"Spiritual Detox: Throwing Off What Hinders Us"

October 2008 Luncheon

Speaker:  Susan Jameson

 “I’d been carrying around a big black pot, filling it with things that I kept close to me, like pets. Things like grief, depression, disappointment, unmet expectations, unforgiveness, resentment, bitterness, regrets…And pride was the primary ingredient.  It fed all the others. It made me want to hide all my other attitudes from the world.”

You could have heard a pin drop in the banquet room at our last luncheon, as Susan Jameson shared a very personal, honest struggle that she has gone through this past year.  Reaching what felt like the bottom of a pit, she finally sought out some professional Christian counsel, and came to share with us the healing she has experienced through that process.  She has rediscovered the joy of the Lord, and ultimately, has learned how God can use us once we “throw off what hinders us” and surrender to Him.  Through her own experience she can encourage us to discover greater joy by dealing with the “stuff” in our lives.

If you find yourself in a pit, holding on to bad habits or attitudes, here are some practical steps you can take to begin to let go:

Start by getting back to the basics: 

1.      Be still; draw near to God (James 4:8)

2.      Spend time praising God

3.      Seek Him first (Matt 6:33)

4.      Meditate on His word

5.      Surrender your will to His every morning

6.      Expect to be amazed by Him every day

7.      Meet with a friend who’s a few steps ahead of you

8.      Pour yourself into someone who’s a few steps behind you

9.      Seek professional help if needed

10.  Run with endurance the race set before you (Heb 12:1-3)

Susan also encouraged us not to be afraid to ask for help.  God does some of His best work through His people.  There is no shame or weakness in asking others to come alongside us.

   Fellowship of the Unashamed

Author unknown

I am a part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed." I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sign walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving and dwarfed goals!

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power.

My pace is set, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, back up, let up or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear.