...are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:22). (pause to believe it) ...I am confident that God will give me enough of the Spirit for Him to become my strength: “Thus says the Lord, ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord. For he will be like a bush in the desert...But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness... Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.” (Jer. 17:5-8; see also Isa. 12:2,3). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I am determined to please God. Therefore, I MUST believe that God will reward me with His presence. If I refuse to believe it then it isn’t pleasing to God: “...without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6).

I CAN Stand Before the Lord and Receive

145

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I am confident about my access being by grace because, “...did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:2,3). “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.” (Rom. 11:6). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...I am confident and secure about God because I can playfully “...receive the kingdom of God like a child...” (Luke 18:17); “...the children of men take refuge...You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life...” (Psa. 36:7-9); “...His Son...He is the radiance of [the Father’s] glory...” (Heb. 1:2,3; ‘radiance’ = outshining, like a light gives off light or effulgence, like the mouth of a river gives water ); “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...I confidently trust that I am entering and am before God. I rest inside the radiance around Him and I open myself to God. It is my right to drink freely from God because “...on...the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’‘ But this He spoke of the Spirit...” (John 7:37-39); “I, the Lord, am your God...Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” (Psa. 81:10). (And then this...)

IT IS WRITTEN that I should “...be diligent to enter [God’s] rest...” (Heb. 4:11). So, I rest into a confident faith about entering, staying before the Lord, and I am believing the kingdom of God to be all around me here. It also says to “...cling to Him.” (Deut. 13:4). So I “cling” to the kingdom of God around me here, by resting the weight of my entire being, like I were holding a coat onto me in a wind storm, by letting the pockets support the weight of my hands and arms. And, (Your Name) , “...do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11). And I am believing that the Holy Spirit is INTENSELY present because of the power of the radiance that thunders onto me from the fountain of God... (pause to enjoy the kingdom of heaven all around you here! Heart, God is here, angels are all around!) (And then one of these...)

...I am listening as I say, I “...have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...[I will] draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Heart, let yourself believe that I am near to the fountain of God and that God is here. By faith in the strength of the radiance around God, I am believing that God is shining His presence onto me here. And, His Spirit is INTENSELY present because of the power of the radiance that thunders from the fountain of God... ...I love that I don’t have to be afraid to draw near: “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37); “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22); “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32); “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I rest into receiving God’s presence because IT IS WRITTEN: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8); “...I will come to you.” (John 14:18). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) ...I love that God has promised to be God to me! It is an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29).

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Being “to the Praise of His Glory” (...One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I can cause His glory to be praised by my receiving the kingdom and asking Jesus to glorify the Father. “...He said to the paralytic, ‘Get up, pick up your bed and go home’...and he got up and went home. But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God...” (Matt. 9:6-8). “So the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel” (Matt. 15:31). “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). (pause to let yourself feel energy and motivation, from the significance of your exalting Him!) ...Lord thank You that I can find motivation and energy on a human level by my exalting You. I am being to the praise of Your glory in heavenly realms. I am being to the praise of Your glory here in this realm. My praise exalts you in the heavenly realms. And by thank You that Your power is here and believing it, Your power IS here for miracles that exalt you in this realm! And heart, people glorify God when people get healed! Thank You Lord for the eternal significance of being able to cause Your glory to be praised HERE. I am trusting You that Your power is here, and I am exalting You because of it. I CAN pray for people and they will be healed be healed, and I can exalt YOU because of it. ...I can be used by You because it forwards Your Kingdom when I quench my thirst with You... “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mat. 6:33). “But let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amo. 5:24). “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; lovingkindness and truth go before You” (Psa. 89:14).

“There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace...To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness...The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this” (Isa. 9:7). ...I can be part of what causes God’s glory to be praised. God wants to use me to produce fruit... “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8) “...glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,” (Phi. 3:3). “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, and in Him they will glory” (Jer. 4:2). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12). “In the Lord all the offspring of Israel will be justified and will glory” (Isa 45:25). (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) ...Because of standing before the Lord, my praise and dependance on God exalts Him in spiritual realms before many witnesses. Around me HERE is a great audience—even when nobody here sees... “the twenty-four elders...” (Rev. 4:10); And, “...many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was...thousands of thousands...” (Rev. 5:11). “And the four living creatures...do not cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.’” (Rev. 4:8). “...Abel...Enoch...Noah...Abraham...Sarah...Isaac...Jacob...Joseph...Moses...Rahab...we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us...” (Heb. 11 and 12:1). “...rulers...world forces of...darkness...spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12) (And then this...)

...I turn from the meaninglessness of living to the praise of my glory (Eph. 1:12). Lord, I delight that I can exalt and honor You by my dependance on You as my refuge, my glory, and strength. I praise You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...by receiving the radiance from the fountain I can help fill the earth with God’s glory (Num. 14:21, Hab. 2:14)... “but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord” (Num. 14:21). “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14). (pause to let yourself feel energy and motivation, from the significance of your exalting Him!) ...I show my love for God by helping to remove obstacles so that others can quench their thirst by ‘drinking’ from the Fountain of the Father's glory... “And it will be said, ‘Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstacle out of the way of My people” (Isa. 57:14). (pause to let yourself feel energy and motivation, from believing you ARE doing this!) ...I love that God wants to use me to produce spiritual fruit. I will not hold back in believing this truth... “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8). (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) ...God is King. He is putting our enemies under our feet: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet...” (Rom. 16:20). And, I am causing God great pleasure by my delight to love Him and “drink” the Holy Spirit radiating from Him: “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6); “And without faith it is impossible to please Him....” (Heb. 11:6). ...I love that I am being part of righteousness and praise that is springing up before the nations... “For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness, and her salvation like a torch that is burning. The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will designate. You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God” (Isa. 61:11-62:3). (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from believing you ARE doing this!) ...I can be part of rebuilding the spiritual temple, helping people become a place for God to dwell... “...you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord” (Eph. 2:19-21). “Those who are far off will come and build the temple of the Lord.’ Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And it will take place if you completely obey the Lord your God” (Zec. 6:15). “Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets in which to dwell” (Isa. 58:12). ...I can be a witness about God’s glory—I don’t have to be a witness about the glory of the little “gods” of this world: “For God...has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Cor. 4:6,7). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...Strongly Lord, I turn my soul away from the meaninglessness of living to the praise of my glory (Eph. 1:12). I delight that I am exalting You by admitting my need and welcoming Your presence... (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I can abide in God’s love and demonstrate the power of God’s love for other people... “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love” (John 15:9). “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12). “...give that which is within as charity...” (Luke 11:41). ...for me to live, is to glorify Christ and if I die I can glorify Him face to face... “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). Lord thank You that I can find motivation and energy on a human level by my exalting You. I am being to the praise of Your glory in heavenly realms. I am being to the praise of Your glory here in this realm. My praise exalts you in the heavenly realms. And by thank You that Your power is here and believing it, Your power IS here for miracles that exalt you in this realm! And heart, people glorify God when people get healed! Thank You Lord for the eternal significance of being able to cause Your glory to be praised HERE. I am trusting You that Your power is here, and I am exalting You because of it. I CAN pray for people and they will be healed be healed, and I can exalt YOU because of it. I delight that I don't have to believe lies that I have to find the meaning and purpose I need apart from being to the praise of Your glory. I pray that You would rebuke any enemy pushing me to exalt my human glory instead of Yours. I denounce these things! Lord, You are my God. And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power You would command the forces of evil to leave me alone and to never come back. ...God can use me to change the world by my drawing near to the throne and praying while trusting I am looking at the Father and Jesus His Son... (pause to let yourself feel energy and motivation, from this!) ...I can help God advance the kingdom by obedience to His written and spoken word, it is in my best interest to obey... (pause to let yourself feel energy and motivation, from the significance of your exalting God!) ...I don't have to tie on plastic grapes and call it spiritual fruit... “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing...My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:4,5,8). ...I don't have to turn and quench the thirst of my soul by chewing on the spiritual fruit that God has produced. When people praise God because of me, I don't have to turn and feed on their praise as what makes me acceptable. I exalt You God... (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the significance of your exalting God!) ...I cause God great pleasure by my delight to love Him and “drink” the Holy Spirit radiating from Him... (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from believing you ARE doing this!)

(And then this...)

...Strongly Lord, I turn my soul away from the meaninglessness of living to the praise of my glory (Eph. 1:12). I delight that I can glorify You by admitting my need and welcoming Your presence. It is You that I praise... (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance of your exalting God!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

“I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2)... When I come to You Lord, You wash me clean (Heb. 10:19,22). “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114) “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain.” (Isa. 57:13) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) “I will be glad...in You...O most High.” (Psa. 9:2)... I don’t have to wait to draw near because You are my good (Psa.. 73:28); I welcome Your presence. Lord, your touching my body is righteousness and holiness for my humanity! “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) ...By “drinking” from the fountain of God—and not other sources—I demonstrate to these unseen witnesses that God is more than enough.. Lord, I love that I can so greatly exalt and honor You—even when nobody here is watching... (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance of your exalting God in the heavenly realm and HERE!) ...I don't have to live to the praise of the glory of my name—I can be to the praise of God’s glory. Lord, I love that I can continually give You a sacrifice of praise. I can demonstrate my love for you by exalting You greatly by praise. And, Lord I love the eternal value and significance of my exalting You in heavenly realms, AND in this realm here; “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance of your exalting God in the heavenly realm and HERE!) ...I can significantly advance the Kingdom of God because of my access to God and His radiance showered upon me... “Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us...to give thanks to Your holy name and glory in Your praise” (Psa. 106:47).

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psa. 84:11). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “I, even I, am the Lord, and there is no savior besides Me. It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed, and there was no strange god among you; so you are My witnesses,’ declares the Lord, "And I am God” (Isa. 43:11,12). ...God wants to use me for good works that shine and that glorify the Father. I will not hold back from believing it: “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.” (Matt. 5:16). (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance of your exalting God!) (And then this...)

...I turn from the meaninglessness of living to the praise of my glory (Eph. 1:12). Lord thank You that I can find motivation and energy on a human level by my exalting You. I am being to the praise of Your glory in heavenly realms. I am being to the praise of Your glory here in this realm. My praise exalts you in the heavenly realms. And by thank You that Your power is here and believing it, Your power IS here for miracles that exalt you in this realm! And heart, people glorify God when people get healed! Thank You Lord for the eternal significance of being able to cause Your glory to be praised HERE. I am trusting You that Your power is here, and I am exalting You because of it. I CAN pray for people and they will be healed be healed, and I can exalt YOU because of it... (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance of your exalting God in the heavenly realm and HERE!)

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© Barry Hall 2011 www.tasteheavennow.net Caution! Be careful not to separate this section from the rest of the Heart-training. Directing your heart away from earthly things and toward God is very important for the kind of faith that helps you to experience healing and miracles on a regular and consistent basis (John 5:44). NOTE! W hen you have entered and are trusting that God has come near bringing heaven here, then there is a lot of power in remembering that here with you are persons with personality. Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are persons with personality. Trust that Jesus is in front of you and the Father God is next to Jesus and to the right side. The person of the Holy Spirit is here all around! The angels that are here, are individuals and each of them have personalities and roles with specific areas of expertise in the kingdom of God.

...

(Your name)

, listen to what you are saying and let yourself believe and love the truth!

...

(Your name) , it is God’s will that my abiding results in spiritual fruit that glorifies the Father (Joh Lord, I am trusting that I am near to You and that You have drawn near to me by bringing heaven with You. Lord thank You that the kingdom is here inside me, and all around me here. Lord, I praise You that Your Kingdom IS here. I exalt You because You are the God who is so much greater than the “gods” of this world. I exalt you in the unseen realms before angels, spiritual rulers, and principalities. And, I exalt You here in this realm by trusting that Your power is here. When I pray for people they get healed and You are glorified because of it. And, I exalt YOU Lord, not myself. (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) 15:5,8).

... (Your name) , I will not allow the things of evil to choke off the flow of the power of God through me. I turn my heart from human pride, disbelief, fears of rejection, worry, doubt, bitterness, envy, unforgiveness, discouragement, unrest. God CAN use me and He wants to use me for healing and miracles. When He does, I set my heart to stay turned away from pride because of spiritual successes. ... (Your name) , there is no sickness in heaven and I am drawing near and I am trusting that heaven is all around me here. God’s will is that there is no sickness in heaven, therefore it is also God’s will that there is NO sickness or disease in me, or anywhere around me HERE. Heart hear and believe this! Jesus and the Father are here before me, the Holy Spirit is IN me and He is all around me, angels are all around. Therefore, the power of heaven IS here. I CAN receive the power of God for healing and miracles. I am believing that God’s power is here because by this, I can exalt Him in this realm here. Heart, there is NO lack of power for healing! And God, I thank You for the awesome privilege of my being able to exalt You in an extreme way. Lord You are my God. (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) (And then this...)

Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father, Jesus is my Lord, Jesus is Lord over my family, Jesus is Lord over all sickness, Jesus is Lord over my health, Jesus is Lord over my finances, Jesus is Lord over my ministry and my being able to help people. And, I am trusting that I am looking at Jesus and the Father right before me here. By the radiance around the Lord, I am receiving the power of God all around and in me. By this, people won’t have to feel pain from sickness and God WILL be glorified. (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , my Jesus says to me, “Behold, I have given you authority...over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you” (Luke 10:19). Heart rest into believing by submitting to these things as truth! Because of God giving me the Holy Spirit inside and outside, Jesus has given me authority over ALL the power of the enemy! “...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...” (Acts 1:8). ... (Your name) , I am commanded to “...walk in the same manner as He walked” (1John 2:6). Therefore, it is the will of God that He is able to use me to do miracles and healing. Lord, I am trusting that I am receiving and am abiding inside Your powerful and great love. And, I exalt YOU for it God! My praise is toward YOU Lord. God doesn’t do these things to build up my spiritual pride!

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...

(Your name) , God says that “...you shall be My witnesses...even to the remotest part of the earth” And I am not perfect, but I have set my heart to make the Lord to be my God and to keep turning away from earthly sources. Heart, rest into confidence that God IS my strong refuge, He alone IS my strength, and the presence of God IS my glory. Therefore, I can be confident when God says that “...there was no strange god among you; so you are My witnesses...” (Isa. 43:12). Heart, it is the truth! Because I am trusting Him to be God to me, then that is what makes me His witness, “even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).

... (Your name) , “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38). And “As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and... you abide in Him” (1Jo 2:27). The power of God for healing ABIDES in me; it never leaves me and does not decrease because it ABIDES. Because of the Holy Spirit abiding in me, power for healing IS inside me, and power for healing is all around me because I am receiving His presence here. And, God I praise You for this power. My praise exalts and greatly honor God in unseen realms. And by His power here, I can exalt Him HERE so that people glorify Him. (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) ... (Your name) , my being able to look at the Lord and receive HIS power is NOT dependant on my self-discipline. Instead of discipline, my looking at the Lord WILL come from love, delight about the truth, confident hope, and faith. Heart hear this and let yourself feel compassion. A lot of people are in great pain from sickness and disease – and the doctors CAN’T fix it. The truth IS that by keeping my eyes of faith on the Lord I CAN receive His power. So, I should NOT have any fear, and I SHOULD have confidence because I really can receive the power of God and they really CAN be healed by my doing that. Heart, the truth is that a lot of people will find health, freedom from pain, and freedom from oppression. My faith and love for them, AND for God CAN help me to be faithful to keep looking at the Lord and believing that I am receiving His power. And, none of this needs to feel like discipline! I CAN be far more faithful to do these things, when I nurture the motivation for doing them in my heart. ... (Your name) , the works of the Father include miracles and healing because Jesus said that “...the Father abiding in Me does His works” (John 14:10). In the same way as Jesus, the Spirit of the Father abiding in me does His works. And, it is NOT for my self-esteem that God does His works. It is “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12). “to the praise of the glory of His grace...” (Eph. 1:6). So, “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). I exalt YOU Lord. I praise YOU God! Thank You for Your power being here in me and all around me. The kingdom of heaven IS here. God thank You that I CAN exalt and honor You when nobody here sees AND when people are watching. (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) ... (Your name) , “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20). Heart, that is the truth because Jesus says to me, “Behold, I have given you authority...over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you” (Luke 10:19). God’s love, authority, and His power are in me and all around me here. ... (Your name) , I am commanded to “...follow in His steps” (1Pet. 2:21). It also says that “...as He is, so also are we in this world” (1John 4:17). Therefore it is Jesus’ promise to me that “...the works that [HE DID], [I] will do also; and greater works than these will [I] do; because [He has gone] to the Father” (John 14:12). God CAN and He DOES work healing and miracles through me. And, I turn from praising myself for it! My praise is toward YOU Lord! (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!)

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

... (Your name) , Jesus said that “...the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me” (John 15:26). And, “...we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit” (1Jo 4:13). Therefore, the Holy Spirit that abides in me and that I am receiving from the radiance around God, He IS giving powerful witness about the love and the power of my God! Heart believe it because, “...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses...” (Acts 1:8). Power for healing is in me, on me, and all around me. Authority for healing and miracles is in me and all around me. By trusting God for this, I CAN cause His glory to be praised! (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) ... (Your name) , “...the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel” (Mat. 15:31). The same thing IS being true of me because IT IS WRITTEN that when I “...lay hands on the sick...they will recover” (Mar 16:18). The power of the Holy Spirit abides inside me AND by my receiving from His radiance, “...the Spirit of glory and of God rests on [me]” (1Pet. 4:14). ... (Your name) , when my refuge is the presence of God, then the Kingdom of God is HERE; “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13). Heart, heaven IS here. The power of God IS here. There is NO sickness in heaven. God’s will CAN be and IS being done on earth as it is in heaven! (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) ... (Your name) , the kingdom of God is here with the life of God, His power, His Light, and His love. God CAN work through me and He IS causing His glory to be praised; I “...will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mar 16:18). Lord, I am trusting that I am abiding inside Your powerful and great love. ... (Your name) , my being able to look at the Lord and receive HIS power is NOT dependant on my self-discipline. Instead of discipline, my looking at the Lord WILL come from love, delight about the truth, confident hope, and faith. Heart hear this and let yourself enjoy knowing that I CAN exalt the Lord. I can receive His power and people will get healed and by this I WILL be causing the glory of the Lord to be greatly praised! So, I should NOT have any fear, and I SHOULD have confidence because I really can receive the power of God and they really CAN be healed by my doing that. Heart, the truth is that a lot of people will find health, and when they do, they WILL give credit to God! They will glorify Him! I CAN be faithful to keep looking at the Lord and believing that I am receiving His power. And, none of this needs to feel like discipline because the motive for doing it, is coming from my heart! ... (Your name) , I set my heart to follow Your example Jesus: “...The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). And, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). And, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20). Heart, that is the truth because Jesus says to me, “Behold, I have given you authority...over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you” (Luke 10:19). Heart, believe it! Rest into faith! ... (Your name) , we were commanded pray, “...Our Father who is in heaven....Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven” (Mat. 6:9,10). And, I love the truth that since there is no sickness or disease in heaven, it is the Father’s will that there be NO sickness or disease “on earth as it is in heaven.” Thank You Lord! I love that I CAN exalt You by my praise in the unseen realm AND by the manifestation of Your power here in this realm. Thank You for giving Your power so freely! (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!)

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

... (Your name) , I have drawn near to God and He has come here. I walk as He walked because God is IN me and He is walking with me here (2Co 6:16). And “As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and... you abide in Him” (1Jo 2:27). The power of God for healing ABIDES in me; it never leaves me and does not decrease because it ABIDES. Because of the Holy Spirit abiding in me, power for healing IS inside me, and power for healing is all around me because I am receiving His presence here. I can cause God’s glory to be praised! The love and the kindness of God is here. The power of God is intensely here! (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) ... (Your name) , it is by the living Spirit of God that the life of Jesus IS being manifested in and through me (2Cor. 4:10). By God’s grace I am confident that the life of Jesus is in me and that I am receiving more of His life, because it is His living Spirit that is pouring out from the fountain of life (Psa. 36:9; John 7:37-39). Heart, “It is the Spirit who gives life...” (John 6:63). And I am trusting that He is in me, and He is all around. (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) ... (Your name) , destroying the works of the devil is necessary for God to be able to build us (His church) together as His dwelling place (Eph 2:19-22). And, “...David...was unable to build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the wars which surrounded him, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet” (1 Kings 5:3). So, the more the devil is put under our feet, the more fully all Christians will be His temple. ...

(Your name) , “...The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under [my] feet” (Romans 16:20). “Behold, I have given you authority...over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you” (Luke 10:19). Heart, that is what God says, so REST into believing it with confident faith! Enjoy the closeness of the substance of God’s love, His authority, and His power in me and all around me here. Lord, I am trusting that I am receiving and am abiding inside Your powerful and great love. And I praise YOU for it Lord. I love YOU! 3:8).

(Your name) , God doesn’t do His works and then make a sacrifice by letting the praise go to me. So, “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). God’s love, His authority, and His power are in me and all around me here. The praise should go toward Him for what He does. (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) ... (Your name) , faithfulness to keep looking at the Lord and receive HIS power is NOT going to come from self-discipline. Instead of discipline, it will work far better when faithfulness flows out of love, delight about the truth, confident hope, and faith. Heart hear this! Jesus said that He made me the light of the world. And, by my receiving HIS Light, then my light will shine in such a way that people will see my good works and they WILL glorify God because of it. So, I set my heart to look at the Lord be believing that I am looking at Him. And, I rejoice in the TRUTH that by doing this, I am close to Him and am soaking in HIS power for healing on me, and all through me here. I CAN greatly glorify the Lord by this. People will be healed and God WILL be honored. Heart, the truth is that I CAN be faithful to keep looking at the Lord and believing that I am receiving His power. And, none of this needs to feel like discipline because the motive for doing it, is coming from my heart! ... (Your name) , “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world...My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36). (Your name) , “...consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus”(Rom. 6:11). Consider yourself dead to this realm of sin and evil and alive to God and His kingdom!

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

... (Your name) , “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38). And, “...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses...” (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit “proceeds” from Jesus and the Father and He is the Helper who gives testimony (Joh 15:26). The Helper who gives testimony lives inside me! And by trusting that I am before the Lord and that His radiance is before me here, by that, I am receiving more of the Holy Spirit into me, onto me, and all around me here, all the time! ...

(Your name) , God says that “...you shall be My witnesses...even to the remotest part of the earth” Heart, rest into confidence that God IS my strong refuge, He alone IS my strength, and the substance of God’s presence with me IS my glory. Therefore, I can be confident when God says that “...there was no strange god among you; so you are My witnesses...” (Isa. 43:12). Heart, it is the truth! Because I am trusting Him to be God to me, then that is what makes me His witness, “even to the remotest part of the earth.” (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) (Acts 1:8).

... (Your name) , “...the kingdom of God...has come with power” (Mark 9:1). Heart, believe that! God lives INSIDE me and, “This Jesus God raised up...Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear” (Acts 2:32,33). By entering and receiving the kingdom of God, His glory and the kingdom of God comes here with power! By this, I am being “...to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12). (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) ... (Your name) , it is God’s will that I be His witnesses. And, God gives power for witnessing by giving me the Holy Spirit; “...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses...” (Acts 1:8). The power of the Holy Spirit is IN me. And, I draw near to Him and He pours the Holy Spirit and power onto me all around. Heart, REST into confidently believing this because it is the truth! My praise exalts God and His power with me causes others to praise and exalt Him. (pause to let yourself feel human energy and motivation, from the eternal significance and value of your exalting God in the heavenly realm AND HERE!) ... (Your name) , my God “...has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature...” (2 Peter 1:4). I have “partaken” of God’s divine nature because I have received Christ. AND I have also, drawn near to God and am opening up to receive the Holy Spirit by the radiance around Him. By this, I am continually “partaking” more of the divine nature all the time. Lord, I am trusting that I am receiving and am abiding inside Your powerful and great love. God’s love, His authority, and His power are in me and all around me here.

155

Healing and the Miraculous (Needs more work from here down) ... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

Abiding and Oneness ... (Your name) , abiding inside the presence of God and with Him inside me allows God to do His works and it results in much fruit. God’s word is true! Jesus tells me, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:4,5); “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me...” (John 14:11). ... (Your name) , I CAN “...walk in the same manner as He walked” (1John 2:6). So, give thanks and praise with joy and delight. The substance of God’s kindness and love in me and with me, and the substance of God’s GOOD authority and power makes me so that I CAN “...walk in the same manner as He walked” (1John 2:6). Thank You Lord. I love You Lord. ... (Your name) , I can do “greater works” because I am commanded to follow Your example Jesus. “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father” (John 14:10-12). I praise You Lord that You have given me access to enter and draw near. By faith in your grace I receive your radiant presence, I receive Your power for miracles and healings that demonstrate that Your word is true!

One with God ... (Your name) , Jesus is one with the Father because He shares the same Spirit as the Father. I am one with God because I drink of the same Spirit that “proceeds” from the Father and that flows out of Jesus: “There is...one Spirit...” (Eph. 4:4); “...the Holy Spirit of God...” (Eph. 4:30); “...the Spirit of Jesus...” (Acts 16:7); “...the Spirit of your Father...” (Mat. 10:20); “...the Helper...whom I will send to you from the Father...the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father...” (John 15:26). I am one with God because by drawing near, I am in Him and He is in me, “...the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him” (1Cor. 6:17). And, “...The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one” (John 17:22). I praise You Lord that I can receive the Spirit of the Father and the Son that flows freely from You. The Spirit of Almighty God is HERE in me, and all around. And, I praise You for Your grace God! ... (Your name) , God is building Christians together into a temple—a dwelling place for God: “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are...of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Eph. 2:19, 21,22). I praise YOU Lord that You have made me into a dwelling place for Your Holy Spirit. You have given me the kingdom of God. Angels are here all around my and I am standing before the Lord of glory who pours the Holy Spirit into and all around me. ...

(Your name)

, I love the truth that I can “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...”

(James 4:8).

... (Your name) , Jesus was praying for me when He said to the Father, “...The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one” (John 17:22). “There is one body and one Spirit...one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (Eph. 4:4,6). The Holy Spirit is HERE! The power and the love of God are HERE. Angels are HERE. Power to be His witness is HERE.

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

... (Your name) , “...draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may...find grace to help...” (Heb. 4:16). Jesus tells me that I am receiving the Holy Spirit from Him when I draw near: “...the Helper...whom I will send to you from the Father...the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father...” (John 15:26). “...His Son...He is the radiance of His glory...” (Heb. 1:2,3; ‘radiance’ = outshining not as in a reflection). “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13). ... (Your name) , my Jesus Christ is wisdom for me; my Jesus is righteousness for me; my Jesus is sanctification for me; my Jesus is redemption for me. What I am IN Christ, I am by His doing. And, I praise You for it Lord—not myself! It is all “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12). “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30). I praise is toward YOU Lord! ... (Your name) , God lives in me—God walks along with me: “...we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people’” (2 Cor. 6:16). I have receive Him as my Savior. I have entered the throne room, drawn near to God and He has drawn near to me. Jesus and the Father are Here. The Holy Spirit is HERE! The power and the love of God are HERE. Angels are HERE. Power to be His witness is HERE. ...

(Your name) , “...the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me” (John 15:26): And, “...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...” (Acts 1:8). Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to demonstrate the presence of the kingdom and the power of God: I am just a branch that has to keep abiding and drinking: “Abide in Me, and I in you....the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine...” (John 15:4). As I continue to stay near and drink, I am receiving the Spirit of God who testifies with miracles about God, into me and all around me—more and more all the time. ... (Your name) , “...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses...in Jerusalem...and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). I have entered the throne room, drawn near to God and He has drawn near to me. Jesus and the Father are Here. The Holy Spirit is HERE! Therefore, the power and the love of God are HERE. Angels are HERE. Power to be His witness is HERE. Power is HERE for healing and miracles because the kingdom of God is HERE all around me. ... (Your name) , Jesus is in the Father because He constantly receives the Spirit of the Father—and I too am in the Father because I am before the throne of God—and I am receiving the same Spirit that Jesus is receiving, the Sprit of God that is proceeding from the Father is flowing through Jesus and me at the same time: “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves” (John 14:11). “...the Helper...whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father...” (John 15:26). ... (Your name) , I don’t have to do the Father’s ministry by myself—I am trusting the Father to show me what He is doing, and I am believing that God will do His work. “...The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works” (John 14:10). ... (Your name) , “I can do nothing on My own initiative...” (John 5:30). “...the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing...” (John 5:19). This is true for me also. While I am before the Lord I am trusting that the eyes of my heart are looking at the Lord—and without any visualization, I am expecting to see Him.

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

... (Your name) , I am a branch who is attached to the fountain of God. All I have to do is stay open to the kingdom of God and keep drinking from Him, “...You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain...” (Psa. 36:8,9). And when I drink from God the fruit that results is from Him: “...from Me comes your fruit” (Hosea 14:8). And, I praise YOU for it Lord! ... (Your name) , standing before God makes me a competent minister of the new covenant of God’s grace. “...before God...our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor. 3:4-6 NIV). ... (Your name) , I am a minister who is not negligent about standing before the Lord—I set my heart to stay before You Lord. “My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11). “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). ... (Your name) , it is realistic. I can abide in a way that results in much fruit and that glorifies the Father greatly. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:7,8). I CAN, but I repent of praising myself for it. My praise is toward YOU Lord! “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12). “to the praise of the glory of His grace...” (Eph. 1:6). Abiding and Standing Before the Lord ... (Your name) , I can abide like Jesus did by entering the throne room and staying before Jesus Christ and the Father. Jesus said, “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26). ...

