Foundations of Freedom by Ann Hansen

ministry

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM ann

ministry

hansen

leadership

curriculum

Dear student, Have you ever watched a caterpillar become a butterfly? It is fascinating to watch a slowly crawling bug transform into a majestic flying creature. The caterpillar will go through a pupal phase in which it forms a chrysalis where it will remain for a few weeks, a month, or sometimes even longer! During this time in the chrysalis, it looks like nothing is happening – yet underneath the surface, transformation is occurring on a cellular level. Cells that were present in the caterpillar are becoming legs, wings, eyes and other parts of the adult butterfly.

As you take this journey to learn more about the foundations of freedom in Christ, remain expectant that the Lord will be doing a transforming work in you if you allow Him to do so. Many of the changes that will happen in you will be deep and initially unnoticeable. But just like the caterpillar, you are undergoing metamorphosis and you will be equipped to fly at just the right time!

I have been eagerly expecting you, praying for you, and I am so excited that you are here. Let’s have fun as we dig deep.

Gratefully, Ann Hansen

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM Week 1: DISCOVERING OUR TRUE IDENTITY IN CHRIST ����������� 7 Week 2: AUTHORITY IN CHRIST ������������������������������������������������������ 19 Week 3: HEARING GOD’S VOICE ������������������������������������������������������� 33 Week 4: FORGIVENESS ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 49 Week 5: CURSES AND BLESSINGS ����������������������������������������������������� 71 Week 6: OCCULT ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 85 Week 7: HEALING MEMORIES & SHAME �������������������������������������� 95

As we start this class, I am asking that you embrace seven core principles.

1. We are deeply loved – 1 John 4:6–21 “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: in this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And He has given us this command: anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”

2. We embrace the Truth – John 16:13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.”

3. There is real freedom for us – Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Luke 4:18–19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

4. We believe there is hope – Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

5. We will be led by Holy Spirit – He is our Teacher, Counselor, Guide, Advocate, and Intercessor. 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

6. We come in humility – James 4:6 “But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

7. We show honor – Romans 12:10 “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”

1

WEEK 1: DISCOVERING OUR TRUE IDENTITY IN CHRIST

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

Who are you?

What makes you valuable?

“Who am I?” This is a universal question that everyone struggles with. This is a question of identity. In psychology, identity is defined as the qualities, beliefs, personality, looks and/or expressions that make a person or group. This identity relates to self–image, self–esteem, and individuality.

Identity relates to our basic values that dictate the choices we make. How I identify myself determines how I approach life. If we identify ourselves by the way the world identifies us, we may fall into anxiety and depression. We may live with inadequacy and hopelessness as we compare ourselves with others.

Some worldly false identifiers: • My job, occupation or what I do

• My achievements

• My possessions

• My mistakes • My looks / appearance / weight

• My feelings

• My reputation / what others think or say about me

• My circumstances

Knowing who we are in Christ will help lead us to peace, fulfillment, and an abundant life. Jesus knew exactly who He was. He knew the love of the Father. So even though He faced hardships and incredible demands, He remained confident and steadfast.

~8~

Week 1: discovering our true identity in christ

WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT ME? 1. We were planned by God, created by God, and made in his image. a. Psalm 139:13–16 NLT: “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous — how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” b. Genesis 1:27 NLT: “So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” c. God calls all of His creation good. But in all of creation, nothing else bears God’s image except for us! d. We have God’s characteristics in us. We are meant to work, to rule, to rest and to fill the earth. We share God’s personhood – we have will, intelligence and emotion.

We have a capacity and desire for relationships – with God and with others! We were made for connection.

2. We are loved unconditionally. a. Jeremiah 31:3 NLT: “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” b. John 15:9 NLT: “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” c. Psalm 86:15 NLT: “But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” d. Romans 8:31–39 NLT: “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one — for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. Who then will condemn us? No one — for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through ~9~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below — indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

3. We are wholly forgiven and redeemed by the blood of Jesus. a. John 3:16 NLT: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” b. Romans 5:8 NLT: “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” c. 1 John 4:10 NLT: “This is real love — not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”

4. We are royal children of God and co–heirs with Christ. a. Romans 8:17 NIV: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co–heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” b. 2 Corinthians 1:22: “He has identified us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything He has promised us.” c. Ephesians 2:10 NLT: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” d. You are now identified with Christ and have the power of the Holy Spirit within you. You are God’s precious child and He created you in a way that pleases Him.

THE HEALING PROCESS: 1. Ask the Lord to show me where I have believed lies about my identity.

2. Repent. Receive forgiveness from Jesus.

3. Forgive those who have wounded you, and spoken lies over you. Bless them.

4. Surrender all false identities and cut off the sources of all false identifiers.

5. Receive God’s truth of who we are.

6. Bless yourself. ~10~

Week 1: discovering our true identity in christ

7. Determine in your heart to live a holy life. a. Hebrews 12:1 NIV: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

8. Stay connected with Jesus and maintain intimacy with Him. a. John 15:5 NLT: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

THINGS TO REJOICE OVER

~11~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

FALSE IDENTITY WORKSHEET If my identity comes from:

Then I will:

My job or occupation – what I do

I will always need to do MORE to keep my value. My life will be performance–based. I’ll be robbed of rest and total acceptance. I will feel resentment towards those I am working for, etc.

My achievements

My possessions

My mistakes

My feelings

My looks/appearance/weight/style

My reputation/what others think or say about me

Other: my relationships, my intellect, my kids, etc — ask the Lord.

~12~

Week 1: discovering our true identity in christ

TRUE IDENTITY WORKSHEET Look up scriptures that speak to who we are in Christ, then fill in the worksheet.

God says that I am:

So I can know, believe, operate in:

I am His masterpiece!

Accept myself completely and love all parts of myself. I can give God praise for my body and my unique personality. I break all lies that my body is not good enough and any self–rejection. I bless my body instead, etc.

God, thank You for the truth of who I am! Thank You for Your love and that I belong to You! Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace! Thank You for setting me free! I receive all that You have for me in Jesus!

~13~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

ORIGINAL DESIGN God has an identity that He speaks over all of us. As His people, we are His beloved – we are royalty – we are the apple of His eye.

Then beyond that – we are each so different and individual. Even twins have their differences even though their DNA is extremely similar! Each one of us has a unique design and calling on our life. What do we uniquely bring to the body of Christ? The answer is found in our original design.

Our original design is given by God and affirmed by both God and our friends and family in Christ. This happens through prayer and prophecy, as well as through encouragement and affirmation.

Our original design flourishes and functions in community. When God calls out our original design, it is always meant to unfold within community. We recognize who we are when we are in community because we were created for a corporate expression of life.

When we don’t embrace our place, we hurt the body of Christ. Elevating your part and diminishing another part also hurts the body. You can never be displaced if you embrace your place. Be faithful with what God has placed in your hand right now.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:12 – 31: UNITY AND DIVERSITY IN THE BODY Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. What is God saying to you through this text?

CONNECTION WITH CHRIST PART ONE: ABIDING IN CHRIST 1. We need to understand who God is. a. Isaiah 40:28 NIV: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.” ~14~

Week 1: discovering our true identity in christ

b. Psalm 8:3–4 NIV: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

2. We need to embrace humility and submit to the Lord. a. Psalm 24:3–4: “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.” b. Proverbs 3:34 NIV: “He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.” c. Galatians 6:3 NIV: “If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.” d. Galatians 2:20 NIV: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

The extreme: We live in fear of God, intimidated by who He is. We run away and hide from God. We live in a distorted relationship with God where we think He is awesome but we are nothing, only individuals that continually deserve God’s wrath.

PART TWO: CHRIST IN ME 1. We need to understand who we are. a. Matthew 5:13–14 NIV: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” b. Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”

2. Who we are is connected to our purpose: to be the salt and light to the earth, to do good works for Him, to be Christ’s ambassadors. a. 2 Corinthians 5:17–20: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore ~15~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God.” The extreme: “I am the stuff! I am amazing and I don’t have time for correction. I am doing God’s work and nobody can stop me. I don’t need to submit to authority, I get my marching orders from Jesus.”

PART THREE: LIVING IN CONNECTION 1. Understand both sides of abiding in Christ and Christ in me. Live in connection with the Lord. Live in intimacy. a. John 15:1–17 NIV: “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

5

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.10When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.14 You are my friends if you do what I command.15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.17 This is my command: love each other.

9

~16~

Week 1: discovering our true identity in christ

QUESTIONS 1. What is one false identity that you were believing about yourself? How has having a false identity affected the way you live your life? What is the true identity you learned this week to replace the false one?

2. Why is it difficult to let go of a false identity?

3. What changes do you need to make to live out your true identity in Christ?

~17~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

4. What does it look like to live in connection with Christ? What actions can you take this week to increase your connection with God?

5. The enemy is afraid of your destiny and who you will become when you know the truth, so he works tirelessly to steal your identity. He knows that if he steals our identity, then we are powerless. How do you feel now claiming your identity back from the enemy?

~18~

2

WEEK 2: AUTHORITY IN CHRIST

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

What comes to mind when you think of power?

What comes to mind when you think of authority?

Jesus is our example.

Jesus lived life on earth as a man under authority. While on earth, He did no mighty works before the Holy Spirit came upon Him at His baptism. He never used the power and rights of His divinity while on earth. He always had His power but He submitted His power to the authority of the Father. Jesus agreed to work only under the authority of the Father and through the power of the Holy Spirit. The source of His authority was intimacy and connection with the Father.

John 5:19–23 NLT: “So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself.

He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished. 21 For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants. 22 In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, 23 so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.”

Power: possession of controlling influence Authority: official permission or approval to possess and exercise (spiritual) power JESUS GAVE HIS AUTHORITY TO US. 1. Spiritual authority is grounded in the believer’s identity in Christ. a. We are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26), we are children of God (1 John 3:1), we inherit with Christ (Romans 8:17, Galatians 4:7), we are chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4), Holy Spirit lives in us (John 14:17), we can come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), we get to call Him Abba Father (Romans 8:15), ~20~

Week 2: authority in christ

He trusts us and calls us friend (John 15:15), and every spiritual blessing is available to us (Ephesians 1:3). Spiritual authority is part of who we are.

2. Jesus imparted spiritual authority to His disciples. a. Matthew 28:19–20: While on earth, Jesus sent His disciples to heal the sick and to cast out demons. He gave His followers authority to make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that Jesus has commanded us.

3. Jesus promised that we would do even greater things through the Holy Spirit. a. John 14:12: “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” b. Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

What happens to a disciple who truly believes they have been given the authority that is referred to in Matthew 28:19–20, John 14:12 and Acts 1:8?

What do you think can happen to a believer who is unaware of their identity and authority?

1. A believer who is unaware of their own identity in Christ will be unprepared to effectively engage in spiritual warfare. We all have the same power and access. However, we haven’t all attained the same experience of authority or knowledge of how to operate in it. Our authority grows as we grow in our identity in Christ and intimacy with the Father.

2. Spiritual authority does not bestow nor imply maturity or personal character. For example, Joseph had significant revelatory gifting but not the maturity or character to match that gifting in his early years — Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. ~21~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

a. Genesis 37:5–8: “He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had… His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.” b. It’s not about value. We all have the same value.

LIMITATIONS IN THE EXERCISE OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY 1. All of creation was originally under the dominion of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1:27–28); yet with one limitation: a rule to obey (Gen 2:15–17). a. The prohibition against eating from the forbidden tree provided a real opportunity to submit to the Lord and to exercise free will.

2. The introduction of sin into the world corresponds to the forfeiture of dominion; limited dominion was yielded over to Satan.

3. During the temptation in the wilderness, Jesus indirectly acknowledged the dominion (“legal right”) that Satan has over the kingdoms of the earth and submitted Himself to it (Matthew 4:7–10).

4. Satan is referred to as the prince of the power of the air, again referring to the limited and temporary dominion that he has over physical/earthly territory (Ephesians 2:2).

5. The spiritual authority delegated to believers does not give them the right to supersede another person’s free will. a. Free will is a type of authority. b. Wise exercise of our own free will is the most foundational aspect of spiritual authority. c. Learning to wisely exercise our own free will is our first and primary realm of spiritual authority. d. Exercising our free will to obey is what God desires – for us to come into alignment with what He wants. e. God wants us to see what He’s doing and partner with Him. He is not trying to control us. f. John 5:19–20, John 15:5 6. A believer’s authority alone does not cancel or supersede the enemy’s legal rights.

~22~

Week 2: authority in christ

UNDERSTANDING “LEGAL RIGHTS” IN THE SPIRITUAL REALM The spirit realm follows and respects the order of the physical realm. The spirit realm is a very legalistic realm. Laws and principles in the spiritual realm are every bit as binding as those that operate in the physical realm.1 1. The Holy Spirit only has a “legal right” (access / the ability to influence) to a believer’s life because the believer themselves gave the Holy Spirit that right.

2. For the Holy Spirit to maintain access to a believer’s life on a daily basis the believer must continually surrender access on a daily basis. a. Romans 12:1 b. Ephesians 5:18 3. Even as the Holy Spirit requires permission to have access to a person’s life on a daily basis, the enemy also requires some type of “permission” to gain access to their life.

If we deal with the rats that give the enemy legal rights in our lives, we can avoid unnecessary power encounters and the return of the rats.

PRINCIPLE OF RATS AND GARBAGE2 How would one get rid of a rat problem? One way would be to kill the rats. Another way would be to get rid of the trash that has attracted the rats in the first place. There are things in our lives that are operating like garbage, which attracts rats. These things would be: a. woundings from the past b. sins of others c. generational sins d. vows / curses / agreements / self–curses and dedications e. personal sin f. unforgiveness g. bitterness and resentment h. intimate relationship bonding i.

When we deal with the garbage by allowing Jesus to heal us of our emotional damage, etc., the rats usually leave because they have nothing left to feed on. The rats represent demonic oppression. ~23~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

SATAN’S AUTHORITY “Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

Luke 4:5–6 1. Satan’s authority is limited by God and, in some cases at least, very strictly limited.

2. Under certain circumstances, God grants greater authority to Satan than is ordinarily his.

3. If Satan is to be able to exercise the authority he wants to, he needs human cooperation.

4. “The whole world is under the rule of the Evil One.” 1 John 5:19 5. Satan has real authority to harass and attack us. He is our enemy, roaming around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. a. 1 Peter 5:8 6. Satan has authority to blind people’s minds to the truths of God. a. 2 Corinthians 4:4: “They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ.”

We cannot assume that Satan has more authority and power than is actually the case. Also, we cannot ignore or deny his existence and blame human beings or our environment for all the trouble. Both of these extremes are dangerous! Both positions leave us misunderstanding the enemy’s authority and power.

OVERESTIMATING SATAN Do not give Satan more honor than is his due. When we pay too much attention to evil spirits, we end up paying homage to the strength of the demonic rather than Jesus!

“Satan would willingly lose every battle to us, so long as he could successfully steal the attention that belongs to God. Whenever we spend more time addressing anything or anyone other than God, our priorities are out of order and Satan receives greater attention. Thereby, he accomplishes his goal.” (Needless Casualties, John Paul Jackson) “Demon–possessed” simply means having a demon. The demon does not control the human 100% of the time. Even the Gerasene demoniac (most severe case) was able to run to Jesus and fall on His knees in worship.

The devil has little, if any, power or authority other than that granted him by those who obey him or their ancestors.

The enemy has to take flight as soon as someone stands against him. (James 4:7) ~24~

Week 2: authority in christ

UNDERESTIMATING SATAN We need to be aware that we have an enemy and that there is a war for us – to kill us, steal from us and to destroy us. Ignorance is not bliss.

Soldiers who are on the battlefield but not fighting cannot expect to win. This is one reason so many Christians are living defeated lives.

1. How to wage battle against the enemy: a. Prayer, worship Jesus, focus on Jesus, walk in obedience to Jesus, love God, love your neighbor, choose the peace of Christ over anxiety, fasting, etc.

WHEN DO YOU HAVE A “LEGAL RIGHT” TO EXERCISE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY? 1. You always have legal rights over yourself a. Take authority over your body, soul, mind, heart, spirit. b. Take authority to protect, prevent, to attack c. Take authority over yourself to cancel the work of the enemy in your life.

2. You have legal rights over your home, your spouse/marriage, your family, etc. (limited by the free will of individual family members) a. Take authority to bring protection over your family: physical, spiritual, emotional, etc. b. Take authority over to prevent/cancel the scheme and work of the enemy in your family. c. Calling out an attack on my marriage – telling it to stop in Jesus’ name.

3. When you’ve been invited by the person who has the right to delegate it. a. Dedication of a home b. Dedication of a child c. Cleansing a home of demonic presence or anything else that is not of the Lord.

4. When you have entered into a contractual agreement you have authority for the duration of the contract. a. Hotel room, rental car

~25~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

5. Sometimes we are called to a special type of intercession in the heavenly realms. We are given extra spiritual authority by the Lord to take down strongholds in cities, etc.

However, proceed with caution! Only proceed if you know that you’ve received orders from the Lord. Do not declare war on things when you haven’t been asked to do so by God. WHAT COULD HAPPEN WHEN YOU EXERCISE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY WITHOUT HAVING LEGAL RIGHTS? • Your prayers may be powerless (at best).

• You could experience unnecessary retaliation from the enemy.

“A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out.”...”Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.” (Acts 19:13,16 NLT) • The person you pray for may experience unnecessary retaliation from the enemy.

“Adopting a hero mentality can encourage me to do things that at first seem heroic, but later prove foolish. Without wisdom and restraint, I can easily storm the gates of the enemy in a way that does not accomplish God’s purposes and my goals. Instead, it causes me and others near me physical or emotional harm...Likewise, in our zeal to advance the Kingdom of God, we can often lack wisdom in staging spiritual battles. Some battles are necessary, such as when we are attacked and must defend ourselves, or when God commands us to attack demons who have harassed another person. There are already many unavoidable casualties. But to condone and to continue unnecessary losses due to careless spiritual warfare reveals a lack of strategic wisdom.

We need to demonstrate greater insight, humility, and restraint as we wage war to subdue the Earth and advance God’s Kingdom.”3

“Prayer is an act of war.”

Dr. Charles KR AFT

STEPS FOR TAKING SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY 1. Ask for permission first; be sure you have authority 2. Announce the authority aloud 3. Pray as specifically as possible ~26~

Week 2: authority in christ

USING YOUR SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY TO BLESS AND DEDICATE 1. Definition of Bless: the infusion of something with holiness, divine will, or one’s hopes; to set apart, consecrate; to make “holy” by setting it apart as being sacred.

2. Biblical exhortation to bless: a. Luke 6:28: “…bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you…” b. 1 Peter 3:9a: “Repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called….” c. Romans 12:14: ”Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

3. Definition of Dedicate: set apart to sacred uses with solemn rites.

4. Biblical exhortation to dedicate to the Lord: a. Deuteronomy 20:3–5: “…for the lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’ “The officers also shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Who is the man that has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him depart and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would dedicate it. b. 1 Samuel 1:27–28: “For this boy I prayed, and the lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the lord “And he worshiped the lord there.

FINAL WORDS ON AUTHORITY 1. Embrace your spiritual authority given to you by Jesus Christ and operate in it!

2. Understand your authority and grow in it. a. Grow in understanding your identity in Christ. b. Christ in me AND abiding in Christ!

3. Also, clothe yourself in humility. a. John 13:3–5: “Jesus knew that the Father had given Him authority over everything and that He had come from God and would return to God. So He got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him.” 4. Be at peace with not knowing all the answers – yet be persistent in prayer.

~27~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

a. Some things we just don’t know and that’s okay. Defer to Christ and keep praying for wisdom and revelation. He will fight the battles for us. b. Also, make room to experiment with the Lord.

5. Stay connected to Christ. Intimacy leads to clarity. a. Be careful. Seek the Lord continually about your marching orders. i. Even if He shows you something, it might not be the right time for you to act upon what He's showing you.

6. Protect your authority. a. Do not compromise with unrepentant sin, unforgiveness or pride. b. Ask the Lord to reveal to you any areas of your life that are not submitted to His authority. Repent and receive forgiveness. Declare that the Lord is welcome in all areas of your life. c. Do not abdicate/give up your authority. d. Do not abuse your authority.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE LORD God, what is blocking me from walking in my authority?

What should I do about those blockages?

God give me the courage to stand in my true identity and to operate with the authority that You have given me as Your child.

~28~

Week 2: authority in christ

DIAGNOSTIC TOOL: MIND, HEART & WILL Category

Things not yet surrendered to Jesus

Heart Addictions Burdens or pain Family Other relationships Sexual sin Finances and possessions

Rebellion and unbelief Unforgiveness Distortion about Jesus Other: Past, etc.

1. Lord, search me and examine me. Shine Your light deeply into my mind, will and heart.

Make me completely transparent before You now. Reveal all hidden areas where I have not given You authority.

2. I acknowledge that I have sinned against You by …

3. I repent for not giving You full authority, for holding onto, for not trusting You with etc. and I receive Your forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ!

4. I give You full authority over…

5. I speak the truth over myself that … and I bless myself with …

6. I submit all these things to You, Lord, for deeper healing. ~29~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

SPIRITUAL CLEANSING I come in the authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and by the power of His blood and resurrection, and I cast out to the foot of Jesus Christ any demonic influences, evil spirits, curses, double layer curses, hexes or spells that have attached itself to me (from…).

I prohibit you from attaching any lies, burdens, curses, or spirits to me and to the members of my family, especially my children! Go where Jesus tells you to go. You may not come back, retaliate, or send for help on your way out. I declare you no longer have legal rights over me or my home.

God, I ask and receive cleansing by the blood of Jesus Christ! I surrender all emotional burden to You, Lord, that I’ve received from… I surrender anxiety, fear, confusion, burden, all to You. This person is Yours, Lord, not mine. You love her perfectly. You neither sleep nor slumber! So, as I leave this person, send Your warrior angels to fight for her and your Holy Spirit to comfort her.

I also ask for healing over my body in any areas where I’ve absorbed any physical symptoms.

Neck pain, be gone in Jesus’ name, etc.

Fill me Lord with Your peace, joy and love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

TAKING AUTHORITY OVER: • Spiritual – any demonic spirit, curse, hex, spell, lie, etc.

• Emotional – heaviness, burden • Physical – any pain, headache, stomachache, neck and shoulder pain.

PRAYER OF HOME CLEANSING AND DEDICATION (Leader prays aloud with family members present) We announce in agreement that this prayer of cleansing, blessing, and dedication of our home is done in the delegated authority and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth who came in the flesh and by the power of His cross, shed blood, resurrection and ascension.

Heavenly Father, please release revelation to us as we listen and pray. Lord Jesus, please dispatch your heavenly hosts to be present and to do battle on our behalf. We pause now to dedicate ourselves to You to accomplish Your plans and purposes for our lives. Together we announce our desire that, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” ~30~

Week 2: authority in christ

I take authority over our home to the extreme edges of our property; above, below, and around the entire perimeter.

I take authority over the rulers, authorities, powers and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms which are over our home and also every lien that the enemy may have attached to our home. I renounce and cancel all dedications, alliances, and legal rights that the enemy has on our home and property.

I cleanse our entire home and property with the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fire of the Holy Spirit.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth who came in the flesh and by the power of His cross, shed blood, resurrection and ascension I command that all enemy presence and anything that is not of the Lord Jesus Christ go immediately to the feet of Jesus at His cross. I forbid that you return or to send others in your place.

I forbid retaliation against any of my family members, (mention each by name), myself, or against any of our material possessions or anything that we hold dear.

In the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ I bless each of my children and family member (mention by name) living in this home, including myself, with the peace of God that passes all understanding. May we more fully appropriate and experience Your love, mercy, grace, power and favor in each of our lives.

Together we bless and dedicate ourselves, our home, material possessions and all that we hold dear to be used by You, Heavenly Father, to accomplish Your will on the earth as it is in Heaven to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is in His name we pray. Amen

QUESTIONS 1. Have you ever seen an abuse of any kind of power and/or a misuse of authority? How did that affect you or those in the situation? Take some time to forgive whomever the Lord brings to mind.

~31~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

2. What stands in the way of you embracing your full identity and authority in Christ?

3. How would understanding your authority in Christ affect the way you pray for yourself and others?

4. Are you afraid of the demonic realm? If yes, how can you combat your fears?

~32~

3

WEEK 3: HEARING GOD’S VOICE

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

Have you ever heard God speak to you? What did you hear Him say?

What has stood in the way of hearing God’s voice in your life?

1. God loves to communicate with His kids. a. Because God loves us, He wants intimacy with us and desires to give us an abundant life filled with truth and love. b. John 10:27 NLT: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” c. Romans 10:17 NLT: “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”

2. God speaks to us in a variety of ways. a. There is knowledge about God that we get from Scripture. But we are meant to have more than the knowledge! i. We are called to have an experiential relationship with God, to hear His voice! ii. We can see, sense, feel and hear from the Holy Spirit. iii. We are called to participate in the things of God! GOD SPEAKS THROUGH: 1. The Bible a. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 NLT: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.

2. His Church / Godly counsel a. Proverbs 11:14 NLT: “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.” b. Psalm 37:30 NLT: “The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.”

~34~

Week 3: hearing god’s voice

3. Providential circumstances / timing a. Acts 18:1–3 NLT: “Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was.” b. This relationship between Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla became a very strategic partnership for ministry.

4. Holy Spirit a. John 14:17 NLT: “He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” b. 1 Cor. 3:16 NLT: “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” c. Romans 8:26–27 NLT: “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.”

5. Prayer a. Psalm 145:18: “The lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” b. Luke 18:1: “One day Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”

6. Revelatory gifts: a. 1 Cor 12:7–11 NLT: Word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, prophecy b. I Thess. 5:19–21 NLT: “Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.”

7. The peace of God a. Colossians 3:15 NLT: “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.” ~35~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

b. Phil 4:6–7 NLT: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

8. Supernatural Ways (not an exhaustive list) k. Specifically through the words of Jesus (Hebrews 1:1–2)

a. Through angels (Luke 1:26) b. In dreams (Matthew 2:12–13)

l. By fire (1 Kings 18:37–39)

c. Through direct revelation (Acts 18:9)

m. Through literal writing on the wall (Daniel 5:5)

d. By way of a “fleece” (Judges 6:35–37)

n. In our prayers (Acts 22:17–18)

e. Through symbolic actions (Jeremiah 18:1–10)

o. Through visions (Genesis 15:1) p. By way of prophets (Acts 21:10–11)

f. Supernatural burning bush encounters (Exodus 3:2)

q. In and through preaching (Jonah 3:4)

g. Loud audible voice (Revelation 1:10) h. Still small voice (1 Kings 19:12)

r. Through a donkey (Numbers 22:28)

i. Miraculous signs (Exodus 8:20–25)

s. By way of a trumpet (Exodus 19:16,19)

j. Casting of lots (Acts 1:23–26) 9. Silence a. Romans 5:3–5 NLT: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” b. The point of silence is to move us into a desire for God and to anchor us in our faith.

It develops our ability to calm our minds and our flesh. When practicing silence, the focus is on God’s truth and not just the supernatural experiences and emotions.

~36~

Week 3: hearing god’s voice

DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN VOICES the voice

the voice of god

the enemy’s voice

the tone

love, joy, peace, patience, acceptance, joy, mercy, kindness, righteousness,self–control

hate, rejection, fault–finding, harsh, condemnation

the types

teaching, rebuking, correction, training

accusation, temptation, intimidation, confusion, deception

the discipline, convict (but never intention brings shame), affirm, rescue, bring health, freedom, to bring a new and fresh passion, blessings, intimate relationship with God.

to oppress us, to lead us into slavery (to lust, greed, abuse, etc), to kill, steal and destroy, to curse and bring shame and condemnation.

the final result

death, things are stolen, destruction, bondage, hopelessness, anxiety, depression, etc.

a life of fullness and abundance

my voice and other people’s voices

HOW DO WE DISCERN BETWEEN THE VOICES? 1. Repent and study the Scriptures a. Repentance means to change your mind, change in the inner man. (Metanoia) b. The process of discovering what God says is the truth and aligning your faith with His. c. Romans 12:2 NLT: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

2. Examine the voice. a. What’s the tone? What type of voice? What’s the intention? What’s the fruit?

~37~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

3. Familiar spirits a. Familiar spirits are hard to discern. i. The voice sounds like us, so we don’t disavow them. ii. Example: perfectionism REVELATORY GIFTS (CHARISMATA) “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.

The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy.

He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:7–10 NLT) These are known as the revelatory gifts. Divine revelation allows the believer to see, to understand, and to know a portion of God’s heart and perspective. These gifts often overlap but we will define them each separately.

God uses the revelatory gifts to accomplish many purposes: To love people, to build faith, to heal, to expose the inner heart of the believer, to lead people to Christ, etc. These gifts allow us to minister more effectively. We move from formulaic methodology to Holy Spirit revelation.

WORD OF KNOWLEDGE (1 COR.12:8) 1. Supernatural revelation in the form of some knowledge that would not be naturally known to the recipient. a. Instant word for a particular time or person or to accomplish a special purpose. b. There is no academic or intellectual requirement to receive the word of knowledge.

It is a gift operating purely in the spiritual realm, a gift from the Lord.

WAYS OF KNOWING 1. Reason comes from ‘inside’ the human mind – revelation is given from ‘outside’ by God. 2. Revelation is an understanding that is directly given as a gift from God to believers and includes an understanding of the Scriptures (as the Holy Spirit brings insight) and the revelatory gifts.

~38~

Week 3: hearing god’s voice

3. Knowledge of the Bible can be a matter of reason (merely reading and understanding the text) or revelation (reading the text with revelation given by the Spirit).

EXAMPLES FROM SCRIPTURE 1. Mark 2:8 – “At once Jesus perceived in His spirit that they were discussing these questions amongst themselves” a. Jesus knew what they were thinking and saying.

2. Luke 1:41 – “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting the child leaped within her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb’.” a. Elizabeth received the word of knowledge about the baby Mary was carrying.

3. John 1:47 – “When Jesus saw Nathaniel coming toward Him, He said of him ‘Here is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit’.” a. Jesus knew Nathaniel.

There are many examples of the word of knowledge in the Scriptures. Here are just a few more: 1 Sam: 9–10, 1 Kings 14:2–3, 2 Kings 5:20–27, 6:8–12, John 4: 18–29, Matt 9:4, Acts 5:1–11, Acts 10:19 HOW TO RECEIVE A WORD OF KNOWLEDGE 1. Physical Symptoms a. The word of knowledge can be received through simply feeling pain or discomfort as a physical symptom. i. This is most often felt in association with the gift of healing. ii. Have you ever heard a minister say, “The Lord wants to heal left knees and the pain is just about here?” Often the minister simply feels the pain in that area of her own body.

2. Empathetic Feeling a. Sometimes a word of knowledge is received as an empathetic feeling – an overwhelming feeling that is not related to our circumstances, often experienced in a ministry situation. i. You might be praying and then experience a strong feeling of sadness, or heaviness, or joy. That is the word of knowledge as the Lord allows us to feel some of what the other person is experiencing. ~39~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

3. With the mind a. A word of knowledge can also be received through the mind. The mind and thought processes can be used in a number of different ways. i. Through meditation and study of the Scriptures ii. God may address the mind through dreams and visions iii. Through a clear word or thought 4. Impression a. Sometimes we receive a word of knowledge in the deepest part of our being. We can’t explain in words how we received it, we just ‘know’ it from deep within our being. i. All we can say is ‘we know, because we know, because we know’ – it is deeper than our rational thought.

WORD OF WISDOM (1 COR. 12:8) 1. Supernatural impartation of wisdom beyond any natural wisdom of the recipient. a. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. It is a characteristic that grows with age and experience. b. Like knowledge, wisdom can be natural (‘becoming wise’ over time) and supernatural, a gift imparted by God for a particular situation. c. It provides insight, guidance and counsel. The word of wisdom also gives insight on how existing revelation and knowledge may be best applied in a given situation. d. Word of wisdom needs to be sought when a word of knowledge is received because it includes the revelation of how to apply the God–given knowledge. i. Also this gift may involve application of the Scriptures in a way that brings wisdom.

EXAMPLES FROM SCRIPTURE 1. John 4:16–17: “Jesus said to her, ‘Go call your husband, and come back’. The woman answered Him, ‘I have no husband’.” a. Note the word of wisdom in how Jesus talked to this lady. He did not directly confront her with the knowledge of her lifestyle.

~40~

Week 3: hearing god’s voice

2. 1 Kings 3:16–28: The story of Solomon and the two women who were disputing whose son had died. Solomon operated in wisdom to settle the dispute.

DISCERNING OF SPIRITS (1 CORINTHIANS 12:10) 1. A supernatural ability to discern or distinguish the spirit motivating a person or an event. a. This is a gift to discern if the motivating spirit is human, demonic or divine. b. Is it the Holy Spirit? Be careful with this gift that you do not set yourselves up to judge or criticize. c. Discerning of spirits is not based on what we see, but more on what we sense in the spiritual realm. It is not keen insight into human nature nor is it our understanding of a situation. It is through revelation by the Holy Spirit. i. We can often know what a person is thinking or feeling just by observing facial expressions or body language. This in itself can be used by the Holy Spirit. ii. Never immediately judge something that looks a little different or bizarre as demonic.

EXAMPLES FROM SCRIPTURE 1. Luke 4:34 – “’Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying ‘Be silent, and come out of him’.” a. Jesus recognized the spirit that was speaking to Him. 2. Matthew 17:18 – “And Jesus rebuked the demon and it came out of him.” a. Again Jesus recognized the spirit behind the young boy’s epileptic fit. b. In this case Jesus saw the cause of the epileptic fit as being a demonic presence.

However, it takes discernment to realize that not everyone who has an epileptic fit is demonized!

DISCERNING SPIRITS IN THE ATMOSPHERE Sometimes we can get a word of knowledge about the spirit realm. It can be the same as getting a word of knowledge for healing – you will feel it in your body. For example, you may suddenly feel lust and think it’s you. But it’s not you – so you need to take authority over it! Check yourself at the door. ~41~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

What’s going on in the atmosphere? Take authority over it. If there is suddenly an atmosphere of terrible hopelessness, take authority over it. Just say to the demonic spirit, “I see you and I’m sending you away in the name of Jesus. I’m not partnering with you.”

PROPHECY (1 COR. 12:10) 1. A supernatural gift to speak forth the heart of God into a circumstance, situation or a person in such a way that is entirely truthful – and results in encouragement and edification for those hearing the prophecy. a. Prophecy can overlap with word of knowledge or word of wisdom. b. 1 Cor 14:1,3 NLT: “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy…But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.” c. 1 Cor. 14:29 NLT: “Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said.”

GUIDELINES AND CONCERNS 1. Don’t prophesy from your opinions or your emotions.

2. Do not let the desires of your heart affect what you say in a moment of prophesy.

3. We must only speak what God is speaking. We need to guard our hearts and not allow our hearts to imitate God’s voice to us, especially when we see someone who is in any type of crisis or urgent need.

4. We are NOT supposed to share everything that we receive!

5. Sometimes prophets take the place of God. This is very bad.

6. We need to speak our words in a way that will not cause offense. Also, speak in a way that allows the recipient the freedom to judge and, if necessary, to reject the words. At all times we need to manifest the love of Christ to those to whom we speak.

CONCLUSION The more we seek to hear God and use these gifts the more readily we will see them flow.

Our focus is always the LORD! He is the giver of these gifts, but His presence is the best thing ever. We don’t focus on the gifts. We focus on Jesus.

Nurture your love relationship with the Lord. ~42~

Week 3: hearing god’s voice

COST / BENEFIT ANALYSIS POSSIBLE COSTS:

POSSIBLE BENEFITS:

HEARING FROM GOD WORKSHEET Let’s deal with the blockages that keep us from hearing God’s voice: lies, fears and wounds.

1. LIES Jesus, what lies have I believed about hearing from You? (I’m not gifted, not trustworthy, too guilty, don’t deserve to hear, etc.)

God, I acknowledge that I have believed the lie that...

Father God, I ask that You would forgive me for believing this lie.

I renounce the lie that …

~43~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

Father, I receive the truth that…

I bless myself with…

Thank You for Your freedom and Your forgiveness!

2. FEARS Jesus, what fear do I have about hearing from You and speaking this out?

(I might offend someone, I will hear incorrectly, I will lead someone astray, etc.)

God, I acknowledge that I have feared that…

Father God, I ask that You would forgive me for holding onto this fear.

Jesus, I surrender this fear to You. Through the authority given to me in Jesus name, I tell you – spirit of fear – to go to the feet of Jesus. You have no more rights in my life. I will not listen to you anymore. You may not come back, retaliate, or send for help. You go to Jesus and do what He tells you to do.

Father, I receive the truth that...

I bless myself with...

Thank You, Jesus, for Your freedom and Your forgiveness! ~44~

Week 3: hearing god’s voice

3. WOUNDS Father God, is there anyone I need to forgive? Is there any wound that I have because of a bad word or a correction or a rejection or shame?

God, I acknowledge that I have been hurt by‌

Father God, I forgive this person for wounding me, shutting me down, etc. I release them from all blame and I bless them with...

I also release myself and forgive myself. I bless myself with...

Thank You, Lord, for Your forgiveness and love!

Holy Spirit, You have full control over my ears. Release Your voice to me both internally and externally. Thank You, Lord!

~45~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

PROPHETIC EXERCISE GUIDELINES 1. Partner up.

2. Tune in. Pray, “Holy Spirit, speak to us. We are listening. Give us an impression, a thought, a picture. Whatever You want to give to us, we will receive it.”

3. It doesn’t have to make sense to you.

4. Deliver the word to your partner. Remember, we need to speak our words in a way that will not cause offense. Also, speak in a way that allows the recipient the freedom to judge and, if necessary, to reject the words. At all times we need to put on the love of Jesus. a. Acceptable to say: i. This is what I saw… ii. I felt… iii. I sensed that… b. Please do not say: i. Thus saith the Lord. ii. God said…

5. Get feedback from your partner.

How did the word hit them? Did the word resonate with them? Finish up with speaking some blessings over each other!

6. Switch!

~46~

Week 3: hearing god’s voice

QUESTIONS 1. What are some ways you have learned to hear God’s voice?

2. Have you ever operated in a revelatory gift from God? What happened when you did? Please share failures and success.

3. For me, busyness will keep me from hearing God’s voice, even busyness in serving the Lord!

What are some things that personally hinder you from hearing God’s voice?

~47~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

4. Why is it critical to read the Word to hear God’s voice?

5. Bill Johnson said, “Revelation always brings responsibility, and hunger is the thing that prepares our hearts to carry out the weight of that responsibility. By keeping revelation from those without hunger, God actually protects them from certain failure to carry the responsibility it would lay on them. And so He conceals. Yet, He doesn’t conceal from us; He conceals for us.”

Discuss this quote.

~48~

4

WEEK 4: FORGIVENESS

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

FORGIVENESS (Adapted from The Steps to Freedom In Christ by Neil Anderson) When you fail to forgive those who hurt you, you become a wide–open target for Satan. God commands us to forgive others as we have been forgiven (Eph. 4:32). You need to obey this command so that Satan can’t take advantage of you (2 Cor. 2:10–11). Christians are to forgive others and show them mercy because our Heavenly Father has shown mercy to us (Luke 6:36).

“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Ephesians 4:26–27

1. FORGIVENESS IS NOT FORGETTING. You do not have to forget all your pain in order to forgive someone. God commands us to forgive now. Confusion sometimes arises because Scripture says that God “will remember our sins no more” (Heb. 10:17). But God knows everything and can’t “forget” as if He had no memory of our sin. His promise is that He will never use our past against us (Ps. 103:10). The key issue is this: we may not be able to forget our past, but we can be free from it by forgiving others. When we bring up the past and use it against others, we are showing that we have not yet forgiven them (Mk. 11:25).

When you forgive, Christ will heal your wounds. He may even cause you to forget as you forgive.

We don’t heal in order to forgive; we forgive in order to heal.

References: 1. Hebrews 10:17 NLT: “Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.”

2. Isaiah 43:25 NLT: “I — yes, I alone — will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”

3. Mark 11:25 NLT: “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

2. FORGIVENESS IS A CHOICE. Since God requires us to forgive, it is something in our power to do. Forgiveness seems hard because it pulls against our sense of what is right and fair. We naturally want revenge for the things we have suffered. But we are told by God never to take our own revenge (Rom. 12:19).

You might be thinking, “Why should I let them off the hook?” And that is exactly the problem! ~50~

Week 4: forgiveness

As long as you do not forgive, you are still hooked to those who hurt you! You are still chained to your past, bound up in bitterness. By forgiving, you let them off your hook, but they are not off God’s hook. We must trust Him to deal with the other person justly, fairly, and mercifully, something we cannot do.

You say, “But you don’t know how much this person hurt me.” Jesus knows. He instructed us to forgive for our sake. Until you let go of bitterness and hatred, they will continue to be able to hurt you. You finally stop the pain by forgiving them. You forgive for your sake so that you can be free. When you forgive, you are set free from your past and those who have abused you. To forgive is to set a captive free and then realize you were the captive.

3. FORGIVENESS IS AGREEING TO LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANOTHER PERSON’S SIN. We are all living with the consequences of someone else’s sins! Your only choice is whether you will do so in the bondage of bitterness or in the freedom of forgiveness.

Jesus took the eternal consequences of all sin upon Himself. God “made Him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). We need, however, to accept the temporary consequences of what was done to us. But no one truly forgives without suffering the pain of another’s sin. That can seem unfair and we wonder, where is the justice? It is found at the cross, which makes forgiveness legally and morally right. As those who crucified Jesus mocked and jeered, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

4. FORGIVE FROM THE HEART. Allow God to bring to the surface the mental agony, emotional pain, and feelings of hurt towards those who hurt you. If your forgiveness does not reach down to the emotional core of your life, it will be incomplete. Too often we try to bury the pain inside us, making it hard to get in touch with how we really feel. Though we may not know how to or even want to bring our feelings to the surface, God does. Let God bring the pain to the surface so that He can deal with it. This is where God’s gentle healing process begins. Pray this way: “Lord Jesus, forgive me for my attempts at self–protection through burying my emotions, disconnecting with the pain or trying to forget painful memories. Instead, I ask that You reconnect me to my emotions, pain, and memories so that You can heal them fully! As you reconnect me to the pain, I will grieve with You, lean on You, and be with You.” 5. FORGIVENESS IS THE DECISION NOT TO USE THEIR OFFENSE AGAINST THEM. It is not unusual for us to remember the past hurtful event and find the anger and hate we felt returning. It is tempting to bring up the issue with the one who hurt us in order to make them ~51~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

feel bad. But we must choose to take that thought of revenge captive to the obedience of Christ, and choose to maintain forgiveness.

This doesn’t mean that you must continue to put up with the future sins of others. God does not tolerate sin and neither should you. Nor should you put yourself in the position of being continually abused and hurt by the sins of others. You will need to set up scriptural boundaries that put a stop to further abuse. You need to take a stand against sin while continuing to forgive those who hurt you.

6. DON’T WAIT TO FORGIVE UNTIL YOU FEEL LIKE FORGIVING. You will never get there. Your emotions will begin to heal once you have obeyed God’s command to forgive. Satan will have lost his power over you in that area and God’s healing touch will take over. For now, it is freedom that will be gained, not necessarily a feeling.

As you pray, God may bring to mind painful memories that you had totally forgotten. Let Him do this, even if it hurts. God wants you to be free; forgiving these people is the only way. Don’t try to excuse the offender’s behavior, even if it is someone close to you.

Remember, forgiveness is dealing with your own pain and leaving the other person to deal with God. Good feelings will follow in time. Freeing yourself from the past is the critical issue right now.

7. DON’T SAY, “LORD, PLEASE HELP ME TO FORGIVE.” God has already helped us through what Jesus did on the cross for us. He will continue to help you and be with you all the way through the process. Don’t say, “Lord, I want to forgive” because that bypasses the hard choice we have to make. Use your authority and say, “Lord, I forgive.” As you move down your list, stay with each individual until you are sure you have dealt with all the remembered pain, everything the person did that hurt you, and how it made you feel (rejected, unloved, unworthy, dirty, etc.).

Forgiveness puts sins under the payment of the Blood of Jesus. Since forgiveness has been bought

by Jesus, the sins are no longer legally ours! We don’t have the right to pick it up again.

Forgiveness: • Rips out the roots of offense, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc • Removes enemy rights to wreack havoc in your life • Ruins enemy schemes to keep you in bondage • Resets your vision to see others and yourself in the way that God sees them and you • Restores the standard (brought up to a place of honor once again) ~52~

Week 4: forgiveness

• Reconnects your heart with love • Reveals the Father and His kingdom • Releases Heaven into our lives (fullness, glory, humility, showers of love) • Is not always about reconciling, but forgiveness can rescue relationships from death • Re–establishes our voice as we bring blessings to our offenders PREPARING TO PRAY: Ask God to bring to your mind the names of those people you need to forgive by praying the following prayer out loud. Remember to let this prayer come from your heart as well as your mouth!

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your great kindness and patience; which has led me to turn from my sins (Rom. 2:4). I know I have not always been completely kind, patient, or loving toward those who have hurt me. I have had bad thoughts and feelings toward them. I ask You to bring to my mind all the people I need to forgive (Matt. 18:35). I ask You to bring to the surface all my painful memories so I can choose to forgive these people from my heart. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus who has forgiven me and who will heal me from my hurts. Amen.

Start: Lord, I forgive (name the person) for (say what they did to hurt you or failed to do, be specific) because it made me feel (share the painful memories or feelings).

Once you have dealt with every offense that has come to your mind and you have honestly expressed how that person hurt you, then conclude by praying: Finish: Lord, I choose not to hold any of these things against (name) any longer. I thank You for setting me free from the bondage of my bitterness toward him/her. I choose now to ask You to bless (name). In Jesus’ name. Amen.

FURTHER THOUGHTS ON FORGIVENESS: 1. Will I lose my salvation if I don’t forgive others?

Matthew 6:15 – “But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Matthew 6:15 is not a verse about whether or not you are going to heaven if you do not forgive. The Bible is clear that we have been saved through grace, based on Christ’s work on the cross alone. Matthew 6:15 has more to do with our real–time experience of forgiveness here on Earth. When we do not forgive others, we are still in bondage to our unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, resentment. These things act as blockages to receiving the Father’s forgiveness for us, and it damages our ~53~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

relationship with God. When we forgive others, we are unlocking freedom and forgiveness for ourselves, and greater intimacy with the Lord!

2. Why should I forgive an unrepentant person?

Forgiveness does not mean tolerating sin of any kind, especially abuse. Forgiveness does not mean staying in an abusive situation and giving the perpetrator more opportunities to inflict damage. The loving thing to do is to confront abuse and help the perpetrators acknowledge and accept their responsibility.

Forgiveness and reconciliation are separate issues. Forgiveness is necessary even when reconciliation may not be possible. In many situations, emotional healing from bitterness, hatred, and anger is necessary, but reconciliation is impossible or inadvisable. A person who was abused by a now–deceased parent, for instance, will never find healing by waiting for the offender to repent. That person can’t, and many other people won’t. The deceased abuser has already met his or her Maker and Judge, and hanging on to bitterness and hatred won’t help you or impact that person. Also, a person who was ritually abused needs to find emotional healing but should never be reconciled with the perpetrators. Simply put, forgiving is releasing a debt. It is agreeing to live with the consequences of another person’s sin and relinquishing the right to seek revenge which God assures us is His domain (see Romans 12:17–21).

We are to be grace–givers, not repentance–demanders. People who wait for another’s repentance are locked in bitterness toward dozens of people. Our freedom cannot be dependent upon whether another person will repent. Jesus says, “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mark 11:25) 3. Do I need to forgive God? Jeremiah 20:7 NLT: “O Lord, you misled me, and I allowed myself to be misled.

You are stronger than I am, and You overpowered me. Now I am mocked every day; everyone laughs at me.”

We can have feelings of bitterness and anger towards God. Jeremiah says ‘the Lord misled him’. We may choose to blame God because a child died, because a husband ran away, because we have been sick, because we have not had enough money. We might feel disappointed by God, or let down. Consciously or unconsciously we may think all of these things are God’s fault. The truth is, God does not need to be forgiven, nor does He make mistakes.

We cannot be resentful toward God and experience miracles. You have to rid yourself of any bitterness toward God. That may take some soul–searching. You must ask yourself, Am I blaming God for my situation? ~54~

Week 4: forgiveness

ACKNOWLEDGE THE TRUTH ABOUT MY FATHER GOD I renounce the lie that Father God is: Distant and disinterested

I believe the truth that Father God is: Intimate and involved

Insensitive and uncaring

Kind and compassionate

Stern and demanding

Accepting and filled with joy and love

Passive and cold

Warm and affectionate

Absent or too busy for me

Always with me and eager to be with me

Impatient, angry, and rejecting

Patient and slow to anger

Mean, cruel, or abusive

Loving, gentle, and protective

Trying to take all the fun out of life

Trustworthy and wants to give me a full life; His will is good, perfect and acceptable for me

(Psalm 139:1–18)

(Psalm 103:8–14)

(Zeph 3:17; Romans 15:7)

(Isaiah 40:11; Hosea 11:3–4) (Jer. 31:20; Ezekiel 34:11–16; Hebrews 13:5) (Exodus 34:6; 2 Peter 3:9)

(Jer. 31:3; Isaiah 42:3; Psalm 18:2)

(Lam. 3:22–23; John 10:10; Romans 12:1–2) Controlling or manipulative

Full of Grace and mercy, and He gives me freedom to fail

(Luke 15:11–16; Hebrews 4:15–16) Condemning or unforgiving

Tenderhearted and forgiving; His heart and arms are always open to me (Psalm 130:1–4; Luke 15:17–24)

A nit–picking and demanding perfectionist

Committed to my growth and proud of me as His beloved child

(Rom. 8:28–29; Heb. 12:5–11; 2 Cor. 7:4) I am the apple of His eye! (Deut. 32:9–10) ~55~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

PERSONAL REPENTANCE AND FORGIVING SELF Just as we need to forgive others for their sins against us, we also need to ask God to forgive us for the sins we have committed against Him and others. When we are unforgiving of others, we are often also not in a posture of personal repentance and we find it easier to hold onto grudges and offenses because we are not in touch with our own need for forgiveness.

Furthermore, sometimes we have gone through painful experiences that have left us very angry with ourselves. It can be very easy for us to hold onto that anger and resentment towards ourselves. If we do not deal with these things and learn to forgive ourselves, we will end up cursing ourselves and empowering the roots of self–hatred and self–rejection.

1. Acts 3:19 NIV – “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

2. Proverbs 28:13 NIV – “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

3. Romans 2:4 NIV – “Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

4. Isaiah 30:15 NIV – “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”

5. 1 Peter 5:6 NIV – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.”

6. Also, forgive yourself. a. Eph 4:31–32 NLT – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

FORGIVENESS LIST Dear Father, thank You for Your kindness and patience towards me. Your kindness has led me to repentance! I confess that I have not always shown that same kindness and patience towards those who have hurt or offended me. Instead, I have held onto anger, bitterness, and resentment towards them. Please bring to my mind all the people I need to forgive in order that I may now do so. In Jesus’ name, Amen. (At this point, don’t question whether you need to forgive them.

Just let the Lord bring the names to mind.)

~56~

Week 4: forgiveness

NAMES:

I NEED TO FORGIVE MYSELF FOR:

THINGS I HAVE AGAINST GOD:

RESCUE AND RECOVERY John 10:10 NIV – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Proverbs 6:30–31 NLT – “Excuses might be found for a thief who steals because he is starving.

But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house.”

Deuteronomy 32:4, 36a – “He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is! ...Indeed, the Lord will give justice to His people.” ~57~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

FORGIVENESS MODEL: 1. I forgive

for:

a. actions: b. speaking the words: c. negligence: d. etc.

2. Because it made me feel:

3. Lord, I surrender all my pain and emotional damage to You to be restored completely

by You. It’s Yours Lord, it’s no longer mine.

4. As I forgive, I also take authority in Jesus’ name to send away all demonic spirits that have attached to me through this situation! (Call them out one by one and send them straight to Jesus, never to return, retaliate, or send others to do their work.)

5. I also cancel and renounce all word curses and replace them with the truth of God over me.

6. Lord, I bless (name) with:

7. I also bless myself with:

~58~

Week 4: forgiveness

SOUL TIES AND INTIMATE TIES WHAT IS A SOUL TIE? 1. A soul tie is a bond or a connection between two people. It unites you with that person.

You can become bound to a person through your soul. You can also form a soul tie to a thing. a. While the Bible doesn’t use the phrase “soul ties”, it speaks about souls being knit together to become one flesh, etc. b. A soul tie can serve many functions. i. Soul ties can bring a sense of identity, value, worth, peace, connection, safety and protection among other things. ii. Soul ties are closely related to idolatry. Idolatry is having a source other than the Lord. Soul ties can be a source for the things our soul needs to receive from Jesus. iii. Soul ties draw two people together like magnets.

THE POSITIVE EFFECT OF A SOUL TIE: 1. A soul tie can be positive in a marriage. It can create a strong bond between husband and wife. a. God links the husband and wife together and the Bible tells us that they become one flesh. The husband and wife are bound together and cleave to one another in a unique way. i. The purpose of this cleaving is to build a very healthy, strong, and close relationship between a man and a woman. ii. Matthew 19:5 NIV – “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

THE NEGATIVE EFFECT OF A SOUL TIE: 1. Soul ties can always be used in a negative way. For example, a soul tie can bond a beaten and abused woman to her abuser. a. In the spirit realm, ungodly soul ties can serve as bridges between two people to pass demonic garbage back and forth. Other soul ties can create an open door for manipulation and control. b. Ultimately, ungodly soul ties lead to bondage and torment. ~59~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

WHAT IS AN INTIMATE TIE? An intimate tie is a soul tie that occurs through sexual intimate bonding. This sexual intimate bonding can be consensual, or non–consensual if it comes through rape and abuse.

HOW IS A SOUL TIE FORMED? A soul tie can be formed in many ways. Soul ties form when you are extremely close to someone or something.

Close relationships: 1. King David and Jonathan had a good soul tie as a result of a good friendship a. 1 Samuel 18:1 – “And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” i. This was a friendship with a good soul tie.

2. Bad soul ties can form from bad relationships as well. a. Soul ties can tie us to abusive relationships (physically, sexually, emotionally, verbally, spiritually). b. Controlling relationships are also held together by soul ties.

3. Idolizing somebody can cause a bad soul tie. a. Also, obsessive entanglements with a person or a thing can create strong soul ties. b. Examples: soul tie to a band, being obsessed with their music; soul tie with a video game.

Vows, commitments, agreements, dreams: 1. Vows are known to bind the soul (Numbers 30:2). a. Marriage itself consists of vows and binds the two people together (Ephesians 5:31). i. “You are my first love. My true love.” ii. “We will always be together.” iii. “You are my BFF.” iv. “We will have four beautiful children together and my name will be Mrs. Jones.” ~60~

Week 4: forgiveness

Sexual relations: 1. Godly soul ties are formed when a couple is married, and this soul tie is meant to be unbreakable by man (Mark 10:7–9).

2. However, when a person has ungodly sexual relations with another person, a destructive soul tie is then formed. a. 1 Cor. 6:16 NIV – “Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh. But whoever is united with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.”

WHAT TYPES OF SOUL TIES EXIST? (Not exhaustive list) Soul ties with God: Deut 10:20 NLT – “You must fear the Lord your God and worship Him and cling to Him. Your oaths must be in His Name alone.”

We are to form a soul tie with the Lord, and this is very important to grow in intimacy and in our love relationship with the Lord.

Soul ties with Christians: Col. 2:2 NLT – “I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love.

I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ Himself.”

God desires for His church to be tied together in love and unity.

Soul ties with friends: I Samuel 18:1 NLT – “After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.”

Soul ties with family: Ruth 1:16–17 NLT – “But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back.

Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.

May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”

Soul ties with your husband/wife: Genesis 2:24 NIV – “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” ~61~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

Soul ties in adultery and fornication: Genesis 34:2–3 NLT – “But when the local prince, Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, saw Dinah, he seized her and raped her. But then he fell in love with her, and he tried to win her affection with tender words.”

Soul ties with world: Josh. 23:13 NLT – “Then know for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive them out of your land. Instead, they will be a snare and a trap to you, a whip for your backs and thorny brambles in your eyes, and you will vanish from this good land the Lord your God has given you.”

Soul ties with anything or anyone: We can form ungodly soul ties with anyone or thing. These are the soul ties that need to be broken in Jesus’ Name.

(Examples from sessions: soul tie with marijuana, a porn star, a dream, etc.)

HOW TO BREAK A SOUL TIE 1. Tell the Lord what this relationship meant to you. a. “This relationship gave me a sense of identity, comfort, and peace; it gave me my place in this world. It gave me love.”

2. Acknowledge what was lost when this relationship ended and what emotional damage occurred through the end of the relationship. a. “I lost my sense of self worth, my value. I lost my footing. I lost hope for the future, etc.”

3. Forgive the other person for all the wrongs committed against you. Bless that person.

Also, repent for all the wrongs that you did in the relationship. Repent of the ways that this relationship or thing has taken the place of God in your life. Receive God’s forgiveness and bless yourself.

4. Surrender all pain, loss, and emotional damage to the Lord. a. “God this pain is Yours – You heal it! I will no longer carry this. I give it all to You.” 5. Renounce and repent of all curses, vows, or commitments that you have made. a. Things like “I will love you forever”, or “I could never love another man!” need to be renounced. They are spoken commitments or vows/curses that need to be undone verbally. ~62~

Week 4: forgiveness

6. Send away anything demonic that attached itself to you through the relationship. Spirit of hopelessness, inadequacy, failure, burden, shame, etc. Send it all away and declare more blessings for yourself.

7. Rescue things from the relationship that Satan has stolen. Rescue back your sense of identity, value, hope, dreams, whatever was killed, lost or stolen. a. “I renounce the words that I will never trust again, and I declare that my heart will be completely repaired by the power of Jesus! I renounce the words that James is my true love and I rescue that title of true love and give it to its rightful owner, my husband Christopher! I declare that Christopher is my true love! I rescue back my dreams for a bright future full of love, etc.”

8. Return to God all the things that rightfully belong to Him. Then, receive from God what you need from Him. a. “Lord, I give You first place in my life again. Lord, I receive my identity and value from You! Lord, I declare that You’re my best friend, the lover of my soul.”

9. Renounce the soul tie and break it off. a. “In Jesus’ name, I renounce this soul tie and all bonding that has been formed between me and as a result of . I give back to all that I have retained of him/her, washed through the blood of Jesus. I also take back from all that he/she has retained of me, washed through the blood of Jesus. I now break and sever all soul ties formed between me and . This soul tie is broken in Jesus’ name!

10. Find and dispose of gifts or physical objects that connect you to the relationship or the soul tie. These things symbolize the ungodly relationship, and can hold a soul tie in place.

QUESTIONS 1. What if the soul tie comes back?

~63~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

2. What if the other person keeps reaching out to me?

INTIMATE BONDING Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which is part of Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don’t you realize that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, “The two are united into one.”

(1 Corinthians 6:15–16, NLT) 1. The Greek word used for body (soma) not only refers to a person’s physical body but to a person’s entire self.

2. The sexual encounter, therefore, is more than a mere physical connecting of persons in the physical; more accurately, it is the connecting of the two selves (physical, emotional and spiritual) of the persons involved.

3. Not only are they connecting themselves with the other person, but also to every other person that they have previously engaged in sex.

PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS AND BREAKING OF SEXUAL BONDING Heavenly Father, please bring to my mind each person that I need to remember for the purpose of breaking intimate bonding with them. I ask You for the complete healing, wholeness, and restoration of my entire being so that I can be set free to walk in the newness of life in Christ.

In Jesus’ name I ask. Amen. (wait Start: Lord Jesus, I ask You to forgive me for my sexual sin* with for an answer). I renounce my intimate bonding with (name of person) and sever and remove all intimate ties that occurred between me and him/her. Also, I take authority in Jesus’ name and cut and renounce all curses and demonic influences that have attached to me in this relationship with (name of the person) and send any demonic spirits to the feet of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Go where Jesus tells you to go and I forbid you to come back, retaliate, or send any other spirits on your way out. I remove all legal rights the enemy had over my life in this relationship. *Note: Do not ask for forgiveness when one is a victim of non–consensual sex.

Once you have dealt with every person with whom there has been intimate bonding, conclude by praying. ~64~

Week 4: forgiveness

Finish: Lord Jesus, I accept and thank You for Your complete forgiveness of each of my sins and I thank You for restoring to me any parts of my being that were lost (can mention what they were) and for removing from me those things not of You. With Your help I now choose to walk in the newness of life that has been made possible in Jesus Christ. Amen.

FURTHER HEALING FOR SEXUAL BROKENNESS AND ABUSE 1. Continue to ask the Lord to reveal who you need to forgive and the things that you need to forgive. Keep going with the forgiveness chart and breaking the soul ties/ intimate ties.

2. Break off old identities associated with sexual intimacy. Cancel all curses. a. “I am not a sex slave. I am not to be used as a sexual object. My value does not come from what I can do for another sexually. I break off the curse that I will never feel sexually clean. I break off the curse that I will never be safe sexually.”

3. Take authority over all demonic spirits and generational curses. a. “Lord I ask that you would forgive my ancestors for the sins of sexual abuse, etc. I also choose to forgive my ancestors for introducing this sin and brokenness in my life. I also repent for the ways that I have engaged in these sins. I repent for taking sexual matters into my own hands (promiscuity, control, etc.). Lord I receive Your forgiveness! Also, I forgive myself. In Jesus’ name, I send away to the feet of Jesus – all spirits of lust, sexual distortions, sexual abuse, sexual immorality and impurity, debauchery, promiscuity, sexual confusion and brokenness.”

4. Take authority over shame, trauma and worthlessness. a. “In Jesus’ name, I send away all sexual shame, sexual trauma and worthlessness.

Spirit of shame and trauma, you will no longer torment me in the area of sex or sexual intimacy. You will no longer speak to me, shame me or re–traumatize you. I don’t speak your language. Go right now to the feet of Jesus. You have no more legal rights to stay here with me. In Jesus’ name, I am not worthless! I am not helpless!

I am no longer a victim. I have the spirit of sonship, power, love and self–control.

I have my voice back and I have authority to use it! I will use my voice to speak the truth, to forgive, to bless. I have a new legacy found in Jesus Christ – for me and my family to a thousand generations! This legacy is filled with safety, peace, protection, and blessing in sexual intimacy. I will continue to heal and become completely whole through God’s great love for me and His power at work within me! I embrace all the healing that God has for me in regards to sex and sexual intimacy and I declare in faith that God’s original design for sex will be completely restored in my life.” ~65~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

5. Continue to invite blessing into your sex life. Ask the Lord to bring you complete sexual healing, peace and enjoyment as He has intended.

SOUL TIES: RESTORATION Psalms 23: “He restores my soul. He guides me along right paths bringing honor to His name.

Expectations and significance

What did this relationship mean to you? What did the relationship offer you? How did it meet your needs and expectations? In what ways did the person take the place of God in your life?

Pain and loss

What did you lose in the relationship and what died for you when the relationship died? What are the emotional effects and hurts that you’ve experienced?

~66~

Week 4: forgiveness

Rescuing my identity and value

Renewal and restoration

What do you need to rescue in the relationship? What do you need to return to God? He is the Identity, value, and worth? provider of all your needs. What do you need from God?

~67~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

QUESTIONS 1. What has made forgiving others difficult for you?

2. Is it easy for you to admit when you’re wrong? Is it easy for you to receive forgiveness from the Lord? If it is difficult, what do you think makes it difficult?

3. How has unforgiveness stolen from your life or affected your life?

~68~

Week 4: forgiveness

4. What do you think about the power to bless those that you have forgiven? Are you willing to start blessing those who have offended you? Who in your life needs your blessing right now?

5. Forgiveness is not a one–time thing, it is a process and a lifestyle. How can you identify if you are needing to go further with forgiveness?

~69~

5

WEEK 5: CURSES AND BLESSINGS

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

CURSES A curse is an expression of a wish that misfortune, evil, harm, doom, or injury befall a person or group. Some curses were placed intentionally. More commonly, we can use our words carelessly and not realize the spiritual harm and cursing that we are causing with our words.

1. We can curse others with our words. a. “You never get anything right!”

2. We can also curse ourselves. a. “I am so dumb, I will never get ahead.”

3. Ecclesiastes 7:21–22 NIV: “Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you – for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.”

4. Mark 14:71 NIV: “He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”

5. Romans 12:14 NIV: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

6. 1 Corinthians 4:12 NIV: “We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it…”

Lord, I ask You to bring to my mind any curses that were placed on me over the years by those in my life; especially those that have been in authority over me throughout my lifetime so that I may be set free from the influences of these curses. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Start: I renounce the curse spoken to me by (person who said it) who said, “ .” I cancel and remove this curse in Jesus’ name and choose not to live under any influence of this curse any longer.

Once you have dealt with every curse that has come to your mind by this particular person, conclude by praying.

Finish: Lord, thank You for setting me free and removing the curses spoken by (name of person).

I choose not to hold onto any resentment or bitterness towards them any longer. I bless (name) in Jesus’ name. Amen.

~72~

Week 5: curses and blessings

INNER VOWS AND AGREEMENTS

“It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.”

Proverbs 20:25 NIV

Scripture teaches that vows are to be taken very seriously (Numbers 30:2–4); spoken words have a great deal of power because of the spiritual authority given to the image–bearers of God. There is provision, however, to cancel vows that have been made rashly or in ignorance.

An inner vow occurs when a person makes a statement about themselves such as, “I will never trust another person again” or “I’m going to be alone and lonely for the rest of my life.” In such cases, inner vows actually function as self–curses. Like all curses, inner vows can have adverse influences in one’s life.

Agreements are similar to inner vows except that it has been spoken by another person first or rooted in a person’s own sin. John Eldridge writes, “Our sins give the enemy a certain claim to our lives (Romans 6:16). As we renounce any sin, we also renounce any claim we’ve given to Satan in our lives. This sin often comes in the form of “agreements” – Satan has suggested something to us, and we have said, “Yes.”4 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey — whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 NIV) “

Lord, I ask You to bring to my mind any inner vows or agreements that I have spoken throughout the course of my life; especially those that have been in authority over me throughout my lifetime so that I may be set free from the influences of these inner vows and agreements. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Start: I renounce the inner vow/agreement that I said, “ .” I cancel and remove this inner vow/agreement in Jesus’ name and choose not to live under any influence of it any longer.

Once you have dealt with every vow that has come to your mind, conclude by praying: Finish: Lord, thank You for setting me free and removing the inner vows/agreements that I have made in the past. Thank You for setting me free from the influence of each of these. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

~73~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

BLESSINGS (Adapted from The Power of Blessing by Kerry Kirkwood) ”Finally, all of you, be like–minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8–9 NIV) 1. We are called to bless and to receive blessing. a. Blessing – barak: To speak the intention of God; to be happy with where you are.

In the New Testament, it is eulogia, which means to speak larger or well of; to speak the intention or favor of God on someone. Blessings are tailormade.

True blessings spoken over someone or something is describing the way God sees them. This is prophetic insight to see the way someone or something is supposed to be, not how they may appear to be at the moment. When we declare God’s intentions, we release His ability to change things from what they are into His desired plan.

Rejecting our call to bless is despising the blessing. The blessing enables us to become part of the inheritance of those who were blessed, like the blessing that is on Israel.

Genesis 12:2–3: “The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Blessing is also a form of worship. When we choose to bless, we are acknowledging that God’s view of someone is greater than our own opinion.

Numbers 6:24–26: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

Matthew 5:44 NKJV: “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Cursing causes darkness to thrive and blessing turns things for righteousness’ sake.

I bless you today, by the heart and power of the Holy Spirit. I release upon you God’s goodness and favor. I release upon you the oil of joy! I release upon you the presence of God that will fill your thirst with the water of life. I bless you to know that old things have passed away and that new things have come. I bless you to walk in the new things, full of hope and promise. I bless you in Jesus’ name with the fullness of God. May you prosper in the Lord, may you live according to God’s purposes and His will for your life. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, for this is your heritage as a child of God. May you eat in fullness; the enemy shall not steal bread from you, but a table shall be prepared for you in their midst. ~74~

Week 5: curses and blessings

STRONGHOLDS 1. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. a. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 NIV 2. Oxýrōma (from the root oxyroō, “fortify”) – a fortified, military stronghold; a strong– walled fortress. Oxýrōma (“a heavily–fortified containment”) is used figuratively of a false argument in which a person seeks “shelter” (“a safe place”) to escape reality.

3. A stronghold is a faulty thinking pattern based on lies and deception. a. Strongholds cause us to think in ways that block us from God’s best and His truth.

A stronghold sets itself up against the truth of God. b. Strongholds are more than sin. Satan has taken a natural desire in us and supercharged it to create something that feels beyond our control.

4. Strongholds are stubborn. They can feel “impossible” to break. a. Strongholds can contribute to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness in your life. b. Strongholds feel uncontrollable and perpetuate chaos in your life; depression sinks in.

5. A stronghold is irrational. It doesn’t make sense logically, but it has a strong hold on you and overrides your sense of logic and reasoning. a. Strongholds are counterproductive. For example, one might smoke to help with relaxation. There could be some temporary relief of stress with smoking, but ultimately the strongholds keep us bound.

6. Strongholds are usually kept secret. We don’t want anyone to know about these things and this continues to give Satan power. a. The shame and guilt associated with our strongholds keep them locked inside us, which is exactly where Satan can fuel his lies. As secrets, they weigh on our souls and become burdens onto which Satan continues to pile embarrassment, fear, judgment, despair, and more. Keeping our strongholds secret is the enemy’s effective plan of attack.5

~75~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

HOW TO DEAL WITH A STRONGHOLD: • Identify the stronghold with honesty.

• Confess to the Lord. Tell Him all about it.

• Repent and renounce the stronghold!

• Declare the truth!

• Live with accountability (James 5:16) Prayer for renouncing strongholds: Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood for me. Thank You for the power that You have given me to demolish spiritual strongholds in my life. I confess that I have given a foothold to sin and I renounce the stronghold of

. I claim the truth of

by the authority

of the name of Jesus Christ! Through Your power, I take back the ground I surrendered to the

enemy. Lord, empower me to trust You and obey Your Holy Spirit so that this area of my life will be in conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. Thank You for

with

in Jesus’ name.

(table adapted from Rooted curriculum) stronghold

truth

bitterness

resentment, hate, unforgiveness, anger, violence, revenge

forgiveness

control

manipulation, lack of trust, worry, seeking recognition

surrender

idolatry

selfishness, greed, financial mismanagement, misdirected goals/decisions, spiritual blindness, apathy, distractions, pride, stubbornness, divisions, unteachable spirit, vanity, self–righteousness, self–centeredness, materialism, seeking recognition

contentment

~76~

. I bless myself

Week 5: curses and blessings

stronghold

truth

heaviness

depression, hopelessness, despair, self–pity, loneliness, addictions, suicidal thoughts/ attempts

hope

jealousy

spitefulness, gossip/ slander, betrayal, critical/ judgmental spirit

gratefulness

sexual impurity

lust, seductiveness, fornication, adultery, frigidity, homosexuality, pornography

purity

false teaching and religions

occult, ouija board, telepathy, belief in ghosts, fortune–telling, tarot cards, palm–reading, astrology, blood pacts, fetishism, cults, other religions

god’s word

insecurity

inferiority, inadequacy, timidity, withdrawal, pleasing people/ not God, lack of trust/ worry, wrong relationships

security in christ

rejection

seeking acceptance, feeling unworthy, withdrawal, addictions, compulsions

acceptance

deceit

lying, delusions, rationalizing, wrong doctrine, misuse of scripture fear

phobias, compulsions, perfectionism, fear of failure

truthfulness

trust in god’s sovereignty

pride

controlling, boasting, belittling, conceit, taking credit, selfishness, self–righteousness, vanity

humility

~77~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

GUIDANCE FOR SPIRITUAL CLEANSING OF BLOODLINE 1. Pray for God’s guidance, revelation, and protection. a. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your presence in my life and for the work of the Holy Spirit to redeem me from demonic strongholds in my family. I ask for Your protection over this time of prayer and victory over all the sins, sickness, curses, and negative tendencies that have any control over my life. Please give me Your spirit of revelation and wisdom to bring to my mind all the details of my bloodline dating back three to four generations. Holy Spirit, fill me to lead me into all truth. I believe in Your victory and ask in the most powerful name of Jesus Christ.

2. Review family history for sins, sickness, curses, and negative behavioral patterns even if they are not sins. a. Religious or spiritual history: idols, occult spirits, nightmares b. Abuse: physical, verbal, sexual, spiritual, and negligence c. Sickness: mental, emotional, and physical including eating disorders d. Adoption, other people who raised you, temporary legal guardianship (Review others who had authority over the person seeking for cleansing) e. Soul–ties (usually to mother or father and their oppression, baby dedication to demonic spirits) f. Addictions to substance or obsessive–compulsiveness g. Thought and emotional life: obsessive thoughts, blasphemy, condemnation, rejection, loneliness, confusion, suicidal thoughts, fear, jealousy, toxic shame, pride, self–dependency, anger issues, anxiety, depression, bitterness, etc.

3. Confess. Among the list of things that need to be redeemed, identify the sins of the ancestors from each family line, mother and father.

4. Forgive members of the family who were responsible for bringing the effects of the sins.

5. Cancel and renounce curses and demonic influences over your life and your offspring.

6. Break soul–ties and inner vows you have made with the enemy with regards to the negative effects that come from your family.

7. Apply the blood of Jesus to declare freedom from the curses, and announce new heritage found in Christ and receive new blessings from the Lord.

~78~

Week 5: curses and blessings

8. Give thanks. a. Heavenly Father, I stand on behalf of my ancestors from my (mom’s or dad’s) side and ask forgiveness of their sins (name each sin discovered from reviewing the family history). I confess that these sins have offended you and renounce these practices as evil. Jesus please purify my life and cleanse me from all effects and consequences of their sins in my life. I also forgive my ancestors for offending me and my loved ones, and for bringing my present suffering and disorders as a result of their sins. I surrender all the negativity that I’ve felt and believed as a result (name every damage you have experienced). I take authority in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, by the power of His cross, His blood, and His resurrection, and I cancel and renounce all curses, hexes, spells, voodoo practices, witchcraft assignments, satanic rituals, dedications, incantations, and demonic influences that have been sent my way through the generational bloodline (if you know what kind of curses and spirits, name specifically including death threats, accidents, sickness, etc.). Whatever evil spirits that have assigned to me (and my children) as a result of the sins of my ancestor, I cast you out to the feet of Jesus Christ. Go where Jesus tells you to go and never retaliate, nor send help on your way out. I declare freedom from these curses and remove all legal rights the enemy has on me (and my children). I also cancel any double layer curses for breaking a generational agreement with the enemy. I ask for forgiveness for all soul–ties and all inner vows and agreements that I have made with the enemy through participating in the generational sin and believing in the lies of the enemy. Jesus, release me from the bondage of these sins and negative tendencies. I apply the blood of Jesus all aspects of my life, (my children), my relationships, and my finances and declare that Christ already paid for the cost, and I am no longer responsible for the sins of my ancestors and declare freedom from all negative consequences. Jesus, I declare and receive all the blessings of my new heritage in You (name all the opposites of all the curses and negative tendencies). I thank You for Your love, protection, freedom, health, and abundant life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

GENERATIONAL SIN AND CURSES Exodus 20:5–6: “You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

Exodus 34:6–7: “And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

~79~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

National curses Matthew 23:34–36: “Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I tell you, all this will come on this generation.”

Leviticus 26:40–42: ‘But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors — their unfaithfulness and their hostility toward me, which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies — then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.”

I ask you Lord to forgive my ancestors. Break us free of the iniquity that has been released.

2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Nehemiah 1:6 – “Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.”

Psalm 103:17–18: “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children — with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.”

Psalm 100:5 – “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

GENERATIONAL SINS AND CURSES Sins & Curses Categories

Maternal Side

sexual sins

lust, fornication, adultery, pornography, masturbation, homosexuality, incest, sexual abuse, rape, sexual perversion anger sins

unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred, rage, violence, physical abuse, aggression, revenge, murder ~80~

Paternal Side

Self

Week 5: curses and blessings

Sins & Curses Categories

Maternal Side

fears

fear of failure, man, evil, panic, anxiety substance addiction

illegal drugs, prescription medications, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, food addiction, bulimia / anorexia rebellion

stubbornness, pride and arrogance, idolatry, disobedience, lawlessness, witchcraft, controlling attitude, authority issues occult involvement

witchcraft, satanism, consulting psychics, palm reading, fortune telling, witching for water, ouija board, horoscopes, pendulum, seances, hypnotism, etc. covenant breaking

adultery, divorce, broken agreements/ contracts, breaking promises false religion

cults: jw, mormonism, unity islam, hinduism, buddhism, islamism, bahaism, faithlessness, doubt, unbelief, legalism, spiritual abuse, other critical spirit:

criticism, being judgemental, belittling others, coarse joking, self–righteousness, coldness, rejection of others

~81~

Paternal Side

Self

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

Sins & Curses Categories

Maternal Side

victim mentality

passive, hopelessness, worthlessness, doubt, entitlement, expecting failure, “poor me” attitude, loneliness, paralysis, trauma, codependency emotional issues

mood instability, depression, self–rejection, self–hatred, suicidal thoughts, nightmares, delusions, loneliness, emotional abuse, negligence, toxic shame uncontrolled tongue

lying, slander, cursing, swearing, exaggeration, denial, foul mouth, gossip, verbal abuse possesiveness

greed, jealousy, laziness, gambling, stinginess, hoarding, stealing, poverty, indebtedness mental illness

bipolar, personality disorders, obsessive compulsive, autism, schizophrenia, add/adhd, multiple personality, did physical disease

cancers, heart disease, lung disease, digestion issues, neurological issues, migraine, autoimmune disease Other

~82~

Paternal Side

Self

Week 5: curses and blessings

QUESTIONS 1. Do you recall a curse that was ever spoken over you or an inner vow you made an agreement with? How did it impact your life?

2. Ask God if there are any inner vows, curses spoken over your life, or areas of strongholds that need to be dealt with. Renounce the curses spoken over you and then pray for the person(s) that may have spoken this over you. Repent for inner vows and renounce them, then conclude in prayer, thanking God for setting you free. How do you feel this week after you broke those curses and inner vows?

3. Has the Lord shown you any ways that you’ve been using your words as curses? What can you do to correct this situation? God is forgiving and gracious!

~83~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

4. What are some strongholds that you have dealt with? How have you tried to overcome them?

Ask God to create new strongholds that are the opposite of the negative ones you’ve had before.

What has the Lord shown you that He wants to replace the old strongholds with?

5. Fill out the family chart and spend time with God, cleansing your bloodline in accordance with the worksheet. Declare a new legacy and inheritance found in Jesus Christ. Write it down and keep it for your records! Did you realize anything new as you cleansed your bloodline with the Lord?

6. Spend some time every day, speaking blessings over yourself, family, loved ones, enemies, etc.

Ask the Lord to connect you to His heart for a specific person you’ve been struggling with. Ask the Lord to remove the old lenses that you’ve used to view this person, and to give you new lenses to see this person clearly as the Lord sees him/her. Write down your experience in blessing your enemies and/or the people who have offended you.

~84~

6

WEEK 6: OCCULT

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

THE OCCULT The word ‘occult’ comes from the Latin “occultus” (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to “knowledge of the hidden”, supernatural practices, and techniques. This is often for the purpose of obtaining personal power. Occult practices rely on demonic empowerment.

Cult = followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices: unconventional followers of false religions, extremists or sects, often living outside of conventional society, often under the direction of a charismatic leader.

Why should Christians avoid any involvement in occult activities?

1. Participation in these activities gives the occult the authority and influence in your life, rather than having God as the authority in your life. a. Deut. 18:10–11 NLT: “And do not let your people practice fortune–telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead.” b. Leviticus 20:6 NLT: “I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.” c. 1 Corinthians 10:21 NLT: “You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too.” d. More verses about idols, occult and cults: i. Psalm 115:2–8 ii. Psalm 24:3–5 iii. Deuteronomy 4:15–19 iv. Deuteronomy 18:9–14 v. Habakkuk 2:18–20 vi. Isaiah 44 vii. Deuteronomy 32:39 (only God) viii. Ezekiel 13:17–18 2. What about non–Christian beliefs that include physical healings, prophecy, and other supernatural signs and wonders? ~86~

Week 6: occult

a. 2 Thess 2:9–10 NLT: “This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.”

Addressing the former often includes: • The confession of sins and repentance of behavior (if applicable) • Renouncing sinful behavior • Cancellation of curses, vows, agreements, dedications • Forgiveness of others • Forgiveness of oneself • Prayer of cleansing • Rescuing back SPIRITUAL PRACTICES THAT ARE NOT CHRISTIAN Have you, your parents, grandparents, spouse or close friends been involved in the following? the occults and cults

me

Out of body experience Ouija board Bloody Mary games Occult games Magic eight ball Spells, incantations or curses Telepathy / mind control Automatic writing Trances Spirits guide, fortune telling/ divination Tarot cards Levitation Christian Science / Mind Science

~87~

others

rel. to you

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

the occults and cults

me

Palm reading Hypnosis Astral projection Seances / mediums / channelers Black or White Magic Blood covenants Fetishes / crystals / charts Martial arts (mysticism) Superstitions Mormonism Jehovah’s Witnesses New age (teaching, medicine) Freemasonry Satanism, rituals, sacrifices The forum (EST) Silva Mind Control Transcendental meditation Yoga (the religion, not the exercises) Hare Krishna Bahaism Native American spirit worship Islam Hinduism Buddhism (including Zen) Black Muslim Rosicrucianism False Gods (money, sex, power, pleasure, certain people) Witchcraft, Wicca, sorcery

~88~

others

rel. to you

Week 6: occult

the occults and cults

me

others

rel. to you

Unification Church (Moonies) Astrology / horoscope Church of Scientology Santa Muerte Baby Jesus Unitarianism / Universalism Santeria voodoo (Mexican witchcraft), Other (non–Christian religions, cults, movies, music, books, video games, comic books or fantasy games that glorify Satan, which precipitated nightmares or mental battles; and all other questionable spiritual experiences including spiritual visitations and nightmares) Reiki (spiritual healing) Metaphysical healing Numerology Ministry of Angels Ancestor Worship (Day of the Dead) Incubi and succubi (sexual spirits) ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU BECOME AWARE OF COUNTERFEIT RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES 1. Do you have (or have you ever had) an imaginary friend, a spirit or angel guide that gives you direction or company? (If so, reject them name by name).

2. Have you ever heard voices in your head or had repetitive/ pejorative thoughts (like “I am stupid”, “I’m ugly”, “Nobody loves me”, or “I don’t do anything right”) as if there were an ongoing conversation in your head?

3. Have you ever been hypnotized, attended a New Age seminar or consulted a medium or spiritist?

4. Have you ever made a secret vow or pact or inner vow. (I will never...)?

5. Have you ever been involved in a satanic rituals or attended a concert or event in which Satan was the focus? ~89~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

After you have gone through the checklist, confess and renounce every false religious practice, belief, ceremony, vow or pact in which you were involved.

Lord Jesus, I confess that I have participated in (name every belief and involvement related all that you have checked above), and I renounce them all as counterfeits. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may be guided by You. Thank you that in Christ I am forgiven.

Amen.

SATANIC WORSHIP This chart is for those who have been subject to Satanic Ritual Abuse. Say aloud the following special renunciations.

Kingdom of Darkness I renounce ever signing my name over to Satan or having my name signed over to Satan.

Kingdom of Light I announce that my name is now written in the Lamb’s book of Life.

I renounce any and all covenants I made with Satan.

I announce that I am under the new covenant with Christ.

I renounce all spirit guides assigned to me.

I accept only the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I renounce ever eating flesh or drinking of blood for satanic worship.

By faith, I symbolically eat only the flesh and drink only the blood of Jesus in Holy Communion.

I renounce any ceremony in which I have been wed to Satan.

I announce that I am the bride of Christ.

I renounce all satanic assignments for my life, including duties, marriage and children.

I declare and commit myself to know and do only the will of God and accept only His guidance.

I renounce ever giving my blood in the service of Satan.

I trust only the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I renounce any and all guardians and I announce that God is my Father and the Holy Satanist parents who were assigned to me. Spirit is my guardian by whom I am sealed.

I renounce any baptism whereby I have been identified with Satan.

I renounce any and all sacrifices that were made on my behalf by which Satan may claim ownership of me.

I announce that I have been baptized into Christ Jesus and my identity is in Christ.

I declare that only the sacrifice of Christ has any hold on me. I belong to Him. I have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. ~90~

Week 6: occult

SPECIAL CONCERNS FOR CHRISTIANS: 1. Beware of syncretism. Syncretism is the amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought.

2. Beware of “harmless” enticements – lucky charms, horoscopes, yoga, superstition, etc. a. “Send me some good vibes, good thoughts.”

3. Embrace Christian Orthodoxy: biblical doctrine, beliefs, convictions, theology, etc.

4. Be careful what you applaud. a. “What you applaud you encourage, but beware what you celebrate...” Ravi Zacharius RELIGIOUS SPIRIT A religious spirit is an insidious demonic spirit that appears to be from God, but actually sets itself up against the grace of God and the blood of Jesus Christ as the true atonement of God for our salvation.

Religious spirits manifest in self–righteousness, judgment, pride, perfectionism, legalism, condemnation, criticism, intolerance, division, unforgiveness/ lack of grace, doubt/ unbelief, false holiness through works, guilt, fear of God and fear of losing salvation.

The religious spirit is also double–edged. While it can make some people feel proud and self– righteous, it can make others feel worthless and never good enough, full of doubt, guilt, and fear.

A religious spirit seeks to destroy your relationship and intimacy with God. It tries to nullify the work of Jesus Christ in your life. Those under the religious spirit feel that they need to earn or work for God’s approval, and attempt to keep God’s law as a measure of acceptance or performance. Therefore, legalism is a big attraction and bondage to those under the religious spirit.

Gal 5:4 – “For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.”

Religious spirits categorize different people into “ better than you” or “worse than you”. You might think of yourself as more important than others because of your position or status. Conversely, you might think less of others who do not hold the same position as you.

Luke 18:9–14 NIV: “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast ~91~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 5:30 – “But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

Luke 7:39 – “When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is — that she is a sinner.”

Matt. 23:4,23 – “ They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices — mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

Matt. 11:28–30: “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

~92~

Week 6: occult

QUESTIONS 1. Have you ever seen or known anyone’s life to be damaged by a cult or occult activity? What happened?

2. How has occult or cult activity affected your life? Take a minute to ask the Lord to remind you or show you if there’s been any occult activity in your life. Repent and/or forgive whomever you need to forgive. Ask the Lord if there are any objects you need to throw away.

~93~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

3. What is enticing about the religious spirit? What is the danger of partnering with it?

4. How have you seen the religious spirit operate among Christians? What was the damage that you saw or felt as a result of partnering with the religious spirit?

~94~

7

WEEK 7: HEALING MEMORIES & SHAME

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

This verse refers to what happens in our spirits when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. However, we still need to fight to experience transformation in our body, mind, emotions, and will.

As with physical problems, we need to get to the root of our emotional damage so that we can be healed. Our deepest hurts are stored in memories. So through prayer, we ask Jesus to bring healing to our memories. Even if we have buried or forgotten the hurts that have happened to us, Holy Spirit can bring back our memories if we simply invite Him to do so.

Our memories are like two parts of a capsule. Within each memory capsule, recorded in a picture, are the facts of an event. The other part of the capsule are the feelings and emotional damage we experienced during the event. We cannot change the facts, but with Holy Spirit, we can change the feelings and emotional damage.6 Much of what is stored in a person’s memory is stored in “pictures”, not in words. Episodic memory is the capacity to consciously remember personally experienced events and situations. It is one of the major mental (cognitive) capacities enabled by the brain.

Using episodic memory, one can remember a recent trip to Colorado, mentally reliving events that happened there, in the mind’s eye seeing again the places visited, sights seen, sounds heard, aromas smelled, and people met. Episodic memory allows us to have a re–experience.

What is psychological trauma?

It is an experience that is kept in a person’s memory after suffering a stressful and painful episode in the past that might have placed the person’s sense of security at risk, caused a threat to the person’s life, and/or caused the individual to be overcome with a deep sense of vulnerability. A traumatic experience is sometimes related to an overwhelming situation, without the presence of a physical threat.

Some causes of psychological traumas: • The event occurred unexpectedly • The person was not prepared for it • The person felt powerless to prevent it • It happened repeatedly • It was abusive: physical, verbal, sexual, spiritual, negligence • It happened in childhood

~96~

Week 7: healing memories & shame

Some emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms of the trauma: • Shock, denial, disbelief • Anger, irritability, mood swings, confusion, difficulty concentrating • Guilt, shame, self–blame, isolation, sadness, hopelessness • Anxiety, fear, disconnectedness, numbness • Insomnia, nightmares, fatigue, agitation, being startled easily, racing heartbeat, muscle tension, aches and pains, nervousness.

Where was Jesus?

• He was present during the hurtful event • The hurtful event may have been much worse had Jesus not been there to protect them • Jesus was also harmed during the hurtful event • Not all of the “why” questions will necessarily be answered What is Faith Visualization?

The visualization of memories or “faith picturing” includes having people feel again the emotions associated with events, people, or places of their past that have caused damaged emotions with the desired outcome of healing by the Holy Spirit.

1. Throughout the Bible, God has revealed Himself and His messages in pictures and analogies v. Peter – Acts 10:10–16

i. Jacob – Gen. 28:10–17 ii. Joseph – Gen. 37:5–11

vi. Paul – Acts 16:9

iii. Samuel – I Sam. 3:1–15

vii. John – Rev. 1:10–22:5

iv. Isaiah – Isaiah 6

viii. Jesus often taught others using word pictures.

2. Ephesians 6:18 – “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

3. Psalm 135:5–6 – “I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.

The Lord does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” ~97~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

4. Charles Kraft writes, “Faith picturing, then, is the use of our God–given ability to picture under the leading and power of God… [This] is a function our spirits, not just a product of our imagination.” 7 JESUS IS OUR SOURCE OF POWER It is imperative that Jesus alone be the sole source of the power for exercises in faith picturing.

This is especially true because critics of this method cite that psychologists, New Age, and occult groups use visualization techniques. It is important to note that the method itself is not evil, but problems arise when the source of power is anything other than Jesus Himself.

HOW DOES FAITH VISUALIZATION WORK? The biblical principles that make faith picturing so powerful in deep–level healing are: 1. God is not bound by time.

2. Healing for damaged emotions from an event in the past is possible when we recognize that Jesus was present “with us” during the time of the event.

Note: In the case of an event in which abuse was inflicted by another, we must explain that Jesus did not condone the abusive behavior. If we are asked why He permitted the event to happen, we must avoid answering this question simplistically because we really don’t know the answer.

Nevertheless, God is so powerful that there is nothing that He cannot redeem, even the worst abuse.

TYPES OF FAITH VISUALIZATION 1. Hurtful event or memory a. Trauma includes abuse, abortion, and miscarriage.

2. Re–experience of a positive memory 3. Special Place 4. Back to the Womb PRACTICING FAITH VISUALIZATION 1. Ask the person to close their eyes and go back to the event where the damage was done and ask them to permit the emotions of the event to return. Assure the prayee that the Lord will be with them; ask Jesus to bring back only what they can bear. Ask the Holy Spirit to take the person to a specific point of the traumatic event without deciding if that point will be pre-trauma, mid-event, or post-traum. Sometimes it is necessary to ~98~

Week 7: healing memories & shame

go to a place before the actual trauma to see what kind of factors were placed to cause such an event.

2. Ask the prayee to enter into the memory (as their current self) and see the inner child of the child of the memory – acknowledge the pain and affirm the child with words of comfort, encouragement, and security. This process helps the child who has been disconnected from the self to the reintegrated back to self–identity. It also empowers them to take initiative to self–care and use their voice that might have been lost in the trauma. Trauma creates shame and self–rejection, so it’s important that the current self can re–accept and love on the child. This is also a way to get justice and love for that child.

3. If the child does not know Jesus, ask the current self to introduce Jesus as one that is very safe and full of love. When the child accepts the introduction, ask Jesus to reveal Himself in the memory.

4. Then ask, “Where is Jesus in your memory?” See Jesus. Let them spend time with Jesus and let them linger. Jesus may speak to them, hug them, or show His protection for them in a physical way. Ask the prayee what Jesus is doing and/or if He is saying something to them.

5. Ask them if they have any questions for Jesus.

6. Please note – if they have distortion about Jesus, they may not be able to see Jesus, or they might just see His feet, etc. Some will see a cross instead of Jesus – that’s still impersonal. Then, we need to step in and intervene to break the lies that God is severe or mean, etc. Break lies about who the Father is, lies about Jesus – and declare the truth.

7. Ask if the inner child wants to forgive the person that caused the pain or the trauma.

If the child says yes, you can lead the person (together with the inner child) into the forgiveness prayer. Make sure to bless the child and the offender. If the child says no, ask the Lord for the power of forgiveness and take more time for the child to receive Jesus’ love and affirmation.

8. If a sin was committed by the person in the event, ask them if they would like to ask Jesus for forgiveness. (If so, be sure to have them wait for Jesus’ answer.) This may be a consequent sin of bitterness as a result of the abuse. Also, surrender all the pain. Cancel all lies about who they are. Cancel all demonic influences and curses.

9. Take time to see what’s going on in the memory – ask the person to look around and observe who else is there, what’s going on in the memory, etc. Keep asking, “How are you feeling? What are you seeing? What are you sensing?” Keep protecting this healing.

Also, healing is not linear. This healing will be what he or she is open to receiving at this moment. ~99~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

10. During the visualization, it is also necessary to cut soul–ties with the person who caused the pain in the prayee’s life, remove all negative influences that came from the person, and rescue all that the prayee lost in the trauma.

11. Remove all legal rights of the enemy in this memory, renounce all the negative effects of the trauma – including the self–identity as a victim – and cast out all spirits of trauma that often linger as cluster spirits: pain, sadness, depression, rejection, fear, etc.

12. Ask the Lord to fill and heal each wound from the trauma. Then declare “I am no longer a victim. Instead, I have the spirit of sonship, power, love, courage, and self–control.’

13. When they are ready, surrender the child back to Jesus. They can say, “I bless you to go back to Jesus; He’ll keep you safe.” When the prayee feels peace, they can open their eyes.

BACK–TO–THE–WOMB Through this faith visualization, we can heal from wounds that we incurred in the womb. The Holy Spirit will bring revelation about what was happening during gestation in order for us to heal. Oftentimes, God will reveal the roots of rejection and unwantedness in someone’s life that were established in the womb.

Miscarriage and Abortion (Faith Visualization) Through faith visualization, we can heal from losing a child, whether through miscarriage or abortion. God can bring a picture of the child and allow the prayee to have a healing interaction with the child. This happens frequently in our freedom prayer sessions.

~100~

Week 7: healing memories & shame

HEALING OF TOXIC SHAME “While guilt is a painful feeling of regret and responsibility for one’s actions, shame is a painful feeling about oneself as a person.” (Facing Shame: Families in Recovery by Merle A. Fossum and Marilyn J. Mason)

“Healing of shame is the reintegration of a part of the person that has been cut off because that part is unacceptable. The “cutting off ” is a separation of that part of oneself from one’s experience of oneself and to reintegrate means that the negative experience of that facet of one’s personality will be re–experienced.”

John SMELTZER

GUILT VERSUS SHAME 1. Guilt is the conscience telling us we have done something wrong a. “I made a mistake.” b. It is a wrongness of action.

2. Toxic shame is a distortion about us at the core of our personhood a. “I am a mistake.” b. It is a wrongness of being.

HOW DOES SHAME HAPPEN? 1. Being held accountable for things that are not in one’s control 2. When a person’s will is violated 3. Parents who carry shame will shame their children a. Treatment of rejection, scorn, ridicule, unjust punishment. b. Rooted in the fear of abandonment c. Communicated through dishonor, disapproval and disappointment (usually by parents). i. “What’s wrong with you?” (The child’s personhood is under attack.) d. Usually begins at a very young age. e. Mistakes that are made are not tolerated; perfectionism of the child is required. “Be a good boy/girl” is code for “be perfect.” f. Children view parents as always being right. ~101~

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM by Ann Hansen

4. Forms of abuse: a. Verbal abuse – the individual accepts verbal lies as the truth about themselves and starts to accept the words as the script of their life. b. Physical abuse – the message is that the person is not worth loving, not worth caring about. c. Sexual abuse – the individual becomes confused about their sexuality; feels shame and even shares responsibility for the abuse itself. d. Neglect – the lie is that the child is not worth the effort to be loved and cared about.

Can be as devastating as direct abuse can be. e. Spiritual Abuse– A spiritual figure that has too much control in the life of an individual and there is a lack of freedom in one’s will. This figure becomes almost God–like and is authoritative.

REINFORCEMENTS TO SHAME • Continued abuse

• Bitter Root Judgments

• Secresy/secret keeping

• Soul ties

• Internal vows

• Intimate relationship bonding

• Curses

• Consensual sex

• Agreements

• Non–consensual sex

• Self–curses THE EFFECTS OF SHAME Toxic shame is the foundation of most addictions. Someone who suffers from toxic shame hides behind addictions because the pain becomes intolerable; the addictions help alter moods and avoid the real issue.

There are two extreme reactions – both result in the loss of a sense of healthy boundaries: 1. Tries to control and interiorize the shame a. Example: perfectionism, controlling, be more than human, blame others, righteousness, passive–aggressive, self–deprivation, successful in school 2. Tries to lose control and exteriorize shame a. Example: slob/failure, out of control, be less than human, drug abuse/addiction, self–blame, rage, gluttony, forms of shameful behavior, straight F’s ~102~

Week 7: healing memories & shame

3. Another reaction to shame is paralysis. a. Fear of failure (and even fear of success) can paralyze the person from ever attempting anything in life.

STEPS TO HEALING SHAME Breaking the power of shame requires that it be fully brought into the light, and then self– acceptance must be facilitated.

1. Review how shame has been operating in the person’s life.

2. Ask Holy Spirit to bring the memory of when shame entered the person’s life. Have them remember (see, sense, remember words) the shaming actions. a. It is important that they see themselves at the age they were when the shaming event(s) occurred. b. Ask, “What does the child need?” c. Have the older, adult–self enter into the picture and give the child–self what is needed.

3. If the child doesn’t know Jesus, have the adult–self “vouch” for Jesus to the child. Explain to the child that Jesus is safe – He is here to help and Jesus does no harm. When child is amenable, ask the Lord to reveal where He was in the memory. Allow time for Jesus to show Himself to child and adult.

4. Ask them to express their negative thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and judgments about themselves as a child.

5. Allow them to ask God to expose the lies that they have believed (which retain shame.)

6. Ask them to repent for believing the lies that have cast them down. (II Cor. 10:3–5) 7. Have them renounce any self–hatred and release the thoughts, attitudes, and judgments to the cross. (II Cor. 4:2) 8. Offer an opportunity for them to forgive those who have shamed them. Forgive, send away all demonic spirits, break soul–ties and bless the offender.

9. Receive the truth about their true identity. Bless self.

~103~

QUESTIONS 1. What was your childhood like? Even if you grew up with a wonderful, loving family, hurts happen and wounds occur. What do you think is the biggest wound you carry from childhood?

2. Ask Jesus to bring you a memory from your childhood. Ask Jesus what lie you started to believe because of this experience. Then ask Him for the truth to replace the lie. Forgive whoever you need to forgive. Write about your experience here.

3. What is the main difference between guilt and shame? Have you experienced shame in your life?

4. Have you transferred shame to others? Ask the Lord to reveal this and spend some time in repentance. Ask the Lord if there is anything you should do to reconcile with those you have shamed.

5. What are some areas that you realize you need to work on in order to keep your healing?

What are some safeguards you plan to use to keep your healing?

NOTES:

NOTES:

END NOTES 1. Kraft, Charles. Defeating Dark Angels. Regal, 2011 2. Kraft, Charles. Defeating Dark Angels. Regal, 2011 3. Jackson, John Paul. Needless Casualties of War. Streams Publishing House, 2010 4. Eldredge, John. Waking the Dead. Thomas Nelson Inc, 2006 5. This reference is from page 99 of the Rooted curriculum designed by Mariners Church. More information on the Rooted curriculum can be found at https://www.marinerschurch.org/rooted/ 6. Kraft, Charles. Two Hours to Freedom: A Simple and Effective Model for Healing and Deliverance.

Chosen Books, 2010 7. Kraft, Charles. Deep Wounds, Deep Healing. Chosen Books, 2010

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM Th is course seeks to explore the biblical foundations of freedom in Christ. We will examine principles and concepts from both the Old and New Testament scriptures for instruction on how to identify origins of personal and familial bondage and how to pray to release freedom in Christ. The course highlights specific origins of bondages that come through identity distortions, underuse of our authority in Christ, word curses, generational curses, unforgiveness, ungodly soul ties and occult activity.

KEY OUTCOMES  Learn the biblical principles and concepts of freedom.  Gain knowledge and understanding of how to break roots of bondage through our authority in Christ and specific types of prayer.  Understanding the power of the blessing and demonstrated use of this tool.

 To analyze their own personal story, identifying personal and familial roots of bondage and breaking those bondages through the process of prayer.  To cultivate an ability to pray with others to break bondage and release the freedom of Christ

PASTOR ANN HANSEN Ann Hansen is a pastor, speaker, and teacher. She is known for being a joyful, fun, and playful person who carries a deep level of spiritual authority. As the Pastor of Freedom Ministries and Staff Culture, she lives out her passion to help people find freedom and experience activations in their spiritual gifts. Ann has been married to her husband John for more than fifteen years. They are the founders of Centerpoint Ministries in Murrieta, CA and Filled to Flow Ministries. Ann is a graduate of UVA and has an MA from Fuller Seminary, where she and John met. Ann launched the Freedom Prayer and Prophetic ministries of Centerpoint Church out of her passion to see people set free and filled with hope.

Ann lives in Murrieta, CA together with John and their three kids.

Ann spends a majority of her time praying for people for inner healing and deliverance. When she's not helping people find freedom and hope in the Holy Spirit, she's most likely to be scoping out the latest finds at HomeGoods or getting her nails done.

C E N T E R P O I N T S C H O O L O F M I N I S T RY

PRICE: $20.00