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A New Year for a New Person

January 2, 2012 by garyleemillner

“Anyone who comes to Christ becomes a new person.  The past is forgotten and everything becomes new”  — 2 Cor. 5:17

It’s officially 2012.  Pastor Rick Warren tweeted today, “The calendar gives us a new year but only Christ can give us a new life: ‘I make EVERYTHING new!’ – Jesus Rev.21:5.”

If you’re anything like me, you may be thinking, “sure it’s a new year, but what in my life has really changed, is really new?”  I have to go to work tomorrow, just like I did last year.  I have to struggle with getting the proper amount of sleep, just like I did last year.  I have to struggle to keep my peace and joy, just like I did in 2011.  I have to struggle to keep my thoughts pure, just like I did in 2011.  I have to struggle __________ (fill in the blank), just like I did last year.

While these things may be true, the Good News is that if you’re in Christ, that is, really know Him (click here to find out how), then you are a new person, you have a new life, and you have hope for a better today and an even better tomorrow.

Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

The truth is that most true change is slow and steady.  It usually does not happen overnight.  It does, however, eventually happen as we keep renewing our minds day after day.  As we keep our minds focused on Christ and the truths that are found in His Word, slowly but surely we begin to change into the people that he desires us to be.  This process is known as sanctification.

There are many good resources to assist in renewing our minds.  The Bible and prayer being the top two.  Others include, listening to sermons, talking with other believers, reading Christian books, etc.

Currently, I’m listening to Pastor Dan Backens’ sermons as I drive back and forth to work.  This has proved very helpful to me in renewing my mind.

Whatever way you choose to renew your mind, you can be sure that God is working in you and you will be prosperous and successful.  Please be careful though, for there are many false doctrines and teachings out there.  Always make sure that the information is consistent with what the Bible teaches.

Whatever you may be facing today, be encouraged that, if you are in Christ, then you are already are a new person, already have a new life, and are being made into the image and likeness of Christ Himself.  Your future is bright because He is your hope.  This may sound like a platitude, but it’s true and not meant as such.

If you are facing something in your life that is bigger than you can handle, cry out to Jesus and let Him be your hope.  He is the only hope that we really have anyway.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” — Romans 12:2 

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Prayer for Serenity (full version)

December 23, 2010 by garyleemillner

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did,
this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.

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Less Than 120 Days Left to Fund New Christian Recovery Book

September 27, 2010 by garyleemillner

OUR STORY

Our Book (God, my many mentors, and I), Overcoming Life’s Monster’s and Beasts:  A Practical, Biblical Guide to Overcoming Life’s Hurts, Hang-ups, and Habits (this title may change),  is about my struggle to obtain the freedom that Christ died for me (us) to have.

 I was praying some time ago about what God wanted me to do as a next step in my life.  I was considering getting my Mastors in Biblical Counseling.  However, I felt like God was speaking to me that I should write a book.

 I believe that this book is unique and unlike any other book out there.  It is a very real, authentic, practical guide to overcoming many of life’s issues, such as fear, anxiety, depression, drug, alcohol, and porn addiction, self-hatred, unforgiveness, pride, co-dependency, anger, and etc.

 I have been through and overcome many of the above issues.  Rick Warren says that (paraphrased) “The area of our greatest pain is the area of our greatest ministry.”  This is bibical.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reads:

 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

My prayer is that this book will be a valuable resource to those who struggle with any life issues.  Moreover, my prayer is that God will use this book to bring hope and healing to many who are trying to keep their head above the raging waters of life, ready to drown at any second, much like I was.  

WHAT WE NEED & WHAT YOU GET

I am looking to raise the funds necessary to cover the costs that my publisher (Tate Publishing) is charging to publish our book – $3985.00.  Our book is almost finished and I plan to start the publishing process as soon as this campaign is over (January 19, 2011).  The publishing process will take six to eight months.

 The perks that you will recieve for contributing are below.  Just click the appropriate pledge amount to donate.

Pledge $1 or more ($1 minimum)
It’s not all about the money. Lend your moral support by pledging a dollar and adding to the number of backers. You get a big woof from Sparky (okay, since he’s a little dog, it’s more like a high pitched “yipe”) and added to the email list for project updates so you can still play a part.