(Your name)

, “...as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God...” (Psa. 52:8).

... (Your name) , “The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green” (Psalm 92:12-14). ... (Your name) , God says that “I will establish for them a renowned planting place, and they will not again be victims of famine in the land, and they will not endure the insults of the nations anymore” (Eze. 34:29). ... (Your name) , “By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing” (Eze. 47:12). ...

(Your name) , I can abide in Jesus Christ because I am grafted to the glorified Christ. “...and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree” (Rom. 11:17).

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

... (Your name) , I set my heart to trust I am continually looking to my God—trusting that His power is here for ministry and testimony of His presence. ... (Your name) , this is what I am trusting that I am doing, “...as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He is gracious to us” (Psalm 123:2). ... (Your name) , “Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us” (2 Chron. 20:9). ... (Your name) , “...how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matt. 7:11). I am because God is my I AM ... (Your name) , “...confidence...is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to judge anything we do but or competence comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life” (2Cor. 3:4-6 NIV). ... (Your name) , “...do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers and burn incense” (2 Chron. 29:11). ...

(Your name)

, “...in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God” (2Cor. 2:17).

... (Your name) , “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18). ... (Your name) , “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor. 3:6 NIV). ...

(Your name)

, “...we are God’s fellow workers...” (1 Cor. 3:9).

... (Your name) , “...God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God” (1 Cor. 1:27-29). ... (Your name) , “These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name...they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:18). ... (Your name) , “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). ... (Your name) , “...on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:37-39). ... (Your name) , “...thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place” (2 Cor. 2:14).

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

... (Your name) , “...we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Cor. 2:15). ... (Your name) , “Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4,5). “When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: ‘He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases’” (Matt. 8:16-17). ...

(Your name)

, it is “...by His scourging we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4,5).

... (Your name) , because of what Jesus says, when I speak to a physical problem and tell it to go away, it has to obey: “...Jesus answered saying to them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you” (Mark 11:22-24). ... (Your name) , God says to me that “...whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:13,14). ... (Your name) , God says of His kingdom priests that “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth” (Rev. 5:10). ... (Your name) , it is “...on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:16). ... (Your name) , “...God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Cor. 4:6,7). Praise ... (Your name) , I praise You Jesus that You are here with me and that You cast out demons. You healed all who were sick and You are still the same today. “When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: ‘He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases.’” (Matt. 8:16,17). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). “And the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name’” (Luke 10:17). ... (Your name) , I praise You who are here with me Jesus. I love that you feel compassion for people and heal those who are sick. “When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick” (Matt. 14:14).

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

... (Your name) , I praise You Jesus that You heal people who are demon possessed. The Jesus in these verses is the same Jesus who is with me here. “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic and is very ill; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him. And Jesus answered and said, ‘You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.’ And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, ‘Why could we not drive it out?’ And He said to them, ‘Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you’” (Matt. 17:15-20). ... (Your name) , I praise You Jesus that You are here and that You heal those who are lame, crippled, blind, and mute. I exalt You Lord! “And large crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. So the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel” (Matt. 15:30,31). ... (Your name) , I love that You heal people Jesus. I turn my heart to delight in You. Jesus, You are here and Your healing power is great. “and large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there” (Matt. 19:2). ... (Your name) , I praise You Lord that Your power is so much greater than sickness and demons. I praise You who are with me here. “And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was” (Mark 1:34). ... (Your name) , I praise You Lord that Your power here is strong enough to make the lame walk. Your power is great for healing skin diseases. Your power is great for healing deaf ears. I praise You Lord that You power is here for raising the dead. “the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matt. 11:5). ... (Your name) , I praise You Lord that You have power to heal people’s eyes. I thank You Lord that Your power is here. “Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘It shall be done to you according to your faith’” (Matt. 9:29). “And Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road” (Mark 10:52). The Kingdom of God ... (Your name) , praise God that His Kingdom is here! “...we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” (Heb. 12:28). ... (Your name) , it is my delight and that I am receiving a kingdom where Jesus is a mighty ruler who shepherds people: “‘And you, Bethlehem...out of you shall come forth a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel’” (Matt. 2:6).

Healing and the Miraculous

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I thank You God that the power of Your Kingdom is so great. ... (Your name) , I enter and draw near to God and His kingdom comes here! There are angels all around me and I praise YOU Lord because Your Kingdom has power to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people” (Matt. 4:23). ... (Your name) , God’s power is greater than all the diseases and pains that make people suffer. I praise You God that Your power HERE is easily strong enough to heal all who have epilepsy and all who are paralyzed. I delight in You Lord. “The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them” (Matt. 4:24). ... (Your name) , praise God that the Kingdom of God is such good news. I love that I can enter to stand before the Father and that God’s kingdom comes and is here all around me! The Kingdom of God has power over every kind of disease and every kind of sickness! ... (Your name) , “Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness” (Matt. 9:35). I praise You Jesus that You cast out demons by the Spirit of God. I praise You Jesus that You are here and that the Kingdom of God has come upon me. ... (Your name) , “...if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matt. 12:28). When Jesus “...[casts] out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Luke 11:20). ... (Your name) , praise Jesus that power comes from Him and heals people! I praise You Jesus and I thank You for being with me here. “And all the people were trying to touch Him, for power was coming from Him and healing them all” (Luke 6:19). “...Who is the one who touched Me...for I was aware that power had gone out of Me” (Luke 8:43-45). ... (Your name) , I love that the Kingdom of God has so much power. I delight in You Lord. I praise You who are with me here. “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power” (1 Cor. 4:20). “and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Cor. 2:4).

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

Reasons Why God Heals “Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are my praise” (Jer. 17:14). ... (Your name) , God says, “‘...I will restore you to health and I will heal you of your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘Because they have called you an outcast, saying: ‘It is Zion; no one cares for her’” (Jer. 30:17). “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38). “Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him” (Matt. 20:34). “O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me” (Psa. 30:2). “...I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2). ... (Your name) , God says, “...I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived, in whose sight I made Myself known to them by bringing them out of the land of Egypt” (Exo. 20:9). “...He saved them for the sake of His name, that He might make His power known” (Psa. 106:8). ... (Your name) , all the miracles and healings are “in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 1:12). God lives in me. I am receiving the Light of God because “God is Light” (1John 1:5). I am receiving the love of God because “God is love” (1John 4:16) and I am commanded to abide in His love (John 15:9). And, I repent of praise toward myself because of God’s power. My praise is toward YOU God—not myself!

Heart-Training “Electives” for Your Heart

Group One “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

Benefits of Changing our Mind and Directing our Heart Toward God

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© Barry Hall 2011 www.tasteheavennow.net

Note: True Biblical repentance means to “change our mind.” Changes in our behavior are a result of repentance. Our behavior is NOT the focus. It is important to remember that we must “change our mind” while remembering the grace and goodness of God. In this context, repentance becomes a joyous task of cooperating with God so as to root out the idolatry, obstacles, and distractions in our heart. Heart-training is a biblical kind of repentance that changes our heart BEFORE we sin. Doing this involves declaring the truth out loud, until we patiently and relentlessly change what our heart believes, loves, and is NOT afraid of. By this, we love God more, and we give Him freedom to do a greater work in us than otherwise would have been possible. ... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...training my beliefs and loves so that my heart is directed toward God, removes the obstacles between us and makes it easier for me to return to Him. It removes the idolatry in my heart even before I sin. “return to the Lord with all your heart, remove the foreign gods...and direct your hearts to the Lord...and He will deliver you...” (1 Sam. 7:3). “And it will be said, ‘Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstacle out of the way of My people” (Isa. 57:14). ...training my beliefs and loves so that it directs my heart toward God, clears a path between us that becomes a “highway” so that I can more freely draw near to God and He can more freely draw near to me. “...Clear the way for the Lord...Make...a highway for our God...Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed..." (Isa. 40:3-5). “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8) “...clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple...” (Mal. 3:1). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...I CAN repent by “changing my mind” to think according to the kingdom of God. Doing this helps me to be more faithful to God and it prepares me so that I can more fully receive the His kingdom here. “...John the Baptist came...saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ For this is...”The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight!'” (Mat 3:1-3). “...the children yet to be born...should...not be...a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God” (Psa 78:6-8). ...the repentance that helps me to return to the Lord brings forgiveness and the presence of God. The payback for repentance is so great that turning from earthly sources is a price well worth paying! “...repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...heart-training consecrates me to the Lord in a way that makes it much easier for me to draw near to God and feed on Him. (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the Lord, come near...” (2Chron. 29:31). “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters...Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? ...delight yourself in abundance” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...it helps me to trust God more fully when I train my heart in many areas of life: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart...” (Pro 3:5).

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(This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! (And, then one of these...)

...directing my heart toward God is a kind of repentance that humbles me and helps me turn from sin. It paves the way for me to pray and seek the presence of the Lord. And by this, God heals our land! “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2Chron 7:14). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...heart-training is a practical way of living out the dying of Jesus. The benefit of directing my heart away from idolatry and toward God is that Jesus will be manifested! Heart, let it sink in that life is the goal, dying is just the process of what it takes to continually let His life show through.(pause to enjoy the truth!) “always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” (2 Cor. 4:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...there was no strange god among you; so you are My witnesses...I am God’” (Isa. 43:12). ...heart-training helps me to cut off my love for earthly things and train my heart to believe and love God. By this, I become more sensitive toward God and I enjoy Him more fully.: “Circumcise yourselves to the Lord and remove the foreskins of your heart...” (Jer 4:4). “...circumcise your heart...” (Deu 10:16). ...directing my heart to believe and love God helps me to trust Him more fully: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart...” (Pro 3:5). ...heart-training is a practical way of building my faith: “...building yourselves up on your most holy faith” (Jude 1:20). “...applying all diligence, in your faith...” (2 Pet. 1:5). ...the most direct and effective path of Christian growth involves a repentance that changes the mind of the heart. Speaking the truth with my mouth and hearing it in my heart results in a faith that improves righteous living, faith for receiving the Holy Spirit, obedience, and faith for receiving the kingdom of God... “...confess with your mouth...and believe in your heart...” (Rom. 10:9) “for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness...” (Rom. 10:10). “...the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the [good news]...” (Mark 1:15). “...faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17). “...the obedience of faith...” (Rom. 1:5). “...receive the Spirit...by hearing with faith” (Gal. 3:2—implied). “So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the Lord your God...” (Jos. 23:11). “Delight yourself in the Lord...” (Psa. 37:4). “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21). ...when Jesus comes back the church, the bride of Christ will have made herself ready by a kind of repentance that changes her thinking to kingdom thinking. . “...the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready” (Rev 19:7). “...[John the Baptist]...will go as a forerunner before [Jesus]...to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luk 1:17). “...John the Baptist came...saying, ‘[change your mind], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ For this is...”The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight!'” (Mat 3:1-3).

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Believing “I CAN Change,” and How to Do it (This...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! (And, then one of these...)

(How to “Change Your Mind” and Direct Your Heart Toward God) ..the focus for repentance is my heart and not my outer behavior. Behavior is the result, not the cause... “...the heart of man reflects man.” (Pro. 27:19). “They always go astray in their heart...” (Heb. 3:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...rend your heart and not your garments...” (Joel 2:13). “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the...evil things...” (Mark 7:21-23a). “...turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.” (Deut. 30:10). (pause to believe and love it) ...It changes me best when I speak truth to my own heart, telling myself what to believe and love... “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God” (Psa. 43:5). “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God” (Psa. 62:5-7). “My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice” (Psa 34:2). “Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you” (Psa. 116:7). ...Real change happens by changing the beliefs, loves, and fears of my heart. Hearing, believing, and loving the truth changes me best... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...confess with your mouth...and believe in your heart...” (Rom. 10:9) “for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness...” (Rom. 10:10). (pause to hear it) “...faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17). (pause to hear it) “So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the Lord your God...” (Jos. 23:11). (pause to hear it) “Delight yourself in the Lord...” (Psa. 37:4). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21). ...I can repent by responding to my thoughts with reassurance and reminders about the truth... “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). “...and [we] will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God” (1 John 3:19-21). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...Heart, delight that I can change by holding tightly to the truth that gets planted into my heart... “And the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance” (Luke 8:15). (pause to believe and love it) ...I will be confident about being able to change by repentance that directs my heart toward God! My behavior will change because obedience and right living flow from what I believe... (pause to believe it!) “...the obedience of faith...” (Rom. 1:5). “For with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness...” (Rom. 10:10). “...repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance” (Acts 26:20). (pause to hear it) ...Heart, let yourself believe and love that I can “change my mind” by giving my heart reasons to treasure God with the joy and freedom of a child. By this, I CAN receive the presence of God and His kingdom. “...whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” (Mark 10:15). “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21). (pause to hear it)

Believing “I CAN Change,” and How to Do it

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(This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! (And, then one of these...)

...Heart, delight that I can direct my heart toward God by reassuring myself with the truth. It worked for David, it will work for me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered...But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Sam. 30:6). (pause to hear it) ...Heart, delight that I can change by listening to my own thanks and praise for the truth! “...the truth of God abounded to His glory...” (Rom. 3:7) “...the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.” (2 Cor. 4:15) ...The more I repent of feeding on earthly things, the easier it will be to believe and to receive from God... “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?” (John 5:44). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...The time is fulfilled...repent and believe...” (Mark 1:15). (pause to believe and love it) “...receive the Spirit...by hearing with faith” (Gal. 3:2—implied). (pause to believe and love it) ...it helps me to hear and believe better when I humble myself and submit into believing... “...in humility receive the word...” (James 1:21) “Behold, as for the proud one, his soul is not right within him; but the righteous will live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...repentance that changes the way I think in my heart, breaks up the hardness of my heart and prepares me for receiving the presence of God... “...Break up your fallow ground...seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you.” (Hos. 10:12) “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psa. 16:8). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...again I want to remind my heart that experiencing God requires that I let myself hear and believe the truth. Heart, believe it strongly! (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...receive the Spirit...by hearing with faith” (Gal. 3:2—implied). (pause to believe and love it) “...he who comes to God must believe that...He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). ...the most important kind of repentance is that which changes and improves what my heart believes... “So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent...” (Rev. 3:3). “...direct your [heart] to the Lord...and He will deliver you...” (1 Sam. 7:3). (pause to hear and believe it) “...applying all diligence, in your faith...” (2 Pet. 1:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). ...Heart, delight that I can and will direct the beliefs, cravings, and the treasures of my heart toward God... “...we [should] not crave evil things...” (1Cor. 10:6) “...confess with your mouth...and believe in your heart...” (Rom. 10:9) “for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness...” (Rom. 10:10). (pause to hear it) “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2) “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21). (pause to hear it) “Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, But trusted in the abundance of his riches And was strong in his evil desire” (Psa. 52:7).

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Believing “I CAN Change,” and How to Do it (This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! (And, then one of these...)

...Heart, delight that the obstacles between me and God can and will be removed. My heart will be built up into abiding and loving God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “And it will be said, ‘Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstacle out of the way of My people” (Isa. 57:14). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...Heart, delight that I can repent because I can hear and believe the truth by taking it into me... “...He said to me, ‘...take into your heart all My words which I will speak to you and listen closely.” 3:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...building yourselves up on your most holy faith” (Jude 1:20). (pause to believe and love it) “...Jesus said, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mark 4:9). (pause to believe and love it) “...prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers...” (James 1:22).

(Eze.

...Heart, love the truth! Over and over, I will “impress” the truth on my heart. Repetition helps me to repent. I will speak the truth over and over until my heart softens enough for me to believe it... “You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.” (Deut. 11:18,19). “Bind them continually on your heart...” (Pro. 6:21) ...it is right that I set my heart on dying to earthly sources. “always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” (2 Cor. 4:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...there was no strange god among you; so you are My witnesses...I am God’” (Isa. 43:12). “When the days were approaching for His ascension, [Jesus] was determined to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51); “...be zealous and repent.” (Rev. 3:19) ...being assertive in my tone of voice will help my heart to hear... “...you are to tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and cut down their Asherim for you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exo. 34:13,14) “And [Jesus] made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables” (John 2:15) “Circumcise yourselves to the Lord and remove the foreskins of your heart...” (Jer 4:4) “...turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.” (Deut. 30:10) “...be zealous and repent.” (Rev. 3:19). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) (And then this...)

Rather than working to find reasons to exalt my human glory with praise, it is “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12); rather than pride because of glory my humanity receives, I am training my heart to be “to the praise of the glory of His grace”(Eph. 1:6).

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(This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! (And, then one of these...)

...faith is not something that I can achieve! It is more like falling into an over-stuffed chair after being hard at work — I have to rest into believing. I repent of trying to work myself into faith. I submit and I rest into believing the truth... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) Instead of that for me it is “changing my mind” because IT IS WRITTEN, “...In repentance and rest you will be saved...” (Isa. 30:15). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him” (Isa. 30:15-18).

...Heart, I am saying this again because I want to hear and believe it! I repent of trying to work myself into faith because faith is not something that I can achieve! It is more like falling into an over-stuffed chair after being hard at work — I have to rest into believing. I rest into faith... (pause to hear and believe it!) “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me...and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28,29). (pause to hear it) “For the one who has entered [God’s] rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest...” (Heb. 4:10,11). (pause to believe and love it) “...In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isa. 30:15). “...applying all diligence, in your faith...” (2 Pet. 1:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). ...I don’t have to be afraid to look at the sin of my heart because I CAN change. I love the truth that repentance will work for me! I turn from helplessness about repentance that changes the way I think. I AM changing to kingdom of God thinking... “But a man must examine himself...” (1 Cor. 11:28). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them...is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation...” (Luke 6:47,48). (pause to believe and love it) After leaving slavery and bondage in Egypt the people wanted to go back to their old ways. To this God said that, “...If you really set your mind to enter Egypt and go in to reside there, then the sword, which you are afraid of, will overtake you there in the land of Egypt; and the famine, about which you are anxious, will follow closely after you there in Egypt, and you will die there.’” (Jer 42:15b,16). (pause to hear it) ...I am turning my affections away from the “other gods” of this world. I grab my soul and I turn it to loving You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the Lord your God. For if you ever go back and cling to the rest of these nations, these which remain among you, and intermarry with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, know with certainty that the Lord your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you; but they will be a snare and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which the Lord your God has given you” (Jos. 23:11-13). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) (And then this...)

...I am turning my heart from self-directed praise in order to find the confidence and security I need. (Your name) hear this: it is the Lord who is God, not me (Psa. 46:10). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

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(This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! (And, then one of these...)

...I am setting my desires on God Himself to be what quenches my thirsty desires—and nothing else... “If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.” (Psa. 62:10b). (pause to feel reassured by it!) “...set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God...” (1 Chron. 22:19). (pause to hear it) It is an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29). “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2) “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21) ...Heart, delight that I can be a doer of the truth by focusing my effort to hear, believe, and love the truth in the deepest part of my heart: “...prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers...” (James 1:22). “...the obedience of faith...” (Rom. 1:5). “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). (pause to feel confidence from it!) “...receive the Spirit...by hearing with faith” (Gal. 3:2—implied). (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...Heart, let yourself believe and love that I can “change my mind” by giving my heart reasons to treasure God with the joy and freedom of a child. By this, I CAN receive the presence of God and His kingdom. (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” (Mark 10:15). “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21). (pause to hear it) ...I love that God’s way of repentance works, the benefits are great, and the payout is guaranteed... “always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” (2 Cor. 4:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...God said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” (2 Cor. 6:16). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...God is good! I rest into confidently believing that what God offers, is also offered to me... Heart hear this! “O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psa. 34:8). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...Heart, delight that I can and will direct the beliefs, cravings, and the treasures of my heart toward God... “...we [should] not crave evil things...” (1Cor. 10:6) “...confess with your mouth...and believe in your heart...” (Rom. 10:9) “for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness...” (Rom. 10:10). (pause to hear it) “Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, But trusted in the abundance of his riches And was strong in his evil desire” (Psa. 52:7). “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2) “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21). (pause to hear it) ...Heart, it is right and good for us to do what the Bible says! So, “Let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the Lord” (Lam. 3:40). And, even though it hurts to expose the sin in our heart, the Bible says that our sin is “...exposed...so as to restore you from captivity...” (Lam. 2:14).

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(This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! (And, then one of these...)

...I will turn my love toward God. I will let my heart believe and I won’t hold back. I will not settle for less than the fountain of God. I will not turn away. “O Lord...All who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13). “Has a nation changed gods when they were not gods? But My people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this, and shudder, be very desolate,’ declares the Lord. ‘For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jer. 2:11-13). (pause to hear it) ...I love that God so freely clothes me with His presence. I love the truth I can worship Him in holiness. His presence makes me holy! (Your name) , “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name...come before Him; worship the Lord in holy array.” (1 Chron. 16:29) (When I come before the Lord, He clothes me in “holy array” by cleansing me with His righteous presence. He clothes me with His own presence.) ...I can and I will be honest about what is in my heart. I love the truth so much that I can and will become “good ground” for the truth... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance” (Luke 8:15). (pause to hear it) “So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent...” (Rev. 3:3) “. . .listen obediently...love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul” (Deut. 11:13). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...receive the Spirit...by hearing with faith” (Gal. 3:2—implied) ...Heart, delight that I can change! I repent of agreeing with demonic pressures to harden my heart to the truth: “...The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...heart hear this! It is thrilling that I don’t have to live in hopelessness about being able to change. I will not be afraid to be honest about my heart. I can be zealous about changing how my heart thinks. Strong delight in my tone of voice helps me to hear the truth and believe it in my heart... “Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them...is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation...” (Luke 6:47,48). (pause to feel reassured by it!) “...be zealous and repent.” (Rev. 3:19) ...I love that I can repent by loving the refuge of strength and beauty that I can find in God... “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” (Psa. 36:7-9) (And then this...)

...I am turning my heart away from self-directed praise in order to find the confidence and security I need. (Your name) hear this: it is the Lord who is God, not me (Psa. 46:10); I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of the Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. And, rather than working to find reasons to exalt my human glory with praise, it is “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

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(This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! (And, then one of these...)

...Lord it is only by Your presence here with me that I can honestly say, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114) (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:7) “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psa. 18:1) “How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength...” (Psa. 89:15-17) ...I can turn my heart toward God—and I love that the payout for repentance is guaranteed. “...repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” (2 Cor. 4:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...there was no strange god among you; so you are My witnesses...I am God’” (Isa. 43:12). ...Heart, delight that I can repent because it is a simple trade, my earthly sources for the presence of God. What God offers by grace pulls me forward... “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ...I can change from idolatry of the heart because I can depend on God to be God to me! I don’t have to depend on the little “gods” of this world because, God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29). God CAN quench my thirsty need! “I, the Lord, am your God...Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” (Psa. 81:10). (pause to hear it) ..I love the truth that God tells me to turn to Him therefore, HE is the one who also gives me the ability to do it... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “repent and turn to God” (Acts 26:20b). “...turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.” (Deut. 30:10) “Repent and turn away from your idols and turn your faces away from all your abominations.” (Eze. 14:6). “...taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). “...applying all diligence, in your faith...” (2 Pet. 1:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...I love that the repentance that works best, is that which reassures my heart until I find freedom to put on and wear the presence of God all around me here... “...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” (Rom. 13:12 and 14) “...and [we] will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God” (1 John 3:19-21) (And then this...)

...I am turning my heart away from self-directed praise in order to find the confidence and security I need. (Your name) hear this: it is the Lord who is God, not me (Psa. 46:10); I am training my heart to fill these needs by drawing near to God and by enjoying His drawing near to me.

Believing “I CAN Change,” and How to Do it

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(This...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth! (And, then one of these...)

...I turn my heart from trying to feel religious by putting myself down. Self-hate won’t prevent fleshly indulgence... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body...are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” (Col 2:23) “Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement...” (Col. 2:18) ... (Your name) , I am turning away from believing I can’t change. I CAN change because God tells us how to do it... “return to the Lord with all your heart, remove the foreign gods...and direct your hearts to the Lord” (1 Sam. 7:3). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “Circumcise yourselves to the Lord and remove the foreskins of your heart...” (Jer 4:4). (pause to hear it) “...sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts” (1 Pet. 3:15a). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...rend your heart and not your garments...” (Joel 2:13). ... (Your name) , I can and I will plow up the hard ground of my heart so that I can believe and love God. By this I can stay before Him. Heart, believe that the kingdom is here with power, love, and with the righteousness of God; “...Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you.” (Hos. 10:12) (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , I delight that abiding in God’s presence is not hopeless for me. I repent of looking for refuge in despair or sadness. I turn from disappointment as a place of refuge.... “Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.” (1 Chron. 16:10) “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, and in Him they will glory.” (Jer. 4:2) ...I can turn from earthly distractions. And, I love the truth that God is far greater than anything else I could ever see, touch, taste, or want... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it.” (2 Cor. 3:10) ...I love that God has promised to be God to me! It is an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29). “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). ...I love the truth that God is so good! His promise to quench our thirst includes me! I love that God is a radiant fountain that floods me with an abundant presence of the Holy Spirit... “...on...the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’‘ But this He spoke of the Spirit...” (John 7:37-39). (pause to hear and love it) “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1a and 2b). “I, the Lord, am your God...Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” (Psa. 81:10). (pause to hear it) “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13). (pause to feel confidence from it!) “So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent...” (Rev. 3:3). “...direct your [heart] to the Lord...and He will deliver you...” (1 Sam. 7:3). (pause to hear and love it) “...all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.” (Mark 11:24). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). “...applying all diligence, in your faith...” (2 Pet. 1:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...your heavenly Father [will] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (Luke 11:13, implied)

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God Speaks: Listening and Hearing God Speak to You

Note: The Lord speaks to us through the Holy Spirit who lives inside us. Hearing the Lord improves greatly when you trust that you are before the Lord, that He is before you here, and that the Holy Spirit and angels all around you here. (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Lord God I delight that “..the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Pro. 2:6). It is right and good for me to trust You to do that for me because “I know, O Lord, that a man's way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). I delight to repent and turn from trusting myself to know what is best. Lord I love that I don’t have to trust myself because You are my God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Father it is a great joy to trust You to speak to me and give direction about what to do and say. It is right and good for me to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes...” (Prov. 3:5-7). I delight that I don’t have to do it on my own because You will direct my paths... ...Lord, I delight that I can trust You to speak to me in ways that are loving, kind, strong, and good. Lord God, I rest into confidently believing You are here and that You speak to me by grace and without holding back. Lord, I delight that I can be confident that You will speak to me through the Bible and all through the day... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Lord God I love Your promise that “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you” (Psa. 32:8). I delight that it is right and safe for me to trust You to “Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes” (Psa. 119:135). I will confidently trust You to speak to me; “...Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening...” (1 Sam. 3:9)... ...Lord God I am asking for wisdom and I rest into confidently believing that You are constantly giving wisdom and understanding—freely and without holding back... “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5,6)... ...Father I humble myself into believing the truth about being able to hear from You. I turn from despair and hopelessness because God does speak to His people. I rest into confidently believing that You are here with me and that You have given me the ability to hear what You are saying. Thank You for Your written and Your spoken word... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I delight that God promises to give the words when I need them. The Bible says, “When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:11,12). I love that I don’t have to speak on my own initiative. Lord, I humble myself from having to daydream about what I would say if (give an example of the kind of thing you daydream about) . ...Father I delight that I can stand before You and that You promise that “...I will counsel you with My eye upon you” (Psa. 32:8). I choose to believe it and I reject disbelief. I delight that it is Your intention to “Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes” (Psa. 119:135). I trust You Lord to work in me so that I can hear You better... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

God Speaks: Listening and Hearing God Speak to You

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I love that You have shown us clearly that the pattern is to watch, listen, and see what the Father is doing. “...‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing...’” (John 5:19-20). ...Father I delight in the truth that “the Lord loves His people” (2 Chr. 2:11). Because of this truth I will confidently trust that You are speaking to me. I praise You for giving me the Holy Spirit who reveals to me “what is to come.” “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come” (John 16:13). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Lord, it thrills my heart that it is Your full intention to show me what You are doing so that I can glorify You better. Heart hear this: it is the Holy Spirit’s job to glorify the Father—I don’t have to depend on myself. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26). “He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you” (John 16:14). ...I refuse to try and protect myself by holding back from putting my confidence in God—He does speak to me. Despair and hopelessness are enemies of living by faith and of my being able to experience intimacy with God. Lord, I grab my heart and I turn it from despair and hopelessness about being able to hear Your voice. The truth is that You do speak to your people. I turn from fatalism about being able to hear God — I confess fatalism as sin. The Holy Sprit will guide me into all truth (John 14:26)... ...Lord Jesus I love that You lead me in the way I should go, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). It is safe for me to follow because, “...he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4). Father, I will listen for Your word... ...Father, I love that I don’t have to fight to protect myself from hearing from You. I can trust the word of God as something that is good for me. I can obey without hesitation because God has my best interest at heart. Lord, I delight that I can rest into confidently entrusting myself to You... ...Thank You Lord that I don’t have to wait like Daniel did in Old Testament times (Dan. 10:12-14). It is righteous faith to say and believe that the word of the Lord is near to me—even in my mouth and in my heart. (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down), or 'Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead)." But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart"...” (Rom. 10:6-8). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory...For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God...Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God...we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor. 2:7,10,12,16).

