WEEKS 11 & 12: “RENEWING MY MIND: FAITH, FEELINGS AND FORGIVENESS"
STAGE OF CHANGE: Choosing and Acting Upon Change.
STAGE OF HOPE: Hope for Renewal of Our Minds through the Work of The Holy Spirit.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL: “Wonderfully Made/Scripture and Science.” (Part 4). Review again if necessary.
Focus and Goals for Weeks 11 and 12:
Weeks 11 and 12: As stated in the “Bridge” commentary found immediately before Week 11, this is an important “crossing over” stage. This is the stage when we cross over to believing and receiving the transformation and abundant life He has for us. We stop agreeing with past lies. In addition, transformation involves a choice to let go of our own understanding and rather acknowledge Him as the one who KNOWS how to love us.
Also, in order to move forward from our past, we must choose to believe that we have already been forgiven; knowing that this grace has been given to us, then gives us the grace to extend forgiveness to others. We are more and more walking in the process of dying to self and learning to rely on the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN US. Be sure to read the “Bridge” page at the very beginning of Week 11!
KNOWING JESUS:
Week 11: “Taking Jesus at His Word – Jairus”: The focus here is the hope and encouragement that Jesus brought to His brother, Jairus. Can this same hope and encouragement be felt by the members in the group? Ask how has He already been working in their lives? Pause and give time to receive this hope and encouragement on a personal level!
Week 11: “Taking Jesus at His Word – Royal Official”: There is a subtle difference between having faith “in your faith” as opposed to faith in Jesus. How does knowing Who He is, what He has promised and what He does help the members? Have them move to making these promises personal to them and their story. On an individual basis, how much reliance is placed on personal feelings as a source of truth and comfort? Imagine relying on Jesus instead!
Week 12: “Wanting to Get Well, Or?” Emphasize the heart of Jesus in contrast to the perspective of the religious leaders. How do the members respond to the statement: “You don’t have to be perfect for me to come and be with you.”?
KNOWING OURSELVES:
Week 11: “I Want to Walk!”: The emphasis is on the homeowner in the story. Note the question: “Can I come and be in your house today?” Invite the members to visualize this scene personally. What is their reaction? What is their reaction to Jesus connecting forgiveness with healing?
Week: 12: “Forgiveness and Choice”/Corrie Ten Boom’s Personal Story: She believed the Romans 5:5 Scripture about the love of God, through the Holy Spirit, being poured into her heart. Why did this result in abundant life and freedom for Corrie? She had seen the difference between those who forgave and were able to rebuild their lives, and those who nursed their wounds and remained invalids; how did this affect her? Why did she say that forgiveness is NOT an emotion, and what does this mean for us?
“Forgiveness and Choice”/Worksheet: What is it That We Give in Forgiveness/What is Not For-Giving?” What statements are you able to believe and accept? What are the statements that are difficult to receive?
“Forgiveness and Choice”/Pause – Reflect – Receive: “This is Decision Time.”
Pause to encourage the members to realize that this will be a work in progress not just now, but in everyday life. Encourage each member to give time and reflection in the decision-making process of receiving and giving forgiveness.
Rather than just a commandment (forgiveness) to be followed in detached obedience, the pathway of forgiveness is actually how we remain SAFE and FREE in this TROUBLED WORLD. Receiving and giving forgiveness is the entrance-way of walking in abundant life, as His love flows in us and through us. This core truth should sink deeply into all of us!
“Forgiveness and Comfort”: Help the members realize that the forgiveness they can receive and also give is accomplished through their decision to forgive. Feelings do not even enter the process.
However, as the memory of the hurt event or situation is recalled, the feelings of hurt and loss are also brought to awareness on an emotional level. This is normal. But these memories and feelings in no way affect their decision, and the effectiveness, of the forgiveness
As we cry out to Jesus, bringing the hurtful memory to Him with intention, His presence and wisdom will not only re-write our perspective in our minds, but also in our hearts. Seeing through His eyes allows us indeed to receive His Heart within us Allow plenty of time and prayer for the Lord to work this perspective into the wounded hearts of His people.
We are now going to cross-over into the new re-write story that Jesus has in store for us!!! "I used to believe..., BUT NOW ……
Click HERE to go to Weeks 13 & 14
Click HERE to return to the Facilitator's Guide Introduction page
STAGE OF CHANGE: Choosing and Acting Upon Change.