Pledge $20 or more ($20 minimum)
You get our paperback book along with many thanks.
Pledge $35 or more ($35 minimum)
Okay, now you’re getting personal. You get a signed paperback book, a BIG woof from Sparky, and many thanks.
Pledge $50 or more ($50 minimum)
Few things are permanent but hardcover books do tend to last longer than softcover books. Get a hardcover book along with many thanks. Oh, and I’ll tell Sparky so he can let out a BIG woof!

Pledge $65.00 or more ($65 minimum)
Now you’re getting more permanent AND personal. You get a signed hardcover book along with many thanks and a BIG Sparky woof!
Pledge $85.00 or more ($85 minimum)
Hardcover first edition. Signed. A great collector’s item. You also get a journal to jot down your thoughts about the book. Heartfelt thanks from both Sparky and I.
Pledge $125 or more ($125 minimum)
Signed first edition hardcover, with a personal inscription. Add a journal. And of course many, many thanks from Sparky and I.
Pledge $250 or more ($250 minimum)
This is getting rather crazy, but here it goes. Signed hardcover, personal inscription, journal, AND a personalized, signed letter of thanks, suitable for framing?, or at least to keep folded inside the book.

I believe that you are donating to a good cause.  With that said, please keep in mind that donation amounts do not reflect actual merchandise (perk) retail prices.

HOW ELSE YOU CAN HELP

Please pray for this effort.  Also, please join me in getting the word out.  Any help that can be given to assist in meeting this goal will be greatly appreciated.  Examples include, sharing this on the various social networks including facebook and twitter, word of mouth, email, and other creative ways that you may think of.

May God richly bless you.

His Son,
Gary 

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Step 1: I Have Issues, I’m NOT God, and I Can’t Change Myself

September 19, 2010 by garyleemillner

1.  We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.

“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (Romans 7:18)

The first step of recovery includes the following:

  • admitting that you have problems or issues
  • realizing that you are NOT God
  • realizing that you cannot change yourself

This requires humility.  We must lay down our pride and say “I have issues, I’m not God, and I can’t change myself”.

The first of these, realizing that I have issues, can be fairly easy for those of us who have struggled with addictions or compulsive behaviors.  We know that the drug, alcohol, or porn addiction is destroying our lives.  However, this can be quite difficult for those who do not have obvious issues like these.  Their issues may be more subtle, such as pride, co-dependency, unforgiveness, or anger.  These issues are just as destructive as the aforementioned issues, only harder to recognize for many folks.  It may take a revelation from God before their eyes are finally opened to their problems.

The second one, trying to play God or be like God, is one of the original sins.  Satan (and 1/3 of heaven’s angels) got the boot because he wanted to be God.  Adam and Eve also got the boot (from the garden) because they wanted to be like God.  We are still falling into this trap today.  We try to control our circumstances, our future, our image, and just about every other area of our lives.  However, in order for us to work this first step of recovery, we must humble overselves and let God be God and take our rightful places as the created and NOT the Creator.  We must step down off the throne of our lives and let God take the throne.

The third one goes hand-in-hand with the second one.  Romans 7:18 says that I cannot accomplish the good that I desire to do.  So, if I desire to make a change in myself for the better, I cannot carry out this change on my own.  Only God can bring about “true” change in our lives.   Many of us have tried to change ourselves time and time again and have failed miserably. 

Are you ready to admit your issues?  What issues are you ready to admit?  Are you ready to admit them to yourself, to God, and to another trusted human being?  If so, then I would encourage you to do so.

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Everyone Has Issues

August 11, 2010 by garyleemillner

Everyone has issues — although many of us are either totally unaware of them, don’t want to admit them for whatever reason, are afraid to admit them for fear of dredging up the past, or think that repressing or suppressing them is the Christian thing-to-do and that by doing this they will somehow just magically resolve themselves. 

The truth is:

  • admitting the issue is the first step of recovery.
  • dealing with the issue head-on is the only way to obtain victory.  Yes it will be painful, but God will help you through it.
  • there is nothing Christian about choosing to live in bondage when Christ died to set you free.
  • repressing or suppressing the issue will only keep it from being healed and will keep you in bondage.  It WILL rear its ugly head from time-to-time and cause you continual pain until you deal with it.
  • the problems that you are currently experiencing in life may be rooted in unresolved issues from your past.  Unless these root issues are dealt with appropriately, you may never live in the freedom that is yours because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

The following principles of recovery work for ANY hurt, hangup, or habit that you may experience.  Some issues include:  fear, anxiety, depression, pride, unforgiveness, anger in general, anger towards God, self-hatred, co-dependency, pornography, lust, drug or alcohol addiction, or ________ (fill in the blank). 