God Speaks: Listening and Hearing God Speak to You

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...When God speaks I love that I don’t have to disobey even when it doesn’t make sense. I love that when God asks me to do something it is always a good thing to do... ...I love that I don’t have to reach and strive in order to bring your word down from heaven. Thank You Lord! I rest into believing that Your word is here—I will not believe otherwise... ...God sees in both the visible and invisible realms. He always knows the best things His people can do to help. What He asks me to do is always best. I turn from self-protection because of worries and concern about what other people will think... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to avoid listening for the voice of God because of fear that the enemy might deceive me—I just need to learn to hear the difference between what the voices sound like... ...Father it is with delight to turn from thoughts of disobeying the voice of God. When I hear Your voice I love that I don’t have to fight to protect myself by disobedience. Lord, I rest into receiving and believing what You say. I make it my intent to receive Your word and mix it with faith... “while it is said, ‘Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me...And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient...So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief...For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard” (Heb. 3:15,18,19,4:2). ...I love that I don’t have to agree with demonic pressure to harden my heart when I hear Your voice... ...I don’t have to protect myself from hearing God speak because He speaks out of love for me...God is loving and good. I don’t have to think I know better when God asks me to do something that might seem rude or infringing on other people. He knows what is most loving—far better than I... The Power of His Word to Change Us ...Lord God I praise You that Your written and Your spoken word is alive and works powerfully in me to help me grow... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “It is the Spirit who gives life...the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life” (John 6:63). “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16,17). “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you...” (Col. 3:16). ...Father I love that by my believing the truth of Your word that the Holy Spirit changes me into being more like Your Son. You have chosen me for sanctification by the Holy Spirit and by faith in the truth .. “and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses” (Acts 13:39). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). “God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth” (2 Thess. 2:13).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Father I delight that I can trust You to cleanse and sanctify me by washing me with the LIVING water of truth that is Your word. “...Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless” (Eph. 2:2527). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Father I love that Your word sanctifies me. It purifies me by burning away my filthy ways... “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and purged...her...by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning” (Isa. 4:4). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “Were not our hearts burning...while He was explaining the scriptures...” (Luke 24:32). “‘Is not My word like fire?’ declares the Lord, ‘and like a hammer which shatters a rock?’” (Jer. 23:29). “And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious...standing on the sea of glass...” (Rev. 15:2). "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3).

Abiding IN His Word ...Father I love that it is by the anointing of Your Holy Spirit that I can abide in Your word... “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know...the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him” (1 John 2:20,27). ...Father I love that Your word is here and that Your word abides in me. But I also love that even right now Your words “...proceed out of the mouth of God” (Mat. 4:4). It is my great joy that the words that “proceed” from Your mouth come down to me from above... “...bitter jealousy and selfish ambition...This wisdom is not that which comes down from above...But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy” (James 3:14,15 and 17). “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven...So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth...” (Isa. 55:10,11). “When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens...” (Jer. 10:13). “...His voice was like the sound of many waters” (Rev. 1:15). “...He will sprinkle many nations...what they had not heard they will understand” (Isa. 52:15). “Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes” (Psa. 119:135). “Light is sown like seed for the righteous...” (Psa. 97:11). “...the seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:11). “And I shall lift up my hands to Thy commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Thy statutes” (Psa. 119:48). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

God Speaks: Listening and Hearing God Speak to You

178

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Lord God I love that I can see and hear what the Father is doing by abiding in Your word—poured out upon me freely by Your grace... "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing...If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you. By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:5,7-8). “But who has stood in the council of the Lord, That he should see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and listened?” (Jer. 23:18). “...If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;” (John 8:31). ...Lord God I love that I can confidently trust you to “Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes” (Psa. 119:135). I delight that I can abide in You by the shine from Your face upon me. Lord, I delight that I can trust Your grace; “Who is among you that...walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God” (Isa. 50:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Lord, I “...receive the word with joy...” (Luke 8:13). I receive Your word and I “...hold it fast, and [will] bear fruit with perseverance” (Luke 8:15). Father I rest into listening to what You say with a strong intent to unite what I hear with faith (Heb. 4:2). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...the pleasure I long for most is not to feed myself with my own human intelligence. The understanding of God is greater. Lord, I lift my hands up to Your word (Psa. 119:48). I wait expectantly for You to speak... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to be so afraid of being deceived by the Devil that I prevent myself from hearing and obeying the word of the Lord to me. God spoke to Abraham, he believed it, and God credited him with righteousness; “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness’” (Rom. 4:3). It is right and good for me to trust God in the same way... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to glory in what I say or in my human influence. What God says has power and will not return void... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...when God warns me about something I don’t have to take it as His disapproval toward me. He speaks because He cares and wants me to pray. The word of God is sure. The calling of God is irrevokable... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

Of Angels and God’s Word “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions” (Psa. 107:20). “He makes the winds His messengers, flaming fire His ministers” (Psa. 104:4). “And of the angels He says, ‘Who makes His angels winds, and His ministers a flame of fire’” (Heb. 1:7). “Bless the Lord, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word!” (Psa. 103:20). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

179

God Listens: Prayer is Talking to God (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I love that I can “...draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Lord, I love that I can ask You questions and that You answer: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7). “...the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom. 8:26-27). And, “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him” (1 John 5:14). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) Jesus said of us and the Father that “...you...know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matt. 7:11). And knowing this Lord, I love that it also says, “...all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you’” (Mark 11:24). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full” (John 16:23,24). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matt. 21:22). “...‘Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you’” (Mark 11:22-24). “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him...” (Psa. 37:4-7) . “pray without ceasing” (1Thess. 5:17). “...Be strong and courageous, and act...” (1 Chron. 28:20). “...My house shall be a house of prayer...” (Luke 19:46). And, “...do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” (1 Cor. 6:19). “To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He is gracious to us.” (Psa. 123:1,2). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you...” (1Sam. 12:23). And thank you Lord that it is a powerful way to pray when I stand before You and pray for people while trusting that I am presenting them before You also. (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

180

God is Involved: The Calling and Will of God (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I repent and turn from fear about what God is calling me to do. I reject and renounce even the little beginnings of fear. Courage, rise up in me. I will believe God because the person of Jesus Christ is with me here... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I will believe God for all that He wants me to do. I renounce and reject the pattern of disbelief and then grieving and morning about the loss. I repent and turn from grief that comes from disbelief—what might have been will be because God is with me... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ..I turn from doubt about God’s judgement in choosing to use me. God knows everything about me and He knows everything about what needs to be done. I will rejoice and be confident about what He has asked me to do... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I repent of hopelessness about the calling of God on my life. Hope, rise up in me. I will believe God. I put my hope in You Lord. By faith I believe that my eyes are on Jesus and the Father before me here... ...I repent of feelings of helplessness about what God wants me to do. Faithfullness, rise up in me. I will be confident about what God is asking. I set my heart to work, play, fight, and rest in Him... ...I will not shrink back because the mountain before me is so great. The Lord is my guide and I will follow one step at a time. Confidence and courage be strong in me... ...I turn from distractions that take me away from what God wants for each moment. Faithfulness, rise up in me. I will use my time to prepare myself for doing what God has asked... ...I repent of sadness because of daydreams about what might have been. I will not agree with the enemy to weep inside because of doubt about being able to do what God wants. I will believe God... ...I repent and turn from disbelief about what God is asking me to do. It can be done and God is asking me to do it. I will not doubt Your judgement in this Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I will not settle for living without vision and purpose. God has selected and asked me to do it. I will not be afraid. I will believe that God will bring to pass all that He desires to accomplish through me... ...I turn from disbelief about my adequacy to do what God wants. The God who has called me, is adequate to make it happen. I put my trust in You Lord and I am believing that my eyes are looking at You Lord... (And then one of these...)

“Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thess. 5:24). “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29). “My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!” (Hag. 2:5). “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9).

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). “...Be strong and courageous, and act...” (1 Chron. 28:20) “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay” (Hab. 2:3). “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:6). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

181

Turning from Fear of Being Hurt by God (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart let yourself hear, believe, and love that I don’t have to stay away from God. God please keep being relentless about helping me to get closer to You—even when it hurts me some. I am confident that what is best for me is more intimacy with You... (pause to hear it) ...Heart let yourself hear, believe, and love that God is good. God is so good that He makes even the bad and horrible things that happen work out in our lives for the “ultimate end of good” (Rom. 8:28). God does NOT betray His people! One of the main goals of evil is to lie to God’s people and make us feel betrayed by God. Heart hear and believe that it is evil that is evil, NOT God! ...Heart let yourself believe that what it seems like God did (or, didn’t do) doesn’t prevent me from being fully convinced that God is being good toward me. I am training my heart to be confident that God is exceptionally good toward me and I will believe it. Heart refuse to panic—submit into believing this truth... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Heart, delight that what happened when (a painful experience from your recent or distant past) prevent me from receiving God’s loving presence... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!)

, doesn’t

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to hide from God and settle for hopelessness and despair. It is safer for me to love God and be near to Him... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to blame God for what I couldn’t (or, can’t) control—I repent of feeding on revenge by staying away from God because of it... (pause to believe and love the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don't have to blame God for what (name of a person who hurt you) (or, does) wrong—I delight to turn away from blaming God for their behavior... (pause to believe it!)

did

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don't have to feed myself with the power of staying bitter at God and withholding forgiveness—God doesn’t want to hurt me just for the sake of hurting me. God is completely and totally good. It is best to be near because God soothes me best... (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...Heart, turn from blaming God for what

(name of a person who hurt you)

did to me.

(And then this...)

...Heart, delight in the truth that I am free to be completely confident that it is good and safe for me to draw near to God—I renounce fear. By faith I am drawing near right now. I am trusting that I am sitting on God’s lap and He is reaching into me and is healing my hurts... (pause to hear it) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , I humble myself into believing this truth: God “...has not despised...the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him...” (Psa. 22:24). “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I repent of self-protection that keeps me from believing that God loves me: “...the Lord loves His people...” (2 Chron 2:11); “...great is your love toward me...” (Psa. 86:13 NIV) ... (Your name) , I repent of holding back from drawing near, staying before the Lord, and looking at Him. I will not hold back because of pressure from people, from Christian leaders, or from the demonic.

Turning from Fear of Being Hurt by God

182

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

... (Your name) , I am confident that God is very good. It is evil that is evil. I believe in “...the tender mercy of our God...” (Luke 1:78) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because of the extreme purity of God’s goodness toward me. And even “Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” (Hab. 3:17-19). (pause to hear it) ... (Your name) , I repent of self-protection toward God. The Lord is very good toward me! I am confident because IT IS WRITTEN: “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned” (Psa. 34:22). “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You...What can mere man do to me?” (Psa. 56:3,4). ... (Your name) , let yourself hear and believe that God is good and He does NOT betray His people! One of the main goals of evil is to lie to us until we feel betrayed by God. Heart hear and let yourself believe that it is evil that is evil, NOT God! (pause to feel reassured by it!) ... (Your name) my soul.” (Psa. 54:4).

, I am confident and secure because “...God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

... (Your name) , I am confident and I am secure because it is just like they said in the Bible; “...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:17,18). (pause to feel reassured by it!) ... (Your name) , It is safe for me to trust God because “...those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You” (Psa. 9:10). IT IS WRITTEN that “...He will not fail you...” (Deut. 4:31) It is far safer for me to trust the Lord than to hold back! ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because even though life can be hard, God is still very good toward me: “Come, let us return to the Lord. For He has torn us, but He will heal us...; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us” (Hos. 6:1). “...you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psa. 86:15 NIV). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ... (Your name) , I am confident and secure because, IT IS WRITTEN: “...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). Lord, YOU are “...the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:25). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) ... (Your name) , I repent of letting myself be spiritually paralyzed because of fear about being disappointed again. God has plans for me that are good! “'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope” (Jer 29:11). ... (Your name) , I love the truth and I let myself believe that “...the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake [us, as] His inheritance.” (Psa. 94:14). (pause to feel confidence from it!)

Heart-Training “Electives” for Your Heart

Group Two “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

Turning from Pressure from People to Avoid God or Disbelieve (Security coming from God rather than self-protection by staying away)

184

© Barry Hall 2011

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, my confidence to stand before God is not prevented by people who...

...protect themselves by making me feel like I shouldn’t go outside their spiritual boundaries... ...reject me, criticize me, or accuse me wrongly... ...reject truth that would set them free... ...try to make me agree with their disbelief... ...try to make me feel unacceptable to God... ...look for ways to trap me doing something wrong... ...won’t forgive me... ...try to hurt me...

(And then this...)

...It is the Lord who is God—not other people (Psa. 46:10) . I turn my soul away from agreeing with them to hold back from God. It is right, safe, and good to stand before God and keep my spiritual eyes on Him; “...why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?” (1 Cor. 10:29)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured because you are trusting that God’s presence is here!)

(And then one of these...)

...I can receive Your presence Lord: “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” (Psa. 36:7-9)... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) I draw near to God and the God who draws near to me is the commander of all the armies of heaven. It is heaven that rules; “...I know that the Lord is great, And that our Lord is above all the gods.” (Psa. 135:5) “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) ...I can drink because of drawing near to the radiance around You Lord, “the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God...on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man...and there was a radiance around Him. As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance...” (Ezek. 1:1 and 26b,27a). “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.” (1 Chron 16:11) “...we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). “...God...gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (Psa. 68:35) “...You are my strong refuge.” (Psa. 71:7) “...justice for man comes from the Lord.” (Prov. 29:26)... “Many are saying of my soul, there is no deliverance for him in God...But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head.” (Psa. 3:2,3)

Turning from Pressure from People to Avoid God or Disbelieve

185

(Security coming from God rather than self-protection by staying away) (One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, my confidence to stand before God is not prevented by people who...

...try to intimidate me with their power... ...make it seem that it is somehow wrong for me to oppose their being in control... ...use disapproval to try and control me... ...protect themselves by making me feel like I shouldn’t go outside their spiritual boundaries... ...try to twist the truth and say that evil is good... ...make it seem that criticism is the right thing to do... ...act like they believe their glory is greater than God’s... ...glory in their being right and my being wrong...

(And then this...)

...It is the Lord who is God—not other people (Psa. 46:10) . I turn my soul away from agreeing with them to hold back from God. It is right, safe, and good to stand before God and keep my spiritual eyes on Him; “...why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?” (1 Cor. 10:29)..(pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured because you are trusting that God’s presence is here!)

(And then one of these...)

...When I come to You Lord, You wash me clean. I am trusting I can “...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:22).... “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust...” (Psa. 25:1,2) “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) Lord, “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV)... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) Lord, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” (Psa. 56:3) “...justice for man comes from the Lord.” (Prov. 29:26)... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “Many are saying of my soul, there is no deliverance for him in God...But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head.” (Psa. 3:2,3) “Praise the Lord, O my soul!” (Psa. 146:1)... “My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord...” (Psa. 145:21) Heart hear this: “...He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph.. 3:17 NIV) (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) My “...confidence...is...through Christ before God...competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV). “...David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered...But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” (1 Sam. 30:6)

Turning from Pressure from People to Avoid God or Disbelieve

186

(Security coming from God rather than self-protection by staying away) (One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, my confidence to stand before God is not prevented by people who...

...remind me of sin that God has forgiven and washed clean... ...don’t think God is enough to wash them clean... ...laugh about their sarcasm and mockery... ...make me feel I should try to be impressive “like they are”... ...strongly justify their sin... ...justify their disbelief and love their arrogant pride... __ ...threaten and try to intimidate me... ...mock my trust in God in order to try and protect themselves... __ ...glory in the weaknesses of others... ...try to keep the truth from being known...

(And then this...)

...I turn away from fearing the “gods” of other people—their reasons for confidence and security are no match for the nearness of God as my refuge, glory, and strength. The Lord is God—not other people; “...why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?” (1 Cor. 10:29)... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

(And then one of these...)

...I don’t have to wait to come to You because “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28). “I have become a marvel to many; for You are my strong refuge.” (Psa. 71:7) “...their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God...” (Rom. 3:3) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) “The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.” (Num. 6:24-26). Lord, I rest into receiving the shine of Your presence onto me (Matt. 11:28-30; Gal. 3:14). “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) ...I submit into believing that God does not hold back His presence from me. I believe Your Word when it says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8)... “...I have heard the slander of many...they took counsel together against me...But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, ‘You are my God.’” (Psa. 31:13,14) “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5) “...I know that the Lord is great, And that our Lord is above all the gods.” (Psa. 135:5)...

Pressure From Religious People to Hold Back

187

(Security coming from God rather than self-protection by staying away) © Barry Hall 2011 www.tasteheavennow.net

(One of these...)

... (Your name) people who...

, my confidence to draw near and delight in God is not prevented by religious

...want to believe but won’t take steps to repent, nurture their faith, and rest into drawing near to God... ...protect themselves by trying to limit my faith and hope... ...protect themselves by making me feel like I shouldn’t go outside their religious boundaries... ...lack childlike and idealistic faith, who can’t see what God is doing, won’t listen, and don’t want to change... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...reject or ignore what the scriptures that teach about drawing near to God and receiving from Him... ...avoid or try to suppress the truth about sin of the heart... ...glorify their spirituality and make the presence of God a thing others should try to achieve... ...make me ashamed to draw near by reminding me of sin that God has forgiven and washed clean... ...make me feel I should try to be impressive ‘like they are.’ My God is the God of all glory and beauty. And, my God is the commander of all the angels of heaven... ...protect themselves by making it seem wrong for me to freely praise and worship God... ...are not helping people to drink from the fountain, but want to feed the people with themselves... ...are insensitive, inconsiderate, or unkind... (And then this...)

...I delight that I don’t have to agree with the disbelief of religious people. The Lord is God—they are not. I denounce and reject all pressure to join their disbelief. I refuse to hold back from standing before God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

“...why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?” (1 Cor. 10:29). Their “...unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God...” (Rom. 3:3). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...Lord, I rest into believing and doing what the Bible says: “...let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16)... Lord, “You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114); “For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me...” (Psa. 27:5). “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psa. 18:1); “...Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude...You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” (2 Chron. 14:11) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

Pressure From Religious People to Hold Back

188

(Security coming from God rather than self-protection by staying away) (One of these...)

... (Your name) people who...

, my confidence to draw near and delight in God is not prevented by religious

...try to find faults and look for ways to trap me in doing something wrong... ...try to protect me with their disbelief about God’s love and His desire to draw near—without our having to earn it... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...make it seem wrong somehow for me to pray.... ...accuse me wrongly...

(pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

...won’t forgive and seem to hate me... ...ignore an honest look at the scriptures and make it seem wrong for me to stand before God and glory in His presence... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...are impatient with me about how I hold tightly to the truth... ...make me feel I should have to achieve higher spiritual standards before God will come to me... ...try to protect me by demands that I believe the truth of the scriptures might be wrong... ...try to limit my confidence to glory in Your presence now... ...won't join me in my struggle to nurture faith, hope, and love... ...avoid, or try to suppress the truth about sin of the heart... ...hurt weak people by trying to use guilt as a tool to make them 'improve'... ...tie on 'plastic grapes' and call it spiritual fruit...

(pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

(And then this...)

...It is the Lord who is God not them (Psa. 46:10). I repent of holding back because of religious people. Their “...unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God...” (Rom. 3:3). (And then one of these...)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.” (Psa. 28:7); “You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV)... “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24) ...I rest into believing that I can “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8)... “For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest...” (Heb. 4:10,11). “...let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16)... (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...I have heard the slander of many...they took counsel together against me...But as for me, I trust in ‘You, O Lord, I say, ‘You are my God.” (Psa. 31:13,14)... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!)

Pressure From Religious People to Hold Back

189

(Security coming from God rather than self-protection by staying away) (One of these...)

... (Your name) , my confidence to stand before God is not prevented by religious people who... ...try to make me feel that they are more special to God than me... ...make the presence of God seem like something too high to achieve... ..don’t believe they can confidently draw near and receive freely from the fountain of God... ...want to believe but won’t take steps to nurture their faith and rest into drawing near to God... ...lack childlike and idealistic faith, can’t see what God is doing, won’t listen, and don’t want to change... ...feed themselves with the sheep (Ezek.. 34)...

(pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

...try to “love” the sheep by clinging to them, rather than God... ...try to find their own security by controlling my faith... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...try to keep the sheep in their fold by controlling them with intimidation and fear... ...seem to fear the presence of the Holy Spirit...(pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...compete to be in control, or to call attention to themselves... (And then this...)

...It is the Lord who is God not them

(Psa. 46:10).

I repent of holding back because of religious people...

(And then one of these...)

...”It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8)... “...why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?” (1 Cor. 10:29). Heart hear this! I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). ...I refuse the disbelief of religious people! I can drink because of drawing near to the radiance around You Lord, “...They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain...” (Psa. 36:7-9). “the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God...on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man...and there was a radiance around Him. As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance...” (Ezek. 1:1 and 26-27). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22) “I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and will glorify Your name forever.” (Psa. 86:12) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...”Many are saying of my soul, there is no deliverance for him in God...But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head.” (Psa. 3:2,3)... “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) “...My lips will praise You.” (Psa. 63:3) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God!)

Heart-Training “Electives” for Your Heart

Group Three “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

191

Ministry as Idolatry (One of these...)

(Pick one of the words or phrases from inside the brackets)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , I delight that [my adequacy], [my glory], [my reassurance], [my security], [the justification of my value], [my eternal significance]... ...is not from the backing I get from leaders or the people in the church. I repent of resentment toward them when they don’t understand... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from how many people look to me for direction and spiritual guidance. I repent of trying to elevate my value before them. I set my heart to stay before You Lord and drink from You Lord like a sponge... ...is not from pride because of the spiritual power that God gives. I repent of exalting or honoring myself as the healer. I set my heart to stay open and to keep on receiving Your Presence Lord... ...is not from “my ministry” at all! When I stand before the Lord of hosts and He is before me here, all ministry becomes something that Jesus is doing because He is here. By this, all the ministry belongs to the Lord, and not to me at all... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...is not from how well I minister to people or from whether or not I am allowed to minister to people. God is the one who saves—not me. I turn from pride in myself as the savior. Jesus Christ is the messiah—not me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...is not from the importance that church people place on my ministry. I repent of pushing to impress them in order to gain a place of greater authority or ministry... ...is not from the results I get in helping people grow in the Lord. I repent of feeding myself with how well I help them to grow. I grab my soul and I turn it from faith in me because God causes the growth... ...is not from the people or the church leaders wanting to listen to me. I turn my heart from setting my hope on people... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I reject ministry as a way to feed my pride. My fruit comes from God—I will feed on Him and not on results from me. God is their Shepherd, their Savior. I will lead them to You Lord and not to myself. The ministry that happens is because God is with me and HE is doing His ministry... (And then one of these...)

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?” (Psa. 56:3,4). “Guard my soul...for I take refuge in You.” (Psa. 25:20) “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” (Psa. 54:4). “...it is Heaven that rules.” (Dan. 4:26). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Cor. 16:13). “Be strong and let your heart take courage...hope in the Lord” (Psa. 31:24). Heart hear this! “...the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11); So, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8) I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). “for through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph. 2:18) “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken...my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9).

192

Ministry as Idolatry (One of these...)

(Pick one of the words or phrases from inside the brackets)

... (Your name) , I delight that [my adequacy], [my glory], [my reassurance], [my security], [the justification of my value], [my eternal significance]... ...is not from “ministry” that I do! Since I am giving God a place for Him to dwell, any ministry that happens is all ministry that Jesus is doing! Lord I love that by receiving the kingdom, I am making it easier for You to minister to people because I am giving you a way to be here more fully... ...is not from acknowledgment by the church leadership. I repent of pushing in order to establish myself in ministry... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from the power of my human influence. I turn to stand before the Lord of hosts — what I drink from God is my influence... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from how well I get people to need me. God is what they need. I help people draw near so that God can feed them... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from how well I manipulate, control, or use emotional hype in order to get them to value my ministry... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from pride in the spiritual things I tell people. I drink from God and the Holy Spirit helps in my ministry... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from how well I force my ministry on people. I repent of from faith in myself. My faith is in God... (And then this...)

I set God before me—not the results of my ministry! Soul, keep feeding on God and not on the fruit! It is God’s truth that sets people free—not me. It is God who feeds them—I can only lead them to Him. What is important is that I receiving the kingdom of God so that HE can do HIS ministry... (And then one of these...)

Heart hear this! “...the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished” (1Chron. 28:20). “Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies;” (Rom. 10:33). “...my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” (Psa. 13:5 NIV); “...I have hope in Him.” (Lam. 3:24). I set my heart to, “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mat. 6:33). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8). “...be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1) “...Freely you received, freely give.” (Mat. 10:8). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “...Be strong and courageous, and act...” (1 Chron. 28:20) Because of the example that Jesus gave, I repent of promoting myself or my ministry: “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.” (John 14:10). The Lord says to me that “My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!” (Hag. 2:5). “...Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Eph. 6:10). “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6).

193

Ministry as Idolatry (One of these...)

(Pick one of the words or phrases from inside the brackets)

... (Your name) , I delight that [my adequacy], [my glory], [my reassurance], [my security], [the justification of my value], [my eternal significance]... ...is not from the value that

(a person’s name)

places on my ministry.

...is not from pride because of how much I help people. The Holy Spirit is the helper. I repent of pride from their praise... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not in my having a ministry to people. My most important ministry is to You Lord. It is God that I love—not what I accomplish in the lives of other people... ...is not from my being savior and messiah to them. I repent and turn from wanting to be savior and messiah to them... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from how well I protect the people I minister to. Their protection is in standing before the Lord and staying in His presence here with them... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from how much they appreciate my ministry—and, it is not from the excitement others feel about my ministry. I love You Lord—I turn my heart to find the nourishment from knowing that You see and value my faith, ministry, and love... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I reject ministry as a way to feed my pride. My fruit comes from God—I will feed on Him and not on results from me. God is the Shepherd, their Savior. I will lead them to You Lord and not to myself. The ministry that happens is because God is here and HE is doing His ministry... (And then one of these...)

Heart hear that even when I do wrong, God’s word to me is, “...Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart” (1 Sam. 12:20). “Do not fear...rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done great things.” (Joel 2:21). Heart hear this: “...You shall not fear man, for the judgement is God’s...” (Deut. 1:17). I set my heart to “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mat. 6:33). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to minister to Him, and to be His ministers...” (2 Chron. 29:11). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary...God...gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (Psa. 68:35) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) Heart! “...Do not fear or be dismayed because...the battle is not yours but God's” (2 Chron. 20:15). “...You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down yourselves to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them” (2 Kings 17:35) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him” (Psa. 28:7). Heart hear this! You “...have made the Lord...even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:9,10). “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15); “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5)

194

Ministry as Idolatry (One of these...)

(Pick one of the words or phrases from inside the brackets)

... (Your name) , I delight that [my adequacy], [my glory], [my reassurance], [my security], [the justification of my value], [my eternal significance]... ...is not from how well they accept what I say. God causes their growth. My eyes are on You and I am trusting You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from the results I see in them. My fruit is from God and I turn my heart to keep feeding on You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from pride because of daydreams about the future of my ministry. I turn from human pride because of what God has promised to do through me in ministry. The God I worship is not the fruit itself. The Lord is my God and my glory... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from “my ministry” at all! When I stand before the Lord of hosts and He is before me here, all ministry becomes something that Jesus is doing because He is here. By this, all the ministry belongs to the Lord, and not to me at all... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from how well I impress church leadership with my value to the kingdom of God. I turn my heart away from resentment toward people when they don’t understand... ...is not from how well I save people. Jesus Christ is the Messiah not me! I turn from prideful daydreams to faith in God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I reject ministry as a way to feed my pride. My fruit comes from God—I will feed on Him and not on results from me. God is their Shepherd, their Savior. I will lead them to You Lord and not to myself... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then one of these...)

God says to us, “My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” (Ezek. 37:27). I am confident because “...the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord...” (Hab. 2:14). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “Be strong and let your heart take courage...hope in the Lord” (Psa. 31:24). “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace...The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this” (Isa. 9:7). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) I will not be afraid because “...God...has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Cor. 4:6,7). Heart hear all of this! “...you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood...so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). “...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Rom. 13:12 and 14). “...as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too...walk in newness of life.” (Rom. 6:4). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) Jesus said He would work along with me: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mat. 11:28,29). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!)

195

Ministry as Idolatry (One of these...)

