Online School

STUDY GUIDE

CD and DVD Course Online School

STUDY GUIDE

© Copyright 2013---Dennis and Dr. Jennifer Clark All rights reserved. This book is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. The use of short quotations or occasional page copying for personal or group study is permitted and encouraged. Permission will be granted upon request. Unless otherwise identified, Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963, 1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked CEV are taken from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1995 by the American Bible Society, New York, NY. All rights reserved.

NOTE: To protect the privacy of individuals in testimonies and true stories, we have given them fictitious names.

We use our powerful God-tools for…fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse

into the structure of life shaped by Christ. —2 Corinthians 10:4-5 MSG

Contents

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Chapter 1 Touching God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Chapter 2 The Power of Testimonies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Chapter 3 God-Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Chapter 4 Location, Location, Location. . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Chapter 5 Dropping Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Chapter 6 The Grace of Yielding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Chapter 7 The Peace of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Interlude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Chapter 8 Forgive 1-2-3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Chapter 9 Stay Connected 24/7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

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PREFACE BOXED IN OR FREE?

Do you live in the vastness of the spiritual world God created or do you live as a captive, trapped in a box of your own ignorance? Learn how to become an “out of the box” believer. We begin by expanding our foundation in God and breaking free from the traps that become the walls of our box.

The Box

The kingdom of God is a spiritual universe. Within the spiritual universe is a parallel material universe composed of matter, energy, space and time. We could consider physical creation as a type of parallel universe that contains its own reality, systems, and worldview apart from God. Those individuals who live inside “the box” can either deny the reality of God or transcend illusion by connecting with spiritual reality.

• Unbelievers live in the box of the material world. • They are held captive by the world, the flesh, and the devil. • God is outside the “box” of His creation and has dominion

over it. • When we are born again, we encounter the higher realm of

the Spirit.

In His mission statement, Jesus tells us He came to set the captives free.

To set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).

He concluded His announcement by proclaiming the “acceptable year of the Lord.” This was a reference to the year of Jubilee. During the year of Jubilee all Israelites who had sold themselves into slavery were set free, and all land that had been sold reverted to its original owners. This meant that no Israelite could ever be in

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permanent slavery; nor could any Israelite permanently lose his inheritance. Jesus gives us Jubilee. Freedom is not just a nice idea; freedom is the cause of God for humankind!

Peace is the essence of living free. Where Jesus is Lord, peace rules. The kingdom of God is present wherever God is ruling and His will is done. When we see that God’s spiritual kingdom exists and we can live there, we are able to enter a new lifestyle outside the Box. When Nicodemus came to Jesus, Jesus told him that a different kingdom could be seen and entered.

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-5).

The elements of the created universe consist of matter, energy, space and, time. At first, all these elements were in a condition described in scripture as “without form and void.” At the time of creation, Jesus, the Living Word, spoke peace into the chaos and all was set in order. All the elements of the created universe came together in a harmonious whole.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was[a] on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters (Genesis 1:1-2).

The phrase "formless and void" is derived from the Hebrew words "tohu (to'-hoo)" and "bohu (bo'-hoo)." This Hebrew phrase attempts to convey a condition that is empty, void, without purpose, without order, without meaning, a total ruin, utter and complete chaos. There is no English word that comes close to adequately capturing the concept of the phrase tohu-bohu.

The Hebrew word that is the exact opposite of chaos is "Shalom." Shalom is translated into English as "peace," but its meaning is much richer and far deeper than simply "peace." Shalom is the complete and total peace that proceeds from a condition of perfect order, harmony, wholeness, and purpose.

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Jesus, the Living Word, is still speaking shalom to hold matter, energy, space, and time together. At this very moment Jesus is “upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power.”

[I]n the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son…through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order]. He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God’s] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power (Hebrews 1:1-3 AMP).

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork (Psalm 19:1).

The Kingdom of God

In the beginning, heaven came to earth in the Garden of Eden. God established His frontier outpost of heaven called the kingdom of God. When Adam sinned, harmony was shattered and the atmosphere of heaven on earth departed. The increase of His kingdom is God’s plan to restore shalom to the world.

The kingdom is righteousness [love in action]…peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

Jesus is the Prince of Peace and peace is the evidence and expression of His kingdom. Peace is shalom in Hebrew. The Hebrew word that is the exact opposite of chaos is "Shalom." Shalom is translated into English as "peace," but its meaning is much richer and far deeper than simply "peace." Shalom is the complete and total peace that proceeds from a condition of perfect order, harmony, wholeness, and purpose. Sar Shalom is Hebrew for Prince of Peace. It is not just a title but describes the complete authority and control Jesus has over shalom.

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace [Sar Shalom]. Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end (Isaiah 9:6 AMP).

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The Lord Jesus Christ is the mighty commander, military hero, awesome miracle worker, planner and executor of the eternal purposes of God, and the eternal Father of a new race of reborn men. Jesus is the one who created order and brought peace where there was once chaos and the one who is still in control of peace and the expansion of His kingdom.

The kingdom is not a concept unique to the New Testament. The kingdom has been in preparation since the foundation of the world.

And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:33-34).

In the Gospels, Jesus preached the kingdom of God. He sent His disciples to preach the kingdom of God (see Luke 9:2). Healing and miracles demonstrated that the kingdom of God had come to earth.

After the Resurrection, Jesus still preached the kingdom of God. He “presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).

[T]he kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17).

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people (Matthew 9:35). In the Book of Acts, the kingdom of God was preached along with the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12; 19:8; 28:30-31).

The Purpose of the Church

The kingdom is not the church. The church is a subset of the kingdom. The kingdom existed long before the church. However, the church has been given a significant role in revealing the kingdom to the world in this present age. The church reveals the kingdom only to the extent that it manifests shalom.

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Seek First the Kingdom

Shalom is the essence of the kingdom and the force that holds the elements of the created universe together. Wherever Jesus is King, or Lord, the peace of His presence is evident. The kingdom exists in any person or place where God’s rule is accepted as supreme and the Prince of Peace reigns.

Seek first the kingdom [shalom] of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:34).

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9).

When we learn to drop down into our spirit, we experience His peace and touch the kingdom of God. As we live in His peace and walk in shalom, we become part of the kingdom of God advancing in the world today!

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NOTES

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INTRODUCTION

THE SPIRITUAL REALM

When we allow Jesus to be our Lord, peace becomes a constant experience. Peace is the essence of the kingdom of God and is should become a lifestyle for believers. The full embodiment of all that is contained in supernatural peace is the true foundation of freedom.

A Derivative Life

We are a derivative life. We came from Father God and will return to Him. However, we can be ignorant about God, the kingdom of God, and our potential for a life in God. We can have ideas about God that are not accurate.

• My opinions about God do not define Him. • Someone’s lack of belief in God does not define Him. • God’s faith in what He knows to be true defines us. • God tells us we can be free when we encounter His truth and

get out of the Box.

We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 MSG).

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There are three spiritual realms interacting around us at all times—God’s Spirit, evil spirits, and human spirits. We can choose to make contact with any of these three realms. As believers, we can know others according to their flesh or their spirit (see 2 Cor. 5:16).

Forgiveness and Repentance

When we come to Father God through Jesus, we can draw close to Him because of forgiveness and repentance. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” John 14:6). And: “[T]here is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Therefore, we can now “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

Because we are spiritual beings, to know God we must know Him spirit-to-Spirit. We cannot connect with Him as long as our carnal nature is in control. “[T]he carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (Rom. 8:7).

When Jesus died on the Cross, He made it possible for us to approach God on His terms.

• Flesh must get out of the way so our ________can touch God. • The gifts of ______________ and ______________ deal

with our flesh and make approaching God possible.

When we yield to forgiveness or repentance, a supernatural exchange occurs. They are gifts from God that remove barriers blocking our access to God. God “has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18).

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:10).

• Repentance is not feeling _________ about ourselves. • It is a ______________ with God, or agreeing with God about

myself. • Repentance and forgiveness remove the ____________ that

separate us from the presence of God. • ___________ is evidence we are reconciled with God.

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NOTES

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• When remove the barriers of our flesh and sin, we can touch the essence of the kingdom of God and experience His peace.

For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:19-20).

Knowing God as Lord

God wants to Lord of our entire life, not just our “spiritual” life. Since God made each one of us as thinking, willing, and feeling beings, He wants us to allow Him to rule over our thoughts, choices, and emotions.

• God wants to be the Lord of our _______________ life, not just our “spiritual” life.

• He wants us to allow Him to be Lord of our _____________ , _______________, and __________________.

THOUGHTS, CHOICES, AND EMOTIONS

God created us to be thinking, feeling, willing beings. All three faculties of our soul must be submitted to His rule for Him to be our Lord. He wants to rule our entire being.

Throughout the Bible we’re told God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

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NOTES

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Thoughts. Give an example from your own life. When did you choose one of God’s thoughts instead of your own? (For example, you thought something was impossible, but God asked you to trust Him and He proved His faithfulness.) __________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

God’s will is preferable to the choices we would make apart from Him (see Prov. 14:12; 3:5-7).

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Choices. Give an example from your own life. When did you choose to do something that God chose instead of what you wanted? Why do you think that was pleasing to God? ______________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Give an example from Scripture of a time Jesus chose to obey His Father even when it seemed to be a hard choice to make? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Emotions. How do you think God can be Lord of your emotions? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have loved you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).

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SPIRIT, SOUL, AND BODY

Jesus not only tells us that God is a Spirit, but that He is also known and worshiped through the spirit------our human spirit. A spiritual God communicates with humans in the realm of the spirit. John 24: 4 says, ‘‘God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.’’

• God is a Spirit, and He is known and worshiped in the spirit.

The word spirit is used more than 900 times throughout the Scriptures, referring to God, angels, and demons. But it also refers to our human spirit. God is a Spirit, yes; and since He created man in His image, we are spirit beings as well: “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26-28).

• The word _____________ is used more than 900 times throughout the Scriptures.

• Since God created man in His image, we are _____________ beings as well.

• Paul reveals that humans have a body, a soul, and a _____________ (see 1 Thess. 5:23).

▶ GO TO CD, DVD or VIDEO TWO

Adam and Eve had spirits that communed with God, their spirit touching the Spirit of God. They were perfectly aligned with God spirit, soul (mind, will, emotions), and body.

[M]ay your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1Thessalonians5:23).

• Adam and Eve had ____________ that communed with God. • They were perfectly aligned with God _____________,

_____________, (mind, will, emotions), and _____________.

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NOTES

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Physically, with his body, Adam could feel the breeze blow and touch the plants placed in the garden. Adam also had the ability to think and make choices—God let him choose the names of all of the animals that were created (see Gen. 2:18-20). And Adam also had emotions—he loved God and He felt God’s love toward him.

• Adam could __________ the breeze blow and ___________ the plants placed in the garden.

• Adam had the ability to ___________. • Adam could make _____________. • Adam also had _______________ —he loved God and He felt

God’s love toward him.

Spirit, Soul, and Body

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NOTES

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AN EMOTIONAL GOD

The Bible reveals that God has emotions. He gives and receives love, He laughs and cries, He is happy and angry, etc. He not only has emotions, but His very nature is emotional. God does not simply possess love; He is love. God’s emotions holy and pure unlike carnal human emotions

God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16).

• The Bible reveals that God has ______________. • He not only has emotions, but His very nature is

_______________.

The entire atmosphere of the Garden of Eden was permeated with the love, joy, and peace of God—the emotions of God. Adam and Eve actually felt the love, joy, and peace of God every moment of every day.

• The entire atmosphere of the Garden of Eden was permeated with the love, joy, and peace of God—God’s _____________.

PERFECT HARMONY

Before Adam and Eve sinned, they were in perfect harmony with

God’s thoughts, will, and emotions. In fact, emotions were created to be a transmitter of God’s emotions, which we know now as the fruit of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

• Your emotions were created to be a transmitter of the

______________ of the Spirit, God’s emotions.

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NOTES

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SPIRITUAL DEATH

Once sin entered the world, the spirits of Adam and Eve were

separated from God------they died a spiritual death in the very moment they ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Harmony between God and man was suddenly fractured. Adam and Eve became ruled by the flesh rather than by their spirit. Their fallen nature and God’s heavenly nature no longer matched.

• Once sin entered the world, the spirits of Adam and Eve were ___________________ from God.

• They died a spiritual _____________ in the very moment they ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

• Adam and Eve became ruled by the ______________ rather than by their spirit.

• The fallen nature and God’s heavenly nature didn’t _____________.

Even though they enjoyed perfect fellowship with God before

sin, now Adam and Eve had some bad thoughts about Him. They suddenly felt the need to run from God when He came around to talk with them. They also made some bad choices.

To their dismay, Adam and Eve began to feel unpleasant

emotions like hurt and anger that Eve had gotten them into this mess, which was all mixed up with guilt, shame, and fear. Their thoughts, choices, and emotions—their souls—were now under the influence of the law of sin and death.

DISCUSSION

Why do you think God created emotions?

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• Even though they enjoyed perfect fellowship with God before sin, now Adam and Eve had bad _____________ about Him.

• They also made some bad _______________. • To his dismay, Adam began to feel unpleasant ____________. • Their thoughts, choices, and emotions—their souls—were now

under the influence of the __________ of sin and death.

SPIRITUAL REBIRTH

But through spiritual rebirth we can now be reconnected with God. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind through the shedding of His own blood. Because of Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection, man can now experience spiritual rebirth and enjoy perfect communion with God once again.

[Jesus] made peace through the blood of His cross [emphasis mine] (Colossians 1:20).

• Through spiritual rebirth we can now be ________________

with God. • Because of Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection, man can now

experience spiritual rebirth and enjoy perfect _________________ with God once again.

Our Father is a Spirit with heavenly DNA, and His new creation

children are spiritual beings also. Scripture furthermore tells us that our heavenly Father is the Father of spiritual children, being called the “Father of spirits” (see Heb. 12:9). When a person is born again, the capacity to touch God in the spiritual realm is restored.

• Our Father is a Spirit with heavenly DNA, and His new creation children are ___________ beings also.

• When a person is born again, the capacity to ____________ God in the spiritual realm is restored.

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NOTES

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THE CHRISTIAN DILEMMA

The Christian, then, finds himself in a dilemma between the flesh and the spirit. When a person is saved, their spirit has been made alive but the carnal nature wars against the spirit within them. Both the flesh and the spirit vie for control.

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to another, so that you do not do the things that you wish (Galatians 5:17).

• The Christian finds himself in a dilemma between the ___________ and the spirit.

• When a person is saved, their spirit has been made alive but the carnal nature __________ against the spirit within them.

• The flesh and the spirit vie for _______________.

Have you ever tried to mix oil and water? They are both liquids, but they are very different substances. Molecules of oil are attracted to each other but are repelled by water molecules. In the same way, flesh and spirit repel one another. Oil doesn’t intermingle with water and flesh doesn’t connect with spirit.

Spirit, Soul, and Body

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NOTES

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CALMING OUR SOUL

To commune with God spirit-to-Spirit, Christians must learn how to (1) deal with the flesh and (2) connect in the spirit.

• Christians must learn how to ___________ with the flesh and ______________ in the spirit. The fallen nature of man is not at all like God’s nature. They

don’t mix. Either flesh rules or spirit rules at any given time—they can’t be intermingled and both rule at the same time.

• The fallen nature of man is not at all like God’s ___________. • They don’t _________. • Either flesh rules or spirit ___________ at any given time.

We must learn, then, to actively participate in maintaining this

spiritual connection with the Lord. Quieting the flesh and yielding to the Spirit of God accomplishes this. Psalm 131:2 says, “Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother.”

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

• We must ______________ __________________ in

maintaining a spiritual connection with the Lord. • ________________ the flesh and ________________ to the

Spirit of God accomplishes this.

God has given us tools to use throughout our life in order to better connect with Him and walk in wholeness. We can only give what we have received. Most believers have not known the easy way to deal with the issues of life and have simply coped with fears, pain, and shame. If we are still wounded in a particular area, we do not have an anointing to minister to someone else in that area.

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• God has given us _________ to use to connect with Him and walk in wholeness.

• If we are still wounded in a particular area, we don’t have an ______________ to minister to someone else in that area.

Hurt people hurt people. When we are hurting, we will identify with the same hurts in others (trigger one another’s wounds) or project our own issues on others. Hurt people overreact to even mild stimulation, lash out at others, withdraw from relationships, put up walls, see life through distorted lenses, and can be easily offended.

• Hurt people ___________ people. Hurt people:

• Overreact to even mild stimulation • Lash out at others • Withdraw from relationships • Put up walls • See life through distorted lenses • Are easily offended

But healed people heal people. After the Lord brings healing to

us, an anointing flows through the scar to bring healing to others. When we are healed, even the area where we were wounded the most can become our greatest anointing to minister life to the hurting.

• Healed people ___________ people. • The area in which we were wounded the most can become our

_____________ anointing to minister life to the hurting.

Because we are the most forgiven people in the world, we should be the most forgiving people in the world. ―C. J. Mahaney

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C h a p t e r 1

TOUCHING GOD

DISILLUSIONED TO DESPAIR

Did you know that 46% of genuinely born-again Christians no longer bother to attend church? Most of these believers feel "stuck" in their spiritual experience. They are struggling with offenses or rejection, have become discouraged in their search for answers, and don't know how to make Christianity really work for them in a practical way.

• Some are disappointed that they have not found answers that really work for everyday Christianity.

• Many feel like they are dying of spiritual thirst, but church seemed like a dry well, so they finally gave up.

• Some were wounded by church leadership, and feel angry and disillusioned.

• Some feel betrayed because they got involved in a church that was overly controlling.

• A vast number of Christians were wounded by other church members, and have never been able to get over it.

• Still others have fallen into sin and have disqualified themselves because of shame.

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Church life has promised much but failed to deliver for these drop outs. How many more are still in church but are living in quiet despair?

COMMUNION WITH GOD

"Communion with God is the unspeakably glorious experience

for which Christ died—the goal of the Cross. Christ was crucified and resurrected to open the way. Christ was crucified and resurrected to open the way for us to experience God—His heart, His mind, His will—not just know about Him..." (see Live Free, p. 27-28). It is not that the church doesn't want this experience, it is that most believers are not taught the how-to's.

• Communion with God is the goal of the Cross. • Christ opened the way for us to experience God. • Most believers are not taught the ___________ _____ .

THE CHRISTIAN'S SOLUTION

How To's

Christians long for how-to's to address these two issues:

1. They are hurt but don't know how to get healed. 2. They are hungry for more of God but don't know how to get

more. What has been frustrating for you in living the Christian life? What has disappointed you about church? What changes would you like to see? ______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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PASTORS: As a pastor, would you like a way to equip your church members to deal with their own offenses and emotional pain?

GOD TOOLS

Jesus left us with powerful God tools that will take care of all these issues. He has given us the tools we need to bring way- ward thoughts, willful impulses and unpleasant emotions under the control of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of Live Free is to equip you to use them.

We use our powerful GOD-TOOLS for . . . fitting every loose THOUGHT and EMOTION and IMPULSE into the structure of life shaped by Christ [emphasis mine] (2 Corinthians 10:3-6 MSG).

DISCUSSION

Have you been wounded in church and struggle with trusting people because of it?

Do you live with a lot of condemnation?

Do you ever feel distant from God?

Do you know people in the church who are really hurting and don't seem to get any better?

What would make a "healthy church" possible?

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KEY

One KEY, just one key, can solve every one of these problems if properly applied! However, this answer only works when it is a genuine supernatural transaction. The key is supernatural, powerful, 100% successful FORGIVENESS!

WHAT DOES FORGIVENESS MEAN TO YOU?

Write down some of your ideas, or what you have been taught in the past. __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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HOW ARE YOU DOING? Take a moment to fill out this Life Assessment Form.

LIFE ASSESSMENT FORM

Check True or False based on how these statements apply to you.

True False

1. I know how to get lasting freedom from my pain and frustration.

2. I know how to forgive.

3. I know for sure where my will is located.

4. I have a solution to deal with negative emotions in the moment.

5. I know how to feel the peace of God whenever I want.

6. I know how to deal with unpleasant or recurring thoughts once and for all.

7. I know how to experience the fruit of the spirit.

8. I have the tools to help others resolve emotional pain quickly and permanently.

9. When I think of God, I usually think of Him in heaven.

10. I know how to get over my feelings of anger or hurt when I am offended.

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THE CHALLENGE • Are you willing to try this one experiment, individually or as a group?

• Will you lay aside all that you think you know? Will you “step out of

the boat” and begin to walk in this new way?

• Are you ready for change? If you will learn about the wonderful gift of forgiveness in a brand new way, it can totally transform your life!

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C h a p t e r 2

THE POWER OF TESTIMONIES

EMOTIONAL HEALING MYTHS

Myth: The past is all taken care of at the time of conversion. Everything is "under the blood".

