Ted Haggard on Oprah ... Very Revealing

Last week I had an opportunity to watch a taped version of the Oprah Winfrey Show with Ted Haggard. I felt that it was very revealing ... especially if you are immersed in Charismatic / Pentecostal theology. I am sure that many of you saw the show. I know that some of your are furious that he did not take a stronger stand on certain things and others of you are covered in grace and would vote him back in at his church. This post is not designed to exalt him or continue to punish him, but to highlight a comment that affects a lot of Pentecostal / Charismatic members. Here it is. Ted Haggard spoke of his commitment to prayer and fasting. During these times, he focused on rebuking the devil off of his house and his work and his personal life. I have spent many hours doing that and I continue to do so. We are always a target for the devils attacks, but the revealing statement came when Ted said that he never considered his choices an issue. In other words, he rebuked the devil but did not own any of the sin or the struggle. The new Ted Haggard know says that there are angels and demons but now he realizes that he has to take the responsibility for his own actions.  WOW! Finally, the truth comes out. Too many of us Pentecostals spend so much time rebuking the devil while ignoring our part in the process. We have to take personal responsibility. We have to learn to say "no" when we need to say "no." We need to learn how to say "yes" when we need to say "yes". In other words, we need to do the right thing.   Don't blame your weakness on the devil. Own your weakness and allow Christ to extend his grace ... you will find the power that you need in Christ.  Years ago, Oral Roberts said that the first step to receiving your healing is to admit that you are sick. If we need deliverance, we need to own it and then ask Christ to set us free.   We also need to share our struggles with a trusted friend so that we can have an increased level of accountability.   Some folks need to take another step and get in a recovery group. At The Creek we have a group focused on substance abuse.  Chuck Spencer, sober for seven years,  leads this group along with his wife Dana.  They help people walk in freedom.   The Creek also has a group for men struggling with lust and pornography.  It's not a group that we publicize because of the sensitive nature of the struggle.  If you need help in this area, contact our director of small groups, Pastor Dave Willis (davewillis@stevenscreek.net).  He will protect your confidentiality and give you the contact information that you need for this wonderful group.  Our goal is to help you own your sin and find delieverance before you lose those people closest to you. Thank God that Ted Haggard owned it.  Now he has a very difficult road ahead. Now he has to work our his salvation ... with fear and trembling.  May God give Ted Haggard strength and restore him to a level of ministry that he can handle and enjoy. May God do the same for you and all of us at The Creek. Just some thoughts.  Marty  martybaker@stevenscreek.net