(Pick one of the words or phrases from inside the brackets)

... (Your name) , I delight that [my adequacy], [my glory], [my reassurance], [my security], [the justification of my value], [my eternal significance]... ...is not from the validation they give. God is the one who justifies me. I set my affections on You Lord... ...is not from how well they advertize for me and tell other people about my ministry. I turn from wanting fame as my glory... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from miracles or from people being healed. Miracles are what God does, not me... ...is not from “ministry” that I do! Since I am giving God a place for Him to dwell, any ministry that happens is all ministry that Jesus is doing! Lord I love that by receiving the kingdom, I am making it easier for You to minister to people because I am giving you a way to be here more fully... I will not doubt what God wants to do through me. All that God plans for me shall come to pass. I will not doubt or fear. I repent of forgetting my own need for God because of the needs of other people. I turn from feeding myself with how well I nurture others spiritually. I set my heart to love the presence of God! I love Your closeness Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I reject ministry as a way to feed my pride. My fruit comes from God—I will feed on Him and not on results from me. God is their Shepherd, their Savior. I will lead them to You Lord and not to myself. The ministry that happens is because God is with me and HE is doing His ministry... (And then one of these...)

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?” (Psa. 56:3,4). “Guard my soul...for I take refuge in You.” (Psa. 25:20) “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” (Psa. 54:4). “...it is Heaven that rules.” (Dan. 4:26). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Cor. 16:13). “Be strong and let your heart take courage...hope in the Lord” (Psa. 31:24). Heart! “...Do not fear or be dismayed because...the battle is not yours but God's” (2 Chron. 20:15). “...You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down yourselves to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them” (2 Kings 17:35) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him” (Psa. 28:7). Heart hear this! “...the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished” (1Chron. 28:20). “Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies;” (Rom. 10:33). “...repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:7)... “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) Lord, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” (Psa. 56:3)

196

Ministry as Idolatry (One of these...)

(Pick one of the words or phrases from inside the brackets)

... (Your name) , I delight that [my adequacy], [my glory], [my reassurance], [my security], [the justification of my value], [my eternal significance]... “...we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (2Cor. 5:9). “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1Cor. 10:31). “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me’ (Mat. 25:40). “...do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Rom. 6:13). “...present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom. 12:1). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him” (Joh. 8:29). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight” (1Jo. 3:22). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) I repent and turn my heart from feeding myself with pride because of “ministry” that I do! Since I am giving God a place for Him to dwell, any ministry that happens is all ministry that Jesus is doing! Lord I love that by receiving the kingdom, You are here. And by that, I am making it easier for You to “walk among us” and minister to people... (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

197

Works to Grace for Women (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to achieve human standards of perfection and beauty. I turn from wanting my own beauty to be what feeds me. I am setting my heart to enjoy taking refuge inside Your perfection and beauty all around me Lord. You are my God and I will feed on You. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty and perfection right up close to me, touching me all around. I love You Lord... ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to feed myself with how well I have earned their worship. I don’t even have to want that because I turn to you Lord—I will trust Your grace for quenching my needy desires... ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to push myself to measure up to the standards that others set for me. Lord You are my standard—my banner that covers me. Oh, how I love that You are with me here, Lord... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to trust myself for perfection in how I look because wearing God’s presence around me is my beauty. Lord I love how good Your closeness looks... (believe it) ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to want the eyes of men on me. I turn to You Lord. Your eyes on me are far more thrilling, safer, something I can enjoy without holding back. I turn and I love You Lord. I am trusting that my eyes are on You Lord and that Your eyes are on me... (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to thrill myself with how well I control and put other people down. God is sovereign—not me. I turn to You Lord. I turn my soul from how well I exalt myself over others as my security. God is my security. I love You Lord... (pause to feel confidence and to love God!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to thrill myself with my looks or with my body. I turn my affections to You Lord. I take refuge inside Your beauty and love. And I love Your closeness God... (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from my having to feed myself with my own attractiveness. Instead of that, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the power, beauty, and attractiveness of God all around me here: Lord, “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). And, my praise is toward the closeness of God, NOT myself... (And then one of these...)

“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You” (Psa. 86:5); “...draw near...in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19 and 22); “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) ...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28); “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22). (pause to feel confidence from it!) “...the Lord is our righteousness” (Jer. 33:16); “...the Lord...loves righteousness...” (Psa. 11:7); “...the Lord takes pleasure in His people...” (Psa. 1149:4); “...great is your love toward me...” (Psa. 86:13). I love that it is safe to direct my heart toward You Lord because You are holy, righteous, and good; “...the Lord is good...” (Psa. 135:3); “...Holy is He.” (Psa. 99:3); “You are good and do good...” (Psa. 119:68).

Works to Grace for Women

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight that I don’t have to hide myself by being smaller and going unnoticed. The Lord is my God—His closeness is my reason for confidence. The closeness of God reassures me... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to be envious of the power that men have. Lord Your power is far greater and You are my God. I love the closeness of Your strength and power Lord. I turn my heart to feed on You by enjoying that Your power and beauty ARE here with me... (pause to love God!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to feel shunned by God when others turn away and reject me. I grab my soul and I turn it from pressure to measure up in order to trust that I can let God draw near to me. Lord I turn and put my trust in Your grace... (pause to be thankful and love God for the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to feed on glory from being critical of myself or others. I grab my soul and I turn it to trust and enjoy believing that God IS my glory. I turn and I rest in Your grace to draw near to me Lord—not in what I have achieved or earned... (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to achieve a place of refuge by being critical of myself or others. When I feel the pain of their rejection I will run to you Lord. I turn to trust God’s grace to draw near. I take refuge inside the love of God around me here... (pause to believe and love it as the truth!) ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to find motivation by being more critical of myself. My energy for motivation comes from the thrill of exalting God. I love that single-hearted dependence on God to quench my thirst strongly exalts and honors Him—even when nobody here sees... (pause to hear and love it) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from my having to depend on myself or other people. I rest into depending on God for quenching my thirst. By faith, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the God and His beauty all around me here. Lord, I am setting my heart to love finding refuge inside the power and the extreme beauty of the kingdom of God. Lord, YOUR closeness to me is my beauty. And, my praise is toward YOU God, NOT myself... (pause to believe and love God!) (And then one of these...)

“...come to Me and drink...But this He spoke of the Spirit” (John 7:37 and 39); “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2); “for through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph. 2:18; see also Heb. 4). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s attractiveness!) I can draw near to God because “...we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12); “...draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) Rather than daydreaming of earthly glories and setting those before me — it is by faith that I can do what David did when he said, “I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psa. 16:8). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s attractiveness!) I love that I don’t have to stay away from God because He forgives me freely; “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive...” (Psa. 86:5); “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9); “I...am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.” (Isa. 43:25); “I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud, and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isa. 44:22).

Works to Grace for Women

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to worry about not having what it takes to drink from God. I turn and I put my faith in You Lord. Heart hear this: Relationship with God is not based on how well I deserve it. God is my glory not me. Oh, how I love You Lord... (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to hide from feelings that is something desperately wrong with me. The pain I feel is from trying to feed on earthly sources and not on God. Lord I love that I can turn from faith in myself and turn to trust the fountain of God... (pause to love God and enjoy Him!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to feed on my human perfection and beauty. I turn from wanting my own beauty to be what feeds me. I am setting my heart to trust You as my God – not myself. So, I set my heart to take refuge inside the power, beauty, and the perfection of the kingdom of God right up close to me, touching me all around. By faith, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at You Lord... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to set my hope on achieving the standards that earn their pleasure. I set my heart to drink from God and nothing else. Lord You are my God—not how well my performance measures up and earns their pleasure... (pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from my having to depend on myself or other people. Lord, “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). Lord, YOU are my glory, my power, and my beauty. I turn from wanting those things to come from me. And, my praise is toward the closeness of God, NOT myself... (pause to believe and love the closeness of God!) (And then one of these...)

“I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, And My people will be satisfied with My goodness,’ declares the Lord.” (Jer. 31:14; see also Exo. 31:18-23). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “...you will rejoice in the Lord, You will glory in the Holy One of Israel. The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst; I, the Lord, will answer them Myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights and springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land fountains of water.” (Isa. 41:16-18). (let yourself feel confidence and to love God because of the truth!) ...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). (let yourself feel confidence and to love God!) Heart, “Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.” (1 Chron. 16:10) “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37). (pause to feel reassured by it!) I delight that “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22)... “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to feel reassured by it!) “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.” (Rom. 11:6). (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) “'For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and...of Judah cling to Me,' declares the Lord, 'that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise and for glory; but they did not listen.'” (Jer. 13:11). It will not be that way for me. I turn my heart to cling to the Lord! (let yourself feel confidence and to love God because of the truth!)

Works to Grace for Women

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to perform spiritually in order to have closeness with God. I turn and face toward You Lord—I put my trust in God to carry me close. The closeness of God is a greater reality than the material world around me. The kingdom of God is my refuge of beauty and strength... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to want to be prettier—the attention I would receive would never be enough to quench my thirst. I turn to You Lord. Heart hear this: God is my beauty because I take refuge in You Lord. My eyes are on You God. Thank You for walking with me... (pause to love God!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to push myself to prove how smart I am. I will never be smart enough to quench my thirst. I turn to You Lord. I love having the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16)... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to feed myself with approving or lustful looks from men. Lord it is You who are worthy of their pursuit—not me. I turn and face toward You Lord. I love having Your eyes of love, passion, and kindness on me... (pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to be unhappy with my body—I don’t even have to be unhappy with my (give an example) . It is God who is my glory, my good, my reason to feel pretty, and strong. God is a refuge of beauty and perfection all around me. I rest in Him—not in myself... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to protect myself by being angry about my appearance. I turn and face toward You Lord because You are the God who soothes my pain. Thank You Lord that when you draw near to me You bring the kingdom of heaven all around me here... (let yourself feel confidence!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to feed myself by pushing until I have their approval. I turn to You Lord. It is Your pleasure that I love. You are the God who quenches my thirst—I have no other option except to trust Your grace. I rest in You... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and to love God!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from my having to depend on myself or other people. I rest into loving and believing that God can and will quench my thirst. I set my heart to enjoy and to thrill myself with the presence of God all around me here: Lord, “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). Lord, You are my beauty and power, not myself... (And then one of these...)

I love that I don’t have to avoid drawing near to God—He is kind, slow to anger, and compassionate. “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate.” (Psa. 116:5); “...you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psa. 86:15 NIV). “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime...” (Psa. 30:5). The Lord is my God! “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.” (Lam. 3:22). I turn to You Lord, “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God...” (Psa. 36:7). “...repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert..To give drink to My chosen people. The people whom I formed for Myself, will declare My praise.” (Isa. 43:18-21). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!)

Works to Grace for Women

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to push myself until I achieve perfection in the eyes of men. I turn my heart from wanting their pursuit. The Lord is my God, my thrill, and my pleasure... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to hide from the truth about my imperfections. My humanity will never be perfect—I don’t have to depend on myself because God is my perfection, my goodness, my reason for being enough. My eyes are on You Lord—not on myself... (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to quench my thirst with evidence of how desirable I am to men. I turn to You Lord. I rest into drawing near to God and letting Him draw near to me. I love that I am making the kingdom of God my safe refuge of beauty, majesty, and power... (pause to love God!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to want to be more attractive in order to drink from that. The Lord is my God—not how attractive I am to others. The beauty of my humanity will never be enough to quench the thirst of my soul. I turn my eyes to You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to depend on the response of others to my personality—I turn from works that only let me quench my thirst with myself. I turn and put my trust in God. I hide in Him... ...I don’t have to feed myself with the power and control I feel because of the way men look at me. I turn and set God before me—I look at You Lord. Heart hear this! God is my pursuit. God is my first love... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to push until I can drink from being popular. The Lord is my God. I put my trust in You. I love that it is right for me to trust that I am in the throne room here and that the glorified and risen Christ is with me here. Oh, how I love You Lord... (pause to hear and love it) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul turn it away from having to depend on myself or other people. By faith, my eyes on You Lord. And, I set my heart to feed on the attractiveness of God, whose presence I wear around me here. My praise is toward the closeness of God, NOT myself... (And then one of these...)

I don’t have to be afraid to let God draw near to me—God will not abandon His people. “...I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). “...the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:25). (pause to believe and love God!) I love that I can trust God! “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psa. 9:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) Heart, stop fighting against the truth and let yourself believe it! “...He will not fail you...” (Deut. 4:31). “...the Lord will not abandon His people, Nor will He forsake [us, as] His inheritance.” (Psa. 94:14). “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8). (pause to feel reassured by it!) I love that You don’t hold back Lord, because “...we...receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal 3:14); “...it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all...” (Rom. 4:16). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) True believers, “...are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:22); And, “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!)

Works to Grace for Women

202

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to be envious of the power that people have over others. God’s power is far greater. You are my God. I love Your closeness of Your strength and power Lord. I turn and feed myself with You Lord—no power is greater... (pause to believe and love God!) ...I don’t have to measure up to their standards and then feel like I have to quench myself by achieving in other areas. The Lord is my God. I put my faith in His grace to quench my thirst—not in myself... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to submit to societies demand for my being perfect. The Lord is my perfection—I turn and thrill myself by enjoying the closeness of God’s holiness, perfection, and purity touching me all around. Heart hear this: God is my perfection—not me... (pause to believe it) ...I don’t need to have what it takes to be popular. It is abiding in the substance of Your love and acceptance that thrills me. I turn to God and I love that I can let myself enjoy being loved by You Lord... ...I don’t have to agree with pressure to think of myself as a sexual object. Lord it is with great delight that I turn from feeding on the “looks” I get from men. I set You before me Lord—I hide myself in You Lord... ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to deny or hide from how much I hurt inside. The Lord is the God who soothes me. I turn from having to ease my pain by hurting myself with (give an honest example) ... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to make myself hide by putting myself down—Jesus paid the price for my fallenness. The Lord is my God. I trust in You Lord—not how well I punish myself... ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to hide behind a personality that makes people think of me as being tough. I turn my soul to the Lord. God is stronger. I love the closeness of Your strength Lord... (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from having to feed on myself or other people. I can and will feed on God. Lord, I set my heart to look at You with me here. Heart, BELIEVE love and enjoy the closeness of God’s power and goodness all around and touching me here. Anything else is idolatry... (And then one of these...)

Lord, I love that I don’t have to be afraid to draw near to You because You are loving and You take pleasure in Your people. (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...the Lord loves His people...” (2 Chron. 2:11). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “...the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you.” (Deut. 23:5). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) Heart hear this because it applies to me! “...the Lord takes pleasure in His people...” (Psa. 149:4). Oh Lord, “...great is your love toward me...” (Psa. 86:13 NIV). (pause to feel confidence from it!) “...He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph. 3:17 NIV). “...love is from God...” (1 John 4:7). (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) Lord I set my heart to trust I can “keep yourselves in the love of God...” (Jude 1:21) Lord I delight that I am told “...abide in My love.” (John 15:9). (pause to feel confidence from it!) “...God is love, and the one who abides in love, abides in God and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16). “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” (Psa. 33:22 NIV). “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deut. 6:5). Heart, delight that you can “...cling to Him.” (Deut. 13:4). (pause to love God because of it!)

Works to Grace for Women

203

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to soothe myself when people shun and tease me. I turn from having to punish them for what they do wrong. I turn and I open myself to let God to draw near to me intimately—I have nothing else... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to put my faith in “works” in order to draw near and drink from the river of God’s delights (Psa. 36:7-9). I turn and put my trust Your abundant grace. I take refuge in Your beauty and majesty Lord. And, I trust Your closeness as what makes me worthy—not myself... (pause to feel confidence and to love God because of it!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to be insecure about my femininity because it is the closeness of God who is my beauty, my perfection. I trust You to draw near intensely because no earthly “god” is enough for me. The Lord is my God. I love You Lord... (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to punish myself for the harassment they give me. I delight that I don’t have to hiding from God when people make me feel dirty. Lord, I turn and face toward You because You are the one who washes me and makes me clean... (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to demand that I perform well enough to always please others. I delight that I don’t have to punish myself when I fall short of their expectations. God is my hope of being able to quench my thirsty soul—not other people.... (pause to be thankful and love the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to be afraid of being harassed and teased by God—others may but God does not. I turn and I run to You Lord because it is far safer to be near than far away. God is the refuge of comfort that soothes my hurts... (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from having to feed on earthly things. Jesus died to give me access so that I can come to the Father. By drawing near to God, He draws near to me. And, I rest into loving and believing the closeness of God for quenching my thirst... (pause to hear and love it) (And then one of these...)

I don’t have to stay away when I am hurting because God comforts His people. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psa. 34:18). I don’t have to hide from God because my “...God...comforts the depressed...” (2 Cor. 7:6). “...the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...I love that I can drink because of drawing near to the radiance around You Lord; “but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light...the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7). “...God is Light...” (1 John 1:5); “...He wraps himself in light as with a garment;” (Psa. 104:1,2 NIV). The Lord is my Light. I welcome You presence and am trusting Your grace to let me “walk in” Your presence. (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) It is my believing and enjoying the closeness of Your power and glory that feeds me Lord. By faith in the death of Christ and His payment that gives me access into the throne room, I am able to trust that my eyes are looking at Your presence with me here Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!)

Works to Grace for Women

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to be envious of the power that men have. Lord Your power is far greater and You are my God. I love the closeness of Your strength and power Lord. I turn and feed myself with You Lord—no power is greater... (pause to let yourself feel confidence from God’s presence!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to agree to wear labels of being undesirable. God is my desire and His desire is for me. I turn from thoughts and feelings of fear about my not being enough. Lord put my faith in believing I am before You—I open myself to You and welcome Your presence... ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to hide from fears about my being untouchable. I expose my fears to You Lord. Heart hear this! The truth about God is that He longs to be close and touch me—I submit to the truth and turn from fear. I delight to draw near and I take refuge in the loving radiance of the fountain of God... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to agree with pressures to feed myself with being sophisticated. The Lord is my importance. I feed myself with You Lord. Oh, how I love that You are standing with me here Lord. I set my eyes to keep looking at You... (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to agree with pressure to lose hope. God has given me a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. I turn and put my hope in You Lord. God is my reason for confidence—God is why I can bounce back... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to try to be someone else because that is NOT what will make me measure up. God is the standard, He far more than just measures up—and it is God is the One who justifies me. God who makes me acceptable. God with me measures up and I put my trust in You Lord... ...I don’t have to fit myself into a smaller area in order to hide. The Lord is a strong tower—I run and hide myself in You Lord. Oh, how I love that Your glory is so great and that You are here with me Lord... (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from having to feed on myself or earthly things. Jesus died to give me access into the throne room. I CAN come to the Father! By drawing near to God, He draws near to me. And, I rest into loving, believing, and thrilling myself with the closeness of God in order to quenching my thirst. My praise is toward the closeness of God, NOT myself... (pause to feel confidence from trusting that God’s presence is here!) (And then one of these...)

“O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house And the place where Your glory dwells.” (Psa. 26:8) “the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God...on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man...and there was a radiance around Him. As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance...” (Ezek. 1:1 and 26b,27a); “...there was a rainbow around the throne...” (Rev. 4:3). (pause to feel confidence from it!) “...a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God...” (Rev. 22:1). “...[at] the door of the house...water was flowing from under the threshold...water reaching the ankles.” (Ezek. 47:1,3). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean...” (John 13:10) “and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal...” (Rev. 4:6). “...the sea was for the priests to wash in.” (2 Chron. 4:6; see also Exo. 30:21). (pause to feel reassured by it!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight that I don’t have to agree with doubts of whether God wants a close relationship with me. When I sense doubt in others I will not think the same thing about God. I turn from feeling helpless about experiencing God’s presence. I put my faith in You Lord—not in myself... (pause to hear and love it) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to be angry at those who should have protected me. I turn from feelings of wanting to run and hide when God gets close. The closeness of God heals my wounds and soothes my pain. God is my shield and defender—not people... (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to grieve over the sense that my humanity will never be perfect. The Lord is my God. He alone is my perfection—nothing else. I love You Lord... (pause to believe it) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to forget my own need for God because of the needs of other people. I turn from feeding myself with how well I nurture others. And I turn to trust that YOU are here and that YOU are nurturing those I am trying to help... (pause to believe it and feel reassured by it!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to wallow in anger because of being betrayed. Lord, it hurts! But You are the one who heals my pain. You alone are my God. I love that I can rest into trusting You to draw near so I can hide myself in Your arms Lord... (pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to worry about feeling stupid. God is my wisdom. I turn my heart to the Holy Spirit inside me. God has given me the mind of Christ. I praise you for the closeness of Your wisdom and knowledge. God is my right’ness... (pause to be thankful and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from having to feed on myself or earthly things. Jesus died to give me access into the throne room. I CAN come to the Father! By drawing near to God, He draws near to me. And, I rest into loving and believing the closeness of God for quenching my thirst. My praise is toward the closeness of God, NOT myself... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured from trusting that God’s presence is here!) (And then one of these...)

“I have set the Lord continually before me...my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9); God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29); “...the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.” (Isa. 30:18); “Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” (Psa. 54:4)... Heart hear this and love God! “...You, O Lord, are...the lifter of my head.” (Psa. 3:3 TAB) ...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). (pause to enjoy God’s power and glory!) “...I will pour out water on the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants; and they will spring up among the grass like poplars by streams of water” (Isa. 44:3,4). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people will be satisfied with My goodness,’ declares the Lord.” (Jer. 31:14; see also Exo. 31:18-23). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “I, the Lord, am your God...Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” (Psa. 81:10). “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13). (pause to feel confidence from it!)

Works to Grace for Women

206

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to push myself until I am worthy of their praise. I turn from quenching my thirst that way. I rest in You Lord. I trust I am before You Lord. I turn and am trusting that the radiance of God is upon me shining from the fountain of God right here in front of me... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to avoid or control others who aren’t popular enough. I turn from having to feed myself that way. God is the glory that quenches my thirst – I am taking refuge in the extreme power and beauty of the kingdom of God around me. And, my praise is toward You Lord... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to agree with pressure to show off and make others want my body. I grab my thirsty desires and I turn them to You Lord. My body is a temple for Your Holy Spirit. I love the pleasure that I cause You by trusting and enjoying that I am staying in Your radiance... ...I don’t have to set my heart or my hopes on how I look. I turn from letting my human appearance be a disappointment because I will never have to be my source of glory. God is my glory—not me... ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to let the standards of men be what I try to achieve. I rest in You Lord. God I love Your grace. I turn to You and I put my trust in You to quench my thirst. I open myself to You and let You draw near... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to feed on the popularity of my friends. Lord I throw myself at trusting Your grace to quench my thirsty desires—I turn my heart from everything else. Lord, I rest into trusting I am before the fountain of God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...I don’t have to be afraid about my not being enough—I don’t have to be. My adequacy is from God (2 Cor. 3:5). The glory of my humanity will never be enough— I depend on God because I have nothing else... (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from having to feed on myself or earthly things. Jesus died to give me access into the throne room. I CAN come to the Father! By drawing near to God, He draws near to me. And, I rest into loving, believing, and thrilling myself with the closeness of God in order to quenching my thirst. And, my praise is toward the closeness of God, NOT myself... (And then one of these...)

“...faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval” (Heb. 11:1,2). And, I am too! (pause to hear, believe, and be thankful for the truth!) I put my faith in You Lord! “And without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). “...Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of God” (James 2:23). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,” (Rom. 4:5). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) Heart hear this and love it! “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

Works to Grace for Women

207

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). Heart hear this and have fun—don’t hold back! “...receive the kingdom of God like a child...” (Luke 18:17) “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). “...Break up your fallow ground...seek the Lord Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.” (Hos. 10:12). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...applying all diligence, in your faith...” (2 Pet. 1:5). “...building yourselves up on your most holy faith” (Jude 1:20b) “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father...” (Revelation 1:6) “...[at] the door of the house...water was flowing from under the threshold...water reaching the ankles.” (Ezek. 47:1,3). (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean...” (John 13:10) “I, the Lord, am your God...Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” (Psa. 81:10). I can quench my thirst because my God is “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13) “...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned” (Psa. 34:22). Heart hear this and confidently trust that you are doing it: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8). “'See, the Lord your God has placed the land before you; go up, take possession...Do not fear or be dismayed.'” (Deut. 1:21). “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). (let yourself love and enjoy the closeness of God!) “...the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.” (Psa. 100:5). “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psa. 34:8). “...soul...my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:5-7). “...having forgiven us all our transgressions...[He] canceled out the certificate of debt...against us...having nailed it to the cross.” (Col. 2:13,14). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion...by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning” (Isa. 4:4). (pause to be thankful and love the God who is close!) “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols” (Eze. 36:25). “...cleansing their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:9) “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, and in Him they will glory.” (Jer. 4:2) “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” (Psa. 36:7-9) It is right and safe for me to trust You Lord. “God is not a man, that He should lie...” (Num. 23:19).

208

Turning Away from Self-Sabotage (One of these...)

...

(Your name)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

, let your heart find joy and delight that the protection I need...

...is not by escaping through self-induced and self-controlled failure. I can keep doing good because even if there is failure outside my control, I can be confident that God will be right there to soothe me and love me through it... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...is not to make myself fail in order to avoid uncontrolled failure in the future. Lord God, it is Your presence that is my security, my refuge of power and strength. You are the One who soothes my fears... ...is not from self-sabotage because of fear that I might not be able to keep doing the right things. It is God who is my righteousness and my perfection... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not to use sin as a way to sabotage myself with the hard shell of depression that results—I don’t have to be afraid to draw near to God. It is safe and right and good to stand open before God and enjoy receiving the Holy Spirit being radiated into me and all around me... ...is not to force myself to fail by ______________________ because of insecurity or fear—God is always gracious and giving. He never stops radiating the Holy Spirit upon those who draw near... ...is not to sabotage or distract myself from entering into the throne room or from confidently trusting that God is with me here. My eyes are on You Lord. The safest thing for me to trust that the glorified Jesus and the Father are right here with me right now.... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and turn it from having to damage myself in order to feel protected from failure. My hope is in God—not in how well I achieve and then maintain human success. Lord God, I love Your grace to draw near to me intensely... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then one of these...)

“My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psa. 121:2)... “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” (Psa. 54:4)... “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114) “O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You...” (Isa. 25:1) ...Lord, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114)... “I have set the Lord continually before me...Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9) (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) God is my protection: “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7) “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?” (Psa. 56:3,4) ...I have access to enter and draw near to God by faith in the Holy Spirit to make it happen. “for through Him we...have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph. 2:18). “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5)... My “...confidence...is...through Christ before God...competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV). “...You, O Lord, are...the lifter of my head.” (Psa. 3:3 TAB).

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(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

, let your heart find joy and delight that the protection I need...

...is not by sabotaging myself with distractions that keep me away from God—or, that keep me from doing God’s will... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not to sabotage myself with sin or with failure because of fear that I might not be enough somehow. I is God who is my adequacy. Lord God I love that I can turn to You and don’t have to depend on myself... ...is not to sabotage myself by holding firmly to disbelief—God is a better fortress for protection... ...is not by forcing myself to fail because of fear that God might not like me back. I don’t have to agree with demonic lies. God is kind. He loves me and wants to draw near to me... ...is not to use sin as a way to prevent my willingness to stand before God, or my willingness to open up and welcome His presence... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not by escaping through self-induced and self-controlled failure... (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and turn it from fear about not having enough discipline to be faithful at drinking from God. I will open up to the fountain of God that I am trusting is before me here, and I will drink like a branch drinks from the trunk of the tree and like it’s leaves drink from the rain. God is here ... (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (And then one of these...)

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa. 73:26 NIV). I don’t have to escape by forcing myself to fail because, “...You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5); “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). “...Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” (Psa. 42:5)... “...as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.” (Psa. 71:14) God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29) “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24)... “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psa. 34:18) “’The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’” (Lam. 3:24)... “Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places.” (Hab. 3:1719). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) And, ”I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2)... “...the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His...” (2 Chron. 16:9)... (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psa. 121:2)... “I love You, O Lord...” (Psa. 18:1); “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8)

210

Turning Away from Money and Material Things © Barry Hall 2011

(One of these...)

...

(Your name)

www.tasteheavennow.net

, I delight that my [adequacy], [glory], [reassurance], [security], [courage]...

(Pick

one of the words from inside the brackets)

...is not from money or material things. I turn my heart and I face toward You Lord. I love the shine from Your face God. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory all around and touching me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...is not from wanting more ___________________ . My desire is for the closeness of God. Your presence here is my greatest possession Lord. I trust that You are here and I love You Lord... ...is not from gathering more money or material things around me. Whether I realize it or not, my deepest desire is to have and to experience God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...is not from loving money or material things. I love You Lord! I turn all my covetous desires toward God. I delight that I don’t have to hold back. God’s closeness is my greatest love. My eyes are looking at You... ...is not from getting a new __________________. It is the glory of God that I treasure. What I drink from God is always new, never gets old, is never boring, is always abundant, and is always far more shiny than the newness of earthly things... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...is not from the glory of material things or from how much money I have. My treasure is God. By faith I am trusting that my eyes are on You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...is not threatened when I don’t have the money I need. Lord, You are the [adequacy], [glory], [reassurance], [security], [courage] that I need. The glory of God is far better than money in my pocket... ...is not threatened when someone else has more money and earthly possessions than me. God is my treasure. My delight is that I can look at You as You walk with me here in all Your radiant glory... (And then this...)