Truth: Yes, legally Jesus paid the price for full freedom, healing, and deliverance. But each believer must receive and appropriate their inheritance

Myth: You don't have to "dig up the past".

Truth: You shouldn't analyze yourself, but allow God to search your heart.

Myth: "Just get over it!"

Truth: If we could fix ourselves by pretending everything is okay, then we wouldn't need Jesus to be our Comforter.

Myth: When God heals, He erases the memory.

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Truth: When God heals, He leaves the memory intact, but heals the pain. It becomes part of your testimony and also carries an anointing to minister healing to others!

Myth: Only when you understand why someone did some-thing, you can then let it go.

Truth: Understanding alone does not bring healing. The adult mind may rationalize, but that doesn't bring healing for the emotions. God heals whatever part of the heart that we present to Him, but He cannot heal an excuse!

THE POWER OF TESTIMONIES

Why is it so powerful when a Christian shares their salvation testimony? A personal testimony always carries an anointing because it bears witness to a supernatural God Encounter.

• A salvation testimony carries an ______________ because there was a God Encounter.

When God touches a life, He always leaves a deposit of His

Divine Nature on it. Salvation is just the beginning, though. That is only your first testimony.

• Salvation is a _______________.

DISCUSSION

Have a short discussion about these common myths. How could believing these myths keep people trapped in wounds of the past?

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In addition to salvation, believers testify about:

• Miracles of all kinds • Answered prayers • Physical healings • Emotional healing • Divine appointments • Financial blessings

What are a few testimonies of your own? _______________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD

As you go through the Live Free book and workbook, keep a record of what the Lord does in your life. All of us seem to have short memories of the good things the Lord does. We too easily forget God's faithfulness.

In the Bible we read the story of the children of Israel who were miraculously led out of Egypt and witnessed the parting of the Red Sea only to despair three days later when the water was bitter at Marah.

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KEEP A RECORD: Make a note of some testimonies of what God has done for you in the past. Then begin keeping a weekly record of God's everyday faithfulness in your life!

GOD'S FAITHFULNESS CHART

Remember How the Lord Has Cared for You

I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you (Jeremiah 29:10-13 CEV).

Past

Look back to see how God moved on your behalf before.

Present Trials

God will also help you with today's challenges.

Future

God knows your future and He already has a plan!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.God has good plans for you.

2. Hope keeps you open to His plans.

▶ GO TO CD, DVD or VIDEO THREE

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C h a p t e r 3

GOD-TOOLS

FORGIVENESS IS A PERSON

We use our powerful GOD-TOOLS for...fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ [emphasis mine] (2 Corinthians 10:4-6 MSG).

Among the final words of Jesus uttered on the Cross was the

prayer, "Father, forgive them." The God Tool of forgiveness was instantly released on behalf of fallen mankind.

• Forgiveness was _______________ released.

Consider the very next action that Jesus took. In Luke 23:42-43, the criminal hanging on the Cross right next to Jesus said to Him, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus immediately

responded, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

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Forgiveness was instantly received! The criminal, now redeemed, had peace with God.

• Forgiveness was instantly received. • Forgiveness brought peace with God.

Remember when you got saved? What happened when you

prayed, "I ask you to save me and forgive me for my sins"? You received forgiveness instantly as a free gift, and you immediately had peace with God.

• Forgiveness is a free gift . • It is instantly received. • Forgiveness brings peace with God.

FORGIVENESS IS REQUIRED

Most Christians know that forgiving others is commanded by the Word of God, but how many of us still harbor small resentments throughout the day? Forgiveness is not optional, even for minor issues. If we do not forgive others, the Bible says, God will not forgive us. That doesn’t mean that we are condemned to hell if we don’t forgive. It only means that we have to live with the torment of unforgiveness.

“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15 KJV).

• Forgiveness is not ______________. • If we do not forgive others, the Bible says, God will not forgive

_____.

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THE GRACE OF FORGIVENESS

Christ the Forgiver does the forgiving in and through us. We forgive by the grace of God. Did you learn "grace" as the unmerited favor of God? That is true. But grace is much more than that. Grace is God doing for us and in us what we can't do ourselves.

• Christ the ______________ does the forgiving. • ____________ is God doing for us what we can't do.

So grace is actually the personal presence of Christ empowering

you to be all that He called you to be, and to do all that He called you to do. We forgive by the grace of God. Christ Himself does the forgiving through us. Christ the Forgiver in us does all the work. And everything He does is easy for Him!

• Grace is the personal presence of Christ _______________ us

to be and to do. • We forgive by the ___________ of God. • Christ the ______________ does all the work.

DISCUSSION

1. What happened when you first got saved?

2. What emotions did you feel instantly?

3. Did you feel grateful that God had done something for you that only He could do?

4. What changes did you notice in your thoughts and choices in the weeks and months after salvation?

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If we struggle with any measure of toxic emotions or stress, from minor worries to deep-seated bitterness, we have not forgiven. Forgiveness is not just saying the words, “I forgive them, Lord,” or “Forgive me, Lord.” Mental assent is not sufficient for forgiveness.

• If we struggle with any measure of __________ emotions or stress we have not forgiven.

• Forgiveness is not just saying the ___________ , “I forgive them, Lord” or “Forgive me, Lord.”

• ___________ assent is not sufficient for forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not an action of our mind, emotions, or will alone, although these faculties are involved. The reality of true forgiveness is this: forgiveness is a Person. It is an encounter with Someone, a supernatural exchange taking place: Christ Himself for our sin and pain. We cannot forgive in our own power. Christ the forgiver, who lives inside of us, does all the work.

• Forgiveness is not an action of our __________, ____________, or _________ alone, although these faculties are involved.

• The reality of true forgiveness is this: forgiveness is a ___________.

• Forgiveness is an encounter with __________ Himself. • Christ the ___________, who lives inside of us, does all the

work.

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FORGIVENESS DEFINED

Principles of forgiveness: • Forgiveness must be from the heart and include mind, will and

emotions. • Forgiveness is a Person. Christ is the forgiver. • Forgiveness is not an option; it is a command. • Forgiveness releases us so that our lives won't be poisoned. • Forgiveness releases others so that God can work in their lives. • Forgiveness is canceling a debt. • Forgiveness is ceasing to sit in the place of judgment and

releasing them to God.

What forgiveness is NOT: • NOT being a doormat. • NOT pardon in the sense of removing consequences. • NOT just pretending to forget. • NOT reconciling with a person when boundaries are needed. • NOT releasing someone from personal responsibility.

FAILING TO FORGIVE IS DEADLY

Studies link emotional distress to six leading causes of death.

Suppressing emotions also has negative consequences on health. Some conditions associated with or aggravated by unforgiveness include:

Back pain Chronic fatigue

Colitis Crohn’s disease

Diminished sexual desire Rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis

Headaches High blood pressure and stroke

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Lowered immune system function

Peptic ulcers

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Medical research now affirms that toxic emotions can make us physi-cally sick. A wonderful side benefit of forgiveness is that is cleanses the cells of the physical body. Even unsaved people who are emotionally healthy have less sickness and disease than individuals who harbor unforgiveness. Some medical doctors are now using forgiveness therapy to improve the health of their patients!

