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Southern Missionary Baptist Church Southern Missionary Baptist Church

A Spirit Led And Bible Based Church A Spirit Led And Bible Based Church

  • Our Church

    Southern Missionary Baptist Church
    921 Bissell St. Map
    IL 62060
    Phone: 618-877-1305, Fax:618-688-4351, Pastor's Home Ph. 618-235-8299

    · Southern Missionary Baptist Church
    · Statement of Beliefs
    · Church History

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    Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

    Sunday Worship : 10:45 a.m.

     

    Prayer Meeting:  Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

     

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    SUNDAY WORSHIP IS AT

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    SOUTHERN MEMBERS, YOU MAY SEND YOUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS BY:

    MAILING THEM TO SOUTHERN M.B. CHURCH, 921 BISSELL ST., P.O. BOX 38, MADISON, IL 62060

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    We would like to welcome you to the Southern Missionary Baptist Church of Madison, Illinois.  We are a church with a warm heart and where no one is considered a stranger.  We believe in following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who exemplified love for all.  We believe in being led by the Holy Spirit in all that we do, praising God and giving Him the glory for His grace and mercy.  Here, at Southern, you will be greeted with open arms and you are invited to praise God with us.  Our Sunday and Bible Study is designed for all ages, with excellent teachers who exited about teaching and ready to answer your questions.  We have a mandate to win souls to Christ.  So if you're looking for a Spirit Led and Bible Based Church, come visit us.

     

    Pastor Sherrell and First Lady Mauristine Byrd

     

     

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    • Wednesday Night Bible Study – Island Family Christian Church

       

      _

      Lesson: The Trials of the Lord Jesus Christ.

      7:00 pm central

      Pastor Sherrell L. Byrd, Jr.

       

       

       John 18, Luke 23.

      Of the six trials recorded throughout the Gospels, two were held before Pontius Pilate, where Scripture declares that Jesus testified the “honorable confession,” 1TI 6:13. The first trial was held before Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest. After Judas made a deal with the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver, he began looking for an opportunity to betray Him, Joh 18:2-4, Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place; for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. Judas then, having received the Roman cohort, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth, and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” He knew He was about to be terribly treated, but He did not shrink away from the plan of the Father.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

       

      JOH 18:5-10,12-14 continues, “They answered Him, ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’ He said to them, ‘I am.’ And Judas also who was betraying Him, was standing with them. When therefore He said to them, ‘I am,’ they drew back, and fell to the ground. Again therefore He asked them, ‘Whom do you seek?’ And they said, ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’ Jesus answered, ‘I told you that I am; if therefore you seek Me, let these go their way,’ that the word might be fulfilled which He spoke, ‘Of those whom Thou hast given Me I lost not one.’ Simon Peter therefore having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. So, the Roman cohort and the commander, and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people.”  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Annas was not a judge, therefore, this was an illegal trial. Annas was a political leader of Jerusalem. He was a very wealthy and powerful man who was engaged in criminal activities connected with every system of corruption in Jerusalem. And he is the one is who is about to judge whether our Lord is guilty or innocent. Those who brought the Lord to trial were all self-righteous and religious-the chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees, who the members of the Sanhedrin, the religious organization around which all Judaism was centered. Annas, the most religious of them all, approved this trial, and following the counsel of Caiaphas, he said, in effect, “Take Him in and kill Him!” JOH 18:14.  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

       

      The first trial alone is filled with more injustice than we have ever faced. Is it any wonder that a few days earlier, our Lord had said in MAT 23:23, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

       

      From the palace of Annas, our Lord was taken to the palace of the high priest Caiaphas. The second trial is described for us in Mat 26:57, “And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.” Think of how fair this trial one must have been, when Caiaphas was the one who had said, “It is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation do not perish,” ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

       

      JOH 11:50. Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

      Caiaphas knew that Rome was preparing to demand that the lawlessness in Palestine be rectified by the death of a culprit. Therefore, he advised that it was better for one man to die than all of them losing their power and wealth. The Sanhedrin therefore, would try to palm off Jesus as a scapegoat. The perfect Son of God is to be presented as a master criminal by the criminals themselves. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

       

      Jesus was already considered guilty, and now we see the wheels of injustice grind on our Lord Jesus Christ, MAT 26:59-60a, “Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, in order that they might put Him to death. And they did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward.”

      Note: At least two eyewitnesses of the same act were required, DEU 19:15. One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

      All they needed to draw an indictment against the Lord was two people to agree in their lies. This was the greatest liars’ club that has ever existed. But no two of them were able to agree. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

       

      1. The trial was held at night, in violation of Jewish jurisprudence, MAT 26:31,34.  31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. , 34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

      They were in a hurry, because the next day was the Passover, and they had to get their dirty work out of the way.

       

      2. There was no defense attorney.

       

      3. The court also sought false witnesses.

       

      4. The court was prejudiced and even violent.

       

      Finally, two of them managed to agree, MAT 26:60b-62, “But later on two came forward, and said, ‘This man stated, “I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days [JOH 2:18-21].”‘ And the high priest stood up and said to Him, ‘Do You make no answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?'”

      The Lord did not answer back! As lie after lie was spoken against Him, the uniqueness of Christ should have been apparent to all who watched this blatant injustice. In fact, from their own Bible they should have been reminded of ISA 53:7, He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.

       

      The Lord Jesus Christ put the entire matter in the Father’s hands, according to ROM 12:19. Every moment the Lord Jesus lived, He lived in the moment-by-moment Sabbath, the faith-rest life. He would continually cast His cares upon the Father, and He would leave them there. He quietly rested in the Father’s promises and held His peace, MAT 26:63-67, “But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, ‘I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.’ Then the high priest tore his robes, saying, ‘He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? [Caiaphas took a clear statement of fact, which in no way condemned our Lord, and said it was a confession of guilt.] What do you think?’ They answered and said, ‘He is deserving of death!'” [The penalty of blasphemy was death.] Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him.”  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

       

      Now the violence begins. They spit in the face of the Son of God! They abused and insulted the One who would hang on Calvary’s Cross and be judged for every sin they ever committed, including spitting in His face! They whipped and punched Him without mercy, ISA 52:14, “His appearance was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” When they were through with this second trial, Jesus no longer looked human. His face was destroyed and His eyes swollen. Yet He stood fast, His eyes set on the Cross, and our salvation. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      There are many injustices in life, and if you let your mind dwell on those things, they will drive you crazy. As you go forward in the spiritual life, you need to let your mind dwell on what is just and fair. People will be unfair, but you must not lower yourself to their level. No greater example exists for us of one being just and righteous while being treated unjustly than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the only celebrity of the Christian faith. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Except for one short interrogation, the six trials He endured were unjust in every way. The One on trial was the only One who never committed one act of personal sin. The number six in Scripture represents humanity, and the entire human race was involved in these trials in some way (HEB 12:2-3). ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      The day our Lord and Savior died was a day like none other, a day filled with paradoxes. It was the darkest day in the history of time, and yet it was the brightest of all days. The injustices that nailed Him to the tree satisfied the justice of God. The evil acts of men who formed a murderous plot to end his life, proved that they were mere instruments in the hand of a sovereign God whose purposes were being carried out precisely as He planned them, ISA 53:10, PRO 16:4. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Luke begins to record the abuse our Lord suffered in LUK 22:63-64, "And the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking Him, and beating Him. And they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, 'Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?'" By the time they finished beating and scourging Him, his image was no longer recognizable as a man, Isa 52:14. No one else could have stood up to this punishment without fainting or even dying. LUK 22:65continues, "And they were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming."
      Ironically, they had brought him before the Sanhedrin to accuse Him of blasphemy.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Our Lord was then escorted to the third trial, before Caiaphas the high priest, whose one agenda was to find Him guilty (not prove him guilty). This was another illegal trial, held at night and based on false witnesses with prejudice and violence in the court. Any reasonable court of law would have already thrown out the case, but the Lord Jesus Christ was now a pawn in the hands of an unjust, prejudiced crowd and a religious system determined to take Him to the Cross.

      The scene grows even uglier in LUK 22:66, "And when it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber,"

      The first two trials, before Annas and Caiaphas, were held at night illegally. This next trial was held early the next morning. It is now daylight, about 6:00 AM. Under Jewish Law, a sentence of death could never be carried out the day it was given. A night must elapse so the court might sleep on it, and perhaps their condemnation might turn to mercy. But the Sanhedrin was far from keeping its own regulations. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      LUK 22:67-68 continues, "67 Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.'"

      The Lord would not reveal His claims to those who were asking in order to reject rather than examine them. Silence is His answer to ingrained prejudice masquerading as honest inquiry. However, He gave them the supreme sign of His Messiahship in LUK 22:69-71, "69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. 70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. 71 And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.'"

      ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      They will now parade him before Pilate for a fourth trial, where Scripture declares that Jesus witnessed an"honorable confession," 1TI 6:13. Pilate served as governor of Judea from A.D. 26 to 36, and his biography is saturated with brutality. Multiple revolts that had broken out during his term had brought him under investigation by the Roman government.  ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      He lived in Caesarea but was visiting Jerusalem because it was Passover; he was there, strangely enough, to maintain law and order. He would later be banished to Gaul where he would commit suicide. One wonders if he was haunted by this decision concerning Jesus, which went against his better judgment. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      In LUK 23:2, "They began to accuse Him, saying, 'We found this man misleading our nation [lie] and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar [lie], and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King [another lie].'"  This is an outright lie, MAT 22:21, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's."

      In the first two trials, they accused our Lord of blasphemy; however, they now invent a new accusation they hope will work with the Romans. Until now, nothing was said about tribute to Caesar. __________________________________________________________________

      In JOH 18:28, "They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium [hall of judgment], and it was early; and they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium in order that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover."

      This was the day the memorial supper, the Passover, would be eaten, representing the death of their Messiah! Eating the lamb was a picture of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, yet they had rejected Him. Therefore, the Jews took Jesus to the Roman governor in an attempt to avoid Jewish law, which forbade them from trying someone in court on a holy day. JOH 18:29-30 continues, "Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, 'What accusation do you bring against this Man?' They answered and said to him, 'If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.'" They have no evidence against Jesus.

      Pilate was the only one who gave Jesus Christ an objective hearing. In JOH 18:31-32, "Pilate therefore said to them, 'Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.' The Jews said to him, 'We are not permitted to put anyone to death'

       [Pilate had the discernment to observe the innocence of Jesus, but not the character to free Him.], that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which He spoke, signifying by what kind of death He was about to die." Our Lord knew exactly what they would do to Him, but He still pressed on, for you and for me, HEB 12:2, "who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame." Here was the King of the Jews about to be subjected to the lowest form of Gentile punishment. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      In LUK 23:7-8, the Lord is sent to King Herod, and the fifth trial begins: "And when he [Pilate] learned that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time. Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him."

      ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Herod viewed Jesus as a mere entertainer, and had wanted to meet Him for a long time, and now he gets his chance, LUK 23:9-11, "And the chief priests and the scribes were standing there, accusing Him vehemently. And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing." The Lord Jesus Christ treated him with the ultimate insult, not in rebuking him, but in simply ignoring him, which must have infuriated Herod, LUK 23:11, "And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, they dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate."

      ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Here comes a sixth trial, and by now, Pilate is beside himself, LUK 23:13-16,18-25, "And Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, 'You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him.' [This is the only honest judgment during these six unjust trials.] No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him. I will therefore punish Him and release Him.'"

      We see John's account in JOH 18:33-34, "Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus, and said to Him, 'Are You the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered, 'Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?'"

      Pilate expressed his frustration when asking the first question; his second question seeks information, JOH 18:35, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You up to me; what have You done?" ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      This received a direct answer, JOH 18:36, "Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.'"

      Jesus Christ would not have a kingdom of this world until Satan's defeat at the Cross. He will still have an earthly kingdom, but it would not be established on earth at that time. The physical kingdom of Christ on earth awaits His Second Advent at the beginning of the Millennium. (Today, He has a regenerate kingdom of Church-age believers, known as the Church or the Body of Christ.) Therefore, He states that His kingdom is not of this world.  ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      JOH 18:37-39 continues, "Pilate therefore said to Him, 'So You are a king?' Jesus answered, 'You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.' Pilate said to Him, 'What is truth?' And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I find no guilt in Him. But you have a custom, that I should release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?"  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Realizing that Jesus was innocent, Pilate would make it possible to release an innocent Person, get himself off the hook, and help the religious leaders save face. However, in LUK 23:18-25, "But they all cried out together, saying, 'Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!' (He was one who had been thrown into prison for a certain insurrection made in the city, and for murder.) And Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, but they kept on calling out, saying, 'Crucify, crucify Him!' And he said to them the third time, 'Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; I will therefore punish Him and release Him.' But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. [Knowing he was already under investigation and that the release of Jesus would incite yet another riot, Pilate gives in.] And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand should be granted. And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will."  __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Our Lord was born at a time when the Jews executed criminals by stoning, however all the prophesies stated He would be crucified. Consider the odds of the Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled by Jesus Christ.  ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      · The blood on both doorposts and over the door prophesied the Cross, EXO 12:7, fulfilled in 1CO 5:7.

      · The brazen serpent lifted up in NUM 21:9 was fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ in JOH 3:14; JOH 12:32; HEB 12:2.

      · The mocking and contempt of our Lord's enemies in Psa 22:6-8 was fulfilled in LUK 23:35.

      · His hands and feet being pierced in PSA 22:16 was fulfilled throughout the Gospels, as in MAT 27:31, MAR 15:24.

      · The casting of lots for His garments in PSA 22:18 was fulfilled in MAT 27:35.

      · The prophecy that not one of His bones would be broken was written in PSA 34:20, and fulfilled in JOH 19:34-36.

      · The betrayal of Judas Iscariot in PSA 41:9 was fulfilled in LUK 22:47-48.

      · The prophecy of the gall and vinegar in PSA 69:21 was fulfilled in MAT 27:34.

      · The physical abuse and humiliation of Jesus in ISA 50:6 was fulfilled in MAT 26:67.

      · His dying for our sins in order to save us was prophesied in ISA 53:5, and was fulfilled throughout the entire New Testament, as in ROM 5:6-8.

      · His silence as He approached the Cross in ISA 53:7 was fulfilled in MAR 15:4-5.

      · His crucifixion in ISA 53:12 was fulfilled in LUK 23:33-34.

      · The piercing of His side in ZEC 12:10 was fulfilled in JOH 19:34.

      · The nailing of His hands and feet in ZEC 13:6 was fulfilled in JOH 20:27.

      These Jewish leaders, under the control of Satan, would not let up until Jesus was removed from the scene. Religion became the champion of a despicable criminal rather than the perfect, matchless Son of God. Convinced of the innocence of Jesus, Pilate still attempts to release Him. His second attempt is recorded in MAT 27:24-25, And when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of this Man's blood; see to that yourselves." And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children!" He had just declared again the innocence of our Lord under Roman law, and in a symbolic act he called his servant to bring in a bowl of water, and he washed his hands publicly in front of the entire crowd.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      The custom of washing hands indicated that the accused was innocent. Pilate cast a vote that all could see and understand (DEU 21:6-9). Some 30 years later on the pavement on which Pilate washed his hands, the Romans would crucify 36,000 Jews. The historian Josephus vividly describes the horrors of what happened on this very spot. Little did the Jews realize what they were saying in MAT 27:25, "His blood be on us and on our children!" ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      The events that followed are beyond our imagination. We cannot imagine the physical torture. He drags the crossbeam along the Via Dolorosa, His route from Pilate's judgment hall to Calvary. Most of the artists who have painted Jesus Christ on the Cross understood nothing of His cruel treatment. They have portrayed a skinny figure with scrawny shoulders and bony frame, appearing weak and half-starved. In reality, Jesus Christ was the most powerful Man who ever lived! To receive those severe blows and still survive, he had to be extremely strong. To be accurate, a painting of Jesus Christ as He hung upon the Cross should depict a powerful body and neck beneath a bloodied, beaten mass for a face, His features completely mangled, ISA 53:5.  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      In spite of all the injustice and brutality He endured, He is still caring for others, LUK 23:27-28,32-33 "And there were following Him a great multitude of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him. But Jesus turning to them said, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.' And two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him. And two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him. And when they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left." ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      This was capital punishment of the worst degree-completely naked, in this terrible twisted position, continually pushing Himself up to breathe, and pulling against the spikes in His hands and feet. Like the thousands of lambskins stretched in the midmorning sun that day in preparation for the Passover, so the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, lay stretched beneath the burning skies of Judea. God's Passover Lamb was there for all to see. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      It was the most ghastly altar upon which any human sacrifice had ever been offered. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, hung suspended between heaven and earth as the Supreme Sacrifice, atoning for the awesome burden of the sins of all mankind, making reconciliation between God and man. The worst suffering did come until, in MAT 27:46,"Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?'" ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      The Father turned His back as His Son bore the sins of the entire world in that horrible moment of time, and at that same moment Satan's doom was secured. You and I were in His thoughts as He bore the sins of the human race, 2CO 5:21.  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      Finally, in LUK 23:46, "Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit.' And having said this, He breathed His last." The final complete ransom was paid, and then He died. Such an extreme price for our salvation calls for such extreme gratitude and obedience to our Lord.  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      How did He live through such punishment? Because he had you in mind! He was thinking of you and me, because He had to get to the Cross! He must pay the penalty of sin, which is spiritual death. He did all of this because He must be "made sin for us." His physical death did not provide salvation; it signified that His work was finished and established the basis for resurrection. What a Savior we have! All He had to do was snap His fingers and thousands of angels would have come to His aid. He remained sinless in spite of the most intense temptations. His restraint was magnificent, for if He had ever lost His temper, there would be no salvation. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

      JOH 19:19-22 And Pilate wrote an inscription also, and put it on the cross. And it was written, "JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS." Therefore this inscription many of the Jews read, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and in Greek. And so the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews,' but that 'He said, "I am King of the Jews."'" Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written." 

       

      What did the soldiers do to Jesus before they crucified him?

      The 4 accounts of the Gospel give us a record of several things that were done by the soldiers to Jesus before He died. Jesus was whipped (Matthew 27:26), stripped of his clothes (Matthew 27:27) and dressed in a scarlet cloak (Matthew 27:28). Thorns were twisted into a crown and placed on his head and a reed in his hand (Matthew 27:29). After this was done, the soldiers spat on Jesus, hit Him on the head and laughed at Him (Matthew 27:30). Jesus was then made to carry the cross (Luke 23:26) to Golgotha. Upon arrival the soldiers offered Jesus wine mixed with a drug (Matthew 27:34) and crucified Him (Matthew 27:35) before gambling to see who would get the clothes (Matthew 27:35); they laughed at Him hanging on the cross and offered vinegar to Jesus (Luke 23:35,36).

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    • Bible 101About the Bible

      6 Bible Study Methods You Need to Know (and Try)

       

      What is the goal or purpose of Bible study? While there are a number of different ways to say it they all boil down to this: We study the Bible to discover the intended meaning of a passage of Scripture and apply it to our lives today.

      It’s simple, but also not.

      The “simple” is that we have a clear purpose. The “not” is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting there. That’s why different Bible study methods exist. 

      What Is a Bible Study Method?

      A Bible study method is a framework that helps us understand and apply Scripture to our lives. Every method shares certain characteristics. They all incorporate observation, interpretation, application, and personal reflection. They all also place a different emphasis on one or another. Here are 6 methods we recommend:

      • The Inductive Method
      • The SOAP Method
      • The TEXT Method
      • The Verse-Mapping Method
      • The Topical Study Method
      • The Character Study Method

      In addition to the methods listed here, you can also try using a Study Bible to help walk you through difficult passages and discover hidden meanings.

      The “simple” is that we have a clear purpose. The “not” is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting there. That’s why different Bible study methods exist. 

      What Is a Bible Study Method?

      A Bible study method is a framework that helps us understand and apply Scripture to our lives. Every method shares certain characteristics. They all incorporate observation, interpretation, application, and personal reflection. They all also place a different emphasis on one or another. Here are 6 methods we recommend:

      • The Inductive Method
      • The SOAP Method
      • The TEXT Method
      • The Verse-Mapping Method
      • The Topical Study Method
      • The Character Study Method

      In addition to the methods listed here, you can also try using a Study Bible to help walk you through difficult passages and discover hidden meanings.

      The Inductive Method

      The Inductive Bible Study Method is a process by which you make observations of a passage and draw conclusions from those observations. The questions at the heart of this approach typically follow the five Ws (and one H) approach many of us learned in elementary school:

      • Who (who is speaking; who is the intended audience; who is present in the moment, etc.)
      • What (what is this passage about; what problem is this addressing; what is happening; what is being said; what commands need to be obeyed, etc.)
      • When (when is this event taking place?)
      • Where (where is this event taking place, where does it fit in the larger context of the book and Scripture?)
      • Why (why is this message needed, why is it relevant today?)
      • How (how does this change what I know about God and humanity; how do I apply this to my life so that I can live more faithfully as a follower of Jesus?)

      Many popular Bible study methods are variations of this tried-and-true approach (including many on this list). It’s also important to note that an inductive Bible study doesn’t require asking all of these types of questions every time. All you need are the passages that help you to best understand the meaning of the message and apply it.

      The SOAP Method

      The SOAP Method is a proven and effective approach to Bible study built on four practices:

      • Scripture, reading a passage and writing out 1­–2 specific verses by hand.
      • Observation, asking questions of the text (who, what, where, when, how).
      • Application, considering how you should respond to what you’ve read.
      • Prayer, thanking God for what he’s shown you, and for his empowerment as you seek to live faithfully in light of what you’ve discovered in your time in the Word.

      This method is at the heart of the Love God Greatly Bible. And best of all, SOAP can be used in in a verse-by-verse progression or in a topical study.

      The TEXT Method

      The TEXT Method is an accessible and memorable Bible study approach using four steps:

      • Talk to God in prayer before you read.
      • Encounter God and humanity in Scripture as you reflect on two simple questions: what does this passage say about God, and what does it say about humanity?
      • eXamine your heart, considering what needs to be confessed, added, taken away, or maintained as a follower of Jesus.
      • Talk to God and others, thanking God for what he has shown you in Scripture, and sharing what he’s shown you with someone else.

      This method was introduced in The TEXT, a Bible designed for teens, young adults, and new believers, and can be practiced in a verse-by-verse or topical approach.

      The Verse-Mapping Method

      The verse-mapping method of Bible study allows you to study the historical context, transliteration, translation, connotation, and theological framework of a verse in the Bible. After choosing a verse (or verses) to study, do the following:

      • Write out your chosen verse(s).
      • Write them in at least two other translations (remember, you can read a verse in multiple translations using Bible Gateway’s free tools).
      • Circle keywords to look up in the original languages and write down the definitions, synonyms, and root words.
      • Explore the meaning and message of the verse or verses as you consider the people, places, and context involved, and make connections to other relevant passages and concepts in Scripture (the cross references in your Bible are ideally suited for this).
      • Write a 1–2 sentence summary of what you learned and consider how you can apply it.