They are best worked in a (small) group setting such as Celebrate Recovery, Recovery for Life, or Alcoholics Victorious.

The Biblical Twelve Steps

Starting with a Decision

1.  We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.

“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (Romans 7:18)

2.  We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)

3.  We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)

Searching for Defects

4.  We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:40)

5.  We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16)

6.  We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

Stepping into Discovery

7.  We humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

8.  We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)

9.  We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)

Sticking with Discipleship

10.  We continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12)

11.  We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Colossians 3:16)

12.  Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.  But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

[This unique version of The Biblical Twelve Steps is from Dr. Paul Hardy's excellent ministry entitled Recovery for Life.]  

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How To Deal With Failure

July 20, 2010 by garyleemillner

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9

We all screw up from time to time in our Christian walk.  We fail.  Perhaps we don’t obey God’s voice, fall into an old addiction or hangup, or fail in some other way.  Then the feelings of guilt and shame manifest themselves.  If not dealt with appropriately, they can easily escalate to self-hatred.  The pain of self-hatred can then, in some cases, lead right back to the original failure.  Thus, the cycle repeats AND/OR we beat ourselves up for the next two or three weeks until we believe that we have paid enough for our sin.  These two scenarios have certainly played themselves out in my life far too many times.

What about you?  Can you identify with this cycle and/or the self-hatred that lasts for weeks at a time?

What is the best way to deal with failure?

The best way to deal with failure is to confess it to God immediately, receive His forgiveness (1 John 1:9), and then go right on fellowshiping with the Lord.  God is not the least bit surprised by our sin or failure.  He knows that we have no hope without Him.  That’s why he came — not for the righteous but for sinners (Mark 2:17).  

However, the temptation is to beat ourselves up as with a baseball bat until we feel that we have paid the price for our sins.  The problem with this is: 

  1.  How do we know when we’ve paid enough?  The truth is we can never pay enough.
  2. We are living under law and NOT under grace.
  3. Jesus already paid for ALL of our sins, past, present, and future.  That’s good news!  Jesus already was beat up for our sins, so we wouldn’t have to be.

Satan is the accuser and loves to bring our failures to our attention.  When this happens, we have to remind him that Jesus paid for it ALL on the Cross of Calvary. 

“I—yes, I alone—am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.” — Isaiah 43:25 NLTv1

 

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Sinner Saved by Grace or Saint Who Sins?

June 22, 2010 by garyleemillner

Many of us who have accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord, because of patterns of besetting sin or addiction in our lives, view ourselves as sinners saved by grace.  However, the truth is, we are saints who sin.

Birth, not performance, dictates nature.  The world’s definition of a sinner is performance-based; if a person sins, then he’s a sinner.  God’s definition is different.  His view is that a sinner is a sinner because he or she was born that way, and neither good nor bad performance can change that fact.  It’s not sins that send a person to hell, it’s their nature that sends them to hell.  To go to hell, you just have to be born and reach the age of accountability.  That’s it.  Unless you submit to God’s plan to get your nature changed, you’re toast (literally)!

 [click here if you would like to learn how NOT to be toast]

When a sinner gets saved, he does NOT become a sinner saved by grace but instead becomes a saint who sins.  The world sees a saint as a person who rarely, if ever, sins.  However, the New Testament refers to born-again people as “saints” fifty-six times, whereas it rarely (two or three times) uses the term “sinner” to refer to a Christian (we can deal with this apparrent contridiction but not in this blog entry; I hope that you will pick the fifty-six instead of the three).  Therefore, the truth is, if you are saved, then you are a saint, regardless of whether you still sin a little or a lot.  Your new born-again (re-birthed) nature makes you a saint.

Why is how you view yourself important? 

If you still view yourself as a sinner, then it is difficult for you to accept and appropriate the truth about your new born-again identity (who you are in Christ).  How can I believe that I’m a filthy, rotten, no-good sinner while at the same time believe that I’m “the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus”, “above and not beneath”, “the head and not the tail”, etc?  See the contradiction?  However, if I believe the truth that I’m a saint, then this is in agreement with what the Bible teaches about who I am in Christ (e.g. I’m… a new creation, accepted not condemned, holy, set apart, etc).  There is no contradiction.   

[Much of this blog entry comes from Bill Gillham's excellent book "Lifetime Guarantee", although it has been modified.]

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Posted in Identity | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

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