• Medical research now affirms that toxic emotions can make us sick.

• Some medical doctors are using _________________ therapy to improve the health of their patients.

FORGIVENESS IS PROVEN When you forgive:

1. You please God. 2. You feel better inside. 3. You can live in the fruit of the spirit. 4. You grow emotionally. 5. You make better decisions with peace. 6. You are anointed to be a blessing to others. 7. You have better health.

▶ GO TO CD, DVD or VIDEO FOUR

DISCUSSION

After Adam and Eve sinned, sickness and death entered the human race along with toxic emotions. Explain the connection.

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C h a p t e r 4

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

TOO MUCH IN THE HEAD

The number one rule in real estate is location, location, location. This same principle applies to spiritual growth as well. Many Christians struggle with forgiveness and communion with God because they don’t understand their spiritual real estate; they don’t understand where their spiritual heart resides.

LOCATE YOUR BIBLE HEART The heart is the center of man's inward life, and the sphere of divine influence. Whenever the Bible talks about the heart, it is not referring to the chest or physical heart.

• The heart is the center of man's inward life and the sphere of _______________ influence.

In the Old Testament and New Testament alike, words such as belly or bowels are regularly translated heart in English. In John 7:38, Jesus refers to the heart by the word belly in the Greek, “He that believeth on

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me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” Your "Bible heart" is in the belly.

• The Bible heart is in the ___________, not the chest.

The anointing from Christ within flows from the belly. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his BELLY shall flow rivers of living water [emphasis mine] (John 7:38 KJV)

Wounds of the heart are located in the belly.

The words of a talebearer are as WOUNDS, and they go down into the innermost parts of the BELLY [emphasis mine] (Proverbs 18:8 KJV).

The SPIRIT of man is in the belly.

The SPIRIT OF MAN is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the BELLY [emphasis mine] (Proverbs 20:27 KJV).

LOCATE YOUR THOUGHTS

This one should be easy! People always point to the head when you ask them the location of their thoughts.

• Thoughts are located in the ____________.

DISCUSSION

"When you got saved, did you ask Jesus to come into your head?" If you ask a believer that question, they will probably laugh, or at least smile. Why is that?

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LOCATE YOUR EMOTIONS The Bible tells us that the heart is below the chest, in the belly area, and is the seat of emotion.

The words of a talebearer are as WOUNDS, and they go down into the innermost parts of the BELLY [emphasis mine] (Proverbs 18:8 KJV).

• The emotional heart is in the ____________.

LOCATE YOUR WILL

The belly or gut is not only the seat of our spirit and emotions, but also of our conscience and will, choice and decision making. The word will, in some translations of the Old Testament, is translated reins, or literally our kidneys (Jeremiah 17:10 KJV).

• Scripture indicates the belly is the seat of the __________ .

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LOCATE THE DOOR OF YOUR HEART The door of the heart is the will. It is in the belly. Scripture tells us that the door of the heart can either open or shut. The will chooses or refuses by opening or shutting the door of the heart.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him (Revelation 3:20). • The will opens and closes the __________ of the heart.

LOCATE WHAT OR WHO IS RULING

Paul wrote about the need for us to renew our minds so we will know the will of God: ‘‘And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

Practice Try this simple exercise to locate your will. Stand up and allow yourself to fall back a little, but stop yourself before falling. (You may want to try this with your back against a wall.) Where do you feel the stop? You will feel your belly or gut tighten. You stopped yourself as an action of your will. Your volition, or will, is activated in your belly, together with your heart. Now close your eyes and think of an unpleasant person or stressful situation. Pay attention to what you sense in your gut. Notice the increase in tension. Your will actively resists the unpleasant encounter by erecting an invisible wall to protect yourself. And all of this takes place in your belly.

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The Greek term nous, translated ‘‘mind’’ here, is more accurately rendered ‘‘mindset,’’ which includes the entire soul------the thoughts, will, and emotions------or our ability to think, choose, and feel. In other words, our entire soul, thoughts, will, and emotions, needs to be transformed, not just our thoughts.

• Our thoughts, will, and emotions, need to be ________________, The Lord desires to rule over every part of our being so we can be set apart for Him. This is the process known as sanctification: we are progressively letting Christ rule and reign over us, submitting more areas of our life to Him, a little more each day, thus becoming more like Him on an ongoing basis.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts (Colossians 3:15).

• The Lord desires to ___________ over every part of our being so we can be set apart for Him.

• This is the process known as ________________. Sanctification must be intentional. It is our responsibility as Christians to participate. How do we collaborate with God without exerting our willpower, striving, or trying to be holy? The next important step to learn is the easiest ‘‘how to’’ of all: we must learn how to yield, to drop down, and welcome Christ the forgiver to do His sanctifying work in our souls.

▶ GO TO CD, DVD or VIDEO FIVE

Practice Close your eyes in prayer and focus on Christ within. Notice how it feels when you pay attention to the Lord. Stay focused on Him a while longer. Notice how different this feels from being stressed. God longs for you to live with a conscious awareness of Him every day.

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C h a p t e r 5

DROPPING DOWN

PAY ATTENTION

Since our spirit-heart resides in our belly—not between our ears or within our chest—then we need to refocus our conscious attention. Drop down means get out of your head and go to Christ in your heart. We need to shift our focus away from our head and chest, and down to our true spirit being within our belly. We call this shift of conscious attention “dropping down.” It's like dropping a bucket down in a well. Counsel in the heart of man is like water in a deep well (Proverbs 20:5 AMP).

• Drop down means get out of your ____________ and go to Christ in your heart.

• Dropping down is like dropping a ____________ down in a well.

When you acknowledge the Lord, you include Him in your life.

• When you acknowledge the Lord you ____________Him in your life.

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According to the New Testament, the heart at our core is also where our conscience resides, together with the center of our emotions, moral nature, and spiritual life------which, as we have learned in John 7:38, flows out of the belly. Within our heart, we locate the following:

• The seat of grief (see John 14:1; Rom. 9:2; 2Cor. 2:4). • Joy (see John 16:22; Eph. 5:19). • The desires (see Matt. 5:28; 2 Pet. 2:14). • The affections (see Luke 24:32; Acts 21:13). • The perceptions (see John 12:40; Eph. 4:18). • The thoughts (see Matt. 9:4; Heb. 4:12). • The understanding (see Matt. 13:15; Rom. 1:21). • The reasoning powers (see Mark 2:6; Luke24:38). • The imagination (see Luke 1:51). • The conscience (see Acts 2:37; 1 John 3:20). • The intentions (see Heb. 4:12; 1 Pet. 4:1). • Purpose (see Acts 11:23; 2 Cor. 9:7). • The will (see Rom. 6:17; Col. 3:15). • Faith (see Mark 11:23; Rom. 10:10; Heb. 3:12).

As we can see, the belly is the location of our entire emotional and spiritual heart.

• The belly is the location of our entire ______________ and spiritual heart.

Practice Close your eyes and think of an unpleasant person or situation, current or past. Pay attention to how it feels in your gut. Now think of a good memory. How does that feel? Can you name the emotion?

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STEPS TO DROPPING DOWN

The normal Christian life is a “dropped down” life. The secret is culti-vating awareness. A negative emotion or mild tension is a signal that you are not connected to Christ within. As soon as you realize that you have lost your peace, consciously drop down to your heart. You will feel peace again.

• The normal Christian life is a “____________ ________” life. • The secret is cultivating _______________. • A negative emotion or mild tension is a _____________that

you are not connected to Christ within. • As soon as you realize that you have lost your peace,

______________ drop down to your heart. By dropping down and refocusing our conscious awareness from our head and chest area to our belly region, we immediately gain a greater sense not only of our emotions and spirit but also of Christ in us.

• By dropping down, we immediately gain a greater sense of our emotions and spirit but also of ___________ in us.

Ongoing problems. A one-time situation is easy to resolve, but an ongoing problem requires a little more perseverance. The way we normally behave, even as Christians, is that we automatically put up a wall in our spirits. That wall is flesh, a carnal weapon. The better way is to let supernatural peace be your guard! How do you do that? FIRST STEP: In any unpleasant situation, we should drop down into our spiritual heart and feel Christ’s peace ruling there. When His peace is ruling, the Scripture takes place as an experience: the “peace of God…will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).

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SECOND STEP: When we feel a negative emotion in our gut, we present it to Christ within us. It is not sinful to feel the emotion, but it is God revealing pain and hurt in our life that He wants to heal. So as we yield to the forgiver within us, we let Him go to that feeling and through that feeling. THIRD STEP: The third step would be that, when we forgive, we know that there is a growing internal strength to deal with whatever happens: both in recurring difficult situations and with people who are part of our lives.

▶ GO TO CD, DVD, OR VIDEO SIX

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C h a p t e r 6

THE GRACE OF YIELDING

YIELDING ACTIVATES GOD’S PRESENCE

Yielding our will activates Christ’s presence within us. We yield, He works. His Spirit indwells every believer. When we fail to yield to Him, then we are left to our own resources. But if we yield to Him, letting Christ have rule within, then God works on our behalf.

[I]t is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13 NASB).

• Yielding our will _____________ Christ’s presence within us. • We yield, He ____________. • When we _________ to yield to Him, then we are left to our

own resources.

So how exactly do we yield our will and let Christ within flow out? Jesus said, “He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38 KJV). As soon as you yield your will to God's will you make a spiritual connection. God's will is not just a plan, but a flow of divine purpose, like a river. You can allow the river to flow to you and through you—or you can shut it off.

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• When you yield your will to God's will you make a spiritual _________________ .

• God's will is a flow of divine ______________. • You can allow the river to ____________ or shut it off.

Everything you need is found in Christ! He is your treasure, your Provider, your provision. And He is with you. He came as Savior, but also Immanuel, God with us.

Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

The kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21).

• Christ ____ ______ is your hope of glory. • The kingdom of God is ___________ you. • Christ is your _________________, God with you.

Distance is a deception. Christ is with you, in your heart, easily accessible, always there for you. He is near, close at hand.

• Distance is a ________________.

THE DOOR IS OUR WILL We open the door to welcome Christ when we are born again; but we must also learn to yield to Christ and allow His Spirit to have dominion in our soul on a daily basis. This comes by opening the door of our heart continually. Jesus said to the church in Revelation:

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me (Revelation 3:20).

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• We must also learn to yield to Christ and allow His Spirit to have dominion in our soul on a ____________ basis.

• This comes by opening the _________ of our heart continually.

Practice Place your hand on your belly. Drop down and focus on Christ within. Relax your will by leaning back a bit, rocking back on your heels. Or you may want to lean back slightly against a wall. Don’t think or try to feel anything. Just be aware of Christ within you. Relax your will, almost like a ‘‘cuckoo clock’’ door opening in your belly. You will immediately notice His presence and His peace coming from deep within you. Bask in His love for a moment.

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C h a p t e r 7

THE PEACE OF GOD

THE SHALOM OF GOD

Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace. Shalom means nothing separating us. Sin separates us from God, but forgiveness cleanses sin, and gives us peace with God. Forgiving people removes walls of separation, making peace with man. Shalom also means the absence of conflict, a deep inner tranquility. It is completeness, safety, health, prosperity, quiet, contentment and welfare. Shalom is the absence of stress, anxiety, fear, resentment or worry regardless of outward circumstances. Shalom is __________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

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Peace is practical. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When Jesus is ruling, His peace is present. As soon as you drop down and yield you feel His peace. The peace you feel in God's presence is available all the time. You don't have to be in your prayer closet to "drop down." Actually, you need peace even more when you are at work, on the road, or when the computer crashes.

[L]et the peace of God RULE in your heart (Colossians 3:15).

• Jesus is the Prince of ____________ . • When you drop down and yield you feel His ____________. • You can drop down to ____________ at any time.

Peace is power.

[T]he God of peace will CRUSH Satan under your feet [emphasis mine] (Romans 16:20).

Peace guards.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will GUARD your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Peace is a lifestyle. Walking in shoes of peace as a lifestyle allows you to prevail over all the circumstances of life.

...having shod your FEET in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness...] of the Gospel of PEACE [emphasis mine] (Ephesians 6:15 AMP).

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THE FIVE G’s OF PEACE Govern The first aspect of peace is that it governs. When the peace of God governs us, we learn to walk in such a way that peace rules our hearts and our minds. When the peace of God governs us, we let God guide us in our decision-making process, being the final authority on all matters related to life.

And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]… (Colossians 3:15 AMP).

• When the peace of God governs us, we learn to walk in such a

way that peace ____________ our hearts and our minds. • When the peace of God governs us, we let God guide us in our

decision-making process, being the final _______________ on all matters related to life.

Guide The second aspect of peace is that it guides. “[L]et the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts” (Col. 3:15 AMP) means that God gets to call the shots. Peace must rule within to guide us in whatever we do. A lack of peace is God’s guidance as well. When we’re neutral and we only want to obey God in whatever He wants, then peace can continually guide us.

• Peace must rule within to _____________ us in what we do. • A ____________ of peace is God’s guidance as well. • When we’re ______________ and we only want to obey God

in whatever He wants, then peace can continually guide us.

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Guard The third aspect of peace is that it guards our heart and our mind. Philippians 4:7 tells us that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard” our “hearts and minds.” Guard means to keep us safe and secure in His presence regardless of external circumstances. When peace guards our heart, we can be in any type of hostile environment and still perceive the exterior atmosphere but abide in peace within.

• The third aspect of peace is that it _____________ our heart and our mind.

• Guard means to keep us safe and secure in His presence regardless of _____________ circumstances.

• When peace guards our heart, we can be in any type of hostile environment and still perceive the exterior atmosphere but _____________ in peace within.

Gather The fourth aspect of peace is that it gathers. It has a magnetic power to it. It attracts people to the presence of God. When you have supernatural peace, you are a force for good to win the lost and live in unity with other believers in the church. Have you been a magnetic force, or have you pushed people away from God?

• The fourth aspect of peace is that it ______________. • Peace has a ________________ power to it.

Peace draws the lost to God.

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace (Romans 10:15).

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Peace draws the body of Christ together in one accord, or Christian unity.

[K]eep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).

Ground The peace of God also grounds us, or makes us stable, in our daily lives. Practicing God’s presence grounds us in the reality of His peace. When we are living with the peace of God ruling and reigning in our life, we are living as people who are firmly planted, unshakable, and always abounding in the work of God.

I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world [deprived it of its ability to harm you] (John 16:33 MSG)..................

• The peace of God also _____________ us, or makes us stable, in our daily lives.

• Practicing God’s presence grounds us in the _____________ of His peace.

DISCUSSION

How could learning to drop down to peace benefit your prayer life?

How could learning to drop down and stay in peace benefit you in everyday life?

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I n t e r l u d e

COMMUNION WITHOUT CEASING

THE SHALOM OF GOD

If our thoughts turn to worries and fears, our attention and affections drift away from Christ, and we are no longer focused on our spirit. We will no longer feel the peace of God reigning within. If we notice we are not feeling peace, then we can drop down and return to Christ within.

• If we notice we are not feeling peace, then we can ___________ ___________ and return to Christ within.

It’s a simple formula: if we drop down and yield to Christ, we will experience the peace of God. But if we’re living in our head or through our carnal emotions, we will live in an undercurrent of mild to strong anxiety when negative thoughts or emotions arise. It is important we notice the difference between yielding and not yielding our heart to Christ.

• It’s a simple formula: if we drop down and yield to Christ, we will experience the _____________ of God.

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First, Feel, Forgive The three simple steps to abiding in Christ without ceasing: first-feel-forgive. If you follow this 1-2-3 process, you will be healed and made emotionally whole in a very short time------and remain healed. You can carry the peace, love, and joy of the Lord wherever you go, sharing God’s manifest presence with the hurting and lost rather than just trying to keep your own head above water, out of stress, worry, and despair. We promise that this process will work for you, no matter how deep and longstanding your emotional pain. Freedom is that easy!

Practice Place your hand on your belly to help you focus. Sit down, close your eyes, and imagine that door opening in your belly as you relax your will. Inside, you should feel open. This is what it feels like to yield your heart to the Lord. His presence and His peace will flood your heart. Now think of a concern, offense, or worry, or picture someone who hurt you. Notice that you feel God’s peace diminish and stress return. Drop down again and yield your will. Release any troubling concern into the hands of God. His presence and His peace will return without fail.

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C h a p t e r 8

FORGIVE 1-2-3

Negative emotions are signals that there is a temporary barrier between you and the Lord. They interrupt peace.

• Negative emotions are ________________that there is a temporary barrier between you and the Lord.

God didn't go anywhere. You did! The barrier is in you. But it is easy for God to handle if you allow Him to do so. When you deal with a negative emotion through forgiveness, you feel the peace of God again.

• Barriers are easy for God to handle if you ____________ Him

to do so. • When you deal with a negative emotion through forgiveness,

you feel _____________ again.

▶ GO TO CD, DVD or VIDEO SEVEN

Forgiveness is the Permanent Solution

Too many people are afraid of their emotions. They hide them behind masks, deny them, suppress them, or try to numb them with drugs and alcohol. Those are merely Band-Aid solutions. Negative emotions are

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not something to fear, simply a temporary interruption in peace. Forgiveness is the fast, permanent solution.

• Negative emotions are not something to fear, simply a ________________ interruption in peace.

• Forgiveness is the fast, _________________ solution.

Forgiveness washes away barriers, and restores peace instantly. Forgiveness always works to get your peace back. Few things are 100% guaranteed, but forgiveness is. It is the never-fail solution.

• Forgiveness restores _____________ instantly.

FORGIVE IN THREE DIRECTIONS

God-self-others. Forgiveness goes in three directions: toward God, self, and others. Sometimes a person needs to forgive in two or more directions. If in doubt, forgive. You can't love too much or forgive too much!

• Forgiveness goes in __________ directions. • Forgive ________, _________, and ____________. • If in doubt, _______________ .

DISCUSSION

How does it feel to know that God has given you a solution to deal with unpleasant emotions?

What could this mean for you personally?

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1. God: God didn't do anything wrong, but people get angry at Him anyway. Sometimes people feel hurt that God didn't do what they wanted Him to do, or become angry that God didn't stop something from happening. Forgiving God gets your heart right toward Him.

• God didn't do anything _____________. • People get ___________ or ____________ at God because He

didn't do what they wanted. • Forgiving God gets your heart _____________ with God.

2. Self: If you are angry at, disappointed with, or ashamed of yourself,

you need to receive forgiveness for judging yourself so harshly. Frequently people are much harder on themselves than other people!

• If you are_____________ at, _________________ with, or

________________ of yourself, you need to receive forgiveness for judging yourself so harshly.

• Frequently, people are _____________ on themselves than other people.

I need to forgive God for ________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

I need to forgive myself for_______________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

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3. Others: Release forgiveness to other people. It sets you free!

• When you forgive others, it sets ________ free!

What do you do next? Most of the time, you will only need three simple steps to deal with a negative emotion.

MEMORIZE THE THREE STEPS 1. First 2. Feel 3. Forgive

PRAY THE THREE STEPS

I need to forgive _____________________ for _____________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

Practice Forgiveness is as easy as 1-2-3!

Drop down and get in an attitude of prayer.

1. FIRST - Start with the first person or situation that comes to mind. 2. FEEL - Feel the emotion that is attached. Every thought has a

corresponding emotion. God can heal what you present to Him, not what you hide from Him.

3. FORGIVE - Yield to Christ the forgiver within and allow a river of forgiveness to flow from the belly until the emotion changes to peace.

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AUTHORITY AND THE RULE OF CHRIST One of the unique aspects about this approach is that it always deals with the emotion first. Whenever you have a negative emotion, Christ is not the authority in your heart at that moment. When peace rules your heart, Christ rules in your heart.

[L]et the peace of God rule in your heart (Colossians 3:15).

• When you have a negative emotion, Christ is not the _______________ in your heart at that moment.

• When peace __________ your heart, Christ rules in your heart.

A believer's authority comes only through the rule of Christ. All authority comes from the ruling presence of Jesus. When Jesus is ruling, He guards you with His presence. First, deal with any negative emotion through forgiveness, and then you have the authority to deal with thoughts and mental strongholds.

[T]he peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

• A believer's _____________ comes only through the rule of Christ.

• First, deal with any ______________ ______________ through forgiveness.

• Then you have authority to deal with _____________ and ___________ __________________.

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DEALING WITH THOUGHTS

FACT: If there is an unscriptural thought, or lie, attached:

1. After forgiving and getting peace, renounce the lie.

2. In prayer, ask the Holy Spirit for the truth. "Lord, what do You say." A scripture or scriptural thought will come to mind. Receive it and be sure to write it down.

VERY IMPORTANT Most wounds are just emotional Most wounds are just emotional. In our experience, only about one out of every 20 or 30 emotional healings has a lie attached.

• Only one out of every ________ or _________ emotional healings has a lie attached.

Usually there is no lie Usually there is no lie, or stronghold, that needs to come down! Lies come in at the time of emotional wounding, but the vast majority of emotional wounds do NOT have a lie attached.

• Most of the time there is no ______________ . • Lies come in at the time of ____________________ wounding. • The vast _______________ of emotional wounds do NOT have

a ___________ attached.

Start with the emotion Therefore, always start with the emotion. When you deal with a negative emotion through forgiveness and have peace, you have the spiritual authority to deal with a lie!

• ____________ start with the emotion.

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DEALING WITH EMOTIONAL NEEDS

FILL: Sometimes a person has an emotional need that wasn’t adequately met in childhood, for example love, attention, or approval. God made us to need love, attention, and approval. But God also knows that parents are not perfect, so He promised to take care of the deficiencies on their part.

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me (Psalm 27:10).

• God made us to need __________, attention, and approval. • God also knows that parents are not ______________.

LEGITIMATE NEEDS

All children need the comfort and care of parents. These needs are legitimate. But God has made provision to comfort and care for us even when people let us down!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).

DISCUSSION

Why is it ineffective to change thoughts by quoting scripture without dealing with the emotions?

Why is it so important to always deal with the negative emotion before thoughts?

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• All children need the _____________ and care of parents. • These needs are ___________________. • But God has made provision to comfort and care for us even

when _____________ let us down!

STEPS FOR FILLING Forgive the person who didn’t give you what you needed. Release the internal demand on the person(s) who didn't give it. Then receive from Christ in you all that you needed and didn't receive.

1. Forgive: Forgive the person who didn't give you what you needed. Forgive God if you blamed Him. Receive forgiveness for harboring unforgiveness in your heart for so long.

2. Release: Release the internal demand on the person(s) who

didn't give you what you needed.

3. Fill: Receive, from Christ in you, all that you needed but didn't receive.

KEYS for healing prayer

• Christ is the forgiver so forgiveness works every time.

• Forgiveness is instant, not a process.

• There is no "big or little". • It is all easy for Jesus! • Sequence is important, so always go in God’s order. • Pray through one thing at a time until you get peace.

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Review

Just follow these easy steps to experience supernatural forgiveness. Most of the time, you will only need the first three steps, first-feel-forgive:

▶ GO TO CD, DVD or VIDEO EIGHT

First First person or situation. What is the first person or situation God brings to mind in an image or memory? Feel Feel the feeling. What is the emotion you feel in your gut? Forgive Forgive. Yield your will and let Christ the forgiver flow out toward the person or situation, yourself, or to God. Fact Fact. After forgiving and getting peace, if there is a lie, renounce it out loud. Next, ask the Lord for the truth (scriptural fact) and receive it. Fill Fill. Forgive first, then release the demands on people to give you what you needed. Then receive filling from Christ within.

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C h a p t e r 9

STAY CONNECTED 24/7

CONNECTED 24/7

Communion with Christ can be enjoyed by simply maintaining our connection with God. We start by making a connection in prayer, and then practice connecting in everyday life. Start connected, stay connected.

JESUS COMMUNED WITH FATHER GOD Jesus set aside certain times for prayer, but His fellowship with the Father was continual, even in the midst of a crowd. Jesus was in constant communion with His Father.

Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do" (John 5:19).

• Jesus was in ______________ communion with His Father.

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THE APOSTLE JOHN COMMUNED WITH THE RISEN LORD

The Apostle John writes that he was still having fellowship with Jesus even after the ascension. And then John says that same communion is available for all believers.

The infinite Life of God Himself took shape before us. We saw it, we heard it, and now we’re telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (1 John 1:2-4 MSG).

• The Apostle John still had _________________ with Jesus

after the ascension.

ALL BELIEVERS CAN COMMUNE WITH GOD

Although we may not talk to God all the time, scripture tells us that we can learn to fellowship, or touch His presence spirit-to-Spirit continually. The same experience of spiritual communion is available for all believers. 1 John 1:2-4 says:

[N]ow we’re telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ [emphasis mine].

• The same experience of _________________ communion is

available for all believers.

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KEYS

Start connected The first KEY for staying connected is to start connected. Have a morning prayer time. Stay connected The second KEY is to pay attention to your emotions during the day. To stay connected, if you lose your peace, practice forgiveness, and you will get your peace back immediately. If you are going to learn something new, it requires practice.

DISCUSSION Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

What did you think pray without ceasing meant before you read Live Free and completed this workbook?

What does pray without ceasing mean to you now?

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SIMPLE PRAYER Prayer is simply spending a special time in the presence of the Lord. Prayer is not talking, although it can include talking.

• Prayer is not ______________ although it can include ______________.

Set aside a specific time to be alone with the Lord, to make a spirit-to-Spirit connection. Prayer is all about loving God. If you love someone, don't you enjoy time alone with them? Prayer should be in “the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2-4 NASB).

• Prayer is making a ____________ -to-Spirit connection.

PRIORITY ONE A real relationship requires some quality time, actually being with a Person. When you make a "set apart time" as your number one priority, you honor God. Most people never get around to a prayer time unless they actually make some kind of plan.

• A real relationship requires quality ____________. • When you make a "set apart time" as your number one priority,

you _____________ God. • Most people never get around to a prayer time unless they make

a ____________ .

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PRAYER PLAN

1. Decide on a time. If you don’t devote a specific prayer time into your schedule it is too easy to skip.

My devoted time is: ______________

2. Choose a quiet place with a comfortable chair.

My quiet place is: ____________________

3. Get your Bible, a pen or pencil, and a journal so that you can keep a written record.

____ Bible ____ Pen ____ Journal

4. How long should you spend in prayer? We suggest a minimum of 20 or 30 minutes of prayer.

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FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD

Time spent in prayer prepares you to walk as a friend of God during the day. He is more than willing to provide wisdom and support for the day. And the Lord is eager to be right there with you every step of the way.

• Time spent in prayer prepares you to walk as a ____________ of God during the day.

KEYS

• Start connected in a special time of prayer. • Deal with daily issues as they arise. Don't let

things accumulate. • Pray through the baggage of the past. It is

especially important to pray through mother-father issues.

• Whenever you lose your peace, forgive, and get your peace back.

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One last thing... Do you remember the Life Assessment Form you filled out in Chapter I? Fill it out again to see how much you have learned!

LIFE ASSESSMENT FORM

Check True or False based on how these statements apply to you.

True False

1. I know how to get lasting freedom from my pain and frustration.

2. I know how to forgive.

3. I know for sure where my will is located.

4. I have a solution to deal with negative emotions in the moment.

5. I know how to feel the peace of God whenever I want.

6. I know how to deal with unpleasant or recurring thoughts once and for all.

7. I know how to experience the fruit of the spirit.

8. I have the tools to help others resolve emotional pain quickly and permanently.

9. When I think of God, I usually think of Him in heaven.

10. I know how to get over my feelings of anger or hurt when I am offended.

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How have you changed? __________________________________________________________

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We pray that you have been blessed by all you have learned and experienced in the Live Free course. This is just the beginning of an amazing journey with the Lord!

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