      The Topical Bible Study Method

      As the name suggests, this method helps you to explore in-depth a specific topic or concept within Scripture. To put this method into practice, follow the following steps:

      • Choose a topic you want to explore, perhaps a theological concept or aspect of how we’re meant to live as God’s people.
      • Look up references to this topic (an exhaustive concordance is a helpful tool for this).
      • Choose the verses you wish to study.
      • Ask questions about the topic.
      • Read the verses and see how they address your questions.
      • Summarize your conclusions.
      • Write out your application.

      The Character Study method

      Similar to a topical study, this method focuses on a specific biblical character to learn about how God worked in and through that individual and apply what we discover to our lives. Character studies involve the following steps:

      • Choose the biblical character you want to study.
      • Find the relevant passages about him or her.
      • Read your passages, and consult additional Bible study tools like Bible dictionaries, to learn everything you can about this character (the trustworthy questions who, what, when, where, and how will serve you well here).
      • Find the application points for your life.

      Many Bible Study Methods to Reach One Truth

      These different Bible study methods all share the same goal: they are designed to help you better understand and live out the truth of God’s Word. Try them all and see how they help you to know, love, and obey God daily.  

       

       

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      10 Ways to Hear God's Voice Regularly

      It's often when we're worried, anxious, or overwhelmed that we cry out to God to speak to us. We look for God's voice for guidance when we need something. The good news is that God is always wanting to hear from us and speak to us. 

      God is constantly speaking to people. But too often, they miss out on hearing God’s messages because they seek His guidance only occasionally – usually when they’re going through a crisis or facing a major decision. Then, with a dire need to hear from God, people become confused and frustrated when they don’t clearly hear what they should do. They start to wonder how to hear from God and why they aren't. 

      It doesn’t have to be that way. God wants everyone to hear His voice and messages for us clearly, and it’s possible to do so. The key is to forget about formulas and gimmicks for hearing from God, and to focus instead on developing the kind of relationship with God that will empower you to hear God speaking regularly. The closer you get to God, the more you can enjoy ongoing conversations with Him, both listening and hearing from Him, and the more God will use those conversations to transform you into the person He wants you to become.

      Here are 10 ways how you can hear from God and recognize his voice regularly:

      1. Recognize that God has created you for a close friendship with Himself. 

      By design, the way you hear best from God is in the context of a friendship with Him. God intends for you to figure out His will freely and intelligently as you engage in regular conversations with Him. God’s will is to be personally present with you and speaking with you moment by moment as you go through life. Then you’ll grow to understand Him more and become more like His Son, Jesus.

      Want to discern the voice of God in your life? Download our FREE Discerning the Voice of God in Your Life Guide, a 30-Day Prayer Guide to help you hear from God regularly.

      2. Consider your motives for wanting to hear from God. 

      Honestly reflect on why you want to hear from God. Is it because you’re truly open to whatever God has to say and committed to putting His guidance into action and fulfilling His purposes, even when doing so is challenging? Or is it for a selfish reason, such as wanting to feel righteous or comforted? Confess and repent of any wrong motives. Ask God to give you an openness to hear and respond faithfully to what He wants to tell you.

      3. Make your goal more than just hearing God. 

      While it’s important to hear from God, that shouldn’t be your ultimate goal. Instead, make your main goal to become a spiritually mature person in a close relationship with God. That’s the only way you’ll clearly and correctly hear what God has to say to you.

      4. Know that you’re important to God, but be humble. 

      Have the confidence that God is willing to speak to you just as powerfully as He did to the people in the Bible, because He values you just as much. However, don’t let pride creep into your soul, because you must be humble in order to faithfully receive and respond the messages God has for you.

      5. Don’t try to force God to tell you something. 

      No matter how much you want to hear from God about something or how hard you may try to convince Him to speak to you, you’ll only hear from God when He chooses to communicate with you. Focus on developing a respectful relationship with God and wait for His timing to deliver messages to you. Also, if God chooses not to give you specific guidance about something you’ve prayed about and what you’re considering is within the Bible’s moral principles, you can confidently go ahead and make your own decision about what to do and be within God’s will.

      6. Recognize that God communicates in many forms, but most often through your mind. 

      God may choose any one of many different ways to communicate to you, according to what’s best at particular times and in particular circumstances. You may sometimes hear God’s message in dramatic ways, such as through angels, visions, or miraculous events. But more often, you’ll hear God speaking through your thoughts, and He will use ordinary practices such as reading the Bible, praying quietly, learning from circumstances, or seeking counsel from other Christians to reach out to you as you think about them. God will use dramatic means to get your attention when necessary, but His goal is for you to be so closely connected to Him that you’ll pay attention whenever He speaks to you. Usually, God speaks through what people have described as a “still, small voice” to encourage those He loves to choose to keep walking closely with Him through life.

      7. Renew your mind. 

      Since God often speaks to you through your mind and wants you to develop what the Bible calls the “mind of Christ” (the ability to make decisions as Jesus would), it’s crucial for you to follow the Bible’s urging in Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” As you invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind every day, He will cleanse it from such dirt and clutter as false beliefs and attitudes, unhealthy feelings, and misguided plans. Then the Holy Spirit will replace all of that with true thoughts that reflect God’s purposes.

      8. Invite the living Word to help you when you read the written word. 

      The Word of God is a living, creative force – Jesus Himself – and He is actively at work when you read God’s written word – the Bible – prayerfully. When you read the Bible, ask Jesus to make the Bible’s words come alive for you and become conduits through which He sends His thoughts, faith, and love into your soul. Then focus on what He sends you and orient yourself toward it so it will begin to transform your life.

      9. Recognize God’s voice above all others. 

      By experience, you can learn to recognize God’s voice when He speaks, and to confidently respond to what He says. When thoughts recur, pray about them to discern if they may be coming from God. Keep in mind that God will never send you a message that contradicts the Bible’s principles. Also, God’s voice carries the weight of authority within it, and expresses a spirit of peace, confidence, joy, reasonableness, and goodwill. If you think that God may speaking to you, ask Him to confirm so as you study and meditate on the Bible, as you’re alert to the circumstances you encounter, or as you experience the Holy Spirit’s impressions in your mind.

      10. Set aside time regularly to listen for God’s messages. 

      Make a habit of intentionally and expectantly listening for whatever God may want to tell you. It’s more important to become a person who listens regularly to God than it is to constantly ask God to give you guidance.

      Set aside some time today to begin listening for God's voice and hearing his promises and plans for you. Keep a journal to remember the things he brings to life in you.

       

      Editor's note: This article was adapted from Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God, copyright 2012 by Dallas Willard. Published by Formatio, a division of InterVarsity Press, Downer’s Grove, Ill., www.ivpress.com. Dallas Willard is professor of philosophy at the University of Southern California. He is the author of The Divine Conspiracy and The Spirit of the Disciplines. Visit his website at: http://www.dwillard.org/.

       

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      PRAYER LIST AND BIRTHDAYS

       

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      Pray for those who are on our prayer list. SICK/SHUT

       

       

      Claudia Ball

      Etta Banks

      Renard Bell

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      Stanley Boyd

      ​Daphne Buckels

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      25 Heartily Happy Birthday Wishes
       
       

      APRIL BIRTHDAYS

       

      DLYAN TRICE...................................................APRIL 2

      INA BARNES....................................................APRIL 10

      TAMMY KEMP...................................................APRIL 14

      NICHOLAS WRIGHT.........................................APRIL 25

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

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      Hey, I have a RIGHT to complain! Oh, really?

       

      What Autumn Teaches Christians about Life, Death, and God

      What Autumn Teaches Christians about Life, Death, and God

      Autumn is my favorite season, though I don’t think I’d want it to go on forever. There’s something nostalgic about the scents of autumn, the foliage with rich changing colors, the foods and holidays, traditions like apple picking and leaf piles, and cooler weather after a hot summer. Joseph Rhea, director of ministries for Soma Church, has written an article for The Gospel Coalition reminding us of the promises of autumn, titled Autumn: Dying Beautifully.

      Rhea calls Christians to remember these 3 things about autumn:

      1. Autumn Refreshes Us with New Wonder
      Spring brings its own beauty to the world, and it’s a relief to see green and new growth after a long, harsh winter. Then spring morphs into summer, and after a while green becomes the new normal. It’s not necessarily that we get tired of green, but in a way we get used to it. Rhea explains,

      “There’s nothing wrong with the leaves. It’s me: repetition inoculates me against wonder. Like G. K. Chesterton says, I don’t have God’s capacity to delight again and again at each new leaf. He keeps unfurling them—they even wave to get my attention!—but the eyes of my soul glaze over.”

      “In autumn, the creativity of God hollers. Look at these things! These paper-thin solar cells that convert sunlight into acorns! They’re everywhere, and they’re made by a God who, as N. D. Wilson reminds us, doesn’t know how to stop creating. Autumn reminds us that there’s a world of wonder.”

      2.  Autumn Reminds Us of the Promise of Glory
      In our culture, we see glory in youth and newness. Aging is looked upon with a wary and skeptic eye. “We are spring-and-summer,” people as Rhea comments. But we can learn from change; Rhea shares,

       

      “My parents’ leaves are starting to change. Their color is silver rather than red, but the glory is the same. They may not have quite the same speed on the Frisbee field. But they have wisdom and grace and decades of joy that shine in their faces. They’re taking on the beauty of autumn, showing dimensions of glory that my green summer-self doesn’t display.”

      3.  Autumn Prepares Us for Winter’s Coming
      Inevitably, autumn’s beauty and wonder fades into winter’s chilled silence. Autumn doesn’t stay; it fades and falls away just like the leaves on the trees. Rhea expounds, “Autumn reminds us that our leaves too will die. The curse we inherited from our father-tree Adam means we have our seasons and then we go. Winter takes us all.”

       

      This is a sobering thought. Just like autumn, I will not last forever on this earth. Winter is a stark reminder that there is a price for the curse we were born under…but there is hope. Rhea tells us,

      “Autumn can draw our attention to the one man who broke through winter into an unending summer. The one who spent three days brown and dead in the dirt and came back in an indestructible green. The one who wasn’t just a leaf; he was a whole new tree.”

      “Winter comes to us all. But winter isn’t the end for Christians, because our lives are joined to a tree that winter cannot touch. Death has no sting; winter has no bite. We will fall from the tree of Adam; but we will flower again in a spring of eternal, glorious growth.”

      It’s this truth, according to Rhea, that “gives us the hope to die beautifully.” When I die, I don’t want to be clinging to the edges of this earth, begging for one more tainted day. I want to die with grace falling back into the arms of my Savior, knowing that His beauty is greater than anything I could compare on this earth.

       

       

      10 Things You Should Know about the Fall

      June 17, 2023by: Mitchell L. Chase
       

      This article is part of the 10 Things You Should Know series.

      1. The fall refers to the rebellion of God’s image-bearers in the garden of Eden.

      Genesis 3 is a threshold in the Bible’s storyline. While dwelling in a sacred space and surrounded by the blessings of God, Adam and Eve did what God had forbidden. God had made them in his image, but they defied his word and sought a kind of knowledge in an unsanctioned way. Made for communion with God, they experienced alienation. Made for trust and hope and life abundant, they descended into sin and shame. They fell.

      2. The fall is a nonnegotiable piece of the Creation-Fall-Redemption-Consummation paradigm.

      One of the most popular schemas for the Bible’s “big story” is the fourfold chain of words: creation, fall, redemption, consummation. Creation tells us what God made, the fall tells us what happened to it, redemption tells us what God has done to address what happened, and consummation tells us where everything is headed. If the notion of the fall were removed, the implications would be disastrous. Let’s engage in a thought experiment. If there is creation but no fall, then what explains all that has gone wrong in the world? If there is redemption but no fall, why would redemption be necessary? If there is consummation but no fall, why would the Christian’s hope be oriented toward a new heavens and new earth and resurrection life?

       

      Short of Glory

      Mitchell L. Chase

      In this accessible book, Mitchell Chase identifies biblical themes found in Genesis 3, explaining why they are essential to understanding the biblical narrative and identifying why these themes are crucial for believers today. 

      3. The serpent in Genesis 3 was Satan, the archnemesis of God and God’s people.

      The tempter in Genesis 3 does not have the best interests of Adam and Eve in mind. The serpent counters and twists God’s words. But throughout the account, the tempter is never called by name. If interpreters suspect that this is Satan himself tempting Eve, they would be correct, because he is certainly the archenemy of God’s people and the purposes of God. The New Testament confirms this identification. God told the serpent that it would be crushed (Gen. 3:15), and Paul told the Romans that “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Rom. 16:20). John says in Revelation, “The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world” (Rev. 12:9).

      4. The fall is treated as a historical event by later Scripture.

      Because the Holy Spirit has inspired the writings of Genesis through Revelation, and because God does not err, we can trust the biblical accounts in what they reveal about God and God’s dealings with the world he’s made. Later Scripture does not contradict earlier Scripture, but we continually see how earlier Scripture is clarified and confirmed by the progressive revelation across the writings of the biblical authors. In Romans 5:12–21, the obedience of Christ contrasts the disobedience of Adam. In 1 Corinthians 15:21, Paul says that “by a man came death.” And in 2 Corinthians 11:3 and 1 Timothy 2:14, he mentions the deception of Eve. The New Testament treats the Old Testament account of the fall as a historical rebellion of a real Adam and a real Eve.

      We see the sorrowful things of the world around us, and we know that injustice cries out for justice, that fractured lives long for wholeness . . .

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      5. Adam acted not just for himself but as the representative—or federal head—of humanity.

      God made Adam and placed him in a garden to work it and to keep it (Gen. 2:7, 15). Adam was the first image-bearer, he was the first to hear a command of God (Gen. 2:16–17), and he had dominion over the animals (Gen. 1:26–28; Gen. 2:19–20). He was the head, the representative, of mankind. Paul rightly recognizes the crucial role Adam occupied. He told the Romans that “sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin” (Rom. 5:12). Human beings come into this world spiritually dead “in Adam” (1 Cor. 15:22).

      6. The fall has explanatory power for what we see around us.

      You and I know that things aren’t the way they should be. In Ecclesiastes, the author meditates on the reality of sorrow and death under the sun. In Romans 8, Paul says that creation is groaning for liberation because it has been subjected to futility (Rom. 8:20–22). Disease and destruction mark a Genesis 3 world. While God’s creation is good, the corruption of sin and death has wreaked havoc. We see the sorrowful things of the world around us and we know that injustice cries out for justice, that fractured lives long for wholeness, and that the moral guilt weighing upon the consciences of God’s image-bearers needs a remedy. Genesis 3 is a useful apologetic for Christians as we help others around us see why things are the way they are.

      7. The account of the fall included actions of shame-covering and blame-shifting.

      A characteristic of this Genesis 3 world is people responding wrongly to shameful acts. When Adam and Eve had sinned against the Lord, they felt shame about their nakedness and sewed fig leaves for themselves. Their instinct was to cover their own shame. Then, when they discerned the approach of the Lord, they hid among the trees of the garden (Gen. 3:8). Their response was to withdraw, to conceal themselves. They were afraid. God questioned Adam, and Adam pointed to Eve. Then God questioned Eve, and she pointed to the serpent. The notion of blame-shifting is as old as the garden of Eden. The practice of trying to cover our shame with our own efforts is as old as Eden too. Neither fig leaves nor finger-pointing helped their situation, but that didn’t stop them from trying—and it doesn’t stop us from trying.

      8. The divine pronouncements of judgment included a promise of victory.

      God pronounced consequences to the serpent, to the woman, and to the man (Gen. 3:14–19). These pronouncements included a promise: the serpent would be defeated by a future son from Eve. This good news meant that the vile creature who had twisted God’s words and tempted God’s people would be subdued himself. God told the serpent, “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15). This promise is the seedbed of messianic prophecy. Jesus would be the seed of the woman crushing the serpent. But this victory would come at a cost. The serpent would strike the heel of the promised son, which implies the son’s suffering. When we look at Genesis 3:15 in the fullness of canonical revelation, we can rightly see that messianic hope begins with a promise of victory through suffering.

      9. Adam named Eve as an act of faith.

      Adam and Eve did not experience an immediate physical death in Genesis 3. They were exiled from Eden (Gen. 3:22–24). But before leaving the garden, “The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” This naming was an act of faith. Adam and Eve had received pronouncements of judgment in Genesis 3:16–19, yet they heard about a future son who would come from Eve (Gen. 3:15). Because the woman would be the mother of the living—her descendants—she was named “Eve,” which sounds like the Hebrew word for “living.” Her name showed faith in God’s promise. God promised future offspring, and Adam believed him.

      10. The failure in the garden anticipated faithfulness in a garden.

      The garden of Eden isn’t the only garden in Scripture where testing took place. In the New Testament Gospels, the Lord Jesus is in the garden of Gethsemane when he is arrested and taken to a series of Jewish and Roman trials. He was moving ever closer toward the cross, and in Gethsemane, he had resolved to do the will of God—which would mean taking the cup of divine judgment in our stead (Matt. 26:36–42). Gethsemane was not a garden of failure for Christ. He was not like the first Adam who failed to trust the Lord and who defied God’s will. The Son of God, the seed of the woman, faced the agonies of Gethsemane with resolve and perseverance. He did not turn. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross (Heb. 12:2). In the first garden, the first Adam had failed. In a future garden, the last Adam was faithful.

      Mitchell L. Chase is the author of Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall.

      Mitchell L. Chase

      Mitchell L. Chase (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is an associate professor of biblical studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also the preaching pastor of Kosmosdale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and is the author of several books. He blogs regularly at Biblical Theology on Substack.

       

      OUR HIGHER CALLING

      An inspirational devotional  book by our Pastor. Get your today. Sold on Amazon, or email our Pastor.

       

       

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      Prayer Guide: How to Pray for Our Country

      Christina Delgado Brown 

      We live in very polarizing times. Division infiltrates every layer of our society, separating even close friends and family members.

      However, Jesus calls for His body, the church, to be unified in Him with love for each other. How can we reach this unity? We must submit ourselves to His never-changing, everlasting truth found in the Bible. God calls us as believers to align our hearts with His, to intercede for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

      This prayer guide is Scripture-based and is designed to prepare you to be His intercessor by aligning your heart with the Holy Spirit and by praying His Holy Word over our country. This guide can be used not only in your personal quiet time but also to pray with a prayer partner or small group.


      Prayer Guide Contents

      Purpose of Intercessory Prayer

      1 Timothy 2:1-6, 8

      “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. ... Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.”

      Prayer

      Lord, please be in our midst as we come together as your body to lift up our country and our leaders. Please protect our country from the division that challenges our ability to live lives pleasing to you. Defend the vulnerable and voiceless, and bring justice to those who have suffered injustice. Realign and unify your people in Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is the author and protector of our faith, as we cry out to you for our land.

      Prepare Your Heart

      Romans 8:26

      “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

      Prayer

      Please lead and guide our prayers by the power of Your Spirit. Holy Spirit, pray in, through and for us so that we might pray in unity with Your will.

      Call to Intercession

      Jeremiah 29:7

      “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

      Prayer

      Lord, we are here to stand in the gap for our land before you. We confess our sin of putting our own will above Yours, which You have laid out in Your Word. Forgive us for losing sight of being Your body to the world. Purify our hearts. We pray for a national revival and spiritual healing. Please heal our land. We pray for Your peace and blessing to be poured out upon our nation according to Your mercy.

      Repentance

      Jeremiah 8:6

      “I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. None of them repent of their wickedness, saying, ‘What have I done?’ Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle.”

      Proverbs 14:12

      “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

      Prayer

      Forgive us. We are prideful — wise in our own eyes — and have forsaken Your Word for our desires. Please humble us and help us to submit to Your ways.

      Psalm 139:23-24

      “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

      2 Corinthians 7:10

      “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

      Prayer

      Please search our hearts and our minds. Reveal to us what is not of you. Purify us as we seek Your will and to be Your intercessors.

      James 5:16

      “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

      1 Kings 8:36

      “Hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance.”

      Prayer

      Forgive us our sins and grant us wisdom in how to walk before You in these trying times. May our prayers be in alignment with Your will, and may You hear them.

      Commit to Pray

      Philippians 4:6

      “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

      Ephesians 6:18

      “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.”

      Prayer

      We are all plagued by anxiety on all fronts — our health, civil unrest, financial hardship, and controversies about opening schools, wearing masks and politics. And the uncertainty is so high on every front. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. Help us to rest in You, relentlessly trusting in Your sovereignty and plan. May we persevere, bringing all of our anxieties to You. With thanksgiving, may we endure through Your strength, and may we continuously lift one another up in prayer.

      Ephesians 6:12-13, 18

      “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ... 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.”

      Prayer

      Lord, help us to daily put on the armor of God, stand firm, and commit to pray for our community and country. Help us shine the love and mercy of God, never losing sight that our struggle is not with other people but against the spiritual forces that influence us. We pray for revival and spiritual awakening to sweep throughout our country and the world. Amen.

      Next Steps

      Scriptures taken from the New International Version.

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      BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” - Colossians 3:15

       

      3 Ways to Be Thankful Through the Holidays
       

      Especially during the holidays, it’s easy for a heart of thankfulness to fade. And as with most things in life, it’s easier said than done. So how do I go through the holiday season with a thankful heart?

      Scripture offers three directives in how to prepare my heart towards an attitude of gratefulness.

       

      1. Be Thankful in Actions. Colossians 3:17 gives me clear direction stating “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thank to God the Father through Him,” encouraging me to live out my faith through my actions and reactions.

      This can be anything and everything I do from waking up in the morning and deciding to thank God for the day, to being a courteous and safe driver on the roadways. With each action and reaction, I can determine beforehand to have an attitude of gratitude towards God.

       

      2. Be Thankful By Remembering. Psalm 77:11 encourages me to remember the deeds of the Lord, which can be as simple as thanking God for His comfort, presence, and peace in daily challenges, remembering that He never leaves me or forsakes me (Hebrews 13:5). Of thinking how I can cast all my anxiety on Him (1 Peter 5:7).

      It can be as easy as picking up my Bible and reminiscing through the underlined and highlighted verses and passages, remembering God’s goodness, mercy, and love.

       

       

      Likewise, as Psalm 105:5 urges me to remember the wonders God has done, it’s good to talk with family members and friends of the ways God has answered prayers and met needs.

      Reminding myself of His faithfulness stirs my heart towards thankfulness.

      3. Be Thankful in Everything. Giving thanks in everything can seem like a hard task to accomplish at times, especially in difficult circumstances. Even so, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 directs me to make this choice stating, “give thanks in all circumstance; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

      One way our family lived this out was when my husband’s job at a church ended rather abruptly. Being the only breadwinner at the time, along with hitting us unexpectedly, we felt tremendous disappointment with what had happened in the situation, as well as combating the uncertainty associated with the loss of income.

      Wanting to respond in a way that pleased God and set a godly example for our four young daughters, we looked to express it in a way they would understand and could also be involved in, which resulted in baking a “Thankfulness” cake.

      Even though at the time being thankful felt like an opposite kind of reaction to have in such a serious circumstance, doing so made a life-long impression on all of us and surprisingly not only comforted us but also cheered our hearts concerning God’s plans for our future.

       

       

       

      Do You Know the Difference Between Tithes and Offerings?

      Do You Know the Difference Between Tithes and Offerings?

      If you’ve attended church even once in your life, you’ve probably heard the phrase tithes and offerings.

      It’s often printed in the bulletin, or the pastor talks about it as the ushers pass the collection plates. “Tithes and offerings” is often treated as one type of giving.

      But is there a difference between tithes and offerings? Yep! And as the giver of those tithes and offerings, you should know how to tell them apart.

      • The tithe is the first 10 percent of your income that God calls you to give to your local church each month.
      • An offering is any money you choose to give above and beyond the tithe.

      Let’s look at each one closely.

      The Firstfruits of All Your Increase

      Proverbs 3:9 calls us to honor God with the first and the best of our earnings—the firstfruits. At this time, Solomon was speaking to a society of farmers, so most people’s “income” came from the crops they grew or animals they raised. Today, we measure our increase in dollars, not donkeys. But the principle still applies: God calls us to bring Him the first of our earnings. Specifically, the first tenth.

      "Tithing is really a form of worship."

      So the tithe, which means “tenth,” is a baseline for giving—the bare minimum. It’s a tenth of your monthly income, and it goes specifically to your local church (Malachi 3:10). It’s the first thing you do when you budget your money—before you pay down debt, make a mortgage payment, or fill your car with gas.

      Tithing is really a form of worship, because it shows God we trust Him (not money) to provide for us.

      Giving Freely and Cheerfully

      Offerings are different. They’re given above and beyond the tithe. The Bible doesn’t command us to give offerings, but it does encourage us to give generously, and offerings—since they aren’t required—reflect the generosity in our hearts.

       

      Here’s the thing about offerings: Unlike tithes, which come out of your budget before anything else, offerings should be given only when you have the financial margin to do so. That means you tithe first and then take care of your own household: your bills, your debt payments, your housing costs, groceries, transportation, and clothing.

      After all that is done, and you feel called to give an offering beyond the tithe, feel free!

       

      "God loves a cheerful giver."

      Now, someone who’s debt-free with lots of extra income every month might not give much beyond the tithe. They can, but they choose not to. That’s where offerings become a heart issue. God wants us to give with open hands and hearts, to be as generous as we can within our circumstances.

      Related: How Could Your Debt-Free Giving Change a Life?

      In fact, 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

      Now, you have a lot more freedom as to where you can give your offering than you do with your tithe. Tithes must go to your local church, but offerings can really go anywhere—to your church, to a parachurch organization or even to a charity with a cause you believe in.

      The Bottom Line

      Tithes and offerings are different, but they do have one big thing in common: They both work to build your trust in God as your ultimate Provider and decrease your dependence on money. After all, Matthew 6:24 (ESV) tells us, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

      And if you’re not giving at all? There’s no time like the present to start!

      For more advice on giving and other biblical money principles, listen to Chris Brown’s True Stewardship podcast. Subscribe

      This article originally appeared on Stewardship.com. Used with permission.

      Image courtesy: ©GettyImages/MARIAMARTAGIMENEZ

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      This page does not provide medical advice.

       

      Addiction Statistics In The United States 2021

      Substance abuse and addiction affect the lives of millions of individuals and families in the United States. Data from federal agencies shows concerning rates of drug and alcohol abuse among adolescents and adults in 2021.

      2021 US Substance Abuse Statistics

      Each year, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health collects information on drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and addiction among people aged 12 and older in the United States.

      In 2019, about 20 million people in the United States had a substance use disorder in the past year, according to the most recent data report. Data for 2020 has not yet been released.

      Additional survey data during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, has revealed higher reported rates of drinking and drug use among adults, as well as alarming spikes in fatal drug overdoses.

      What Is Substance Abuse?

      Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse or alcohol abuse, refers to a chronic pattern of frequent or excessive substance use in a way that is harmful to health and well-being.

      Examples of this include:

      • drinking excessively very often
      • taking drugs without a prescription
      • use of illicit drugs
      • taking drugs for reasons other than prescribed
      • taking higher doses than prescribed
      • taking drugs in ways other than prescribed (e.g. snorting, injecting, smoking)

      What Is Addiction?

      Addiction is a chronic but treatable disorder characterized by a compulsive need to use drugs or drink alcohol despite negative consequences. This can be physical and psychological.

      Addiction is different from physical dependence. Dependence is a physiological reliance on drugs or alcohol that can develop through chronic drug misuse or frequent, heavy drinking.

      What Are The Most Common Types Of Addiction?

      Substance misuse and addiction can refer to the misuse of a wide range of substances, some of which are classified as “legal” or “illicit”.

      Commonly misused drugs include:

      • alcohol
      • prescription painkillers
      • heroin
      • cocaine
      • methamphetamine
      • prescription drugs
      • marijuana

      Addiction can occur in people of all ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and gender identities, regardless of income or socioeconomic status. No one is immune.

      Alcohol Abuse And Addiction Rates In The United States

      Alcohol is the most commonly misused substance in the United States. While many adults drink in moderation, for some, this can become a compulsive and addictive habit.

      Rates that apply to the type of alcohol use disorder (binge drinking, problem drinking, etc):

      • About 24 percent of people over 12 report binge-drinking in the past month.
      • Nine in 10 adults who binge-drink do not have a severe alcohol use disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
      • About 55 percent of 12th graders reported drinking alcohol in the past year.
      • According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 14.5 million people had an alcohol use disorder in 2019.

      Drunk driving rates:

      • More than 10,000 people die in drunk-driving crashes each year.
      • On average, 29 people die each day in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver.

      Alcohol-related fatalities:

      • Excessive alcohol use is the cause of about 95,000 deaths per year in the United States.

      Find the right treatment program today.

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      Prescription Opioid Abuse And Addiction Statistics In The United States

      Prescription opioid drugs like oxycodone (OxyContin) have a high potential for misuse and addiction. Commonly prescribed for pain, these drugs can be misused for their euphoric effects.

      Prescription opioid misuse rates:

      • In 2019, more than 10 million people in the U.S reported misusing prescription opioids.
      • Nearly eight million were over the age of 26.

      Opioid overdose rates:

      • About 130 people in the U.S. die each day due to fatal opioid overdose.
      • From 1999 to 2019, nearly 500,000 Americans died due to opioid overdose.

      Rates by specific populations:

      • Although previously considered most common in white, rural populations, African Americans are now 2.5 times more likely to die of an opioid overdose compared to white Americans.

       

      Heroin Addiction Statistics

      Heroin is an illicit opiate drug that, due to crackdowns on opioid prescribing, has become easier and cheaper to acquire than prescription opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin.

      Heroin use disorder rates:

      • About 50,000 Americans tried using heroin for the first time in 2019.
      • About 745,000 people used heroin at all in 2019, and an estimated 438,000 had a heroin use disorder.

      Rates that show the link between prescription opioid misuse and heroin addiction:

      • About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
      • An estimated five percent of people with an opioid use disorder will use heroin.

      Heroin overdose death rates:

      • Overdose deaths involving heroin increased five-fold from 2010 to 2019, reaching over 15,000 in 2017 and decreasing slightly the following year.
      • From 2013 to 2019, the age-adjusted rate of overdose deaths involving heroin increased 63 percent.

       

      Fentanyl Addiction Statistics

      Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid drug that is sometimes prescribed for pain. It is also illegally manufactured in forms that are sold on the street, sometimes mixed with other drugs.

      Fentanyl is about 50 times more potent than heroin, and about 100 times more potent than morphine.

      Scope of fentanyl misuse:

      • Over 250,000 people in the U.S. reported misusing prescription fentanyl products in 2019.

      Fentanyl-involved overdose death rates:

      • Synthetic opioids like fentanyl (mostly illicit forms) are involved in about 70 percent of drug overdose deaths each year—translating to more than 35,000 lives lost in 2019.

      Prescription Drug Misuse And Addiction Statistics

      Prescription drugs, like illicit drugs, can be misused for their effects. Some, like opioids, are more addictive than others.

      Some of the most widely abused prescription drugs include prescription sedatives, benzodiazepines (prescribed for anxiety), and stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.

      Statistics On Prescription Drug Misuse And Addiction

      Overview of prescription drug abuse rates:

      • More than one million people misused prescription stimulants, 1.5 million misused tranquilizers, and 271,000 reported misusing prescription sedatives in 2017.
      • In 2017, an estimated 18 million Americans aged 12 and older reporting misusing prescription drugs in the last year.

       

      Sedative/tranquilizer abuse rates:

      • About 681,000 people had a prescription sedative or tranquilizer use disorder in 2019.

       

      Prescription stimulant abuse rates:

      • More than 550,000 people were dependent on or addicted to prescription stimulant drugs.

       

      Amphetamine misuse rates:

      • The misuse of prescription drugs like Adderall is highest among young adults, who will misuse these drugs to improve focus, boost energy, and suppress appetite.

       

      Cocaine Abuse And Addiction Statistics

      Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that is illegal to buy, possess, and sell in the United States. In recent years, the rate of deaths involving cocaine has sharply increased.

      About 1 in 10 drug-related deaths in the United States involve psychostimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine, or amphetamine.

      Overview of cocaine abuse rates:

      • About 671,000 people over the age of 12 started using cocaine in 2019.
      • Five and a half million people in the U.S. reported using cocaine at some time in the past year in 2019.
      • About one million people meet the criteria for cocaine use disorder.

      Rates of cocaine-involved overdose deaths:

      • Cocaine-involved deaths increased by 26.5 percent in the June 2019-May 2020 study period from the previous year.
      • Cocaine-involved overdose deaths are driven largely by a combination of cocaine with synthetic opioids other than methadone.
      • Cocaine is involved in an estimated 1 in 5 drug overdose deaths.

       

      Methamphetamine Abuse And Addiction Statistics

      Methamphetamine (meth) is an illicit stimulant that is surging in use across the United States, but especially among American Indians and Alaska natives, according to recent data.

      Overview of meth abuse and addiction rates:

      • An estimated one million people in the United States are addicted to meth or dependent on meth.
      • About 184,000 people reported trying meth for the first time in 2019.

      Meth overdose rates:

      • From 2011 to 2018, deaths involving meth increased five-fold, to 10.1 deaths per 100,00 men and 4.5 deaths per 100,000 women.
      • Deaths involving methamphetamine among non-Hispanic American Indians and Alaska natives more than quadrupled from 2011 to 2018.

       

      Teen Drug And Alcohol Addiction Statistics

      Drug and alcohol abuse is a major concern in teenagers and young adults, largely due to the implications this can have for teenagers later in life.

      Beginning drug use or drinking at an early age is associated with a higher risk for developing a substance use disorder, as well as other developmental issues and life difficulties.

      Youth who drink alcohol have a higher risk of school problems, social problems, suicide, and misuse of other substances.

      Overview of drug use disorders and illicit drug use among teens:

      • Nearly 900,000 teens between the ages of 12 and 17 had an illicit drug use disorder in 2019.
      • About 37 percent of all high school seniors reported using illicit drugs (including marijuana, which is legal in some states) in the last year.
      • The perceived harms of drinking and drug use decreased from 2018 to 2019. This includes perceived risks associated with binge drinking, cocaine use, and heroin use.

