Archive for the ‘Scripture’ Category

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear!

Posted in Agoraphobia, Anxiety & Stress, Christian, Health, inspirational, Panic Disorder Support, Scripture, tagged , , , , , , on October 24, 2009| 2 Comments »

I came across this scripture one day and was delighted to be reminded of it’s meaning.

This can be an encouragement to those who battle fear in their lives on a daily basis.

God’s Word is Truth and when we find these gems we must hang onto them.  We must meditate on them and allow them to nourish us.  The Word is food to our soul.

1Jn 4:18 NASB There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

“There is no fear in love” That would indicate that fear and love cannot occupy the same place.  They cannot co-exist.

“but perfect love casts out fear,” What is perfect love?  Or should I say, who is perfect love?

1Jn 4:16 NASB We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

“God is love” The Bible is clear that God is love.  He is the very essence of love. 

So, from this we can conclude that God casts out fear.  It is interesting if you look at some of the commentaries on this.  One said this means “drives out fear, or to turn it out-of-doors.”  We can say God will take our fear and throw it right out the door!  How about that?  I like that idea!

You see fear and love cannot exist together.  When we are Christians, we have God in the form of the Holy Spirit actually living in us.  God is love so they cannot occupy the same space.  Now, which is stronger?  Do you think worldly fear is stronger than God’s love? Who will be the victor in this battle?

Here are two versions of 2 Timothy 1:7. 

2Ti 1:7 LITV For God did not give a spirit of cowardice to us, but of power and of love and of self-control.

2Ti 1:7 KJV For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

You would think that the opposite of fear would be peace.  I thought that for years.  I was full of fear and I wanted peace.  So, in my mind they were opposites.  But, let’s look at this verse.  God did not give us the spirit of fear or cowardice, but of power and of love.  There it is; not fear but love.  The opposite of fear is love.  The power comes with this love in the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Here is what Dr. Jay Adams says: “The enemy of fear is love; the way to put off fear then is to put on love…Love is self-giving, fear is self-protecting.  Love moves toward others; fear shrinks away from them.  But…we must remember that love is the stronger since it is able to ‘cast out’ fear.  In dealing with fear nothing else possesses the same explusive power.”  (Wayne and Joshua Mack, The Fear Factor, Hensley Publishing, Tulsa, Oklahoma 2002, Pg. 23)

God’s love is mighty.  I’m so fortunate to have Him fighting on my side.

You can begin today to take fear in hand and with God’s help throw it out the door. 

Look for someway to turn your thoughts from yourself and toward others. 

  • Make a phone call to check up on someone who has been ill. 
  • Visit someone who needs encouragement from another Christian. 
  • Send someone a card. 
  • Take time to pray for others not just yourself.

There are many things you can do that involves giving of yourself.  Pray about it and allow the Lord to put something on your heart that you can do, then do it. 

Just one reminder, what ever you do, don’t do it in a selfish manner.  Don’t do it just so you can get rid of fear.  Do it out of God’s love for one another.  Do it with a servant heart and attitude.

If you take this challenge, I’d love for you to write in and let us  know what you did to begin to cast out fear and put on love.

I must make this one disclaimer:  If your fear and anxiety are caused from a true physical problem such as low blood sugar, thyroid disease, or something else physical, then those problems need to be addressed also.

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Citizens of Heaven

Posted in Bible Study, Christian, devotional, inspirational, Religion, Scripture, Worship, tagged , , , , on September 16, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Friends, we are different when we become Christians.  God in His mercy and love has given us such great benefits that we need to learn what they are so we can appreciate what we got.  Sometimes, it is as if we’ve been given a gift that we’ve never opened to see what is inside.

When a person becomes a believer they also become a citizen of heaven.  What a privilege this is!

Php 3:20(a) NASB “For our citizenship is in heaven,…”

The Greek word, “politeuma”, means citizenship; “is” in the Greek means, “has it’s existence.” So, we can see that our citizenship is right now in heaven.  We are God’s children!

Isn’t it a huge thought to ponder the fact that our true (spiritual) citizenship is in heaven?  Here we are on this little earth.  We did not ask to be born.  Have you ever wondered why you were born? Or why you were born in a certain country and to a certain family?  I have.  I’ve never figured out the answer to that except that I know God is sovereign and it was in His sovereignty that I was born who I am and where I am.  I was born a citizen of the United States of America.  And, I’m happy with that. But, I’m also a citizen of heaven! That is amazing!

My life could have gone on, and I could have died and only been a citizen of the USA. Then, I would have been buried in the grave and that would have been the end of anything good that had happened up to that point.  Then, in the future I’d go before the Lord and be judged for my unbelief and would have been sentenced to live eternity apart from God in a place called Hell.  That would have been a horrible existence.  I’m so grateful that the Lord allowed me another way, even though I am a sinner, saved by grace, and don’t deserve it.

But, now that I’ve been born again by the Holy Spirit of God and am adopted into His family, God has made me a citizen of heaven.  Praise the Lord!  This is wonderful news!  My future is glorious.  I will be living in the New Jerusalem and serving along with Jesus Christ for eternity.  That boggles my mind!  You can read about the New Jerusalem in Revelation Chapter 21.  I love that section.  It shows us what our new home will be like. It’s very exciting and gives us something else to look forward to.

Php 3:20(b) NASB “… from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;”

Heb 9:28 LITV so Christ having been once offered “to bear the sins of many,” Christ shall appear a second time without sin to those expecting Him for salvation. Isa. 53:12

It gets even better. Christ is coming again for us.

Php 3:21 NASB  who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Mat 17:2 NASB And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.

When Christ comes for His own at the Rapture, we will be caught up to meet Him in the air and our bodies will be transformed into a glorious body like His. (If we are still alive at that time, otherwise, we will rise out of the graves and meet Him in the air.)

As for me, I’m really looking forward to that day when I get rid of this old worn out body that has given me so much trouble through the years, and I’ll put on a body of glory, perfect in every sense, without sin, and beautiful beyond belief.  No more sin, dieting, exercise groups, aches, pains, surgeries, diseases, blindness, panic attacks, anxiety, agoraphobia, or any of the other things that haunt us today.

Yes, it is true right now we still live in this fallen world.  But, God has told us we should set our affections on things above.  We should be consumed with thoughts about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Word.  We want to think about what it’s going to be like there and how we will praise God and worship Him. We want to live our lives in a way that is honoring to Him.

Col 3:1-4 NASB Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. (3) For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (4) When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

What a marvelous promise this is!

Can you see what a difference there is in us from unbelievers?  Can you see why it is sometimes hard for us as we travel this world?  Can you see how others do not understand us?  We ARE different!  We have been born from above by God’s grace and mercy, and we are very different then we were. 

In light of that fact, ask yourself this question:  How have I changed in my own life since I became a Christian?  There must be a transformation because when we are truly saved we are changed on the inside.  We will still be tempted to do things that are not honoring to God, but He has given us the strength and courage to resist and turn from those things.  We may stumble once in a while, but we are not seeking perfection, but the right direction toward being more like Christ. 

Sometimes even for true believers the pressure from the world around us draws us to it.  There are times when we are in the certain company and we are uncomfortable because the Holy Spirit who lives in us pricks our conscience.  We don’t always recognize that as the reason for being uncomfortable.  There are places we shouldn’t go anymore.  There are friends that are not good for us anymore.  Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Because we are different, and because we have been chosen by God, we need to stand up for God as a citizen of heaven and be a witness of the goodness He has bestowed on us.

Psa 73:24-26 NASB With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. (25) Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. (26) My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

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Our Father Takes Care of us!

Posted in Anxiety & Stress, Bible Study, Christian, devotional, Faith, inspirational, Praise, Religion, Scripture, tagged , , , , , , on August 1, 2009| 1 Comment »

God, our Father, has given us a new relationship with Himself.  He has actually adopted us into His family. 