...The Lord is my God. I turn my soul away from trying to make money and material things into idols. My trust is in You Lord. God is better than money and God is my provider. I love trusting that I am looking at You... (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , hear this: “...Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’” (Heb. 13:5). I set my heart to love You far more Lord! ... (Your name) , God has made me His child (1 John 3:2). And, God has made me a descendent and heir of the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:29); Therefore heart, “...remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deu 8:18). “...if riches increase, do not set your heart upon them” (Psa 62:10). ... (Your name) , I am giving up trying to idolize material things. Jesus said, “...none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions” (Luke 14:33). My possessions are not my god. Rather than money, Lord I set my heart to love getting and having more of Your presence...

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , I delight that my [adequacy], [glory], [reassurance], [security], [courage]... (Pick one of the words from inside the brackets) ...is not decreased because of the money I don’t have. The Lord is my God. I will do my part to work hard but I will also remember that God is my provider. My eyes are on God “until He is gracious to us.” ...is not robbed from me because of what I lack. The Lord is my God and I am trusting that You are near to me Lord. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory close around and touching me... ...is not from idolizing material things. The Lord is God to me. The closeness of God is my [adequacy], [refuge], [glory], [strength] [reassurance], [security], [courage]. I will take time to think about the presence of God around me in this way... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then this...)

...The Lord is my God. I turn my soul away from trying to make money and material things into idols. My trust is in You Lord. God is better than money and God is my provider. I love trusting that I am looking at You God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , God has made me His child (1 John 3:2). And, God has made me a descendent and heir of the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:29); Therefore heart, “...remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deu 8:18). (pause to be thankful and to trust God for this truth!) ... (Your name) , “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). “...I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.” (Psa. 71:14). By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...”(Psa. 63:1,2,5). (let yourself feel satisfied because of God!) ... (Your name) , my heart will hear this and do it: “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (Pro. 4:23). “Do not trust in oppression and do not vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart upon them” (Psa 62:10). (let yourself love and enjoy God!) ... (Your name) , “...the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Tim. 6:10). ... (Your name) , God is my provider! “Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He is gracious to us” (Psa. 123:2). By faith I trust that my eyes are looking at You Lord! ...

(Your name) , “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psa. 121:2). “Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by” (Psa. 57:1). Heart hear this and “Delight yourself in the Lord...” (Psa. 37:4). “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21)

212

Turning Away from Drug and Alcohol Abuse (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I turn my heart from wanting to get what I need from drugs and alcohol. The presence of God is my thrill and pleasure. He alone is what soothes me and His closeness to me is my escape. The closeness of God touching me all around is the power that I love. I set my heart to love getting those things from Him. ...I turn my heart away from wanting the feeling of power and control that comes from trying to hurt myself with drugs and alcohol. Heart, be thrilled because of the closeness of God’s power all around and touching me. It is the power of God that I love NOT the twisted and evil power of wanting to hurt myself. I turn my heart to believe and love the presence of God all around and touching me... ...I turn my heart from wanting to use drugs or alcohol in order to kill my desire to be close to God. Jesus died so that I could draw near to God and so that He can draw near to me. I love turning away from using sabotage as a way to destroy my closeness to God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I turn my heart from loving the feeling that comes from drugs and alcohol. I am turning my heart to love being addicted to His being all around me and touching me here. The presence of God is my choice. God is what I drink... (pause to feel confidence from trusting that God’s presence is here!) Heart hear this and love that I don’t have to keep myself away from God. God’s presence is good for me and it is safe for me to draw near. I delight that I can draw near God and receive His presence gushed on me because He is a fountain... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I turn my heart from having to depend on drugs and alcohol. Heart hear this and love the truth that the presence of God is a far better way for me to escape and relieve the stresses of earthly life. Right now, I am believing the presence of God to be intensely close and I am letting myself enjoy God as my escape... (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and turn it from ________________ as what soothes me and eases my pain. I rest into loving and believing God for quenching my desperate need. Heart believe these truths because by that I am making the Lord my God. I am saying to the Lord that “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). I delight that I can draw near God and receive His presence gushed on me because He is a fountain. (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) Lord I am believing that Your radiant presence is all around me here and that You ARE filling my neediness. Lord I love Your presence. Heart let yourself believe and be confident about it! Trust that God is HERE. Lord, Your presence with me here is my refuge of safety and my escape. Lord I love that Your presence is filling that need... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then one of these...)

...God, “...has not despised...the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him...” (Psa. 22:24)... “...O Lord...‘You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living’” (Psa. 142:5) “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24)... “...The Lord is my God.” (Zech. 13:9); “You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV)... “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7) (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

Turning Away from Drug and Alcohol Abuse

213

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...heart, listen and believe that I don’t have to kill the pain of my unmet need for God by soothing myself with drugs or alcohol. The truth is that I can draw near to God and He will draw near to me. And, the presence of God all around calms me far better. I turn my eyes to trust that I am looking at You before me and Your kingdom all around me Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...the truth is that I don’t have to use drugs or alcohol because of being angry about life. I turn my heart from wanting to kill the pain from my desperate need for the close presence of God. God quenches my thirst and God soothes me better than anything in this life! Right now, I stop to trust that my eyes are looking at the closeness of God all around me and I am thinking about the closeness of God soothing my hurts and easing my anger... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I repent of trying to avoid hope about being able to change! I turn my heart from wanting to use drugs or alcohol in order to find the courage, confidence, and the boldness I need. Instead of that, I am turning my heart to love the closeness of the presence of God for taking the fear away and making me bold, courageous, and confident... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!)

(And then this...)

...I grab my soul and turn it from having to depend on drugs or alcohol. Heart, let yourself love that you don’t have to be afraid about not having enough discipline to keep drinking from God – use your neediness as motivation! (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. I turn my heart from wanting to avoid and destroy my desire to be close to God by using drugs and alcohol. Heart hear this and love that I don’t have to keep myself away from God. God’s presence is good for me and it is safe for me to draw near. I delight that I can draw near God and receive His presence gushed on me because He is a fountain. Lord I am thinking about Your radiant presence being my escape and I am letting myself enjoy You in that way. “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16)... (pause to let yourself love and enjoy the closeness of God!) (And then one of these...)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1)... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22) (pause to hear, believe, and love being washed clean by the LIVING water of the Spirit!) “...You are my refuge in the day of disaster.” (Jer. 17:17) I will “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary...” (Psa. 150:1) “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) The Bible tells me, “...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Rom. 13:12 and 14). “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13). “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7) (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” (Psa. 91:2)

Turning Away from Drug and Alcohol Abuse

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

I delight that I don’t have to find reassurance and the confidence I need by... ...taking drugs. I turn to keep on taking the substance of God’s presence into myself... ...soothing myself with what I smoke. Instead of that I turn to God and I rest in You Lord. Your presence soothes me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...being drunk. Right now, I pause to think about the closeness of God reassuring me and making me confident... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...the power and control there is in smoking what I want. The thrill of the closeness of God’s power is greater... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...the power and control of drinking what I want. God’s sovereignty is greater. I humble myself into turning to You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...the power and control there is in taking drugs. The thrill of God’s presence is better. I turn to God... I turn from wanting to use drugs or alcohol to change how I feel. God is what I need. I reject and renounce depression. I turn to You Lord... (let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from my having to depend on myself or other people. Heart, let yourself love that you don’t have to be afraid about not having enough discipline to keep drinking from God – use your neediness as motivation! I can keep drinking from God because I love glory and power – and my God is a radiant fountain of glory and power! (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (pause to feel confidence from trusting that God’s presence is here!) ...I repent of trying to avoid hope about being able to change! I repent of fear about my being able to freely receive and enjoy the presence of God. Lord right now, I am trusting that Your radiant presence is here and that You are my protection. Lord I am thinking about Your radiant presence close to me as soothing my hurts and I am letting myself enjoy You in that way... (And then one of these...)

“I have set the Lord continually before me...my heart is glad...My flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114); My “...adequacy is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5). “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain.” (Isa. 57:13) “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psa. 34:8). “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa. 73:26 NIV). “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22) Heart hear and believe this! “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). “Be strong and let your heart take courage...hope in the Lord” (Psa. 31:24). “...Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Eph. 6:10).

215

Turning Away from Food as Idolatry (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don't have to settle for such a little thing as to glorying in what I eat. God wants me near and I can feed on Him. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and beauty close around and touching me... ...what I find in the refrigerator is not my best hope for reassurance that soothes me—God offers more... ...guilt and self-contempt are not the best ways to improve my behavior—I just have to get my heart to hear... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...when I feel insecure, nervous, or lonely, food is not what I will reassure myself with—the presence of God is far more satisfying... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to give up and try to get the delight and pleasure I need in food—it is right and good for me to gorge myself with God. By faith, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at You Lord... ...the refuge I need is not to trust my weight as a cocoon to hide in—I turn my heart to love surrounding myself with God and hiding in Him. I take refuge in the goodness and love of God... (pause to enjoy it!) ...food is not my best hope to soothe the pain inside—I rest into believing it is safe and good to draw near to God. My eyes are on Your presence all around and touching me here... (And then this...)

...I turn from trying to cover up my need for God with food. I love that God wants to be near me—it is safe for me to trust Him. I reject and renounce eating as a way to deaden my desire for God... (And then one of these...)

“...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22) “...it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefitted.” (Heb. 13:9) (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out” (John 6:37) “...You are the God of my strength...” (Psa. 43:1) (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name...” (Isa. 25:1)... “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light” (Psa. 36:7-9) “...they walk in the light of Your countenance...” (Psa. 89:15-17) “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8) Whenever I feel dirty or full of the wrong thing, God forgives me and washes me clean inside and out. He forgives me as soon as I ask Him. God doesn’t hold back from me and I repent of wanting to wait and hold back from Him. God doesn’t hold back from washing and cleansing me with the Holy Spirit. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9); “...washed...in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:11); “...cleansing their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:9); “...having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19 and 22) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion...by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning” (Isa. 4:4). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!)

216

Turning Away from Food as Idolatry (One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don't have to be afraid to feel physical hunger—I can distract myself by draw near and filling up on God. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and beauty close around and touching me... ...the refuge I need is not the refrigerator or the cookie jar—the presence of God is a better way to reassure myself and to find a powerfully safe refuge... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to eat

because what God offers is much more filling...

...I don't have to eat more food in order to sabotage myself with depression when I have eaten too much. I will let my heart hear that I don’t have to be afraid to soothe myself with God. Lord Your presence is a far better refuge of yummy goodness. And, I set my heart to enjoy You Lord... (pause to love and enjoy God!) ...I can turn from wanting pleasure, control, and reassurance from food and eating... ...I don't have to use food as a way to distract myself from other things—God’s presence is to readily available. By faith Lord, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your closeness all around me here... (And then this...)

...I turn from trying to stuff my desire for God with food. I delight that it is right and safe to draw near to the fountain of God. I reject and renounce eating as a way to deaden my desire for God... (And then one of these...)

...God, “...has not despised...the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him...” (Psa. 22:24)... “...O Lord...‘You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living’” (Psa. 142:5) “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28) Lord, “You are my hiding place...” (Psa. 32:7) “You are good and do good...” (Psa. 119:68); “...You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive...” (Psa. 86:5)... “...the Lord is our righteousness” (Jer. 33:16)... “...The Lord is my God” (Zech.. 13:9) (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?” (Psa. 27:1) The Bible tells me, “...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Rom. 13:12 and 14). “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13). “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7) (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” (Psa. 91:2) My “...adequacy is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22) “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psa. 34:8). “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114) (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!)

Turning Away from Food as Idolatry

217

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to eat in order to maintain relationships or avoid their disapproval—God loves me. I can draw near without fear. When I taste, I will see that He is good (Psa. 34:8)... ...food is not my best hope to relieve the boredom—entering the throne room is a better way to thrill myself. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... ...I don't have to eat when I want to celebrate—God is better than food... ...food is not my best hope to relieve stress—the presence of God soothes and reassures me better... ...I don't have to eat to hide from how lonely I feel—God washes me clean when I draw near... ...I don’t have to eat ___________________________ because what God offers is much more filling... ...food is not my best hope for a way to relax—I find rest for my soul by drawing near and letting Him draw near to me... ...fat doesn't make me unacceptable to God—He still wants me close to Him and wants to be close to me... ...over-eating is not a way to 'get back' at ______________ —the power I feel in controlling what I eat is nothing compared to drawing near and thrilling my heart with the sovereign power of my God... ...food is not the supply of reassurance and soothing that I need—the radiance of God upon me is (or, will be) enough. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... ...my weight does not determine whether or not I can be 'OK'—God loves me I can enjoy His caress by drawing near... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn from trying to cover up my need for God with food. I love that God wants to be near me. Depending on God makes Him my God. I reject and renounce eating as a way to deaden my desire for God. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... (And then one of these...)

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:1,2) “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned” (Psa. 34:22). “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light” (Psa. 36:7-9). “...they walk in the light of Your countenance...” (Psa. 89:15-17) “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28) Lord, “You are my hiding place...” (Psa. 32:7) (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “...You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive...” (Psa. 86:5)... “You are good and do good...” (Psa. 119:68) (One of these...)

Turning Away from Food as Idolatry

218

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...my weight is not a tool to protect myself from other people—God is a better refuge of safety and power. And, God is always more ready to be close to me than food... (pause to believe and love it as the truth!) ...I don't have to use food as a way to distract myself from other things—God’s presence is to readily available... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...my weight is not a reason for me to stay away from the Lord—the Holy Spirit burns away my shame by His radiance upon me (Isa. 4:4 and Heb. 10:19,22) ... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...the refuge I need is not the refrigerator or the cookie jar—the presence of God is a better way to reassure myself. By faith, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the power and beauty of God all around me... ...I don't have to use food to sabotage myself with depression when I eat too much. God’s presence is a better refuge of protection. God is my refuge of strength and power... (pause to believe and love it!) I turn from wanting pleasure, control, and reassurance from food. I reject and renounce food as a way to feed my desire for God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) __ I don't have to believe the lies of the enemy that I have to get the pleasure I need apart from drinking Your presence. Lord, You are my God. I pray that You would rebuke any enemy pushing me to reassure myself and get the pleasure I need through food. I denounce these things! And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power You would command the forces of evil to leave me alone and to never come back... (pause to let yourself believe that God is doing it)...

(And then this...)

...I turn from trying to stuff my desire for God with food. I delight that it is right and safe to draw near to the fountain of God. I reject and renounce eating as a way to deaden my desire for God... (And then one of these...)

“...the Lord is our righteousness” (Jer. 33:16); “...The Lord is my God” (Zech.. 13:9). “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” (Psa. 91:2) My “...confidence...is...through Christ before God...competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV). “I love You, O Lord...” (Psa. 18:1); “...I have hope in Him” (Lam. 3:24) ...God doesn’t hold Himself back from me: My God is always a fountain who never stops giving the Spirit... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13) “...You give them to drink...For with You is the fountain...In Your light we see light.” (Psa. 36:8,9) “...soul...my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:5-7) “’The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’” (Lam. 3:24)... I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). “...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) Lord, “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV).

219

Turning Away from Bulimia (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to binge on food in order to quiet my hunger for the presence of God. I turn from distracting my desire for God by being full of food. Lord I turn all my cravings to binge on You... ...I don’t have eat and then purge in order to feed myself with how attractive I am. The Lord is the beauty I desperately need. God, I satisfy myself with the closeness of Your beauty touching me and all around me. Lord You are my identity—I am called by Your name. I turn to God because everything else is idolatry... ...I don’t have to have find the perfection I long for by keeping my weight down. The Lord is the perfection I need. Lord I love the closeness of Your perfection touching me, cleansing me, making me righteous, and enough. By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at You Lord... ...I don’t have to find the cleansing I long for by purging myself of the food I eat. Lord I love that the cleansing from You is more powerful than my sin. I turn my affections to love drawing near to You and letting You wash me clean... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to feed myself with how well I please people with my appearance or with my personality. I turn and I feed on You Lord. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from my having to stuff myself and then purge in order to find the cleansing I crave. I turn to God. I reject and renounce bulimia as a way to deaden my desire for God... (And then one of these...)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9); “...washed...in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:11); God says that “I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” (Isa. 43:25). (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion...by...the spirit of burning,” (Isa. 4:4) “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.” (Eze. 36:25) (pause to hear, believe, and love the God who is close!) “I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me...” (Jer. 33:8) “...by the sanctifying work of the Spirit...sprinkled with His blood...” (1 Peter 1:2) “...draw near...in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19 and 22); By His radiance coming onto me, I “...put on the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Rom. 13:12 and 14). “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) “God is to us a God of deliverances...” (Psa. 68:20) (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) Lord, You are “...my rock and my fortress.” (Psa. 71:3) “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114) “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22) “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

Turning Away from Bulimia

220

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to find the perfection I need by purging myself in order to be thin. God is my perfection. I grab my soul and I turn it to depend on the closeness of God. I love Your perfection Lord... ...I don’t have to quench my thirsty desires by planning out when I could binge without people knowing. God is my desire and He doesn’t hold back from drawing near. Lord I open my heart to You. I love Your grace to draw near. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... ...I don’t have to binge and purge in order to force myself into depression. I love that I don’t have to hide myself in a hard shell of depression. God is a better place to hide. I love finding refuge in You Lord... ...I don’t have to preoccupy myself with eating, purging, or my weight. I love that I can trade my dependence on food for the presence of God. I confess my need to You Lord. I turn my heart to trust Your grace because I have nothing else. Nothing else is as filling... ...I can turn from wanting pleasure, control, and reassurance from binging and then purging food. I reject and renounce bulimia as a way to feed my desire for God... (pause to believe and love God who is close!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from my having to stuff myself and then purge in order to find the cleansing I crave. I turn to You Lord. I set my heart to feed on God and trust the power of His cleansing... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then one of these...)

“...come to Me and drink...But this He spoke of the Spirit” (John 7:37 and 39) “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2) “...You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain...” (Psa. 36:8,9) “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13) “...His Son...He is the radiance of His glory...” (Heb. 1:2,3; ‘radiance’ = outshining not as in a reflection) “...on...the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’‘ But this He spoke of the Spirit...” (John 7:37-39). Heart hear this and confidently trust that you are doing it: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8) “My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” (Ezek. 37:27)

“...the tabernacle of God is among men...” (Rev. 21:3) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” (Psa. 36:7-9) “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, And in Him they will glory.” (Jer. 4:2) “O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells.” (Psa. 26:8) “I, the Lord, am your God...Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” (Psa. 81:10). “...My people will be satisfied with My goodness,’ declares the Lord.” (Jer. 31:14; see also Exo. 31:18-23). “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13)

Turning Away from Bulimia

221

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to live a dull life and binge on food in order to hide from despair. God is my treasure and thrill. I praise You Lord. I love that I can glorify God by my total dependence on Him to feed and fill me. ...I don’t have to open my mouth and cram food down my throat. Lord I open myself to You. I turn all my cravings to You Lord. I love that I don’t have to hold back with God. I love the abundance of the fountain. By faith, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me here... ...I don’t have to settle for living in despair. I don’t have to feel empty. I turn from hopelessness about binging on God. I turn all my cravings to binge on You God. I love the access You give for me to draw near with confidence... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I can turn from wanting pleasure, control, and reassurance from binging and then purging food... ...I don’t have to hide from the pain I feel sometimes. If I don’t depend on God I will turn somewhere else for something that soothes me. I turn to You Lord. I love trusting I am before the Lord here and that You Lord are with me. I love letting You wash over me and soothe me with Yourself... (And then this...)

...I turn to You Lord. I reject and renounce bulimia as a way to deaden my desire for God. I set my heart to feed on God and trust the power of His cleansing... (And then one of these...)

...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert..To give drink to My chosen people. The people whom I formed for Myself, Will declare My praise.” (Isa. 43:18-21). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...you will rejoice in the Lord, You will glory in the Holy One of Israel. The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, And their tongue is parched with thirst; I, the Lord, will answer them Myself, As the God of Israel I will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights And springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water And the dry land fountains of water.” (Isa. 41:16-18). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, And in Him they will glory.” (Jer. 4:2) “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37); “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22); “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to binge on food in order to distract myself from fear about being acceptable to God. Heart hear this! I can trust the power of the cross of Christ. I turn my soul to find delight in the acceptance of God. The payment Jesus made for me is enough... ...I don’t have to be impulsive toward food. I turn all my impulsiveness and my cravings to feed on God. I love Your abundant grace to wash me clean. I grab my soul and I turn it from having to hold back. I set my heart to trust God to feed me with Himself... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to find the approval and pleasure I need by purging myself of the food I eat. I turn from feeding myself with praise because of losing weight. God is my delight... ...I don’t have to inhale everything I can eat and then exhale to try to find the cleansing I need. I love that I can surround myself with God and inhale Him. I set my heart to stand here before the fountain of God. The cleansing that shines from God is far greater. I love inhaling Your presence Lord... ...I don’t have to deal with the hurt and the loneliness I feel by binging and purging. The Lord is my God. I trust Your presence is close. I set my heart to soothe my loneliness and pain with God. I love letting You wash over me God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to be out of control with food because I can be out of control feeding by feeding myself with a God who loves and cares for me. Lord I love that it is safe, true, and right for me to believe Your love for me. Everything else is idolatry... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I can turn from wanting pleasure, control, and reassurance from binging and then purging food. I reject and renounce bulimia as a way to feed my desire for God... (And then this...)

...I turn to You Lord. I reject and renounce bulimia as a way to deaden my desire for God. I set my heart to feed on God and trust the power of His cleansing... (And then one of these...)

...“...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). ...I love that I can drink because of drawing near to the radiance around You Lord: “the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God...on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man...and there was a radiance around Him. As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance...” (Ezek. 1:1, 26-27). “...there was a rainbow around the throne...” (Rev. 4:3). “...a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God...” (Rev. 22:1). “and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal...” (Rev. 4:6). “...the sea was for the priests to wash in.” (2 Chron. 4:6; see also Exo. 30:21) “and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father...” (Revelation 1:6) “...[at] the door of the house...water was flowing from under the threshold...water reaching the ankles.” (Ezek. 47:1,3)

“...He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean...” (John 13:10). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to depend on food as a pain killer. God is the one who soothes my hurts. Lord I turn to You. I love that God understands. My delight is how You quiet and soothe me by washing me with Your love... ...I don’t have to delight myself in an abundance of food because I can delight myself in an abundance of God’s presence. Right now Lord, I turn and set my heart to draw near to You and to let You draw near to me. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory close around and touching me here... ...I don’t have to demand that my identity be defined as being thin. The Lord is my God. I am called by His name—not my own. The closeness of God is my identity... ...I don’t have to binge on food in order to relax. I turn my soul to depend on the presence of God as how I relax. I let You draw near because quenching my thirsty desires any other way is idolatry... ...I don’t have to be afraid of gaining weight because of God. The relationship I want with Him doesn’t change because of how much I weigh. My confidence to draw near is from You Lord... ...I can turn from wanting pleasure, control, and reassurance from binging and then purging food. I reject and renounce bulimia as a way to feed my desire for God... (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from my having to stuff myself and then purge in order to find the cleansing I crave. I turn to You Lord. I set my heart to feed on God. I am trusting the power of His cleansing. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at God’s power and beauty close to me here... (And then one of these...)

“You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114) “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22) “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). “I have set the Lord continually before me...my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9)... “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7) “...You, O Lord, are...the lifter of my head.” (Psa. 3:3 TAB) “...soul...my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:57).

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa. 73:26 NIV)...

...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). “...I have hope in Him.” (Lam. 3:24) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24) “...Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” (Psa. 42:5).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to binge and purge in order to reduce the stress I feel. I turn my soul to draw near and rest in You Lord. I have no other option but to let God draw near so that I can find the rest I need in His presence. I turn and open myself to You Lord..... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to be angry with people until I have binged and purged again. I turn from frustration with people who keep me from being alone so I can binge again. I turn from wanting to feed my soul that way. The Lord is my God. I turn and draw near to You Lord... ...I don’t have to find the thrill I need in a feeding frenzy on food. God offers more. Lord I love that I can find the pleasure I need by a feeding frenzy on You. My greatest thrill is that I don’t have to hold back from gorging on God. God is my delight. I love that You feed me with Yourself... ...I don’t have to be obsessed with food and angry about my obsession. I turn from being irritable and withdrawn from others in my family. I face toward You Lord. I turn from living in such dullness. God is my obsession. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... ...I don’t have to love binging on food. I turn from being obsessed on the next time I can binge. I turn to God. I love that I can stand before the Lord of hosts and binge on the river and radiance around my God. Lord You are my obsession. My eyes are looking at You Lord... ...I can turn from wanting pleasure, control, and reassurance from binging and then purging food. I reject and renounce bulimia as a way to feed my desire for God. My eyes are on the radiance of God coming to me here... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it away from my having to stuff myself and then purge in order to find the cleansing I crave. I turn to God. I reject and renounce bulimia as a way to deaden my desire for God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then one of these...)

“I, the Lord, am your God...Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.” (Psa. 81:10). “...the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jer. 17:13) “I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, And My people will be satisfied with My goodness,’ declares the Lord.” (Jer. 31:14; see also Exo. 31:18-23). “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6); “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). “...I will pour out water on the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants; And they will spring up among the grass Like poplars by streams of water” (Isa. 44:3,4). “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) “...the nations will bless themselves in Him, And in Him they will glory.” (Jer. 4:2) “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37) “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22)...

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Turning Away from Anorexia (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to agree with lies about starving myself—anorexia is my enemy and not my friend. God is my friend! Drinking like a sponge from the glory around You fills me far better than better than being thin. My eyes are on Your perfection Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I turn from wanting to punish myself by denying my body of food. Jesus was punished on the cross with great pain and I set my heart to trust the power of the cross and the blood of Christ for the things I have done wrong... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to punish other people for their wrong expectations of me—I don’t have to get back at them by forcing myself to be thinner than they want me to be... ...I don’t have to feel dirty when I eat. God is my righteousness. Lord I turn to You and receive Your cleansing... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to find the perfection I desperately long for by starving myself into measuring up to their expectations. The closeness of God is my perfection because I take refuge in His presence around me... ...I don’t have to reassure myself by proving how well I can stay in control of my life. It is heaven that rules (Dan. 4:26)... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I repent of wanting to kill myself with anorexia because of things I have done wrong. The power of the cross and the sin and punishment that Christ took on Himself are greater than my sin. (And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from having to quench my thirst by pride about my thinness. I turn from pride about how well I control my relationship with God and with people. I set my heart to feed on God and my praise is toward You Lord, NOT myself... (And then one of these...)

The closeness of God is my refuge of perfection; “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5)... “I have set the Lord continually before me...my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9)... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28) I repent of putting faith in myself. “...the Lord is our righteousness.” (Jer. 33:16) I don’t have to stay out of the throne room because God is the one who makes me holy; “...I am the Lord who sanctifies you,” (Lev. 22:32). “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely...” (1 Thess. 5:23). “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols” (Ezek. 36:25) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:22). “...sanctified by faith in Me.” (Acts 26:18). “Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies;” (Rom. 10:33). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I repent of wanting to kill myself with anorexia because of those horrible things that happened. I set my heart to turn from the lie that I am so bad that God can’t fix me. God CAN fix me! And, the power of His washing me and the power of God forgiving me are far greater than what I did or did not do. ...I don’t have to hide from the truth that anorexia will never help me enough. God can quench my thirst. I can turn my heart to draw near and feed on Him... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to be nervous until I can weigh myself. Lord I turn from that and I delight that I can rest in You. Lord, You are my peace. Your presence is what calms me... ...I don’t have to pride myself with how disciplined I am about the food I avoid. God has given me a Spirit of love and of discipline—but not so I can praise myself instead of Him. I praise You Lord. I turn from praise toward me... (pause to hear, believe, and love God!) I turn from wanting to be thin in order to find acceptance or protection by being small. I turn from wanting pleasure, control, or reassurance by how well I avoid eating. I turn to You Lord... ...I don’t have to dream of feasting on food and then avoid it all together. Lord I delight that I don’t have to starve myself from You... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) I turn from wanting to be thin in order to find acceptance or protection by being small. I turn from wanting pleasure, control, or reassurance by how well I avoid eating. I reject and renounce anorexia as “god.” The Lord is my God and I turn to You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from having to punish myself by denying my body of food. I turn from feeding myself with pride and the power I feel from how well I punish myself. I set my heart to feed on You Lord. Heart, the Lord is my perfection and beauty because I am taking refuge inside the closeness of the kingdom of God all around me here... (pause to believe, love, and enjoy God!) (And then one of these...)

I can trust God because He does not lie; “...has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19). “God is not a man, that He should lie...” (Num. 23:19). “...the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2). I set my heart to depend on God as my refuge of perfection and beauty. The closeness of God and His kingdom around me, that is my refuge and nothing else. “On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:7). “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) Lord, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” (Psa. 56:3) “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield...my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psa. 18:2). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) I can be confident about God’s promise to me, “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you...” (Eze. 36:25) I put my faith in God to make me holy, “...sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” (2 Thess. 2:13) God is my purity, “...the Lord has washed away the filth...by...the spirit of burning,” (Isa. 4:4)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to avoid the truth that my humanity will never achieve perfection. Lord I love that You are what completes me. I rest in receiving and enjoying Your presence Lord. You are my perfection... ...I don’t have to be angry and starve myself when others make comments or tease me about my appearance. Lord You are my God. I love Your grace to draw near. Your beauty close to me is what I depend on—I have nothing else. You are my God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to want to pride myself by showing off how thin I can be. I turn to thrill myself with God. God’s presence is a far greater glory than anything I could ever achieve apart from Him. Lord I love that receiving Your presence isn’t based on how well I perform... ...I don’t have to hide from the truth that I will never perform to perfection in order to deserve God’s presence. Heart hear this: It is right and safe to trust that I am drawing near to God and that He is drawing near to me—without holding back... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to pride myself with how little I eat compared to others. My glory is not to put others down. I turn my soul from feeding on the earthly glory of comparing myself to others. I love Your glory Lord... ...I don’t have to be the next size down in order to honor myself more—I don’t have to be my own glory because the Lord is my God. The radiance around God is a far greater glory than anything I could ever achieve for myself... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from having to quench my thirst by pride about my thinness. I turn from pride about how well I control my relationship with God and with people. I set my heart to feed on You Lord. Heart, the Lord is my perfection and beauty because I am taking refuge inside the closeness of the kingdom of God all around me here... (pause to believe and to love God!) (And then one of these...)

It is best to turn my heart toward God because He is greater than all the “other gods.” “...I know that the Lord is great, And that our Lord is above all the gods.” (Psa. 135:5). “...you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” (Exo. 34:14). (We get jealous because we can’t get. God gets jealous because He can’t give.) “...it is Heaven that rules.” (Dan. 4:26)

It is right and I can trust that God wants to draw near and have relationship with me. “...God is Light...if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another...” (1 John 1:5,7). “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.” (2 Cor. 13:14). “God is spirit...” (John 4:24).; “Now the Lord is the Spirit...” (2 Cor. 3:17). “...and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with us.’” (Mat. 1:23) “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8; also Heb. 4:16) “...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to aim my self-denial at food for my body. I love that I can deny myself from feeding my soul with earthly glories. Lord I love that I can trust I am in the throne room and that You are with me here. I will not hold back... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to hide from the truth that my human perfection won’t ever be enough. The Lord is my God—He alone is my perfection... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to ponder and meditate on my superiority because of how my weight compares to others. God is my glory. I turn and face toward You Lord. I turn and set the Lord before me—not my thinness (Psa. 16:8)... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to hide from the truth that starving myself won’t ever be what proves my worth or justifies me. God is the one who justifies me. Lord I turn and depend on Your presence. The Lord is my glory—God alone is my worth... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to push myself to get more compliments by being thinner—I turn from having to feed on that. The Lord is my God. God is better than popularity. God is better than compliments from people. I love that I can turn and feed myself with You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) I turn from wanting to be thin in order to find acceptance or protection by being small. I turn from wanting pleasure, control, or reassurance by how well I avoid eating. I reject and renounce anorexia as “god.” The Lord is my God and I turn to You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from having to quench my thirst by pride about my thinness. I turn from pride about how well I control my relationship with God and with people. I set my heart to feed on You Lord. Heart, the Lord is my perfection and beauty because I am taking refuge inside the closeness of the kingdom of God all around me here... (pause to believe, love, and enjoy God!) (And then one of these...)

“...the Lord is our righteousness.” (Jer. 33:16)... “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28) Heart hear this: My “...confidence...is...through Christ before God...competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV).

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life...” (Psa. 27:1)... “God is to us a God of deliverances...” (Psa. 68:20) “...I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28); Lord, “You are my hiding place...” (Psa. 32:7) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) ...Heart hear this: “Delight yourself in the Lord...” (Psa. 37:4)... “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Mat. 6:21) “...I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.” (Psa. 71:14)... I can trust God because He does not lie: “...has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num. 23:19). “God is not a man, that He should lie...” (Num. 23:19). “...the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to feed myself by how well I have become what other people want. I turn from feeding myself with the pleasure I cause other people. I turn to You Lord and set my affections on loving that my faith causes You pleasure. I love Your smile Lord... ...I don’t have to feed myself with how desirable I am to people. The Lord is my God. I turn from depending on how much they want me. Lord I love that You want me close to You and that You desire me. I repent of feeding myself with the rebellion of holding back from God... ...I don’t have to pride myself with how much they pursue me. Lord I love that You pursue me. I delight that I don’t have to hold back, run away, or play hard to get. Heart hear this: God is my desire and His desire is for me... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to pride myself with how kind I am compared to others. Lord I love Your kindness but I also love Your strength. I delight that I don’t have to be weak any more. I love Your presence with me Lord... ...I don’t have to avoid the truth that I will never be thin enough to fill my longing for the closeness of God. I turn from having to settle for feeding my desire for God with myself. I love that I can trust God to draw near without holding back... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) I turn from wanting to be thin in order to find acceptance or protection by being small. I turn from wanting pleasure, control, or reassurance by how well I avoid eating. I reject anorexia as “god”.... (And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from having to quench my thirst by pride about my thinness. I turn from pride about how well I control my relationship with God and with people. I set my heart to feed on You Lord. Heart, the Lord is my perfection and beauty because I am taking refuge inside the closeness of the kingdom of God all around me here... (pause to believe, love, and enjoy God!) (And then one of these...)

I turn my heart to believing that I can please God—my faith causes Him pleasure. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval” (Heb. 11:1,2) “And without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). “...Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of God” (James 2:23). “...to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,” (Rom. 4:5) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). “I love You, O Lord...” (Psa. 18:1)... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” (Psa. 96:6) “...Around God is awesome majesty.” (Job 37:22) “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to feed myself by letting my mind dwell on how jealous I could make them feel. My glory is God—not how much weight I could lose. I turn from trying to impress them with how thin I can be. God is a greater glory. I turn to You... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to agree with lies that I need to be thin in order to have the acceptance and love I desire. The Lord is my God. God is better than popularity. I delight that I can turn and trade my dependence on myself for dependence on God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to feed my desire for God by feeding on jealousy of others about my weight. Lord I turn to You. I can have God’s presence far easier than losing weight... ...I don’t have to lie or distort the truth in order to protect myself from people who want to help me. The Lord is my God. Self control is not my security. God is my security. I turn to You Lord... ...I don’t have to agree with thinness as my standard of beauty. The beauty of God is the standard. I turn from trying to make my humanity measure up. The Lord is my God. I love that I can draw near and enjoy the closeness of God. Lord You are my beauty, my perfection—I have nothing else... I turn from wanting to be thin in order to find acceptance or protection by being small. I turn from wanting pleasure, control, or reassurance by how well I avoid eating. I reject and renounce anorexia. I turn to You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from having to quench my thirst by pride about my thinness. I turn from pride about how well I control my relationship with God and with people. I set my heart to feed on You Lord. Heart, the Lord is my perfection and beauty because I am taking refuge inside the closeness of the kingdom of God all around me here... (pause to believe, love, and enjoy God!) (And then one of these...)

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:1,2) “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). “’The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’” (Lam. 3:24)... “...as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.” (Psa. 71:14) “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24) “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28) “...I have hope in Him.” (Lam. 3:24) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) Lord YOU are my perfection and beauty because I take refuge inside the closeness of the kingdom of God all around me here. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) “...glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,” (Phil. 3:3) “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37) “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to prove my worth by controlling myself into starvation. I turn from putting my trust in how good I look. The Lord is my glory and my God. I turn and I face toward You Lord. I trust that my eyes are looking at You here... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to be nervous until I can weigh myself. Lord I turn from that and I delight that I can rest in You. Lord, You are my peace. Your presence is what calms me... ...I don’t have to love the glory of being thinner than everyone else in the room. God is my glory. God is better than popularity. I love You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to want to pride myself with how thin and pretty I am. I turn from feeding myself with myself. The Lord is my God—not me... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to base my confidence on whether I am losing weight. Having God, feeds me far better than losing weight. Lord I turn to You. God is my confidence... ...I don’t have to pride myself because other people can’t make me gain weight. God is my glory. I will boast in You Lord—not in myself... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to starve myself into being smaller so that I can hide. I turn to God as my refuge. I turn and I am trusting God to draw near so I can hide in Him. Lord I love the abundance of Your grace to draw near and stand with me here... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) I turn from wanting to be thin in order to find acceptance or protection by being small. I turn from wanting pleasure, control, or reassurance by how well I avoid eating. I reject and renounce anorexia. I turn to You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from having to quench my thirst by pride about my thinness. I turn from pride about how well I control my relationship with God and with people. I set my heart to feed on You Lord. Heart, the Lord is my perfection and beauty because I am taking refuge inside the closeness of the kingdom of God all around me here. My praise is toward You God, NOT myself... (And then one of these...)

“...take diligent heed to yourselves to love the Lord your God.” (Jos. 23:11) “...you are to cling to the Lord your God...” (Jos. 23:8) “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear it and rejoice.” (Psa. 34:2)... “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him” (Psa. 28:7). (pause to believe and love God!) “...and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with us.’” (Mat. 1:23) “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8; also Heb. 4:16) “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). “...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22); “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to be obsessed with weight. I turn all my obsessions and focus them on God. I turn my affections from wanting thrill myself with how much weight I lose. God is a far greater glory. Lord I love that I can delight myself with You... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to pride myself by controlling how close God gets to me. I turn from trying to keep God away. I love You Lord. God is far more beautiful and attractive than being thin... ...I don’t have to starve myself into being attractive and desirable. Lord it is Your beauty that I love. You are my God. Your closeness is my identity. I love being called by Your name—not mine... ...I don’t have to pride myself with how small I am or how well I can stay out of the way. God is my confidence. I love the closeness of Your power and strength. The Lord is my God—not me... ...I don’t have to try to earn respect or the pleasure of people by losing more weight. The Lord God is the pleasure I love. God is my honor. The presence of God is far better than popularity. I praise You Lord—not myself... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to settle for such a little glory as my losing weight. Heart hear this: It is the Lord God who is my glory. I turn to You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul away from having to punish myself by denying my body of food. I turn from feeding myself with pride and the power I feel from how well I punish myself. I set my heart to feed on You Lord. Heart, the Lord is my perfection and beauty because I am taking refuge inside the closeness of the kingdom of God all around me here. My praise is toward You God, NOT myself... (And then one of these...)

“I love You, O Lord...” (Psa. 18:1)... “Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” (Psa. 96:6) “...Around God is awesome majesty.” (Job 37:22) “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to believe and love God!) ...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) “...you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psa. 86:15 NIV) “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” (Heb. 13:15) Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21) “From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the Lord is to be praised.” (Psa. 113:3) “...my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; It shall exult in His salvation.” (Psa. 35:9) “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

233

Turning Away from Self-Mutilation, Cutting, Burning... (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to submit to the angry demands of others by punishing myself when I don’t measure up. Lord You are my standard. I turn my heart to depend on You—not myself... ...I don’t have to punish myself by making myself bleed because Jesus bled and died for me. Jesus paid the price for all the ways my humanity falls short. I turn from having to depend on myself... ...I don’t have to cut myself in order to let the “bad stuff” bleed out. I praise You Lord that You are the God who cleanses me inside and out. I turn my heart to trust the Lord as my righteousness—not me... ...I don’t have to distract myself from my imperfections by the cuts I make in my body. I turn from feeding on the power and control I feel by cutting myself. God is my perfection. I turn to You Lord... ...I don’t have to ease the blame and guilt I feel for not being able to do enough. The Lord is my adequacy. I turn from wanting reasons to put faith in myself. I turn from feeding on the power and control I feel by cutting myself. The Lord is my God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ..I can turn from wanting to feel clean or by hurting myself. I turn from wanting pleasure, control, or reassurance by hurting myself. I reject and renounce self-mutilation as a way to avoid trusting the power of the cleansing and forgiveness of God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul from faith in myself for the purity and cleansing I need. I set my heart to turn and trust God to wash me clean—the cleansing of God is far more powerful than all my weaknesses, imperfection, and sin... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then one of these...)

“...draw near...in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19 and 22) “...washed...in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:11) “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.” (Eze. 36:25) “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion...by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning,” (Isa. 4:4) “I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me...” (Jer. 33:8) “I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud, and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isa. 44:22) “...by the sanctifying work of the Spirit...sprinkled with His blood...” (1 Peter 1:2) “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37) “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22)... “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32). “...come to the waters...delight yourself in abundance.” (Isa. 55:1,2). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to get back at people by hurting myself. God sees what they have done wrong. I turn and I leave the vengeance to You Lord. I turn from feeding on the power I feel by cutting myself. The Lord is God—I feed on You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I don’t have to punish myself for the wrong that others do. Lord I love that You are a God of truth. The closeness of God is what heals my pain—I turn to You totally because I have nothing else... ...I don’t have to protest the unreasonable expectations of others by cutting on myself. I turn from agreeing with the pressure they put on me to depend on myself. God is my purity and my perfection—not me... ...I don’t have to carve myself into a socially acceptable size. I turn my heart to You Lord. I rest into trusting God’s grace to feed those who are thirsty—I welcome Your presence here with me Lord. My eyes are on You—not on myself... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to feed myself with the control and power I feel by making myself feel pain. I turn my heart to depend on God as my strength—I praise Your sovereign power and Your ability to control Lord—not mine... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) I turn from wanting to feel clean or by hurting myself. I turn from wanting pleasure, control, or reassurance by hurting myself. I reject and renounce self-mutilation as a way to avoid trusting the power of the cleansing and forgiveness of God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul from faith in myself for the purity and cleansing I need. I set my heart to turn and trust God to wash me clean—the cleansing of God is far more powerful than all my weaknesses, imperfection, and sin... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

“Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried...He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.” (Isa. 53:4,5) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22) “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28) “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion...by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning,” (Isa. 4:4) (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...having forgiven us all our transgressions...[He] canceled out the certificate of debt...against us...having nailed it to the cross.” (Col. 2:13,14). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of it!) “and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that...by His wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God...” (1 Peter 3:18). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...soul...my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:5-7). “...He Himself is the [payment] for our sin...” (1 John 2:2)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to hide from the truth about my imperfections because the Lord is my God. I love God’s grace to draw near without holding back. God’s closeness is far greater than my greatest imperfection... ...I don’t have to avoid the pain of when others hurt me by hurting myself even more. I turn and run to You Lord. You are the God who soothes me when I hurt... ...I don’t have to avoid the misery I feel by distracting myself with a different kind of pain. Lord, Your presence with me is my blanket. You are where I run and hide... ...I don’t have to demand justice by hurting myself. God is the one who justifies me. I turn and will trust You to draw near so that I can hide myself in You Lord. God is a refuge that comforts me by touching me with His perfection and purity By His touching me, God’s perfection and purity become mine.... ...I don’t have to punish myself and then pride myself with the control I feel by threatening my body with pain. God is a far greater glory. God is a stronger fortress. God is my deliverer in whom I confidently trust. I wrap myself in You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel reassured by God’s presence!) ...I don’t have to try to feel clean again by hurting myself. I turn from wanting to stay away from God because of my imperfections. Lord You are my perfection. You are the God who cleanses me pure—I have nothing else... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) I turn from wanting to feel clean or by hurting myself. I turn from wanting pleasure, control, or reassurance by hurting myself. I reject and renounce self-mutilation as a way to avoid trusting the power of the cleansing and forgiveness of God... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul from faith in myself for the purity and cleansing I need. I set my heart to turn and trust God to wash me clean—the cleansing of God is far more powerful than all my weaknesses, imperfection, and sin... (pause to trust you are being washed by God. Let yourself be reassured by it!) (And then one of these...)

“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19 and 22). “...repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” (Ezek. 37:27) “...the tabernacle of God is among men...” (Rev. 21:3) “On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:7)... “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) Lord, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” (Psa. 56:3) “I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud, and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isa. 44:22) (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.” (Eze. 36:25). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to burn away the bad stuff myself because it is Spirit of God who “burns away the filth in the daughters of Zion” (Isa. 4:4)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...I don’t have to make myself feel better by the cuts or burns I make on myself. The presence of God is my delight. Lord I turn to trust Your grace—not how much I do to deserve it... ...I don’t have to make myself relax by . By faith I confidently draw near and drink from You Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I don’t have to cut myself when I can’t fix the problems I see. The Lord is my God—His presence is what soothes the disappointment I feel in myself... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to pride myself by fixing big problems and then turn and hurt myself when I can’t do enough. I turn from quenching my thirst with myself. I turn from faith in my “works” to faith in Your grace... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) I turn from wanting to feel clean or by hurting myself. I turn from wanting pleasure, control, or reassurance by hurting myself. I reject and renounce self-mutilation as a way to avoid trusting the power of the cleansing and forgiveness of God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul from faith in myself for the purity and cleansing I need. I set my heart to turn and trust God to wash me clean—the cleansing of God is far more powerful than all my weaknesses, imperfection, and sin... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then one of these...)

“...you will rejoice in the Lord, You will glory in the Holy One of Israel. The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, And their tongue is parched with thirst; I, the Lord, will answer them Myself, As the God of Israel I will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights And springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water And the dry land fountains of water.” (Isa. 41:16-18). “Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert..To give drink to My chosen people. The people whom I formed for Myself, Will declare My praise.” (Isa. 43:18-21). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...he who comes to God must believe...that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). Lord, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114) “...the Lord will not abandon His people on account of His great name...” (1 Sam. 12:22) “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2) “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa. 73:26 NIV)... “...I have hope in Him.” (Lam. 3:24) (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24) “...Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” (Psa. 42:5).

237

Turning Away from Self-Mutilation, Cutting, Burning... (One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to hurt myself in order to have something else to blame for my lack of being perfect. Only God is perfect. Lord You are my God. I trust Your presence as my perfection... ...I don’t have to pride myself with how much pain I can tolerate. The closeness of God is my power and strength. Lord I love Your grace to draw near. I trust that my eyes are looking at You right here with me now... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I don’t have to pick at my skin in order to call that the reason for my being imperfect. God is my perfection—not my imperfect humanity... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to distract myself from the truth about me because God is my purity. I love that I can walk in Your Light and that You cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1John 1:7)... ...I don’t have to hurt myself in order to make people see how much I need their help. I put my hope in You Lord—God sees me. My help comes from the Lord. I turn my cries to God because His presence soothes my pain... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I don’t have to make imperfections in my body in order to distract myself from what I feel inside. God is the One who washes me clean. I turn and I trust You Lord to burn away my filth (Isa. 4:4)... ...I don’t have to kill the pain I feel by cutting myself or by have nothing else... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

. I turn to You Lord—I

I turn from wanting to feel clean or by hurting myself. I turn from wanting pleasure, control, or reassurance by hurting myself. I reject and renounce self-mutilation as a way to avoid trusting the power of the cleansing and forgiveness of God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul from faith in myself for the purity and cleansing I need. I set my heart to turn and trust God to wash me clean—the cleansing of God is far more powerful than all my weaknesses, imperfection, and sin... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then one of these...)

“I have set the Lord continually before me...my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) “...My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...” (Psa. 28:7) “...You, O Lord, are...the lifter of my head.” (Psa. 3:3 TAB) “...You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5) “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5)... “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...the Lord is our righteousness” (Jer. 33:16) “...the Lord...loves righteousness...”

(Psa. 11:7).

(pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

Turning Away from Self-Mutilation, Cutting, Burning...

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to depend on myself to be the purity I need. God is my purity. He is the one who cleanses me. Lord God, I turn from having to depend on myself. You are my God—I have nothing else... ...I don’t have to calm my inner pain by distracting myself with physical pain. God’s presence is what I want and He soothes me best. I turn from depending on myself... ...I don’t have to be cutting on myself in order to distract myself from fear. My humanity never has to be enough because I don’t have to trust myself. The Lord is my God. He is what makes me enough—I have nothing else... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I don’t have to find the forgiveness I need by how much I hurt myself physically. I turn from putting my faith in me. Heart hear this and love it! The Lord is my God—not me. I rest in You Lord... ...I don’t have to calm my insecurities by burning myself or by . I turn from having to earn and deserve drinking God’s presence. I submit to the truth about Your grace Lord. My eyes and my ears are turned to You... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to punish myself for falling short by cutting myself into conformity. Falling short is the truth about my humanity. God is the one who makes up for what I lack. I will put my confidence in Him... ...I don’t have to force myself into imperfection by cutting myself. I don’t have to distract myself from deeper imperfections by cuts I make in my body. God is my perfection. ...I don’t have to pride myself with how much I can beat myself down. The Lord is my God. He alone is my glory—not myself... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then this...)

...I turn my soul from faith in myself for the purity and cleansing I need. I set my heart to turn and trust God to wash me clean—the cleansing of God is far more powerful than all my weaknesses, imperfection, and sin... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) (And then one of these...)

“...draw near...in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean...and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19 and 22); “...washed...in the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:11) “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.” (Eze. 36:25) “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion...by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning,” (Isa. 4:4) (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) “I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me...” (Jer. 33:8) “I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud, and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isa. 44:22) (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of it!) “...by the sanctifying work of the Spirit...sprinkled with His blood...” (1 Peter 1:2) “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psa. 118:8) “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” (John 6:37) “...none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” (Psa. 34:22)...

239

Turning Away from Depression (as a habit or addiction) (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the protection I need is not to use anger to force myself into a cocoon of depression so I can hide there. Lord, I love that depression is not the best refuge that is realistic for me—You offer me far more; I don’t have to be afraid of You... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...the protection I need is not from finding refuge in depression when I lose hope to glory in God here and now. And, I don’t have to use sleep as a way to escape when I get depressed. The Lord is my God and I turn to His presence for what soothes and protects me. The presence of God is my escape when I hurt... ...the protection I need is not by using sin as a tool that forces me into the cocoon of depression—God is a refuge that is safer because His closeness is a refuge of power and strength...(pause to believe and love it!) ...anger toward myself is not the power that I love. It is God’s power and glory satisfy that me (Psa 63:1-5). Hearing and believing the truth changes me far better than anger — self-directed anger doesn’t achieve the righteousness of God (James1:20)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...I don’t have to dull my thirst for God using self-hate as a tool to keep me hiding in depression—I can fortress myself in God. The glory of the Lord can be my “rear guard” (Isa. 58:8)...

(And then this...)

...I turn from hiding myself in depression and I turn to hide myself in God—His presence given freely by His grace, is safer, stronger, more kind, more tangible and a far better way to soothe my pain. God is my safe refuge of power and strength. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at God’s power and radiance all around and touching me here... (pause to let yourself feel confidence from it!)

(And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , it isn’t about my being good enough to deserve God’s presence. I turn my heart to trust that “...the Lord is our righteousness.” (Jer. 33:16)... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ... (Your name) , I turn the loves of my heart to find refuge in God. “...the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28). “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). ... (Your name) , God says that “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you...” (Eze. 36:25). I am confident that for me it is “...sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” (2 Thess. 2:13). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ... (Your name) , “I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken...my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” (Psa. 16:8,9). ... (Your name) , “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock” (Psa. 27:1 and 3,4,5). (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the protection I need is not by preoccupation with self-hate and depression in order to avoid the presence of God. I am turning my heart to trust the closeness of the kingdom of God as my safe refuge of strength .. (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...the protection I need is not by using self-hate and depression as tools to dull my thirst for God—I don’t have to hide from Him because it is by my faith in Him that I have His approval and His pleasure—it is far better to hide in Him... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) ...heart listen and love the truth that the pain from depression will never increase God’s love or His acceptance toward me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...heart, hear and believe that the protection I need is not to use sin as a way to sabotage myself with the depression that results. And, I don’t have to use sleep as a way to escape when I get depressed. The Lord is my God and I turn to His presence for what soothes and protects me. The presence of God is my escape and my hiding place... (pause to believe and love His presence in that way!) I turn from wanting to depressed in order to protect myself. I reject and renounce depression. I turn to You Lord. By faith, my eyes are on the strong power and glory of God that shines from Him onto me here... (And then this...)

...I turn from hiding myself in depression and I turn to hide myself in God—His presence given freely by His grace, is safer, stronger, more kind, more tangible and a far better way to soothe my pain. By faith Lord, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at You with me here... (And then one of these...)

... (Your name) , it is either find a false sense of security in depression or it is the presence of God. Heart hear this: God is a better refuge because it is by the radiance of the glorified Christ upon me that I “...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Rom. 13:12 and 14). ... (Your name) , I am confident about the power of God to make me acceptable. I set my heart to trust God to do this for me: “...the Lord has washed away the filth...by...the spirit of burning,” (Isa. 4:4) ... (Your name) , “the Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life...” (Psa. 27:1); “God is to us a God of deliverances...” (Psa. 68:20); ... (Your name) , I am saying to God that “You are my hiding place...” (Psa. 32:7); “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8) —and not to depression. I rest in the presence of God: “...I have made the Lord God my refuge...” (Psa. 73:28). (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ... (Your name) , God’s presence is my refuge: “On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:7); “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” (Psa. 91:2). (pause to let yourself feel confidence from God’s presence!) ... (Your name) , God is a better place to hide because Lord, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.” (Psa. 56:3); God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29); “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psa. 18:1).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

... (Your name) , punishing myself with self-contempt and depression will never earn the forgiveness I need—the power of the cross is greater and is enough for me. I can trust the power of the forgiveness of God... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ... (Your name) , the protection I need is not by using depression as a way to harden myself toward people who might reject me. And, I don’t have to use sleep as a way to escape when I get depressed. The Lord is my God and I turn to His presence for what soothes and protects me... (pause to love it as the truth!) ... (Your name) , I set my heart to trust the presence of God as my security and defender. Lord, “You are my hiding place and my shield...” (Psa. 119:114). “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). By faith, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at the great power and strength of my God close, all around, and touching me here... ... (Your name) , heart hear this: “The Lord bless you...the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Num. 6:24-26 NIV). ... (Your name) , hear this! “You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence...or of the destruction...it shall not approach you...For you have made the Lord...even the Most High, your dwelling place” (Psa. 91:5-9). “Praise the Lord, O my soul!” (Psa. 146:1). ... (Your name) , let yourself love that you don’t have to be afraid about not having enough discipline to keep drinking from God – use your neediness as motivation! I can keep drinking from God because I love glory and power – and my God is a radiant fountain of glory and power! And heart, I am letting myself love that my need is great enough that it helps me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being pointed toward the Lord and His kingdom all around me and close to me here. ... (Your name) , I turn my heart from loving the “protective” a cocoon of depression. And, I “cling” to the kingdom of God around me here, by resting the weight of my entire being, like I were holding a coat onto me in a wind storm, by letting the pockets support the weight of my hands and arms. ... (Your name) , my refuge for being safe is the closeness of God and His kingdom around me here. Lord, I love that You are a refuge of great goodness, strength, and power. I set my heart to find security by trusting that Your power is all around me here. ... (Your name) , “God is not a man, that He should lie...” (Num. 23:19): “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield...my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psa. 18:2)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ... (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day.

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Turning Away from Sexual Pursuits (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don't have to feed my soul by dominance and control from lustful pursuits—God is all-powerful. It is the kingdom of God and His power that I long for. Believing and loving the closeness and the touch of the presence and power of Almighty God is far more thrilling... (pause to love the closeness of God’s beauty!) ...I am repenting of letting myself be awed by the appearance of women (or, men) — it results in comparing myself to them and needing to reassure myself sexually. I set my heart to believe and love the closeness of God as what reassures me. I am trusting that God’s beauty is all around and touching me. ...I don’t have to give up and feed on sexual things when people turn away and reject me. I grab my soul and I turn it from pressure to have people want me. I set my longings on God. His love for me is real. Heart let yourself hear and believe that God’s love for me is strong. I turn from fear about being close to God and set my desires on Him. The closeness of God is what thrills me, not sexual things... ...the reassurance I need will never be found by turning my soul toward them and feeding myself through lust or sexual sin—the reassurance and pleasure of having the presence of God is far more thrilling and fulfilling. Instead of earthly things, I am looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... ...the thrill and pleasure I need is not from sexual stuff on TV, videos, or pornography—it feeds me better to thrill myself with the beauty and majesty of the closeness of God’s presence to me... (And then this...)

...I turn my heart away from being in awe about human attractiveness. Even if only out of desperation, I am believing the glory of God is close to me. And, His presence touching me is FAR more beautiful and attractive than anything else I could ever see or touch here. And, I set my heart to monitor and guard against reaching out from inside toward the beauty of “another god,” because “If we had...extended our hands to a strange god, would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart” (Psa 44:20)... (pause to let yourself be thrilled and enjoy the closeness of God’s shining beauty!) (And then one of these...)