      Overview of alcohol use disorders and alcohol abuse in teens:

      • About 414,000 teens were dependent on or addicted to alcohol in 2019.
      • Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people in the U.S.

       

      Alcohol-involved deaths among teens:

      • Excessive drinking causes an estimated 3,500 deaths in people aged 21 and younger each year.

       

      Drug Overdose Death Statistics

      Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Drug overdose can occur in people addicted to drugs and those who are not.

      After the number of fatal overdoses across the U.S. fell in 2018, data from 2019 showed a sharp increase, with 2020 estimated to be the deadliest year on record.

      What recent data on drug overdoses in the United States shows:

       

      Rates for overdose deaths involving specific drugs:

      • Over 50 percent of psychostimulant-related overdose deaths involve opioids.
      • Synthetic opioids other than methadone, such as fentanyl, are involved in over 70 percent of all drug overdose deaths.

       

      The scope of drug overdose fatalities in the United States long-term:

      • Nearly 841,000 people have died due to fatal drug overdose since 1999.
      • From 2010 to 2019, drug overdose deaths have more than doubled, from 38,329 deaths in 2010 to over 70,000 in 2019.

       

      Increased drug overdose death rates in 2020:

      • Drug overdose deaths were up 11.4 percent in the first four months of 2020 compared to the same period the previous year.
      • Approximately 81,230 drug overdose deaths occurred between June 2019 and May 2020, with the largest increase recorded between March and May of 2020.
      • The year of 2020—termed by some as the pandemic year—is estimated to be the deadliest year for drug overdose deaths on record in the United States.

      How The Coronavirus Pandemic Has Affected Substance Abuse

      Although national data isn’t yet available on substance use, addiction, and overdose for 2020, early estimates predict alarming trends—in part influenced by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

      The COVID-19 pandemic has affected substance abuse in a number of ways, including access to treatment, illicit drug access, social support, and how people are coping with pandemic stress.

       

      Highlights of COVID-19 and substance abuse:

      • More than 40 states across the U.S. have reported increases in opioid-related deaths over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
      • Emergency department (ED) overdose visits in the U.S. increased up to 45 percent during the pandemic, despite a reduction in total visits to EDs.
      • In a CDC survey conducted in June, about 13 percent of adult respondents reported using drugs or alcohol to cope with pandemic-related stress.
      • Alcohol sales in stores were up 54 percent in March of 2020 compared to the same time the previous year, according to Nielsen.
      • Provisional data from the CDC predicts that over 88,000 drug overdose deaths occurred between July 2019 and August 2020.
      • Tracking substance use through household and school surveys has been complicated by the pandemic, making it difficult to identify the full scope of the problem.
      • Isolation during the pandemic is considered one of the primary contributors to upticks in increased drug use, alcohol use, and relapse.
      • Among over 1,000 people with substance use disorders surveyed in June 2020, more than 1 in 3 said they had experienced a disruption in accessing treatment or recovery support.

       

      How Many People Seek Addiction Treatment?

      While many people struggle with substance abuse, the vast majority of those who need treatment aren’t receiving it. And during the pandemic, the demand and need for treatment have increased.

      According to some estimates, only 1 in 10 people who have a substance use disorder receives treatment. And this varies by location, age, race, ethnicity, and income level.

      What recent data on addiction treatment admissions shows:

      • In 2019, about 4.2 million—or 1.5 percent— of people in the U.S. received substance use treatment in the past year.
      • About 1.27 million Americans are receiving medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.
      • Over 21 million people were identified as needing substance use treatment—meaning less than one-quarter of those who needed it went on to receive it.
      • In a 2020 survey of over 300 treatment facilities, about 52 percent reported a rise in the need for treatment. Yet 65 percent reported having to cancel, reschedule, or turn away people in need.
      • Major barriers to seeking treatment include cost, insurance coverage, lacking nearby specialty care, and stigma.

      Addiction and substance abuse rates are ever-changing, yet treatment professionals are working tirelessly to help people recover with resources from treatment programs, free rehab centers, and more. Call today to find a drug rehab center near you.

       

       

      Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff

      Medically Reviewed by
      Johnelle Smith, M.D on April 26, 2021

      This page does not provide medical advice. See more

       

       

       

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      10 Biblical Purposes for Fasting

       

      Throughout the Bible we most often find God’s people turn to fasting as the natural, inevitable response to a grievous sacred moment in life, such as death, sin and tragedy. But other times a fast is not a spontaneous reaction and we have time to prepare to respond both physically and spiritually.

      Fasting is not an end unto itself, but a means of focusing our minds and bodies for a spiritual reason. Whenever you fast, do so for a reason that is mentioned or modeled in the Bible. Here are ten primary purposes for fasting mentioned in Scripture:¹

      1. To strengthen prayer (e.g., see Ezra 8:23)

      Numerous incidents in the Old Testament connect fasting to prayer, especially intercessory prayer. Fasting does not change whether God hears our prayers, but it can change our praying. As Arthur Wallis says, “Fasting is calculated to bring a note of urgency and importunity into our praying, and to give force to our pleading in the court of heaven.”²

      2. To seek God’s guidance (e.g., see Judges 20:26)

      As with prayer, fasting to seek God’s guidance isn’t done to change God but to make us more receptive to his guidance.

      3. To express grief (e.g., see 1 Samuel 31:13)

      Expressing grief is one of the primary reasons for fasting. Ever notice that when you’re moved to tears by grief you lose the urge to eat? When we grieve, our family and friends often have to plead with us to eat because our body’s appropriate response to grief is to fast. A prime example occurs in 2 Samuel 1:12, where David and his men are described as having “mourned and wept and fasted till evening” for their friends, their enemies and their nation.

      4. To seek deliverance or protection (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 20:3 – 4)

      Another common reason for fasting in the Old Testament was to seek deliverance from enemies or circumstances. In Scripture, this type of fast is generally carried out with other believers.

      5. To express repentance and a return to God (e.g., see 1 Samuel 7:6)

      This type of fasting helps us to express grief over our sins and shows our seriousness about returning to the path of godly obedience.

      6. To humble oneself before God (e.g., see 1 Kings 21:27 – 29)

      “Remember that fasting itself is not humility before God,” reminds Donald Whitney, “but should be an expression of humility.”³

      7. To express concern for the work of God (e.g., see Nehemiah 1:3 – 4)

      As with Nehemiah, fasting can be a tangible sign of our concern over a particular work God is doing.

      8. To minister to the needs of others (e.g., see Isaiah 58:3 – 7)

      We can use time we’d normally spend eating to fast and minister to others.

      9. To overcome temptation and dedicate yourself to God (e.g., see Matthew 4:1 – 11)

      Fasting can help us focus when we are struggling with particular temptations.

      10. To express love and worship for God (e.g., see Luke 2:37)

       

      Fasting can show, as John Piper says, that “what we hunger for most, we worship.”⁴

      How should we equip ourselves when God calls us to “declare a holy fast”? Here are some things to consider as you prepare for fasting:

      Pray and confess your sins
      A necessary step before fasting is to humble yourself before God (see Psalm 35:13) and confess your sins (see 1 Samuel 7:6). Prayer should be our sustenance throughout the fast, but it is imperative we begin the fast with a contrite heart.

      Turn to Scripture
      Spend additional time meditating on God’s Word, before and during the fast.

      Keep it secret
      Fasting is unbiblical and even spiritually harmful when we do it to show off our spirituality (see Matthew 6:16 – 18) or when we focus more on our own fasting than on the clear needs of others (see Isaiah 58:1 – 11). Don’t boast about your fast; tell people you won’t be eating only if necessary. Fasting should not be done when imposed for false motives (see 1 Samuel 14:24-30).

      Prepare your body
      Fasting, especially for days or weeks, can have unexpected and even detrimental effects on your health. There is no scriptural warrant for harming yourself to undergo a fast. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any fasting regimen to make sure you can fast in a healthy manner.

      Fasting is an appropriate bodily reaction to the grievous state of our soul. If it is done correctly you can expect many results, including growing closer to God, feeling more solidarity with those who suffer, and increasing self-control.

      For Reflection

      Rather than wondering whether you should fast, ask why you would want to miss out on the Father’s reward.

      ¹Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2014).
      ²Arthur Wallis, God’s Chosen Fast (Fort Washington, PA: CLC Publications, 1993).
      ³Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines.
      ⁴John Piper, A Hunger for God (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1997).

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      African American Gospel

      African American Gospel music is a form of euphoric, rhythmic, spiritual music rooted in the solo and responsive church singing of the African American South. Its development coincided with -- and is germane to -- the development of rhythm and blues.

      The precursor to black Gospel music is the African American spiritual, which had already been around for well over a century before Gospel music began its rise to popularity starting in the 1930s. Songs written by African American composers in the decades following emancipation that focused on biblical themes and often drew from spirituals were the source for the development of Gospel. An example is "De Gospel Cars," by the popular composer Sam Lucas.

      When many African American communities migrated from rural to urban life during the first half of the twentieth century, they brought their worship culture with them. Echoing the ways of the single-room churches of the agrarian South, the storefront churches of the northern cities became the key setting for the development of Gospel.

      Gospel artist Mahalia Jackson. Carl Van Vechten, Photographer. 1962. Prints and Photographs Division, Reproduction Number: LC-USZ62-120855

      During the 1930s, Gospel music emerged from the coalescing of three types of musical activity: a) the hymn style of Charles Albert Tindley (1851-1933) a Philadelphia minister who composed hymns based on negro spirituals, adding instrumental accompaniments, improvisation and "bluesified" third and seventh intervals; b) the minimalist, solo-sung "rural Gospel" tunes that appeared as a counterpart to the rural blues; and c) the uninhibited, exuberant worship style of the Holiness-Pentecostal branch of the Christian church.

      The shift from spirituals to Gospel is evident in the recordings of African American religious songs recorded in the 1930s and 1940s. The Holloway High School Quartet of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, recorded by John W. Work, III in 1941, provides an example of a traditional spiritual arranged for four-part harmony in "Old ship of Zion,"  The same group in the same recording session demonstrated the sound of Gospel, as they sang an updated version of an old spiritual, "Daniel saw the stone." 

      A key figure in the development of Gospel was Thomas A. Dorsey (1899 -1993). Referred to today as the father of Gospel Music, Dorsey pioneered the form in Chicago. Before devoting his career to the development of Gospel, Dorsey, the son of a Georgia Baptist preacher, was a prolific blues and jazz composer and pianist. The energetic rhythms and primal growls of secular music heavily influenced Dorsey's sacred composing style.

      From its beginnings, Gospel music challenged the existing church establishment. Black religious leaders originally rejected Dorsey's approach because of its associations with the widely frowned-upon secular music styles of the era such as ragtime, blues, and jazz.

      "I know I've got religion," sung by the Golden Jubilee Quartet in 1943, is an example of an old spiritual arranged for Gospel quartet. The use of a rocking beat in Gospel began in the 1940s, as the secular form of what came to be called rhythm and blues was also catching on. An example is  "Death comes a knocking," performed by the Four Brothers, also recorded by Willis James in 1943.

      Thomas Dorsey teamed up with vocalist Mahalia Jackson (1912 - 1972) who, like him, had been exposed during her formative years to the Baptist church and the sounds of blues artists like Bessie Smith (through an aunt's record collection). Together, Dorsey and Jackson bypassed the establishment and took their new Christian sound to the street corners of Chicago and elsewhere around the country. Jackson sang Dorsey's songs while the composer hawked copies of his sheet music.

      Eventually, Dorsey and Jackson's vision spread through their alliance with a few likeminded musical pioneers to form of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, which is still thriving today.

