2. Matthew 5:4 Matthew 11:28-30

3. ‘Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth’ Matthew 5:5. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

4. Introduction Cycle of failure – Stuck habit, hurt, grief, anger – Guilt I can’t change – Angry I can’t control this – Fear It’s going to take over my life – DepressionSelf-pity, resignation

5. Principles Realize I’m not God; I admit I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.

6. Principles Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.

7. Today’s Principle Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control.

8. What keeps me from moving forward Pride. I don’t want to admit I need help. – “A fool finds no pleasure in under- standing but delights in airing his own opinions” Proverbs 18:2. – “The self sufficient fool falls flat on his face” Proverbs 10:8.

9. What keeps me from moving forward Guilt. I’m ashamed to ask for help. – “My sins have overtaken me and I cannot see” Psalm 40:12. – I’m too unworthy

10. What keeps me from moving forward Fear. I’m afraid of what I may have to give up – I don’t want anyone controlling me. – Problem: we are already controlled! – by hurts, hang-ups and habits – What are you holding onto? “What good is it to gain to whole world, but lose you own soul” Mark 8:36 ?

11. What keeps me from moving forward Worry. Don’t confuse the decision with problem-solving. – Kennedy (‘63) Decision – Go to the moon. NASA – solve the problem. – The Christian life is a decision followed by a process. – “Cast all your care upon Him...” I Peter 5:7.

12. What keeps me from moving forward Doubt. My faith seems so small. – “If you have faith, you can say to this mountain...” Matthew 17:20. – Jairus – “Fear not, believe only” Mark 5:22.

13. How do I take this step? Accept Jesus as your Savior – We all need a Savior – someone who helps us! Accept His Word as your standard – He gave us instructions – his holy word

14. How do I take this step? Accept His will as your Strategy – “I desire to do your will” Psalm 40:8. Accept His power as your Strength – “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13.

15. Ready to take this Step? “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man open the door I will come in and fellowship with him” Revelation 3:20. The key to the door: willingness

16. Prayer Father, I consciously choose to commit my life and will to Christ’s care and control. I accept Jesus as my savior, his word as my, his will as my strategy, and his power as my strength. Jesus, make yourself real to me on my way to recovery!