Lord, I rest into believing that You are radiating Your Holy Spirit at me and are washing me clean: “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion...by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning” (Isa. 4:4). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols” (Eze. 36:25). “...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19, 22) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) Heart hear and believe this! “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). “...God...gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (Psa. 68:35). “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). “Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” (Psa. 96:6)... “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth” (Psa. 50:2). “...Around God is awesome majesty” (Job 37:22). (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually” (1 Chron. 16:11). Lord, You are my God, “...My soul clings to You...” (Psa. 63:8); “...I shall seek You earnestly...” (Psa. 63:1)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I am repenting of comparing myself to the sexual attractiveness of others. I turn from reassuring myself with sexual sin because of doubts about my not being enough. God is my adequacy, my strength, I will not be afraid. It is the closeness and the touch of God in me and all around me that I love... ...I am turning my desires for pleasure, control, and reassurance from sexual sin. I reject pornography and masturbation as ways to feed and reassure myself. Sexual things are not my friend. God is what I love... ...the strength I love to possess is not by exalting myself when I feed on their appearance without my getting caught. Feeding myself by believing and loving that God’s beauty and strength are close is far better. The kingdom of God is what thrills me. By faith, I shake off this earthly realm, I enter and I stand before God with His kingdom all around me here... (pause to thrill yourself about the touch of God’s shining beauty!) ...what I long to feed myself with, is not the glory of their appearance—the intensity, the greatness, and the closeness and touch of God’s glory all around me is far more attractive. I turn my heart away from fear about letting God and His beauty close to me... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to push myself until I achieve perfection in the eyes of women (or, men). I turn my heart from wanting their sexual respect. I repent of loving their envy. The Lord is my God, my thrill, and my pleasure. God is my strength. I turn my heart to love the touch and the closeness of God’s power... ...I repent of agreeing with lies about being helpless. I set my heart to believe that God is my protection. I am trusting that any and every time I draw near to God, He draws near to me bringing His kingdom all around me here. God is my strength. And I set my heart to keep believing that my eyes are focused on the beauty and power of His presence touching and all around me here... (pause to love the closeness of God’s beauty!) (And then this...)

...I turn my heart away from being in awe about human attractiveness. Even if only out of desperation, I am believing the glory of God is close to me and I am trusting that Your intensely beautiful radiance is washing me clean. Heart, God’s presence with me is my greatest pleasure! I set my heart be thrilled by the beauty of God’s presence touching me here, and to NOT let myself reach out from inside toward the beauty of another... (pause to let yourself enjoy the closeness of God’s shining beauty!) (And then one of these...)

Heart hear this: that even when I do wrong, God’s word to me is, “...Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart” (1 Sam. 12:20). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) IT IS WRITTEN: “Do not fear...rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done great things” (Joel 2:21). Heart hear this: “...You shall not fear man, for the judgement is God’s...” (Deut. 1:17). ...God has made me alive to Himself and dead to sin. I am presenting my body to God and not to this world... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of this truth!) “...consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus...and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin...but present yourselves to God...” (Rom. 6:11,13). Like Elijah and Elisha, I am [your name] who stands before the Lord—God is HERE. (1 Kings 17:1; 18:5; 2 Kings 3:14). “Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world...not of this realm” (John 18:36). The kingdom I receive is NOT of this world! I love the kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit all around me. (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the power I long to glory in, is not in how well I feed myself with what I steal from the glory of a woman’s (or, man’s) appearance—standing in the radiance around God is far greater and more thrilling... ...the reassurance I need is not from sexual fantasy—the closeness of God is far more intense and touches me best. Lord God, Your radiance upon me is what burns away my shame... (pause to enjoy God’s beauty!) ...I don’t have to quench my thirst with evidence of how desirable I am. I turn to You Lord. I rest into draw near to God and letting Him draw near to me. I love that it is safe and right for me to be intimately close to God. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... ...I don’t have to depend on the response of women (or, men) to my personality—I turn from wanting to impress them with myself. God is my reassurance and my pleasure. I set my passions on You Lord, NOT on anything from this earthly realm.... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) ...I don't have to reassure my maleness, with the twisted glory of pornography—God has far more to offer. The beauty of God is what I long for. I am trusting that I am looking at Your beauty close around and touching me. I set my heart to believe that I can stay before God and keep looking at Him. The beauty I turn my heart to love is not of this world, not of this earthly realm... (pause to enjoy God’s beauty on you!) ...the reassurance I need is not from masturbation—by drawing near to God, I can thrill myself with His drawing near to me. It is the closeness kingdom of God all around me, that is what I love. My desire is the caress of God’s presence all around me. By faith Lord, I am believing that my eyes are on You... (And then this...)

...I turn my heart away from being in awe about human attractiveness. Even if only out of desperation, I am believing the glory of God is close to me. And, His presence touching me is FAR more beautiful and attractive than anything else I could ever see or touch here. And, I set my heart to monitor and guard against reaching out from inside toward the beauty of “another god,” because “If we had...extended our hands to a strange god, would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart” (Psa 44:20)... (pause to let yourself enjoy the closeness of God’s shining beauty!) (And then one of these...)

“Be strong and let your heart take courage...hope in the Lord” (Psa. 31:24); “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13); “...Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Eph. 6:10). I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). Lord, “You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV); “You are my God...I exalt you” (Psa. 118:28 NIV) “I love You, O Lord, my strength” (Psa. 18:1); “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2) “My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord...” (Psa. 145:21). (pause to enjoy God’s beauty on you!) “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). “Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” (Psa. 96:6)... “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth” (Psa. 50:2). “How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion” (Psa. 84:5); Lord, “...You are the God of my strength...” (Psa. 43:1)... “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation” (Isa. 12:2). My “...confidence...is...through Christ before God...competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to search out the reassurance I need from sexual things. The kiss of God is my thrill. The pleasure from the closeness of God is what fulls me. Soul! Turn and enjoy God. By faith, I enter and stand before God with His kingdom all around me, NOT this earthly realm. I set my heart to enjoy letting God love me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...the beauty I long to be close to, will never be found through lust or sexual sin—the closeness of God and His beauty are far greater and much more intense... (pause to enjoy God’s beauty on you, touching you!) ...don’t have to push for power and control from the way women (or, men) look at me. I turn and set God before me—I look at You Lord. Heart hear this! God is my pursuit, my passion. God is my first and greatest love. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... ...the thrill and pleasure I need is not from sexual stuff on TV, videos, or pornography—it feeds me better to thrill myself with the beauty and majesty of the closeness of God’s presence to me... ...I am repenting of letting myself be awed by the appearance of women (or, men) — it results in comparing myself to them and needing to reassure myself sexually. I set my heart to only be awed by God’s glory. My eyes are looking at the power and beautiful glory of God, close and all around me... ...the reassurance I need, is not from how well I feed on their appearance without getting caught—it is right and good to have God. Lord God, it is Your radiance upon me that burns away my shame. I am trusting that my eyes to are looking at You with me here..... (pause to thrill yourself about the touch of God’s beauty!) ...I don’t have to daydream of being a sexual object. I wake myself up and I set my passions on God! Like king David, I set the Lord before me Lord—I thrill myself with the kingdom of God around me and NOT this world.. By faith, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at You Lord... ...the power I long to boast in, will never be found through lust or sexual sin—the closeness of God’s power is greater and my eyes are on You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I am turning my desires for pleasure, control, and thrill from sexual sin. I reject and renounce _____________ ... (And then this...)

...Heart, the presence of God all around me is a far greater beauty than anything else I could ever see or touch here. And, I grab the inner hands of soul and I am stopping them from reaching out to earthly beauty because “If we had...extended our hands to a strange god, would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart” (Psa 44:20)... (pause to enjoy the closeness of God’s beauty!) (And then one of these...)

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and...my stronghold” (Psa. 18:2). “Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, But trusted in the abundance of his riches And was strong in his evil desire” (Psa. 52:7). “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him” (Psa. 28:7). God says to me, “...My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!” (Hag. 2:5). “...Do not fear or be dismayed...for the battle is not yours but God's” (2 Chron. 20:15).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to turn away from God and settle for lust because of fear of failure. God is with me and He will not fail. If human failure happens I will soothe myself with God’s presence and keep looking at Him... ...I don’t have to use sexual pursuits as an escape in order to avoid pain from _______________. Lord, Your radiance upon me is what burns away my inadequacies. I will not distract myself from pain by turning to sexual pleasures. By faith, I am setting my eyes to keep trusting that I am seeing You Lord... ...I don’t have to push myself until I am worthy of their praise. I repent of wanting to quench my thirst that way. I rest in You Lord. I trust I am before You Lord. I turn and am trusting that the radiance of God is upon me shining from God who is here. I set all my passions on You Lord and my eyes are on You... ...I don’t have to let the standards of women (or, men) be what I try to achieve. I rest in You Lord. God I love Your grace. I turn to You and I put my trust in You to quench my thirst. I open myself to You and let You draw near. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... ...I repent of feeling like I have to agree with the enemy about my being weak and powerless. I reject those lies! The closeness of God is my strength. I will not be afraid or turn away from Him... Praise the Lord that I don't have to believe the lies of the enemy—I don’t have to get the reassurance and pleasure I need, apart from Your presence. Lord, You are my God. I pray that You would rebuke any enemy pushing me to get what I need through sexual means. I denounce these things! I want nothing to do with filling myself through sexual means! And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power You would command the forces of evil to leave me alone and to never come back... (pause to believe God is doing it)... (And then this...)

...I turn my heart away from being in awe about human attractiveness. Even if only out of desperation, I am believing the glory of God is close to me. And, His presence touching me is FAR more beautiful and attractive than anything else I could ever see or touch here. And, I set my heart to monitor and guard against reaching out from inside toward the beauty of “another god,” because “If we had...extended our hands to a strange god, would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart” (Psa 44:20)... (pause to let yourself enjoy the closeness of God’s shining beauty!) (And then one of these...)

“In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11). I will not give up or give in because my “...adequacy is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5). “...Be strong and courageous, and act...” (1 Chron. 28:20) “...confidence...is...through Christ before God...competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV). “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5)... “In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11). I will not give up or give in because my “...adequacy is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5). “Be strong and let your heart take courage...hope in the Lord” (Psa. 31:24). “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). “...Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Eph. 6:10). Heart hear and believe this! “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don't have to get what I need from the thrill of __________________ —God is better and has far more to offer. By faith, I enter and stand before God with His kingdom all around me here, NOT this earthly realm. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... ...I don’t have to want to show off and make women (or, men) want my body. I grab my desires and I rest inside. My body is a temple for Your Holy Spirit. I love the pleasure that I cause You by trusting and enjoying that I am staying in Your radiance. I set my loves and passions on enjoying the heavenly realm around me—not on this world... (pause to enjoy God’s beauty on you, touching you!) ...I can repent of being envious about the sexual power and attractiveness of other men (or, women). Lord Your power is far greater and You are my God. I love the closeness of Your strength and power Lord. I turn and feed myself with You Lord—no power is greater. I enter and thrill myself with the kingdom of God around me here. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and beauty around me here... ...the thrill I long for is not the hunt for someone to dominate by lust—God has far more to offer... ...the pleasure I love to pursue is not from using lust or sexual sin to find it — the pleasure I turn to enjoy is from receiving God’s presence and His kingdom, NOT from this earthly realm... ...I don’t have to touch myself in sexual ways in order to fill my desires. It is the touch of God that I love... (And then this...)

...Heart, the presence of God all around me is a far greater beauty than anything else I could ever see or touch here. And, I grab the inner hands of soul and I am stopping them from reaching out to earthly beauty because “If we had...extended our hands to a strange god, would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart” (Psa 44:20)... (pause to enjoy the closeness of God’s beauty!) (And then one of these...)

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock” (Psa. 27:1 and 3,4,5). (let yourself feel confidence because of it!) ...God has hidden me with Christ inside Himself: “...you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God...consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry” (Col. 3:3,5). “Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world...not of this realm” (John 18:36). ...God has brought us out of bondage by His power. “...Your people...whom You have brought out by Your great power and Your outstretched arm” (Deut. 9:29). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) I will not give up or give in because my “...adequacy is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5). God’s word to me is: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). IT IS WRITTEN: “...Be strong and courageous, and act...” (1 Chron. 28:20)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the pleasure I love to pursue is not from using lust or sexual sin to find it — the pleasure I turn to enjoy is from the presence of God. I enter and stand before God with His kingdom all around me, NOT this earthly realm... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I don't have to turn my soul toward them and feed myself with how they look at me—the face and the eyes of God turned toward me more thrilling... (pause to enjoy God’s beauty on you, touching you!) ...I don’t have to agree with doubts of whether God wants a close relationship with me. When I sense doubt in others I will not think the same thing about God. I turn from feeling helpless about experiencing God’s presence. I put my faith in You Lord—not in myself... (pause to thrill yourself about God’s shining beauty!) ...the beauty I long to be close to, will never be found through lust or sexual sin—the closeness of God and His beauty are far greater and much more intense. God’s presence burns away my shame... ...I don’t have to be held or comforted in sexual ways in order to get the love that I need. God is the “God of all comfort.” I turn to You Lord. I let You touch me with Your love. (And then this...)

...I turn my heart away from being in awe about human attractiveness. Even if only out of desperation, I am believing the glory of God is close to me. And, His presence touching me is FAR more beautiful and attractive than anything else I could ever see or touch here. And, I set my heart to monitor and guard against reaching out from inside toward the beauty of “another god,” because “If we had...extended our hands to a strange god, would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart” (Psa 44:20)... (pause to let yourself enjoy the closeness of God’s shining beauty!) (And then one of these...)

“...we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus...draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19, 22) “...the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion...by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning” (Isa. 4:4). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols” (Eze. 36:25). (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5). “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually” (1 Chron. 16:11)... “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth” (Psa. 50:2); “...Around God is awesome majesty” (Job 37:22); “I love You, O Lord, my strength” (Psa. 18:1); “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2); “My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord...” (Psa. 145:21) “Be strong and let your heart take courage...hope in the Lord” (Psa. 31:24). “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). “...Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Eph. 6:10). “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5). I will not give up or give in because my “...confidence...is...through Christ before God...competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:4,5 NIV); “In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11). Heart hear and believe this! “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the pleasure I love to pursue is not from using lust or sexual sin to find it — the pleasure I turn to enjoy is from the presence of God. I enter and stand before God with His kingdom all around me, NOT this earthly realm. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your beauty close around and touching me... ...I turn from having to distract myself with lust because of feeling inadequate. God is my adequacy. I will not be afraid. Lord, I LOVE Your beauty here... (pause to thrill yourself about God’s beauty all around you!) ...I turn from desires for pleasure, control, and reassurance from sexual sin... ...I don’t have to be touched in sexual ways in order to fill my desires. It is the touch of God’s beauty that I love. I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory close and all around... ...I don’t have to feed myself with how much they want me. I turn my heart from wanting women (or, men) to look at me with lust or desire. God wants me! I turn my longings and desire to God. His eyes on me are far more thrilling, safer, and something I can enjoy without holding back. I set my desire and my gaze on You Lord. My heart is thrilled that Your eyes ARE on me... ... (Your name) , let yourself love that you don’t have to be afraid about not having enough discipline to keep drinking from God – use your neediness as motivation! (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day. (And then this...)

...I turn my heart away from being in awe about human attractiveness. Even if only out of desperation, I am believing the glory of God is close to me. And, His presence touching me is FAR more beautiful and attractive than anything else I could ever see or touch here. And, I set my heart to monitor and guard against reaching out from inside toward the beauty of “another god,” because “If we had...extended our hands to a strange god, would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart” (Psa 44:20)... (pause to let yourself enjoy the closeness of God’s shining beauty!) (And then one of these...)

God says to me, “...the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out” (John 6:37) I turn from faith in myself because I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). “...O Lord God, You are my confidence...” (Psa. 71:5)... “In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid...” (Psa. 56:11). ...God has made me alive to Himself and dead to sin. I am presenting my body before God and not to this world; “...consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus...and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin...but present yourselves to God...” (Rom. 6:11,13). Like Elijah and Elisha, I am [your name] who stands before the Lord—God is HERE. (1 Kings 17:1; 18:5; 2 Kings 3:14). “Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world...not of this realm” (John 18:36). (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) The kingdom I receive is NOT of this world! I love the kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit all around me. By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord! “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5).

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the reassurance I need, is not from how well I control the situation and dominate them without getting caught—it is right and good to have God. I set my affections on receiving and enjoying the kingdom of God around me. By faith, I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your closeness to me Lord... ...I am turning from letting myself be impressed with the beauty of people. I set my heart to be delighted and thrilled by the glory and beauty of God. I can draw near to Him and He does draw near to me. I am confident about depending on God as my God, and NOT sexual things. Heart, hear and believe this: God has promised with an “...everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants...” (Gen. 17:7; and also Gal. 3:29) ...I don’t have to feed myself with approving looks from women (or, men). Lord it is You who are worthy of pursuit—not me. I turn and face toward You Lord. I love having Your eyes of love, passion, and kindness on me... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I repent of looking at a woman (or, men) and wondering if I would be enough for them — doing that results in my wanting to reassure myself sexually. God is my reassurance and I turn my eyes to look at His power, His glory, and His beauty all around and touching me... (pause to love God’s beauty on you, touching you!) (And then this...)

...I turn my heart away from being in awe about human attractiveness. Even if only out of desperation, I am believing the glory of God is close to me. And, His presence touching me is FAR more beautiful and attractive than anything else I could ever see or touch here. And, I set my heart to monitor and guard against reaching out from inside toward the beauty of “another god,” because “If we had...extended our hands to a strange god, would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart” (Psa 44:20)... (pause to let yourself enjoy the closeness of God’s shining beauty!) (And then one of these...)

...God has made me alive to Himself and dead to sin. I shake off this earthly realm and I present my body to God and not to this world... (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus...and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin...but present yourselves to God...” (Rom. 6:11,13). Like Elijah and Elisha, I am [your name] who stands before the Lord—God is HERE. (1 Kings 17:1; 18:5; 2 Kings 3:14). “Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world...not of this realm” (John 18:36). “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). ...By faith I am trusting that my eyes are looking at Your power and glory Lord: “...You are my God...My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You...Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory...My soul is satisfied...” (Psa. 63:1,2,5); “Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary” (Psa. 96:6); “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shone forth” (Psa. 50:2); “...the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psa. 34:8); “The Lord is their strength, And He is a saving defense to His anointed” (Psa. 28:8); “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation” (Psa. 118:14); “...my rock and my fortress” (Psa. 71:3). “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust...” (Psa. 25:1,2). (pause to love God’s beauty on you, touching you!) “O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name...” (Isa. 25:1); Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21); “On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:7); Lord, “You are my King and my God...” (Psa. 44:4 NIV); “I love You, O Lord, my strength” (Psa. 18:1). (pause to let yourself enjoy the closeness of the beauty and power of God!)

251

Turning Away from Anger as Idolatry (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to use anger to demand my way because what I get from it is only a substitutions and won’t quench my thirst for You... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...the thrill I need is not from how strong I feel through being angry. Instead of anger, I will drink the Spirit... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...my glory is not to force myself into anger so I can feel more power. God is my glory. I turn to You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...the protection I need is not from being angry and harsh toward others. God is my protection. I rest into hiding in Him... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I don’t have to maintain my sense of being adequate by being angery and harsh. I humble myself into believing God as my adequacy... (pause to let yourself feel confidence because of the truth!) (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it from anger and rage as what makes me feel powerful and strong. The Lord is God—not me. I determine to stay before the Lord and be satisfied with God’s power... Rather than having to protect myself with anger, Lord I am thinking about Your radiant presence being my protection and I am letting myself enjoy Your filling that need... (pause to love God!) Rather than feeding on the power I could feel from anger, Lord I am thinking about Your radiant presence being power all around and touching me. And Lord, I am letting myself enjoy Your filling that need. I repent of pride because of Your presence Lord. God is my power and God is my strength. But, my praise is toward You Lord, NOT myself... (pause to let yourself believe, love, and praise God!)

(And then one of these...)

“...God...gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (Psa. 68:35)... “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.” (Rom. 12:19). “Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” (Psa. 96:6) “...the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20).

Lord, “...You are the God of my strength...” (Psa. 43:1)... “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psa. 18:1). As for my soul, I will “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.” (1 Chron. 16:11)

“ O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.” (Psa. 63:1,2) “...Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.” (Psa. 96:6) “My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord...” (Psa. 145:21) “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2)... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and reassuranc

Turning Away from Anger as Idolatry

252

(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...the adequacy I need is not from angry demands that force people and circumstances to cooperate with what I want. God is my adequacy, and God is my security. I hide in You Lord... ...I don’t have to feed myself with how justified I might be to feel angery. Vengeance belongs to God... ...the security and protection I need is not from wearing a fortress of hardness and anger. God is my fortress... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to use anger in order to push myself into being more spiritual... ...the security I need is not from angry demands that I stay in control... ...I turn from wanting to use anger in order to protect myself. I reject and renounce anger. I turn to You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ... (Your name) , let yourself love that you don’t have to be afraid about not having enough discipline to keep drinking from God – use your neediness as motivation! (Your name) , I love that I can receive from the radiance of God like a sponge. I CAN draw near to God and my need is so great, that the more I love and enjoy being secure and strong in God’s presence, the more it helps motivate me to keep the “drinking straw” of my inner being, pointed toward the closeness of Lord and His kingdom 24 hours-a-day.

(And then this...)

...I grab my soul and I turn it from anger and rage as what makes me feel powerful and strong. The Lord is God—not me. I determine to stay before the Lord and be satisfied with God’s power... Rather than having to protect myself with anger, Lord I am thinking about Your radiant presence being my protection and I am letting myself enjoy Your filling that need... (pause to love God!) Rather than feeding on the power I could feel from anger, Lord I am thinking about Your radiant presence being power all around and touching me. And Lord, I am letting myself enjoy Your filling that need. My praise is toward You Lord, NOT myself... (pause to love and believe it)

(And then one of these...)

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and...my stronghold.” (Psa. 18:2)... “You are my King, O God...I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me” (Psa. 44:4,6). “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.” (Psa. 28:7) “The Lord is their strength, And He is a saving defense to His anointed.” (Psa. 28:8)... “...it is Heaven that rules” (Dan. 4:26); “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” (Psa. 118:14); “...my rock and my fortress.” (Psa. 71:3); “...I shall seek You earnestly...” (Psa. 63:1) (pause to hear, believe, and love the closeness of God and His kingdom!)

253

Turning Away from Violence (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to find the thrill I need by watching violence on TV; I turn away from feeding that way... ...I don’t have to find the thrill I need, by renting a video to watch; I turn away from feeding that way... ...I don’t have to glory in the twisted power there is in hurting somebody; I turn my heart from loving that; “You are my King, O God...I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me” (Psa. 44:4,6).. My strength and power are from God. The closeness of God and His kingdom around me are my strength... ...I don't have to reassure myself by hurting someone, or with daydreams about it... ...I don't have to find the pleasure I need by hurting someone ; I turn away from feeding myself that way... (And then this...)

...I grab my soul and turn it away from violence as my best hope to enjoy power. It is the Lord who is God—not me. God’s strength and power are greater and I can wear His presence. Lord, I praise You... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) Rather than having to depend on violence as the power I love, Lord I am trusting that I am near to You and I am trusting that Your radiant presence is being power all around me touching me. And I am letting myself enjoy Your filling my need to love the closeness of YOUR power. And, my praise is toward You Lord, NOT myself... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) I repent of pride because of Your presence Lord. God is my power and God is my strength. But, my praise is toward You Lord, NOT myself... (pause to let yourself believe, love, and praise God!)

(And then one of these...)

“Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually.” (1 Chron. 16:11)... “...God...gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!” (Psa. 68:35) Lord, “...I shall seek You earnestly...” (Psa. 63:1) (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house And the place where Your glory dwells.” (Psa. 26:8) “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” (Psa. 18:1)... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) Lord, I rest into believing that I can enter the throne room and draw near to You (Heb. 4). I “...have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:12). “for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (Eph. 2:18) “On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” (Psa. 62:7) Heart hear and believe this! “...the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength...’” (Isa. 30:15). “You are my King, O God...I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me” (Psa. 44:4,6). “The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent” (Exo. 14:14). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...it is Heaven that rules” (Dan. 4:26); “...Be strong and courageous, and act...” (1 Chron. 28:20) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God!)

Turning Away from Violence

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I turn my heart, and pursue God because, I don't have to love hurting people anymore... ...I humble my soul by turning to God rather than feeding myself with thoughts or actions of violence... I don't have to believe the lies of the enemy that I have to get the reassurance and pleasure I need, apart from drinking Your presence. Lord, You are my God. I pray that You would rebuke any enemy pushing me to get what I need through violence. I denounce these things! And Lord, I ask that with Your authority and power You would command the forces of evil to leave me alone and to never come back...(pause to let yourself believe that He is doing it)...

(And then this...)

...I grab my soul and turn it away from violence as my best hope to enjoy power. It is the Lord who is God—not me. God’s strength and power are greater and I can wear His presence. Lord, I praise You... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) Rather than having to depend on violence as the power I love, Lord I am trusting that I am near to You and I am trusting that Your radiant presence is being power all around me touching me. And I am letting myself enjoy Your filling my need to love the closeness of YOUR power... I repent of pride because of Your presence Lord. God is my power and God is my strength. But, my praise is toward You Lord, NOT myself... (pause to let yourself believe, love, and praise God!)

(And then one of these...)

“O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name...” (Isa. 25:1)... Lord, You alone are what soothes me. (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) I submit into believing that God does not hold back: when I draw near to You Lord, You draw near to me (James 4:8). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21) (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “...God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2Cor 6:16). And, the Kingdom of God is HERE because my refuge is the presence of God; “he who takes refuge in Me...will possess My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13). By faith I, “...set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psa. 16:8). Lord, “...You are the God of my strength...” (Psa. 43:1)... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) “...it is Heaven that rules” (Dan. 4:26). “The Lord is my strength...and I will praise Him...” (Exo. 15:2) “...it is Heaven that rules” (Dan. 4:26). “You are my King, O God...I will not trust in my bow, nor will my sword save me” (Psa. 44:4,6) “...it is Heaven that rules” (Dan. 4:26). “My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord...” (Psa. 145:21) “...it is Heaven that rules” (Dan. 4:26). (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!)

Heart-Training “Electives” for Your Heart

Group Four “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

256

Turning Away from Spiritual Pride Caution: “They transformed the beauty of His ornaments into pride...” (Ezek. 7:20) (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to look at the presence of God around me and turn it into subtle forms of self-directed praise... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Heart, delight that after spiritual victories, I don’t have to turn my eyes back toward myself and feed on my human glory. My eyes are on You Lord. I love that You are with me here... (pause to believe it) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t use the power of God or signs and wonders as reason for human pride... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to turn and exalt myself because of God’s righteousness is with me; and I repent of exalting myself because God’s love is upon me. Instead of that, I set my heart to feed myself by receiving more of Your presence Lord... (pause to believe and love the God who is close!) ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to take the protection of God and turn it into human pride. I will trust God. I set my eyes to keep looking dependently at You Lord..... (pause to feel confidence from it!) ...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to praise myself because “...God....gives strength and power to the people...” (Psa. 68:35). (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to exalt myself with internal praise because of God being with me... ...Heart, delight that I can turn my heart from wanting to take the demonstration of God’s power and use it as an endorsement from God that I turn into self-directed praise... (pause to hear and love the truth!) ...Heart, delight that I don’t have to take the majesty of God around me and turn it into human pride. I love that the Kingdom of God is here and that I can keep my eyes on You Lord and not on myself... (And then this...)

...Heart, delight to turn from and die to self-directed praise—even attitudes of self-praise for little reasons. Lord, I praise You because You are God—not me. You are a better refuge and strength... (pause to let yourself feel confidence from trusting that God’s presence is all around you here!) (And then one of these...)

“...put on the armor of light...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” (Rom. 13:12 and 14); “...clothe yourselves with humility...” (1 Peter 5:5) (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...Instead of praise toward myself, I will “...Ascribe greatness to our God!” (Deut. 32:3); “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord...” (Psa. 34:2); With my whole being I will, “...Praise God in His sanctuary...” (Psa. 150:1). Heart, love that I can humble myself by receiving God’s presence and resting in Him. Lord, “You are my God...I exalt you.” (Psa. 118:28 NIV); Heart hear this: “He is your praise...” (Deut. 10:21); Rather than praise toward myself, I will “...continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Heb. 13:15); “From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the Lord is to be praised.” (Psa. 113:3); Rather than myself Lord, “I will be glad...in You...O most High.” (Psa. 9:2); “...My lips will praise You.” (Psa. 63:3); “...I will...praise You yet more and more.” (Psa. 71:14); “...I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all the gods.” (Psa. 135:5); I will live, “to the end that...[I] would be to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:12). (pause to feel reassured by it!)

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No Vacations from God (One of these...)

