Transformative Journey: Knowing God and Finding Healing
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's a privilege to be with you today and share God's word. I want to start by reflecting on John 17:3, which speaks about knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ. This scripture has been a cornerstone in my life, especially during challenging times. Knowing God is more than just a superficial relationship; it's an intimate, deep connection, much like the relationships we have with our closest family members.
From the very beginning of my life, I faced significant challenges. My birth was complicated, and the doctors doubted both my mother and I would survive. But through my father's fervent prayers, we both lived. This early experience taught me the power of pleading with God and trusting Him in dire circumstances.
As I grew up, I faced severe trials, including sexual abuse, which I kept secret for many years. These secrets began to destroy my life, leading me into a cycle of sin and emptiness. Despite growing up in a religious household, I felt a deep void and turned to various vices to fill it—alcohol, drugs, and unhealthy relationships. My life was a mess, filled with lies and secrets that only deepened my despair.
However, a turning point came when I reached out to my sister, who introduced me to Jesus. She told me that while she couldn't help me, Jesus could. In February 1983, I committed my life to Jesus, and everything changed. The emptiness and darkness I felt were replaced with joy and purpose. I began to develop new habits, like reading the Bible and memorizing scripture, which helped me grow in my relationship with God.
God then began a deep healing process in my life, addressing the root causes of my addictions and the pain from my past. This journey was painful but necessary for my spiritual growth. I confessed my secrets and sought forgiveness, which brought immense relief and freedom.
God also called me to serve in various capacities, including global missions. I've traveled to 60 nations, sharing the gospel and helping others. Throughout my journey, I've learned the importance of hearing God's voice, being humble, and being willing to follow His lead, no matter how challenging it may be.
### Key Takeaways
1. Intimate Knowledge of God: Knowing God is more than just acknowledging His existence; it's about developing a deep, intimate relationship with Him. This relationship is akin to the closeness we share with our family members. It's through this intimate knowledge that we experience eternal life and the fullness of His divine power. [40:50]
2. The Power of Confession: Keeping secrets can destroy our lives. Confessing our sins and secrets to God and others brings freedom and healing. God already knows our struggles, and He desires to set us free from the burdens we carry. Confession is the first step towards healing and restoration. [46:00]
3. Transformation Through Jesus: Committing our lives to Jesus brings profound transformation. The emptiness and darkness we feel can only be filled by Him. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, He fills us with joy, purpose, and a desire to know Him more deeply. [53:17]
4. God's Healing Process: God's healing process is often painful but necessary. He wants to cleanse and purify us, addressing the root causes of our pain and addictions. This process involves confessing our secrets, seeking forgiveness, and allowing God to heal our wounds. [57:28]
5. Following God's Call: God has a unique plan and dream for each of our lives. Following His call may require us to make significant sacrifices, but it's through obedience that we fulfill His purpose. Being humble, patient, and willing to follow God's lead is essential for living out His plan for our lives. [01:04:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[40:10] - Introduction and John 17:3
[41:43] - Early Life Challenges
[42:53] - Struggles and Secrets
[46:00] - The Power of Confession
[49:07] - Turning Point and Commitment to Jesus
[53:17] - Transformation Through Jesus
[57:28] - God's Healing Process
[01:00:13] - Global Missions and God's Call
[01:04:34] - Following God's Plan
[01:10:38] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 17:3 - "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
2. 2 Peter 1:3 - "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 17:3 say about eternal life and knowing God?
2. How did Pastor Connie describe her feelings before committing her life to Jesus? ([42:53])
3. What was the turning point in Pastor Connie's life that led her to commit to Jesus? ([50:16])
4. According to 2 Peter 1:3, what has God's divine power granted us, and through what means?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does knowing God intimately, as described in John 17:3, differ from merely acknowledging His existence? ([40:50])
2. Why is confession of secrets and sins important for spiritual healing and freedom, according to Pastor Connie's testimony? ([46:00])
3. What does Pastor Connie's story teach us about the process and importance of God's healing in our lives? ([57:28])
4. How does 2 Peter 1:3 relate to the transformation and empowerment Pastor Connie experienced after committing her life to Jesus? ([01:03:28])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own relationship with God. How can you deepen your intimate knowledge of Him this week? ([40:50])
2. Are there any secrets or sins in your life that you need to confess to God or others? How can you take the first step towards confession and healing? ([46:00])
3. Pastor Connie mentioned that committing her life to Jesus filled her with joy and purpose. Have you experienced a similar transformation? If not, what steps can you take to invite Jesus into those empty areas of your life? ([53:17])
4. God's healing process can be painful but necessary. Are there areas in your life where you need to allow God to heal you? What might that process look like for you? ([57:28])
5. Pastor Connie followed God's call to serve in various capacities, including global missions. What unique plan or dream do you believe God has for your life, and how can you start taking steps to follow His lead? ([01:04:34])
6. How can you practice humility and patience in your daily life to better align with God's plan for you? ([01:11:13])
7. Pastor Connie emphasized the importance of hearing God's voice. What practices can you incorporate into your life to better hear and follow God's guidance? ([01:00:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Intimate Knowledge of God
Knowing God is more than just acknowledging His existence; it's about developing a deep, intimate relationship with Him. This relationship is akin to the closeness we share with our family members. It's through this intimate knowledge that we experience eternal life and the fullness of His divine power. When we truly know God, we understand His character, His love, and His plans for us. This intimate relationship transforms our lives, giving us purpose and direction.
John 17:3 says, "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." This verse emphasizes that eternal life is not just about living forever but about knowing God deeply and personally. It's an invitation to a relationship that goes beyond surface-level understanding and dives into the depths of God's heart and mind. [40:50]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God today? What specific steps can you take to know Him more intimately?
Day 2: The Power of Confession
Keeping secrets can destroy our lives. Confessing our sins and secrets to God and others brings freedom and healing. God already knows our struggles, and He desires to set us free from the burdens we carry. Confession is the first step towards healing and restoration. When we confess, we acknowledge our need for God's grace and open ourselves up to His transformative power.
Confession is not just about admitting our wrongs; it's about seeking God's forgiveness and allowing Him to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It breaks the chains of guilt and shame that hold us captive and paves the way for a renewed relationship with God. By bringing our secrets into the light, we experience the freedom and peace that only God can provide. [46:00]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Is there a secret or sin you need to confess to God or a trusted person today? How can you take the first step towards healing and freedom?
Day 3: Transformation Through Jesus
Committing our lives to Jesus brings profound transformation. The emptiness and darkness we feel can only be filled by Him. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, He fills us with joy, purpose, and a desire to know Him more deeply. This transformation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of becoming more like Christ.
Jesus offers us a new identity and a fresh start. He takes our brokenness and makes us whole. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we begin to reflect His character and love to those around us. This transformation impacts every area of our lives, from our thoughts and attitudes to our actions and relationships. [53:17]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need Jesus' transformative power? How can you surrender these areas to Him today?
Day 4: God's Healing Process
God's healing process is often painful but necessary. He wants to cleanse and purify us, addressing the root causes of our pain and addictions. This process involves confessing our secrets, seeking forgiveness, and allowing God to heal our wounds. While it may be difficult, it is through this process that we experience true freedom and wholeness.
God's healing is holistic, touching every part of our being—spiritual, emotional, and physical. He desires to restore us completely, making us whole in Him. As we submit to His healing process, we learn to trust Him more deeply and rely on His strength. This journey of healing is a testament to God's love and faithfulness in our lives. [57:28]
Psalm 147:3 (ESV): "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Reflection: What wounds or areas of brokenness do you need to bring to God for healing? How can you trust Him in this process?
Day 5: Following God's Call
God has a unique plan and dream for each of our lives. Following His call may require us to make significant sacrifices, but it's through obedience that we fulfill His purpose. Being humble, patient, and willing to follow God's lead is essential for living out His plan for our lives. This journey of obedience is marked by faith and trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.
God's call often leads us out of our comfort zones and into places where we can make a difference for His kingdom. It requires us to listen to His voice and be willing to go wherever He leads. As we follow His call, we experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with His will. [01:04:34]
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"
Reflection: What is God calling you to do today? How can you step out in faith and obedience to follow His lead?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want to describe to you how I felt before I committed my life to Jesus. I was dead. Not dead, not this physical body, but my inside was dead. There was no life. I felt this, the inner part of me as it was dead. I felt like there was no life. I felt like there was this deep empty hole inside of me. I felt a darkness within me that I couldn't figure out what it was." [42:53] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want to encourage you, if you have secrets, if you have things in your life that you've never told anybody, confess it. First tell God, He already knows, and then tell others so that you can get help. Because God wants to set you free today." [46:00] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do you know that God has a dream for your life? That God has a plan for your life? He dreams about how his plan for you can be fulfilled because he loves you deeply. It doesn't matter how long you'll be on this earth, whether you're a young child or you're an adult, God has a plan for your life and he dreams about your life all the time." [52:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we commit our lives to Jesus, we'll fulfill it. Friends, everything changes when we yield to him and his dreams. Everything changes." [54:32] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "One of the most important skills we can learn, folks, is to practice hearing the voice of God. Because God wants to speak to you. He wants to lead you in his plan. Life on this earth is not boring. It's fun. It's awesome with God. He wants to heal you. He wants to speak to you." [01:00:46] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I was keeping secrets that began destroying my life. I grew up in a home, lots of family, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, siblings. We spent lots of time together as a family. We went to church every Sunday. We never missed church. You see, as a child, I didn't like church. I wanted nothing to do with God and I didn't like church." [44:15] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I had many secrets and I was trying to fill it with that, with alcohol, drugs, but only Jesus could fill it. And that day I felt joy come upon me, a joy that I had never experienced before. The desire to no longer live was gone. Jesus filled every area. There was now, rather than wanting to drink and do drugs and sex and all that stuff, I wanted to read this Bible." [53:17] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I learned how to get up early, take time every morning to read the Bible. I learned how to memorize scripture, to get that into my heart. I was thrilled about my life with Jesus. I told Jesus I would do anything for him. I would go anywhere for him. I would move anywhere for him." [56:43] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God wanted to, I had addictions. And when we give our life to Jesus, it doesn't like those addictions go away. Yeah, we might, I quit the drugs, I quit the sex, I quit the alcohol, but there were still addictions because there was a root cause of that. The lies. He wanted to heal me from the people I had hurt and the lies that I had told." [58:00] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to give you three things to keep in mind. First of all, be humble. Don't be concerned about titles, positions, money, material things. We're going to have all of that and God's going to give you all that he wants to give you. He's going to give you the titles that he has waiting for you to have. He's going to give you the positions. But be humble and follow God's leading." [01:10:38] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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