“If you want to judge how well a person understand Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child, and having God as his Father.  If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all.”  (Knowing God, by J.I. Packer, pg. 201)

We need to grasp what kind of new relationship God has given us.  We need to take time and meditate on what this actually means to us.

Here is a definition of adoption taken from the Westminster Confession (Chapter 12).

“All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for His only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption: by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God; have His name put upon them, receive the Spirit of adoption; have access to the throne of grace with boldness; are enabled to cry, Abba, Father; are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by Him, as by a father; yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption, and inherit the promises, as heirs of everlasting salvation.”  (Taken from Knowing God, by J.I Packer, pg. 205-206.)

That is awesome! When we’ve been given and promised all of that, what can we complain about?  It is a certainty that our Father will take care of us no matter what is going on in our lives.  Try to get that ingrained into your mind.  God will take care of you no matter what!

Where do we run for help and direction when things are going bad in our lives?  We’d better run to Abba, (daddy).  This shows me that when things go wrong I’d better get in prayer with my heavenly Father and talk to him.  It won’t do me a bit of good to call  friends and hash something over, or complain to them about whatever it is. It might make me feel better temporarily, but it won’t last and it could be sinful if I’m talking about another person. God has all the power and the provision we need.  Not only that, He loves us and wants to help us.

I’m writing this today as much for me as for you.  I had to have a special time of prayer with my Father this morning.  You see I got caught in the trap of worry.  My husband pointed it out to me last night and I really didn’t want to hear that and tried to rationalize it.  But, this morning when I woke up I realized that he was correct. 

We are contemplating moving to a different location and it is not nearby.  It will be a big undertaking from my point of view.  One part of me wants to go forward with it and the other part of me wants to stay put.  So, I struggle and worry about all the many details this move would involve.  And, there are many. 

Finally, I see that these thoughts really boil down to “fear of the future.”  I did not leave the future in God’s hands, I have tried to figure it all out myself.  Actually, when I think about it now, I realize that God already has it all figured out. 🙂  It’s a waste of my time and energy to stew about it in my mind.  Today I prayed and talked it over with God.  I confessed my sin of worry, and repented of it.  I will go forward now, and think of this as an adventure and watch how God is going to work things out.  It may be that we won’t move in the end. We will take the next step and take a trip to look the area over and see if we think we would like it. I pray God will guide and direct our decisions.

Psalm 23-28 NASB. (23) Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. (24) With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. (25) Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. (26) My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (27) For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. (28) But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.

Isn’t that a wonderful Psalm?  God is our refuge and strength, and over our present and future.  We are nothing without Him.  We need Him!

Here is another powerful Psalm that tell us where to look for our help and counsel.  It also tells us of some more of the wonderful benefits our Father has given us. 

Psa 121:1-8 A Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? (2) My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (3) He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. (4) Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. (5) The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. (6) The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. (7) The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. (8) The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.

In this next scripture we see that once we’ve been adopted into the family of God that we have eternal, everlasting life, and we will never, ever perish.  Also, that no one can ever snatch us out of His hand.  God is greater than he who is in the world.

Joh 10:28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

Here is another important portion of scripture that gives us the confidence we need to know that we know, that our heavenly Father is all that we need.  He will take care of us in every situation.  Again nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Rom 8:31-39 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (33) Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; (34) who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. (35) Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.” (37) But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. (38) For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, (39) nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In summery, after reading and meditating on all of these marvelous holy scriptures we can rest assured that our Father in heaven will truly take care of us in every way.  There is no reason for us to worry, fear, or be anxious about the past, present, or future.  He loves us and will make sure we are cared for.  No other love is greater than His.  So, as the scripture says we are too cast (throw) all our anxiety (worry, stress, fretting) on Him, (our heavenly Father. Why should we do that?  It is simple really, because He honestly cares for us and has told us to do that.  He knows that it is not healthy for us to carry all the burdens in life so He has made a way that is better.

I Peter 5:7 Amplified Bible “Casting the whole of your care–all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all–on Him: for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully.

Psalm 55:22 Amplified Bible “Cast your burden on the Lord (releasing the weight of it) and He will sustain you; He will never allow the (consistently) righteous to be moved — made to slip, fall or fail.”

I pray this article will truly bless you as you realize what an awesome Father we have!

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Adoption

Posted in Anxiety & Stress, Bible Study, Christian, devotional, inspirational, Panic Disorder Support, Religion, Scripture, tagged , , , , , on July 31, 2009| 2 Comments »

One of the greatest benefits God has bestowed on believers is adoption.  This is probably only second to the benefit of salvation.

In order to be a Christian with a correct view of ourselves we must get a grip on what this actually means. It will change the way you see yourself and how you live.

Do you realize that as a Christian you have been adopted into God’s family? Have you ever thought about what this means?

I have a nephew who was adopted.  I remember the day when they brought that cute little bundle of joy home from the hospital only 2 days old.  I held that little one and looked into his eyes.  He was looking at me with trust and assurance that we would take care of him, a helpless little baby. 

It is really a special privilege to be adopted, as you were chosen by the new parents. They picked YOU!  They chose you to love and care for, and give you the best life they know how.  Also, they chose you to have the family name, and when the time comes to be an heir to an inheritance that they plan on leaving you.   

Eph 1:4-5 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love (5) He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

This scripture is loaded, and I can only touch upon it.  God chose us before he even created the world!  Isn’t that amazing.  Somewhere out there God said “I’m choosing (put your name here)  to adopt into my family.”

He chose us to be saved, then He could forgive our sins and make us holy and blameless before Him.  He did all this in love, (agape love) as He predestined us to be adopted, through the death of Jesus Christ making it possible.  And, all of this was according to the kind intention of His will.  God in his kindness toward us did that for us, and it was his choice to do it.  It wasn’t anything we did, or anything we would ever do or say. It was all God’s doing to adopt you and me.  That is remarkable!  I often think, “why me?”

Rom 8:14-16 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (15) For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” (16) The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

Now, here is another rich, rich section of scripture.  First, it says that all of us who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  This is true because those who do not know God cannot be lead by the Spirit of God, which is the Holy Spirit because they do not have Him yet.

Then, he tells us that we have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again.  When we were saved we did not receive a spirit of slavery to sin and evil that we once had. We were born-again and became a new creation, and received the Holy Spirit to enable us to live a holy and godly life.  An unbeliever is always fearful to some extent. He should be fearful of the future and what lies in wait for him when he dies.  But, we received a spirit of adoption as sons. 

God in his kindness took strangers in as His very own. What a difference!  Knowing that, we can cry out “Abba! Father!” which means daddy.  He is our daddy, our heavenly Father!  Now we can call Him Father instead of God.  And, we can know in our hearts that our heavenly Father will care for all our needs, just as a good earthly Father would, but even better.  With this assurance we do not have to fear anything in this life.  Our daddy will take care of us.  What do you fear?  Let your daddy deal with it.

(Gal 4:5) so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Isn’t it wonderful what God has done for us?  He redeemed us.  He bought us with the blood of Jesus Christ, so that we would have the privilege of becoming His own sons and daughters. 

Rom 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, (17) and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Oh my!  Here we learn that the Holy Spirit as He lives inside us talks to our spirit inside us and assures us that we are children of God.  And, that we are heirs, and fellow heirs with Christ.  Can you imagine being joint heirs with Jesus?  That means when the time comes and Jesus is handed over all that God has for Him, we will be partakers of that also.  I can’t even begin to imagine what that all means, but I know it is good!  We will also be glorified in Christ Jesus.

Under the Jewish law the older brother had a double portion, but Christ admits all to a joint share of the great inheritance.  (The People’s New Testament Commentary”)

In verse 17, it also talks about “if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” It seems that we do suffer with Christ and for Him in this world we live in.  We are persecuted, some more than others.  There are people dying for their faith even today in certain countries.  When we suffer Christ suffers with us, as we are one with Him.  But, some day we will also be glorified with Christ!

I hope these scriptures will open your heart to the fact that you are adopted into God’s family.  It is certainly a privilege, and as we begin to understand this, it shows us how different we are from the unbelievers in this world.  Yes, we are different!  And we need to realize this and live our lives in a new way.  We don’t think like the world thinks, and we don’t act like the world, and we don’t speak like the world speaks. We are new in Christ.

When we realize how much God has done for us already, we can rest assured that He will continue to take care of every need we have.  We do not have to worry and fret about things.  God is in control and He is our Father.  He will take care of every thing.  He must really love us immensely to have chosen us before He even created the world.  He must have had a plan for our lives. Let’s try to live it.

“Help us Lord to live our lives in a way that is worthy to be called sons of God.”

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Sins Forgiven/New Creation

Posted in Anxiety & Stress, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, inspirational, Panic Disorder Support, Religion, Scripture, tagged , , , , , , , on July 29, 2009| 4 Comments »

We have to understand that God’s way and man’s way of solving problems are different.  If we are not believers then all we have is man’s way.  Man’s way of solving problems includes such things as psychology, philosophies and ungodly theories.  On the other hand the Word of God has been given to believers as the sole source for solving man’s problems.  The Bible is sufficient for problem solving.

What is the biggest difference between man’s way and God’s way:  SELF

We try to please self, comfort self, rely on self, fulfill self, forgive self, exalt self, and to love self.  We are basically selfish people.  It’s all about ME.  That is man’s way.

While God’s way is applying the Word of God to our problems.

The other day I wrote a piece called, Key to Recovery.  In it I stated that the key is developing an intimate relationship with God.  That is so true.

In order to have an intimate relationship with anyone we have to get to know all about them.  It’s the same way with God. 

I’d like to expand on that thought a bit and think about the benefits that believers have been so graciously given by our wonderful Heavenly Father. It will help us to get to know God better as we see how much He loves us and what He had done for us.

When we know God in a personal way He bestows upon us certain benefits.  All true believers have these benefits, but not all true believers enjoy them, or even realize how loving and kind our heavenly Father has been to us.  It would be helpful if we go through some of these benefits and remind ourselves what a marvelous God we serve.

1. We are forgiven of all our sins. Every one of us had a death sentence upon us.  For God said in Rom 6:23 NASB “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We were spiritually dead because of sin.

But, God, in His marvelous grace, made a way for our sin payment to be paid in full.  Jesus Christ hung on the cross on our behalf.  He canceled what we owed to God for sin, and satisfied God’s justice.  Because of His great love for us our sins are forgiven, past, present, and future.  Now that is mind boggling to me.

Col 2:13-14 NASB When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”

2. At the time we are born-again we actually become a new creation.

2Co 5:17 LITV So that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new!

Sometimes it is hard to understand this new change because we do not look any different on the outside. We have the same bodies and the same physical problems.  So, the new creation has to be on the inside. 

What does it mean that we are a new creation?  We are born again spiritually and we actually become new in the inner man. This is a divine act of God. Our old views of life are passed away and we now have new views.  We see things differently than before. 

I remember when I was young I was arrogant and prideful.  I don’t like to admit it, but I looked down my nose at certain people.  Usually, they were the poor and unlovely people.  In some twisted way I thought those people deserved what they got.  I had no pity for them.  At one point I too became impoverished and the shoe was on the other foot.  Part of that lead me to find the Lord. 

After conversion to Christ my views toward people changed a great deal. Then when I saw poor people I had real sympathy in my heart toward them.  I looked at them as beautiful souls that the Lord created and I wanted to help them if I could.  Sometimes I would see a poor soul on the street and I would pray for them.  My whole attitude changed toward people, and I wanted to tell them all about my precious Savior.  I also began to understand why people acted the way they did.  I could see the selfishness that I couldn’t see before.  It was as if my eyes were opened for the first time. 

Barnes in his commentary talks about the “old things have passed away.”

“…, it is also true that old things pass away. Their former prejudices, opinions, habits, attachments pass away. Their supreme love of self passes away. Their love of sins passes away. Their love of the world passes away. Their supreme attachment to their earthly friends rather than God passes away. Their love of sin, their sensuality, pride, vanity, levity, ambition, passes away. There is a deep and radical change on all these subjects – a change which commences at the new birth; which is carried on by progressive sanctification; and which is consummated at death and in heaven.”

Isn’t it wonderful what God has done for us?  He has allowed us to be changed in a way that we could have never done on our own.  Do you see change in your life?

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Key to Recovery

Posted in Agoraphobia, Anxiety & Stress, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, Health, inspirational, Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder Support, Religion, Scripture, tagged , , , , , , , , on July 25, 2009| Leave a Comment »

 Pic094

In our PD-Overcomer’s group we’ve been talking about some of the road blocks that stand in our way of clear sailing on the road to complete recovery from panic attacks and anxiety. 

Some of the road blocks that we mentioned were:  complacency, past experiences, lack of trust, sin in our hearts, following emotions instead of intellect, lack of assurance, trying to please others, and not being perfect, negative thinking, bitterness, unforgiveness, anxiety, fear, worry, doubt, and unbelief. 

Wow! That is quite a list isn’t it?  And, those are not the only things that can stand in the way.  But, if we take a closer look at all of these things we could boil it all down to sin and disobedience to the Word of God.  So, first, we need to do business with God and get right with Him.

Now let’s look at the other side of the coin.  The more positive side.

As I’ve thought about this, it has become clear to me how much greater we have it then those who do not know Christ as their Lord.  Have you ever thought about that? 

We have the Word of God to stand upon.  We have the Holy Spirit actually living within us.  We have the power of prayer.  We have God Almighty as our Father, and we have Jesus Christ, our Brother, Intercessor, and Lord.  That is only some of what we have in Christ.  Unbelievers don’t have any of that.  Therefore, we can be different in our lives and be overcomers!

The key to becoming an overcomer of fear and anxiety is an intimate relationship with God!  Remember that!  Strive for it!  Make every effort to accomplish it!  It is so very important.  Get your eyes on Jesus and the things in the Word.  Get you eyes off from yourself, your feelings, and things of this world.  Those are strong words, but I am speaking from my heart and truly believe them.

I’d like to recommend a couple of books that have helped me see God more clearly:

Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God, by Noel Piper.  This book consists of several short bios of Christian women who have really gone suffered and struggled for the sake of Christ.

They are:  Sarah Edwards, Lilias Trotter, Gladys Aylward, Esther Ahn Kim, and Helen Roseveare.  I’m not quite finished with the book yet, but I’ve really enjoyed reading about how these women faced the trials and tribulations in their lives.  It makes me feel as though I haven’t gone through anything at all.  🙂

Knowing God, by J.I. Packer:  This is a book that I’ve been reading now for some time.  I’ve read it through once and then hit and miss again.  There is so much in it and if you want to get to know God better I highly recommend this book.  It is also one of John MacArthur’s favorites.  It isn’t really easy reading, but it has helped me lately understand who my God really is.

I’m praying for all of you that you will not settle for less than complete recovery.  I want you tol realize that God does have a purpose for everything that is happening in your lives. And that you will trust Him to walk you through your trials and bring you out on the other side.

Mat 19:26 NASB

26 And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

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Christian Living Sermons

Posted in Bible Study, Christian, Scripture, Worship, tagged , , on June 8, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Check out the messages by Pastor Bob in the Sermon section of this site.

If you want to hear the Word taught verse by verse so you can get a good understanding of how God wants us to live, these are for you.

https://hatchcreek.com/sermons/

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Economy/Health=Anxiety!

Posted in Anxiety & Stress, Bible Study, Christian, devotional, Health, inspirational, Religion, Scripture, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on May 5, 2009| 6 Comments »

A Beautiful Picture of God’s Creation! New River Gorge, W.VA.

vacation 115

 

Are you more anxious than usual?  Has the bad economy and job insecurity dragged you down?   Are you concerned you won’t have enough money to pay the bills, and you might lose your home?  Are you anxious about your children and their future? Are you worried about catching the swine flu? The list could go on and on.

If you are a Christian I want to remind you that we do not have to live with worry.  In fact, God has told us not to worry, “be anxious for nothing.”  God knows all about each of our individual lives and needs and He is still in control, even though it doesn’t look like it at times. 

Have you ever really grasped the truth that God is Sovereign?  It is so important and especially during these hard times to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God knows what you face, and that He does not allow anything into your life that He does not permit for His own purpose.  You may not fully understand but you can be sure He does. 

I’ve struggled with this truth myself and wondered why certain things happened, but I’ve come to the point where I know that God’s purpose for me is my eternal happiness.  No matter what happens I have a home in Heaven where everything will be wonderful beyond anything I can imagine. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.  Pro 3:5-6 NASB

Also, the Bible tells us that He will not permit us to go through more than we can endure.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1Co 10:13 NASB

When I talk about God being Sovereign I mean that God is absolutely free to do whatever He wants.  He is GOD! He is in complete control!  We are not.  He is in charge and rules over us and the world. We must depend on Him for the outcome.  He is Lord and He owns us, therefore, we can be sure He wants only the best for us.  And, He is the only one who knows what is best!  When we realize that God is the one who calls the shots then we can rest in the security of His wisdom.  That knowledge gives us peace!

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.    Psa 103:19 NASB

Whatever the LORD pleases, He does, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps. Psa 135:6 NASB

God is in control of the seasons and day and night.

“While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease.” Gen 8:22 NASB

God controls the weather.

For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind, Which lifted up the waves of the sea. Psa 107:25 NASB

God knows the number of our days, as individuals and as nations.

“Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with You; And his limits You have set so that he cannot pass. Job 14:5 NASB

and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,  Act 17:26 NASB

God does whatever He wants, even over-ruling plans of people and nations.

Psa 33:9-11  For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.   The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples.  The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

It is God who gives us success in anything we do.  We can do nothing apart from Him.

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.  Joh 15:5 NASB

God has adopted us into His family and given us an inheritance.  We were predestined to this for His purpose, and for His glory.

also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,  Eph 1:11 NASB

God is even Sovereign over our rebellion and sin.

So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. Rom 9:18 NASB

After pondering all of these scriptures, don’t you agree that God is in control?  He will take care of us and His will will be done in our lives.

Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34 tells us that we are not to worry.  Read this section. He says that He will take care of us.  Instead of wringing our hands and worrying we are to do the following:

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Mat 6:33 NASB

Then He concludes by saying this:

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Mat 6:34 NASB

Here is a great promise from God telling us what to do with our anxiety.  We can let God handle it. We don’t need to carry it.

casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.  1Pe 5:7 NASB

Another promise we can count on.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Php 4:19 NASB

So, we can conclude with this wonderful uplifting scripture.  We do not have to be anxious over our circumstances.  We do not have to be anxious over perceived fears of things that might or might not come about. 

We must keep our focus on Jesus and know that He loves us and will meet our needs. 

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Rom 8:31 KJV

I pray this reminder will bless and help you keep your focus on things above and not on your circumstances.

My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. Psa 121:2 NASB

“Deny that God is governing matter, deny that He is ‘upholding all things by the word of His power’, and all sense of security is gone!” Arthur W. Pink

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