© Barry Hall 2011

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... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...Heart, delight in the truth that I don’t have to settle for where I have been and where I am now. Lord I love what You have done for me but I turn from wanting to satisfy myself with spiritual achievements of the past. Heart hear this: God offers more—I need to want more... (pause to feel reassured by it!) ...I delight that I don’t have to feed myself with the level that God has brought me to. I turn from feeding myself with spiritual pride because of what God has done in me. I turn, draw near, and I feed on You Lord. Thank You for walking and sitting with me here... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I delight that I don’t have to satisfy myself with pride because of spiritual experiences. My God is the fountain of glory and I set my heart to stay feeding on Him, not myself. I love that You are with me here Lord... (pause to let yourself feel confidence and be reassured by God’s presence!) ...I delight that I don’t have to drink from daydreams about spiritual victories of the past. I will quench my thirst with God and not turn away. God is God. He offers far more—I need to want more... ...I don’t have to drink from daydreams about my hopes for future spiritual experiences with God. I turn to You Lord because it is from You that my fruit comes... (pause to hear, believe, and love the truth!) ...I don’t have to relax from drinking from God. Even when things go well for several days Lord I will stay turned to You. Heart hear this! God is your best hope for quenching your thirst—not earthly things... (And then this...)

...Heart hear these truths and let yourself love that you can press forward without having to hold back at all! (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) (And then one of these...)

“but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord” (Num. 14:21). “For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14).

“...the nations will bless themselves in Him, and in Him they will glory” (Jer. 4:2). “In the Lord all the offspring of Israel will be justified and will glory” (Isa 45:25). “...worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,” (Phil. 3:3). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12). (pause to feel reassured by it!) “For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up, So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, And for Jerusalem's sake I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness, and her salvation like a torch that is burning. The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will designate. You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God” (Isa. 61:11-62:3). “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). “In the days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will blossom and sprout, and they will fill the whole world with fruit” (Isa. 27:6). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!)

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(One of these...)

... (Your name) , listen to what you are saying. Let yourself believe, love, and be thankful for the truth!

...I don’t have to satisfy myself with where I have been with God. I will not turn from moving ahead. More is always possible with God. Heart hear this! Want more! Move ahead and don’t hold back... ...I don’t have to relax from drinking from God when I go to work or school. I refuse to go on vacation from God when I am at home, when I am alone, when I am with Christians, or with unbelievers. God is my hope of glory no mater where I am or when... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to stop drinking from God when I leave town. I love that I can exalt and honor God by continuing to drink from Him and not from earthly sources. God fills me better. My eyes and my ears are turned to You Lord... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) ...I don’t have to pride myself with how well I have done spiritually. I praise You Lord for the growth You have caused. I turn from spiritual pride. God is how I quench my thirst—not pride... (pause to believe it) ...I don’t have to let myself get comfortable and satisfy myself with the heights to which I have climbed. God is my shepherd. He is the one who causes the growth—not me. I turn from worship toward me. The Lord is my God. I will follow where You lead... (pause to hear, believe, and love it as the truth!) (And then this...)

...Heart, delight to turn from and die to self-directed praise—even attitudes of self-praise for little reasons. Lord, I praise You because You are God—not me... (And then one of these...)

“...God...has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ...we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Cor. 4:6,7). “...the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ...” (2 Cor. 4:4). “but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord” (Num. 14:21). “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14).

“...the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psa. 84:11). (let yourself feel confidence from the closeness of God’s power and glory!) “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace...To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness...The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this” (Isa. 9:7). “...righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne” (Psa. 97:2). “...a river of the water of life...coming from the throne of God...” (Rev. 22:1). “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amo. 5:24). “In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed; in Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation...You will bring them and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, the place, O Lord, which You have made for Your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established” (Exo. 15:13,17). “And it will come about in the last days that the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains...And the peoples will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, ‘Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord And to the house...That He may teach us about His ways and that we may walk in His paths’” (Micah 4:1,2). (pause to believe it)

Heart-Training

Appendix “...let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Hebrews 13:15). “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12).

Most important... While Heart-training is a form of prayer that God listens to, it should be aimed primarily toward the ears of our heart. Speak these statements out loud even though it may be uncomfortable to do so. Determine that you are going to get yourself to hear the truth. That you REST into believing may be more important than any other single factor in our effectiveness at directing our affections and pursuits toward God. Heart-training that is effective must be done assertively and with a conscious intent to listen and ‘hear’ what we are saying. Speak these things with great joy in your tone of voice. Your heart may not feel joy at the moment but the truth in the heart-training statements are worthy of joy. Since the statements are true it is honest to speak it with joy even if your heart isn’t feeling it at the moment. The importance of delight in your tone of voice cannot be over emphasized. Heart-training with a tone of joy in your voice is key to what will give the breakthrough that you desire.

“Lord God, I delight that I don’t have to achieve what I need apart from You! I delight to humble myself from having to earn or deserve Your presence. I rest into believing the scriptures. I delight that You have given me “access” to the Father. You have made a way for me to enter the throne room, stand before You, and glory in Your presence! I rest into receiving Your Holy Spirit. Your presence is my righteousness, my good, my security, my confidence. I set my heart to love You Lord!” Caution: Don’t expect that you need to “master” any of these sections before you move on to the next. That will only make it harder for you to direct your heart toward God. Let all of these sections work together. When you have trouble hearing and believing one of the sections, another section may help you to have breakthrough. Then when you go back and focus again on what was difficult earlier, you may find it a lot easier to believe and live.

Say the statements out loud and listen to what you are saying until your heart hears, believes, and loves the truth. Keep moving in the heart-training unless you feel God directing you to stay in one section for a while. © Barry Hall 2011

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Process Steps for Doing what You Learn: 1. Use the Heart-training as a tool for removing obstacles until you spiritually understand AND are able to do the things below, delight to do them, and can maintain freedom so that you keep on doing them. 2. Use the heart-training to teach your heart to remember your constant need and childlike love of God’s presence. Direct your “thirsty” soul away from unwanted behaviors and earthly sources. Teach yourself to believe the radiant cleansing of God for your body and receive it for dissolving your shame away. Heart-train your faith, hope and love away from having to trust yourself as your “I am” and until the closeness of God is your “I AM.” Speak truth to your fears so that you can find freedom to draw near to God and let Him to draw near to you. 3. Use the heart-training so that you find spiritual understanding and are able to enter the throne room and “draw near” to God by trusting that you are drawing Him near to you. So, set your heart to enjoy finding refuge in God’s strength by trusting that He draws near by bringing heaven with Him all around you HERE. Use the heart-training to find freedom to confidently trust that you are before Jesus and the Father (or, enter freely all over again). Let yourself believe that angels are here and that the Kingdom of Heaven is so close that it is touching you all around (above and below) like the clothes you are wearing. 4. Learn to stand before the Lord HERE without reaching or stretching your insides in order to be somewhere else; “...the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: ‘Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down)’” (Rom 10:6). Remind yourself that your body and soul are “planted” before Him. In other words, keep the “drinking” part of you attached to God’s kingdom realm that is “...not of this world...not of this realm” (John 18:36). Learn to control your spirit because, “Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit” (Pro 25:28). So monitor the inner “hands” of your spirit, so that you don’t let yourself reach outside the refuge of protection that the kingdom around you provides – not like those who “...extended our hands to a strange god” (Psa 44:20). As you develop greater awareness of the inner arms of your spirit. Raise them inside in awe about the Lord and don’t let them be raised in awe about earthly things. Do this you won’t be so driven toward earthly glory or things. (The things in this paragraph are important for avoiding reoccurring sin). 5. Use the heart-training to find freedom to trust (without visualization) that by applying the truth of God’s word, Jesus and the Father are before you here. Then learn to trust that the eyes of your heart are looking at Jesus and the Father. Teach your heart what to believe and love so that you can live OPEN and “drinking” from the radiance that is the person of Holy Spirit flowing from God. Listen to the Holy Spirit in you and coming to you from the radiance around Jesus and the Father. 6. Human energy and motivation are made strong by internal praise toward our own human glory. Instead of that, use thanks and praise as tools that build momentum for “living to the praise of His glory.” Similar in zeal to those who constantly boast in themselves, let your thanks and praise toward God be strong. Let your thanks and praise ENERGIZE you because God is YOUR God and NOT yourself or earthly things. By this, find eternal value, meaning, and motivation because you KNOW you are HIGHLY exalting God, and that He is enjoying it! By this, keep yourself loving and enjoying God far more than the “other gods” of this world. 7. Keep using the heart-training so that your faith stays strong and your soul stays turned toward God. Learn to release the Spirit, who is the living Spirit of the Father and the Son. “Freely give” what you are being freely given and are receiving from the radiance around the Father and Jesus 24 hours-a-day.

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The first process goal of heart-training is for you to begin teaching your heart about the character of God and also about how you can change by believing the truth about His being a better God to you than the “other gods” of this world. The second process goal of heart-training is for you to direct your heart away from earthly things. The third process goal is to use the heart-training so that you find spiritual understanding and freedom to draw near to God and let Him draw near to you. The fourth process goal is for you to use the heart-training to complete the transition from living to the praise of your own human glory, to the place where you live to the praise of His glory. The Bible says it this way, “to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12). I feel I need to more about what I mean by this.

Motivation and Energy to Face the Challenges of Life Our humanity is in a fallen state and doesn’t measure up to the glory standard set inside us. Under the old covenant, motivation and energy come from our level of confidence to believe that our human glory is, and will be, worthy of honor and respect, praise and love. As long as we can believe that we are and will be worthy of these things, then motivation and energy levels remain strong. If for any reason we can’t believe or we loose hope of being worthy of honor, respect, praise, and love, then energy and motivation escapes us. Under the old covenant, we are living to the praise of our own human glory. Honest evaluation brings a recognition that living to the praise of our glory is meaningless and empty. And deep inside we sense that the value of our praise is insignificant. It doesn’t last beyond our own existence. The result is a wasted life. Under the new covenant, our humanity is still in a fallen state, but our motivation and energy on a human level comes from knowing that our praise toward God is honoring Him so greatly that the value of our praise will last for eternity. Consider how our praise and worship becomes a cycle of such great motivation and energy that we want to “...continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God...” (Heb. 13:15). It is our “spiritual service of worship” (Rom 12:1), to present our bodies to the Lord. Doing that requires that we trust the promise of the new covenant where it says, “...I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people’” (2Cor 6:16). So when we are believing God is “walking among us,” and that heaven is all around us here, “...we have...witnesses surrounding us...” (Heb. 12:1) in vast numbers watching and joining us as we praise Him (examples of those in the heavenly audience are listed in Heb. 11). Also surrounding us are very many thousands of “....rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:10). They also are witnesses to our praise. And, by freely admitting our childlike neediness and dependance on the closeness of God and His kingdom, we exalt and honor Him in heavenly realms before a vast audience of heavenly beings. We avoid being reason for the enemy to celebrate and party when we enjoy and feed on the closeness of God and His kingdom! And by praising Him as a God who is greater than the gods of this world, we are exalting Him above “...spiritual forces of wickedness...” (Eph. 6:12). By this, we are strengthened. We have motivation and energy. We find significance that is eternal. And our life is NOT wasted because of it. So, when we let ourselves believe and be confident that our praise is VERY significant and that our exalting God has eternal value, we find ourselves filled with motivation and energy that affects our entire life. By this, we find a kind of motivation and energy that creates an on going cycle. The motivation and energy that we

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find from confidently believing that our worship and praise is highly significant and has eternal value supplies a kind of motivation and energy that keeps us doing the same thing over and over. By this we are living ““to the end that we...would be to the praise of His glory” (Eph 1:12). We are living “to the praise of the glory of His grace...” (Eph 1:6). Our praise and worship is significant in the heavenly realms and it has value that will last for eternity. We let ourselves enjoy that truth while we are worshiping Him and we feel energy and motivation because of it; “...since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” (Heb. 12:28). We are constantly drinking from something that has glory, and it is an energizing kind of praise that is always the result; “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15). It is a “sacrifice of praise” because we are sacrificing praise that would normally have gone toward us. And our life is NOT wasted because of it!

Of Healing and Miracles Being His Minister, and Being to the Praise of His Glory

And in the Process Learning New Things, Don't Feed on Your Spiritual Achievements! Every time you grow to some new level with God you should expect to have to fight against turning from God and feeding yourself with the “achievement” rather than with God Himself. This too is a “works” approach to life rather than resting in His grace. Be careful about this one because I have been at this for many years and I still struggle on this point sometimes.

A Warning and a Challenge For as long as you feed yourself with the new “heights” you have “achieved” you will plateau and stop growing. None of us can afford to do that. We have to keep moving forward. Remind your heart over and over that it is only by standing before the Lord and looking at Him that He is able to “author and perfect” your faith (Heb. 12:2). Drinking from God and enjoying His presence is our only and our best option. Anything else is an idolatrous and prideful substitution. This section is small but please don’t overlook the importance of avoiding this mistake. Feeding on your experiences with God paralyzes you for moving ahead with God and you might hardly even know you are doing it. Enjoy the experiences you have with God but don’t “drink” from the experience. Train your heart to love staying turned toward God and drinking from Him like a sponge. Remind yourself constantly with thanks and praise: “Lord I delight that I don’t have to satisfy myself with the glory of wonderful experiences with You. Lord YOU are what satisfies me.”

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Appendix C—Exercises for Training the Soul © Barry Hall 2011

www.tasteheavennow.net

To me, the things in this appendix are almost equal in importance to heart-training. The exercises here are vital for the development and the ongoing maintenance of a deeper life with God. Note that the farther along you are with the heart-training the more important practicing these things becomes. A deeper Christian life is dependant on the development of spiritual skills that allow us to relate to God on deeper levels. King David said that his “soul clings” to God (Psa. 63:8). David also understood that it was his soul that needed to drink from God (Psa. 63:1). He also talked about coming before God. I believe that it was David’s soul that came to appear before God: “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?” (Psa. 42:2). Elsewhere David also said, “Make glad the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul” (Psa. 86:4). And again, “...Teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul” (Psa. 143:8). It is clear in the scriptures that David understood a truely spiritual way of relating to God that not everyone understands today. Anyone who wants a deeper Christian life must develop spiritual skills just as David did. I call them spiritual activities or spiritual skills of the soul. How did David learn these things? He learned them over the course of many years and through great amounts of time with God. What about us? Is there any way to shorten the learning cycle? I believe there is. Heart-training brings us to a place where we are capable of relating to God at deeper levels. But not everyone automatically knows what to do when they get to that place. What does it feel like inside for our soul to “drink.” or to “cling” to God as David did? What do we do inside in order to actually be “turning to God?” These are what I call spiritual activities of the soul. We need to learn these things because these kinds of activities are vital to the deeper Christian life. Some people have a clear and instinctive understanding of how to relate to God on a spiritual level. When told to cling to God or to hug Him they have at least a vague understanding of what that means. Others have to be taught. My observations are that people who are more process oriented seem to understand more naturally how to relate to God as the Bible describes. People who are more task oriented are more likely to require some teaching. This does not mean that it is bad to be task oriented! It just means that many people need to be taught. It is a serious mistake for the church today to keep ignoring the need for learning on this level. Skill development in sports is dependent on practice that helps build muscle memory. Spiritual skills are similar. Most of the time, spiritual “muscle memory” is developed over a period of many years. If “practice times” are more specific the spiritual skills that normally take years can be developed in a few weeks to a few months—even for those who find it difficult to relate to these activities. Please note that even though I am well practiced at things like entering and looking at the Lord, I still have to remind myself how to do them sometimes. I know this sounds strange but it is true. Whether it is because of my own weakness or the devil I find that it is very easy to forget how to relate to God on this level. The exercises below are the kinds of things I use to remind myself whenever I “forget” how to do something critical to my relationship with God. In fact, there are days when I do some of these things several times in one day. On occasion I will even take an hour or two and just practice one thing at a time. Why do I do this? Spiritual activities are at the heart of any truly spiritual relationship with God. To me, they are central to how I cope with life. They are the essence of how I experience God. This next statement is very important: Heart-training is for bringing our heart along to the place where we have the desire and are capable of doing the activities of the soul. I have found that the more I practice these things the more skilled I become at being able to apply these principles—anywhere and anytime. The same

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can be true for you. Please understand that our soul is much more involved in activities that are spiritual than we realize. Have you seen a child get hurt and felt something inside you want to reach out and comfort them? That activity is a spiritual activity of the soul. Do you know what it is like to want to hide and cower when you are depressed? This too is an activity of the soul that is essentially spiritual—even though it is most often misapplied. How do we relate to God on a spiritual level? You already know how. I am just pointing out how to reapply what you are already doing. Some will find that spiritual activities are hard to relate to and difficult to do at the start. Don’t worry about that. In the beginning stages you should be pleased even if you think you “might” have done one of these activities only once or twice in a session. And don’t let anyone make you feel less spiritual if they are able to do better. Just keep going and you will understand. Heart-training will help you to develop and get better.

1. Turning to God 1.1. Lay back in a chair or on the floor. Rock your shoulders like you are starting to get up. Think about what it feels like to move your shoulders. Now without actually moving try to do the same thing again. Rock your shoulders back and forth. If you need to do it physically again in order to remember do that. Then go back to doing it without moving. Practice doing this for a minute or two. 1.2. Now apply that same activity to turning to God. Go to one of the pages in the heart-training and practice turning to God while you go through the page. Pause between each heart-training statement then turn and trust you are facing toward God. It might help to think of grabbing your soul and turning it to face toward the Lord.

2. Clinging to God (Go to the next exercise if you can’t do this one because of feeling dirty spiritually). 2.1. Think observing a child being hurt a few feet away from you. Think about reaching out to hold and comfort them even though there is still distance between you. 2.2. Set a teddy bear on your lap. Take a couple of minutes to practice holding and loving the teddy bear with that same thing inside that you would use to hold the child. 2.3. Now reapply that same kind of holding and loving to God. 2.4. Did you hide under the covers as a kid? Wrap up in a blanket. Some people like to be completely covered except for their face. 2.5. Let yourself feel hidden in the blanket. Take a couple of minutes to quietly think of the blanket as being security to you. Let yourself love the warmth and the security of the blanket. 2.6. Now think about hugging the blanket, first with your chest and shoulders and then with every part of your soul—everywhere on your body. Some people can’t relate to a blanket making them feel secure. If so, try the compassion/love example with the child and the teddy bear in the first section of this exercise. Then practice hugging the teddy bear as in the example here. 2.7. Now think about God being here and close. Turn from the teddy bear and take a few minutes to practice hugging God and clinging to Him like King David talked about. In order to cling to God better it helps sometimes to go back and forth between the teddy bear and God. Even though we don’t want to be clinging to earthly things, this is a practical way for you to learn the spiritual activity of what it is like to cling to God.

3. God as Righteousness and Identity 3.1. Put on an old coat. Take a few seconds to think about the coat as representing worldly things or feelings of unrighteousness that you may be having at this time.

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3.2. Think about the coat as your human identity. 3.3. Now trust that you are before the fountain of God and let Him wash the coat right off of you. Drop the coat on the floor behind you while trusting that the cleansing of God is washing the unrighteousness away. 3.4. Throw a blanket around you and think about the blanket as the righteousness of God. 3.5. Think about the blanket around you and change to thinking about the blanket being the presence of God around you. Take a minute or two to practice trusting the closeness of God’s presence as your identity. 3.6. Set the blanket aside and take a few minutes thinking about the righteousness of God still being there all around you—just like the blanket was touching you. 3.7.Think about God as your identity in the same place as the blanket was. 3.8. Take time to practice holding onto God’s righteousness around you just like you did with the teddy bear or the blanket in the exercise of learning to cling to God.

4. Entering the Throne Room 4.1. Spread a blanket on the floor but have part of it cover and be around your feet. 4.2. Take a minute or two to think about the blanket on your feet as the ankle deep water at the doorway to the throne room of God (Ezek. 47). 4.3. Now take the blanket away and think about the river of God as still being all around and on your feet washing you. 4.4. Tape two towels side by side to a broom handle. Be sure to leave about a 4 or 5 inch opening between the towels. 4.5. Get up and stand in front of someone holding the broom handle with the towels. Think about the towels as the torn veil—the open doorway into the throne room of God. 4.6. Physically rock your shoulders and take a step forward through the opening in the blanket. Think about being in the throne room the moment the towels come back together behind you. Think about Jellotm that is not fully jelled. Think about taking your hand through the Jellotm and how it folds in behind your hand as you move it forward. Let your heart believe that as you enter the throne room the glory of God is folding around and behind you as you step forward. 4.7. Now lay back in a chair or on the floor. Without actually moving—try to rock your shoulders back and forth in order to get up. Practice doing that for a minute or two. 4.8. Now set the towels and the broom handle aside. Think about being at the torn veil at the open doorway into the throne room of God. Enter in by rocking the shoulders of your soul as you did while laying back in the chair or while you were on the floor. Trust that you are entering the throne room of God and that His glory is folding in around behind you as you take a step forward. 4.9 If you played tent when you were little... 4.10. Get a card table set it up in the room in front of the person who is learning to enter. Cover the table with a blanket on three sides. Get two towels and lay them so that they cover the fourth side but have an opening between them 5-6 inches. 4.11. Have them think about playing tent when they were little. 4.12. While sitting in front of the opening take a few moments to think about entering the tent like when you were little. 4.13. Next, without actually moving trust that you are entering into the throne room of God by going through the opening in the towels over the table. 4.14. Stand to the side of a window thinking about the sun is shining through the window. 4.15. Now think about the radiance of God shining through that same window. 4.16. Take a step forward trusting that you are walking into the Light of God coming through the window.

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5. Open up and Drink 5.1. Think of eating your favorite desert. Let yourself believe how delicious it is. Observe what it feels like to be open and feeding on the desert. 5.1a. Or think of a time when you drank from an earthly experience like when someone laughed at your jokes. Let yourself believe they enjoyed your joke. Observe what it feels like to be open and drinking from their laughter. 5.1b. Or, think of when you did something that you felt especially good about doing. Let yourself believe that what you did was significant. Observe what it feels like to be open and drinking from what you did. 5.1c. Or, think of a time when someone gave you an nice compliment. Let yourself believe that they meant what they said and that their compliment was true. Observe what it feels like to be open and drinking from the compliment they gave. 5.2. Now without closing down or cowering, stay open and turn to face toward the fountain of God. Simply trust you are before the Lord in all His radiant glory. In the same way as in the earthly example of drinking—let yourself believe the intensity of the fountain of God before you here. (This is one of those activities I have spent hours doing.) 5.3. Get a glass of water and take a few swallows. 5.4. Note what it feels like to open up to the LIVING water letting it go inside you. 5.5. Apply the same opening up to God. 5.6. Take a drink again and note again what it feels like to open up and receive the water. Now take a minute to think about drinking from a bucket or a waterfall that is pouring far more on you than you could ever drink. Now practice being open to God and trusting you are receiving His presence just like you would when you receive from a bucket of water or a waterfall pouring down on top of you.

6. Open up More 6.1. Go through one of the exercises on drinking again. 6.2. Now focus on being more open by putting a coat on but don’t zip it up. Hold onto the front zippered portion at about chest high with your hands. Open your coat in front of your chest while someone else has their hands on the outside of your hands and is lightly resisting you from opening your coat. 6.3. Let go of your coat and do the same thing inside without using your physical hands or coat. 6.4. Work on stretching your openness more and more (This is another activity where it is helpful to spend longer periods of time practicing.) 6.5. Think about driving a car while the rain is pounding on the windshield. 6.6. Take a few minutes to trust that you are before the Lord and that His radiance is so intense that it is pounding down onto you with greater intensity than the rain on the windshield. 6.7. Practice being open to the radiance of God in this way. Take a few minutes to stretch yourself more open. Caution: try to remember that it is important to be in the throne room when you are doing this. You don’t want to open yourself up to the wrong kind of spiritual activity.

7. Watching God (Relating to the Lord as a Person Here with You) 7.1. Watch someone in the room — look at the person next to you while they are looking at someone else. 7.2. Now think about what it is like to watch the other person. This is hard to do at first and it is easy to let your mind wander. Take an minute or so while trying to focus on thinking about what it is like to watch

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them. 7.3. Now reapply that same kind of watching to the Lord while trusting that the Father and the Son are right here in the room with you.

8. Hugging God 8.1. Hug a person in the room think about what it is like to have your arms around them and their arms around you. 8.2. Now take a few minutes to reapply the same thing to God. It may help to hug the other person briefly while think about what it is like to hug a person.

9. Inner Healing (it may be helpful to have someone with you to help you work through some of these things.) 9.1. Take a few moments to trust you are before the Lord. 9.2. Now trust you are crawling into His lap like a child crawls into the lap of a parent who is loving and completely good. 9.3. Open up the area of your chest to God (use the exercise above for opening up to God). 9.4. Now ask God to reveal to you ways you have been hurt in the past. Trust you are holding the hurtful event on a big plate inside your heart to God and that He is reaching into you and is performing surgery to heal the hurt from what happened. 9.5. If another person was involved speak out that you forgive them for what they did wrong. 9.6. If thinking of what happened makes you feels unrighteous hold what happened on the platter and trust God to wash it clean. Then trust Him to reach in and do the surgery to heal you.

10. If Attacked by the Enemy while Sleeping - Learn to sleep before the throne 10.1 Keep heart-training and doing the exercises in appendix A. Heart-train using the section about our access to God. Build your faith about the reality of the river and the sea before the throne—it may also help to read the chapters in the Come and Drink book that describe the throne room. It will help to do the hearttraining sections about security and protection. Also do the exercise in appendix A using a blanket to teach yourself to trust the closeness of God as your security. 10.2 After you learn to enter while standing up, practice entering while laying on your back on your bed. 10.3 Do the exercise in Appendix A about entering where it talks about moving your spiritual shoulders inside you. It also helps to rock back and forth a few times with your legs and feet like you are using the action to climb horizontally into the heavenly realm. Make sure that when you do this physically that it is much more important to be doing it with your insides—otherwise you will find that it doesn’t work. Trust as you do this activity that you are entering and at the same time, the kingdom is moving around and underneath you. Look around your bed and trust that angels are all around you. Trust that you are laying before the throne with your head pointing toward the Lord. With practice you will be able to enter and be before the throne in just a few seconds. 10.4 Note: If you lay with your feet upstream (and you do this for a period of several years) you may have difficulty with constipation. So, lay with your head toward the Lord and you will avoid this problem. 10.5 In order to stay in the river after you sleep you will need to use the heart-training to fall in love with God as your security. As your love grows your heart (or, soul?) will take over even after you are sleeping. It is your love of security and protection that will help you to stay there. Often when you do this you will find that

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when you wake up the presence of God is often stronger than when you first go to sleep. (Doing this is so effective that I don’t go to sleep without doing this exercise first).

11. Sanctification — God making you holy. 11.1 Receive sanctification in some area just like in the exercise above for receiving inner healing. 11.2 When you have some area of sin that keeps reoccurring you can “confess” it as sin by trusting that you are holding it on a big plate inside your heart. “Confess” it as sin by presenting it before the Lord on the plate. Then trust God to reach inside you to remove it and make holy in that area.

12. Prayer, Intercession, and Warfare at a Distance 12.1. Trust you are before the Lord and are close to the fountain and the river of God. 12.2. Let your faith grow about the radiance around the Lord and about the turbulence and the power of the river. 12.3. Pray. And, as the Holy Spirit flows around and through you, trust that He is going and doing the work that you are praying about. If you are praying for another person trust you are presenting them before the Lord while you are praying for them. It is effective to do this with unbelievers while you are praying for their salvation. 12.5. When praying at a distance for people who are being attacked by the enemy trust that the Light of the Lord is flowing through you and is going and is driving the enemy away.

Putting it together and Abiding After having learned how to enter into the throne room, sit in a chair while you are at home. Sit there and just practice being before the Lord, being open to Him, looking at Him, and clinging to Him. While you are doing these things review the scriptures in the Access section of the Heart-training. Do some of the heart-training. But also reason with your heart mentally with the scriptures from that Heart-training section. Let yourself be convinced about what the verses say and let your faith grow and let your confidence about really being before the Lord get stronger. While sitting before the Lord, take time to practice just one of the exercises at a time. During one session of sitting before the Lord, practice looking at Him. While you are doing this, reason with your heart about the scriptures so your faith can grow (God grows your faith while you look at Him - 2Cor. 3:18 and Heb. 12:2, but it is also helps to be using the scriptures in the Access section to reason with your heart about really and truly being before the Lord). The next time you take time to sit before the Lord apply the exercises for entering, look at Him, and then focus just on stretching your openness to the Lord. Another time you sit before the Lord practice releasing what you are receiving — while you are in the throne room and are drinking from the Lord. Releasing will be more important later as time goes on because you can get very hot if you don’t release. Another time, sit before the Lord and practice clinging to Him. The exercise for clinging to the Lord is really important early in your abiding because this will help you to hold onto to the Lord and stay before Him in the throne room all through the day. Doing these exercises for extended periods of time is really helpful but shorter times are good too. So, do what you can. (I have had a few people who have done these exercises for hours at a time. Often, they end up

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being the best students I have.)

Expand Out from Wherever it is Easiest Apply the principles of abiding while you are at home and then expand out from there. By this I mean, do what is easiest first. Learn to enter and drink at home. Then while you are drinking from the Lord, go outside your house and just stand there for a few minutes until your heart can settle into believing that you haven't left. You are still before the Lord and that nothing has really changed. Then start walking and do the same thing while you are walking. Once that is working, apply the principles of being before the Lord while you are on the way to school or work. Then once you get there sit in the car or bus for a little bit and think about being before the Lord there. Then, you just keep expanding from there.

Notes: