Sozo
Sozo is a greek word that appears 110 times in the New Testament. It means "to save or make well or whole". As part of the prayer and healing ministry at church a group of us are studying a ministry called Sozo that began in California at Bethel Church. The training provides tools (not rules) with which we can more effectively assist a person to the feet of Jesus so that He can minister to them. It is not therapy or advice. It simply allows facilitates connection with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Yesterday we were given our first opportunity to minister. A wonderful gentleman I will call James was a sport enough to allowing this gaggle of Sozo newbies to sit with him and see what God would do. As a war veteran he struggled with a lot of issues that he has tried to deal with in various ways over the years including counseling and therapy. Still, he had lingering problems and feelings he dealt with day in and day out. He said he was tired.
Without divulging too much, in 30 minutes the Holy Spirit gave this man the only thing he has wanted in all the years since the war: A sense of peace in his spirit. He forgave himself for the things he did that bothered him. God told him that he was not a monster and never had been. He reminded James of things he'd seen in the war that showed God's presence and mercy. He also brought to his mind peaceful things that he used to enjoy as a child that he had long forgotten about. He exchanged lies for the truth and James walked out of that meeting a renewed spirit with a new relationship with Jesus who showed him that He always has his back. James said "peace...that's all I have wanted all this time...And now I have it." His face seemed to look brighter and his demeanor seemed 'lighter' as we walked with him out of the session...
Our God is so good! Bring us more, Lord!!!
Yesterday we were given our first opportunity to minister. A wonderful gentleman I will call James was a sport enough to allowing this gaggle of Sozo newbies to sit with him and see what God would do. As a war veteran he struggled with a lot of issues that he has tried to deal with in various ways over the years including counseling and therapy. Still, he had lingering problems and feelings he dealt with day in and day out. He said he was tired.
Without divulging too much, in 30 minutes the Holy Spirit gave this man the only thing he has wanted in all the years since the war: A sense of peace in his spirit. He forgave himself for the things he did that bothered him. God told him that he was not a monster and never had been. He reminded James of things he'd seen in the war that showed God's presence and mercy. He also brought to his mind peaceful things that he used to enjoy as a child that he had long forgotten about. He exchanged lies for the truth and James walked out of that meeting a renewed spirit with a new relationship with Jesus who showed him that He always has his back. James said "peace...that's all I have wanted all this time...And now I have it." His face seemed to look brighter and his demeanor seemed 'lighter' as we walked with him out of the session...
Our God is so good! Bring us more, Lord!!!
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