      During its early development, Gospel music featured simple piano and organ accompaniment. Male vocal quartets were popular, having emerged under the auspices of African American universities like Fisk and Hampton. Originally these groups sang a cappella  spirituals, but started switching to the Gospel repertoire in the 1930s. In the 1940s, the quartets often added a fifth singer and guitar accompaniment.

      The sound of slide guitar sound from Hawaii began to influence many genres of American music shortly after Hawaii became a US territory in 1898. A style of Gospel music, called "sacred steel," emerged. View the concert starring Aubrey Ghent playing the sacred steel lap guitar.

      Although singers like Aretha Franklin had introduced Gospel style songs to the pop charts with songs like "Think" in 1968, church-centric Gospel music began to cross over into the mainstream following the release in 1969 of the recording of "O Happy Day" by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, a mixed-gender Gospel chorus based in the San Francisco Bay area. The song, which was based on a mid-eighteenth century English hymn sold more than a million copies in two months (well above average for a Gospel recording) and earned its composer, Edwin Hawkins (born 1943) his first of four Grammy Awards.

      Since Hawkins, other artists have emerged, taking Gospel music well beyond the black church. Today's Gospel songs are more harmonically complex than their traditional counterparts. Prominent names in the contemporary Gospel field include Andrae Crouch, Take 6, The New York Community Choir and the Cultural Heritage Choir.

      These days, Gospel songs are performed as solos or by small or large ensembles, and by men and women of all ages. Both blacks and whites sing the repertoire and the instrumentation possibilities are limitless, ranging from synthesizers and drums to full symphony orchestras. Hear, for example, Marion Williams's 1992 recording of "Amazing Grace,"

      The genre continues to make an impact on the popular music today. Its influence can be heard in the work of many secular performers, from the folk stylings of Simon and Garfunkel to the soul outpourings of Adele.

      Resources

      • The African American Civil Rights Movement (Songs of America)
      • African American Song (Songs of America)
      • Blues (Songs of America)
      • Blues as Protest (Songs of America)
      • Now What a Time: Blues, Gospel, and the Fort Valley Music Festivals, 1938-1943.  Consists of approximately one hundred sound recordings, primarily blues and Gospel songs, and related documentation from the folk festival at Fort Valley State College (now Fort Valley State University), Fort Valley, Georgia. The documentation was created by John Wesley Work III in 1941 and by Lewis Jones and Willis Laurence James in March, June, and July 1943. These recording projects were supported by the Library of Congress's Archive of American Folk Song (now the Archive of Folk Culture, American Folklife Center).
      • Darden, Robert. People Get Ready: A New History of Black Gospel Music. Copyright (New York: Continuum International Publishing Group, 2004)
      • Hitchcock, H. Wiley and Stanley Sadie. The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. (London: Macmillan, 1986) pp 254-261
      • Koskoff, Ellen, Ed. The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music Volume 3: The United States and Canada. (New York and London: Garland Publishing, 2001) pp 629-636
      • Songs Related to the Abolition of Slavery (Songs of America)

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      How to Make a Will

      Here are the few simple steps you need to take to create your will.

      Updated by Valerie Keene, Attorney

      After you die, your will (if you have one) guides many important decisions—including who gets your property, who your executor is, who takes care of your minor children, and how your estate pays debts and taxes.

      Steps to Make a Will:

      1. Decide what property to include in your will
      2. Decide who will inherit your property
      3. Choose an executor to handle your estate
      4. Choose a guardian for your children
      5. Choose someone to manage children's property
      6. Make your will
      7. Sign your will in front of witnesses
      8. Store your will safely

      1. Decide what property to include in your will.

      To get started, list your significant assets. Then decide which items should (or must) be left by other methods, outside your will. Keep in mind that if you're married, each spouse makes a separate will. You can leave only your share of assets you own jointly with your spouse.

      2. Decide who will inherit your property.

      For most people, it isn't hard to decide who gets what. (But use caution if you are considering leaving your spouse or children out of your will.) After you make your first choices, don't forget to choose alternate (contingent) beneficiaries, too, in case your first choices don't survive you.

      3. Choose an executor to handle your estate.

      You can use your will to name an executor, who will carry out the terms of the will. The executor oversees the probate process, the distribution of your assets, and the payment of your debts and taxes. The person you name doesn't have to have any specific training because your executor can hire a lawyer to help. But be sure that the person you have in mind is willing to serve -- the job shouldn't come as a surprise.

      4. Choose a guardian for your children.

      If your children are minors, decide who you want to raise them in the very unlikely event that you and their other parent can't.

      5. Choose someone to manage children's property.

      If you leave property to children or young adults, you should choose an adult to manage whatever they inherit. To give that person authority over the child's inheritance, you can make him or her a property guardian, a property custodian under a law called the UTMA, or a trustee.

      6. Make your will.

      When it comes to how to make a will, you have several choices. You can:

      • Hire a lawyer. Many people choose to hire a lawyer to make their estate plan, and this is unequivocally the best choice if you need or want personalized legal advice--and you can afford to pay.
      • Use a statutory form. A few states provide a standard will form that you can fill out if you are a resident of that state. These states are California, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, and Wisconsin. On the upside, statutory wills are simple, easy to fill out, and familiar to the probate court. On the other hand, they are often too simple and inflexible to be useful to most people.
      • Make a will yourself. Those who have relatively simple estates can make their own wills using high-quality do-it-yourself materials. DIY wills are not for everybody—including those who have complex business holdings, complicated debt, or serious family conflicts. But if you have a relatively simple estate and straightforward wishes, a dependable product like can save you time, money, and hassle, at a fraction of the cost of hiring a lawyer.

      7. Sign your will in front of witnesses.

      After making your will, you'll need to sign it in the presence of at least two witnesses. If you're using a document called a "self-proving affidavit" with your will (to make things simpler when the will goes through probate court after your death), your signature must be notarized as well. Full instructions are included with Nolo's Quicken WillMaker software.

      8. Store your will safely.

      Your will won't do anybody any good if your loved ones can't find it after you die. Store it someplace safe and clearly labeled, and share the location with your executor. Ideally, you'll keep it with other important documents in a file cabinet or desk drawer—someplace your family would look for it. You do not have to keep it in a lock box, and doing so could delay the probate process after your death.

      Making a Will in Your State

      Learn more about making a will in your state through the links below. And to get more plain-English information about estate planning visit Nolo's Wills, Trusts & Probate Center.

      Alabama
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      STAYING HEALTHY

      Six simple ways to smarter, healthier eating

      February 13, 2021

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      Image: Bigstock

      To eat a healthier diet, you need to combine nutritional science, a jolt of common sense, and pure enjoyment. Most of us know that fresh salad, berries, and slowing down when eating are better for us than wolfing down energy bars and sweets. But how to make that leap from our current habits to healthier ones?

      Here are six ways you can eat healthy, delicious meals, and really enjoy what you're eating.

      1) Ditch fats that are solid at room temperature

       

      This simple change reduces saturated fat in your diet.

      How: Switch to the healthy fats such as olive oil, sunflower oil and canola oil that stay in a liquid form when stored in the cupboard. But all fats have a high caloric density, so just use what you need for cooking and salad dressings.

      2) Harness the power of nuts (and seeds)/media/content/images/L1114j-1.jpg

      Almonds, cashews, filberts, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, and pistachios pack plenty of beneficial nutrients, including vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, and fiber. Although many nuts are high in fat, the fat is mainly unsaturated — a great choice to help you eat healthy.

      How: First, put nuts on the grocery list. Nuts are high in calories, so it's best to enjoy them in place of other snacks, not in addition, and to keep serving sizes small.

      3) Taste food before you salt it

      Break the autopilot habit of reaching for the salt shaker to help you eat healthy.

      How: For two days, don't put any salt on your food at all. A short break can help reset your taste buds. Then, leave the salt shaker in the cabinet, so it becomes a bit of an effort to reach for it. Make a ritual out of truly tasting your food before you decide if it needs tweaking.

      4) Pack lunch once a week

      This makes healthy food choices readily available to you at work or on an outing. And since you are controlling portion sizes, you can make sure that you're not supersizing your meal. Plus, it saves you money.

      How: Once a week before you shop for groceries, write out a meal plan that leaves enough leftovers for one or two lunches.

      5) Eat five (or more) vegetables and fruits a day

      It's a nutrient-packed way to fill your plate that is generally low in calories.

      How: First, for one week, keep track of how often you eat fruits and vegetables. One serving equals one-half cup of chopped fruit or most vegetables; for raw leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach, a serving is one cup. Once you have your baseline, try adding one fruit or vegetable serving a day.

      6) Plan meals that are delightful, delicious and healthy

      In an ideal world, food delights all our senses: it looks beautiful, smells heavenly, and tastes delicious, and its textures feel and even sound satisfying. Start thinking about food as something to really savor and enjoy.

      How: Pencil in time to prepare and savor one or two special meals a week. Once you've assembled great ingredients, set a gorgeous table. Take a moment to truly take in scents, companions, and surroundings, and if you like, give thanks.

      For 42 simple changes to help you exercise more, eat healthier, stress less, and live a happier, more fulfilling life, review Simple Changes, Big Rewards from Harvard Medical School.

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      As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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      Praying In The Spirit: Its Power and Benefits

      praying in the spirit

       

      Ever thought of praying the mind and the will of God concerning a matter?

      That’s where praying in the spirit comes in!

      In this post, we are going to be looking at a somewhat controversial topic that has divergent views among Christians – praying in the spirit.

      Amazingly, the bible instructs Christians to pray in the spirit always no matter what type of prayer they are doing! (See Ephesians 6:18)

      So that means praying in the spirit is important.

      Okay then, so what does praying in the spirit really mean?

      And what does the bible tells and teaches us about it?

      What are the benefits of praying in the spirit and how does one practice praying in the spirit!

      These and many more are what we are going to look into in this post.

      Praying In The Spirit

      Contents hide 

      1 What Is Praying In The Spirit?

      2 Benefits Of Praying In The Spirit

      3 How To Practice Praying In The Spirit

      3.1 1. Yield

      3.2 2. Listen.

      3.3 3. Respond

      4 Praying In the Spirit vs. Praying In Tongues

      5 Some Praying In The Spirit Bible Verses

      6 Final word

      What Is Praying In The Spirit?

      First things first, what is praying in the spirit?

      Against popular opinion, praying in the spirit is not speaking in tongues, yes, it does involve speaking in tongues, but it is more than that.

      Praying in the spirit is yielding, listening and responding to the impulses and leading of the Holy Spirit as you pray.

      It is actually allowing the Holy Spirit to direct, inspire and influence you prayers and the way you pray, such that you are able to pray the will of God (at the moment).

      One of the things the Scripture says of the Holy Spirit is that He helps us to pray because we do not know what to pray for and how to pray as we should. (Romans 8:26)

      So praying in the Spirit, is being helped of the Spirit to pray, being inspired of the Spirit to pray as against your own weaknesses and inability and limited knowledge and understanding of what and how to pray.

      In praying in the spirit, therefore, the Holy Spirit moves in, quickens your body, and helps your mind to grasp facts on prayers that are beyond your immediate knowledge and environment.

      He illuminates your mind with what to pray and how to pray it.

      Plus, the Holy Spirit takes it further by helping you to pray the inspired facts and knowledge (on what to pray about), through groaning and tongues.

      That way, the Holy Spirit is taking hold with you in prayer, helping you to pray the very will of God.

      Benefits Of Praying In The Spirit

      If what our elaborate definition above on what it means to pray in the spirit is correct, then what could be the benefits of yielding to the Spirit and letting Him inspire and direct your prayers.