STAGE OF HOPE: Hope for Renewal of Our Minds through the Work of The Holy Spirit.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL: “Wonderfully Made/Scripture and Science.” (Part 4). Review again if necessary.
Focus and Goals for Weeks 11 and 12:
Weeks 11 and 12: As stated in the “Bridge” commentary found immediately before Week 11, this is an important “crossing over” stage. This is the stage when we cross over to believing and receiving the transformation and abundant life He has for us. We stop agreeing with past lies. In addition, transformation involves a choice to let go of our own understanding and rather acknowledge Him as the one who KNOWS how to love us.
Also, in order to move forward from our past, we must choose to believe that we have already been forgiven; knowing that this grace has been given to us, then gives us the grace to extend forgiveness to others. We are more and more walking in the process of dying to self and learning to rely on the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN US. Be sure to read the “Bridge” page at the very beginning of Week 11!
KNOWING JESUS:
Week 11: “Taking Jesus at His Word – Jairus”: The focus here is the hope and encouragement that Jesus brought to His brother, Jairus. Can this same hope and encouragement be felt by the members in the group? Ask how has He already been working in their lives? Pause and give time to receive this hope and encouragement on a personal level!
Week 11: “Taking Jesus at His Word – Royal Official”: There is a subtle difference between having faith “in your faith” as opposed to faith in Jesus. How does knowing Who He is, what He has promised and what He does help the members? Have them move to making these promises personal to them and their story. On an individual basis, how much reliance is placed on personal feelings as a source of truth and comfort? Imagine relying on Jesus instead!
Week 12: “Wanting to Get Well, Or?” Emphasize the heart of Jesus in contrast to the perspective of the religious leaders. How do the members respond to the statement: “You don’t have to be perfect for me to come and be with you.”?
KNOWING OURSELVES:
Week 11: “I Want to Walk!”: The emphasis is on the homeowner in the story. Note the question: “Can I come and be in your house today?” Invite the members to visualize this scene personally. What is their reaction? What is their reaction to Jesus connecting forgiveness with healing?
Week: 12: “Forgiveness and Choice”/Corrie Ten Boom’s Personal Story: She believed the Romans 5:5 Scripture about the love of God, through the Holy Spirit, being poured into her heart. Why did this result in abundant life and freedom for Corrie? She had seen the difference between those who forgave and were able to rebuild their lives, and those who nursed their wounds and remained invalids; how did this affect her? Why did she say that forgiveness is NOT an emotion, and what does this mean for us?
“Forgiveness and Choice”/Worksheet: What is it That We Give in Forgiveness/What is Not For-Giving?” What statements are you able to believe and accept? What are the statements that are difficult to receive?
“Forgiveness and Choice”/Pause – Reflect – Receive: “This is Decision Time.”
Pause to encourage the members to realize that this will be a work in progress not just now, but in everyday life. Encourage each member to give time and reflection in the decision-making process of receiving and giving forgiveness.
Rather than just a commandment (forgiveness) to be followed in detached obedience, the pathway of forgiveness is actually how we remain SAFE and FREE in this TROUBLED WORLD. Receiving and giving forgiveness is the entrance-way of walking in abundant life, as His love flows in us and through us. This core truth should sink deeply into all of us!
“Forgiveness and Comfort”: Help the members realize that the forgiveness they can receive and also give is accomplished through their decision to forgive. Feelings do not even enter the process.
However, as the memory of the hurt event or situation is recalled, the feelings of hurt and loss are also brought to awareness on an emotional level. This is normal. But these memories and feelings in no way affect their decision, and the effectiveness, of the forgiveness
As we cry out to Jesus, bringing the hurtful memory to Him with intention, His presence and wisdom will not only re-write our perspective in our minds, but also in our hearts. Seeing through His eyes allows us indeed to receive His Heart within us Allow plenty of time and prayer for the Lord to work this perspective into the wounded hearts of His people.
We are now going to cross-over into the new re-write story that Jesus has in store for us!!! "I used to believe..., BUT NOW ……
Click HERE to go to Weeks 13 & 14
Click HERE to return to the Facilitator's Guide Introduction page