      There is so much; praying in the spirit:

      1. Helps you to pray the will of God (the mind of God)

      2. Helps you in the prayer of intercession

      3. It helps you to pray correctly

      4. Helps you to pray with power

      5. Helps eliminates the doubts and the ‘ifs’ in prayer.

      6. Shuts the devil out of the way of your prayer

      7. Fills you with confidence that your prayers have been heard by God.

      8. Helps you to wait with certainly until you receive the physical manifestations and answer to your prayers since God has heard you.

      9. Fills you with faith and assurance that you will receive the answers no matter what and how long it takes the physical answer to come or arrive.

      10. Helps you with the divine presence of the Holy Spirit at such holy moments; you don’t want to miss out on the holy awe of the Holy Spirit that somewhat overshadows when you are lost in prayer by the Spirit.

      11. Helps to build up your faith (See Jude 1:20)

      READ ALSO: What Does The Holy Spirit Do?

      How To Practice Praying In The Spirit

      You see, there’s a lot to gain when you yield to God’s Spirit letting Him direct, inspire and influence your prayer.

      The results and answers to prayers are certain.

      Then to the discerning heart, it becomes a matter of utmost importance to then learn how to pray in the Spirit.

      All you need is practice; for ‘practice, they say, ‘makes perfect.’

      So here are simple steps on how you should practice to pray in the Spirit

      1. Yield

      Without the Holy Spirit, there’s no way you can pray in the Spirit.

      So the first thing to do to pray in the spirit is to learn to yield to the impulses of the Holy Spirit.

      For instance, may be you may have set out to pray on a particular matter, but then the Holy Spirit keeps bringing pictures of a different thing entirely to your mind as you pray, best practice is to yield to the Spirit by praying the things He’s inspiring in your mind at the moment, leaving your initial matter and plan behind.

      That’s how to yield to the Spirit. He knows what exactly you should be praying about and how to pray it correctly.

      After all, He is the spirit of grace and supplication.

      Yield to the Spirit.

      2. Listen.

      One way to practice to pray in the Spirit is by listening and paying attention to the impulses of the Spirit.

      It may be that the Holy Spirit wants you to pray ‘the word,’ a particular Scripture.

      And that Scripture is just the right bullet for that occasion.

      When you do not listen and you stick to your plan and already-made prayer points, you will miss out on praying the will of God.

      But the Holy Spirit is insistent, yet after a while, the Holy Spirit will stop nudging you on what to pray since you are not listening.

      That way, you have quenched the Spirit.  

      3. Respond

      Yielding to the Spirit and listening to Him is not complete until you obey.

      That’s to say you have got to be willing to respond to the light and impulses the Spirit is bringing to your mind as you pray.

      Response will mean praying in the direction He is leading you now.

      Response means praying the way He wants you to pray.

      Response means to pray.

      If you listen and know what the Spirit is asking of you and you still did not do it, you have not responded. 

      Praying In The Spirit

      READ ALSO: What Does Praying In The Spirit Mean?

      Praying In the Spirit vs. Praying In Tongues

      Earlier on, we stated that praying in the Spirit is more than praying in tongues.

      Yes, praying in tongues is part of praying in the spirit but it not all there is to it.

      Praying in tongues helps you to pray in the spirit well.

      It fills your prayer with more power and makes it far reaching.

      Having known the mind and the will of God by listening, praying in tongues will help you drive home the inspired prayers more effectively.

      It’s like hitting the nail at the head with the needed nail, or hitting the bulls eyes with the actual weapon.

      That’s what praying in tongues does.

      It really helps you to pray in the spirit correctly and well.

      Some Praying In The Spirit Bible Verses

      There are several bible verses on praying in the spirit but here are a few quick-referenced ones to help you drive home the point.

      1. Ephesians 6:18:

      “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

      2. Romans 8:26-27 (NIV):

      “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” 

      3. Jude 1:20:

      “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,”

      4. 1 Corinthians 14:14-15:

      “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” 

      5. Galatians 5:16-17:

      “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”

      READ ALSO: How To Receive The Holy Spirit

      PS: Unless otherwise stated all scriptural quotations in this post are taken from the Authorised King James Version. And all scriptural quotations tagged NIV are taken online from the New International Version 2011, published by Biblica.

      Final word

      There’s amazing power when you pray in the Spirit.

      Plus, so much is achieved when you add praying in tongues to your Spirit led, Spirit directed prayers.

      More so, there’s even more power when you add ‘praying the word’ and ‘praying in tongues’ to your Spirit inspired prayers.

      That way, you are sure that you are not praying amiss.

      And what about the assurance and confidence that fills your heart that you have touched the throne of grace.

      Answers to prayers all the way!

      And what about the holy presence that fills you at such moment of prayers, nothing compares to that atmosphere of heaven!  

       

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      What is a quick summary of each of the 66 books of the Bible?

      66 books of the Bible
      ANSWER


      Here are quick summaries of the 66 books of the Bible:

      Old Testament:

      Genesis — God creates the universe and fashions humans in His own image and places them in a perfect environment. The humans rebel against God and lose their paradise. The rebellion gets so bad that God wipes out humanity with a flood, but He graciously preserves Noah and his family. Later, God chooses and blesses the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (or Israel) and promises them a land for their many descendants. Through this family God plans to bring a Savior to reconcile the sinful world to Himself.

      Exodus — The children of Israel, now living in Egypt, are forced into slavery. God prepares an Israelite named Moses to lead the people to freedom. The king is loath to let the slaves go, so God sends a series of plagues upon the Egyptians. Moses leads the Israelites through the Red Sea, which God miraculously parts for them, and to Mt. Sinai. Camped at Sinai, the Israelites receive the Law of God, including the Ten Commandments. The Law is the basis of a covenant between God and people He has rescued, with promised blessings for obedience. The people promise to uphold the covenant.

      Leviticus — In the Law, God establishes a sacrificial system to atone for sins and a series of festivals for Israel to observe as days of worship. God gives Moses plans for a tabernacle, a tent where the sacrifices can be offered and God will meet with His people. God specifies that the rituals and ceremonies of the tabernacle are to be overseen by the family of Aaron, Moses’ brother.

      Numbers — The Israelites arrive at the border of Canaan, the land God had earlier promised to Abraham. But the people following Moses refuse to enter the land, due to their lack of faith and their fear of Canaan’s inhabitants. As a judgment, God consigns the Israelites to wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, until the unbelieving generation passes away and a new generation takes their place. God sustains His rebellious people with miraculous provisions throughout their time in the wilderness.

      Deuteronomy — The new generation of Israelites is now ready to take possession of the Promised Land. Moses gives a series of final speeches, in which he reiterates the Law of God and promises that one day God will send another Prophet reminiscent of the power and mission of Moses. Moses dies in Moab.

      Joshua — Moses’ successor, Joshua, leads the children of Israel across the Jordan River (parted miraculously by God) and into Canaan. God overthrows the city of Jericho by knocking its walls down. Joshua leads the people in a successful campaign to conquer the whole of Canaan. With a few exceptions, the Israelites remain faithful to their promise to keep their covenant with God, and God blesses them with military victories. After the land is subdued, the Israelites divide Canaan into separate territories, giving each of the tribes of Israel a lasting inheritance.

      Judges — Joshua dies, and, almost immediately, the people begin to turn away from the God who had blessed them. Rather than driving out all the land’s inhabitants, they allow some of the Canaanites to survive, and the Israelites begin to worship the gods of the Canaanites. True to the terms of the covenant, God sends enemies to oppress His people. The suffering they endure causes them to repent, and God responds by sending leaders to rally the people and defeat the enemies, bringing peace to the land again. This cycle is repeated several times over a span of about 300 years.

      Ruth — During the time of the judges, a famine strikes the land, and a man of Bethlehem takes his family out of Israel to live in Moab. There, he and his two sons die. His widow, Naomi, returns to Israel along with one of her daughters-in-law, a Moabitess named Ruth. Back in Bethlehem, the two women face hardship, and Ruth gathers what food she can by gleaning in a barley field owned by a man named Boaz. Ruth is noticed by Boaz, and he gives her extra help. Since Boaz is related to Naomi’s late husband, he has the legal opportunity to redeem the family property and raise up an heir in the name of the deceased. Ruth asks Boaz to do just that, and Boaz agrees. He marries Ruth and purchases the property that had belonged to Naomi. Boaz and Ruth become the great-grandparents of Israel’s greatest king, David.

      1 Samuel — In answer to prayer, Samuel is born to a barren woman, who then dedicates her young son to the tabernacle. Samuel is raised by the judge and high priest, Eli. Early on, Samuel begins to receive messages from God and becomes known as a prophet. After Eli’s death, Samuel becomes Israel’s final judge. The people demand a king to make them more like other nations. Samuel advises against it, but the Lord directs Samuel to grant their request. Samuel anoints Saul as the first king. Saul starts out well, but he soon begins to act in pride and ignore God’s commands. God rejects Saul as king and instructs Samuel to anoint another person to take Saul’s place: that person is David, chosen while still a youth. David becomes famous in Israel for slaying the Philistine warrior Goliath, and Saul grows jealous to the point of madness. The king begins to pursue David, whose life is in constant danger as he takes refuge in the wilderness. Men loyal to David gather to him. Samuel dies, and, later, Saul and his sons are killed in a battle with the Philistines.

      2 Samuel — David is crowned king by his tribesmen in Judah, and they make the city of Hebron the capital of Judah. After a brief civil war, all the tribes of Israel unite under the leadership of David, God’s choice. The capital is moved to Jerusalem. God makes a promise to David that a son of his will rule on the throne forever. David seeks to follow God’s will, and God blesses David with victories over foreign enemies. Sadly, David falls into the sin of adultery and tries to cover his sin by having the woman’s husband killed. God pronounces judgment on David’s house, and trouble begins. David’s daughter is raped by her half-brother, who is then killed by Absalom, another of David’s sons, in revenge. Absalom then plots to overthrow David and take the throne. He gains a following, and David and those loyal to him are forced to flee Jerusalem. Absalom is eventually killed in battle, and David returns home in sorrow. Near the end of his life, David disobeys God and takes a census of the people, a sin for which God sends judgment on the nation.

      1 Kings — King David dies. His son Solomon takes the throne, but his brother Adonijah challenges him for it. After repeated attempts to usurp authority from his brother, Adonijah is executed. King Solomon is blessed by God with great wisdom, riches, and honor. He oversees the building of the temple in Jerusalem and dedicates it to the Lord in a grand ceremony. Later in life, Solomon forsakes the path of righteousness and serves other gods. After Solomon’s death, his son Rehoboam takes the throne, but his foolish choices lead to a civil war, and the nation is fractured in two. Rehoboam remains king of the southern kingdom, and a man named Jeroboam is crowned king of the ten tribes to the north. Both kings practice idolatry. Through the years, David’s dynasty in the southern kingdom occasionally produces a godly king; most of the kings are wicked, however. The northern kingdom is led by an unbroken series of wicked rulers, including the idolatrous Ahab and his wife Jezebel, during whose reign God sends a drought to punish Israel, along with a mighty prophet, Elijah, to point the people back to God.

      2 Kings — Elijah is translated to heaven, and Elisha takes his place as God’s prophet in Israel. Jehu becomes Israel’s king and wipes out the wicked family line of Ahab. In Judah, Ahab’s daughter becomes queen and attempts to kill all of David’s heirs, but she fails. Wicked kings rule in both nations, with the exception, in Judah, of a few reformers such as Hezekiah and Josiah. Israel’s persistent idolatry finally exhausts God’s patience, and He brings the Assyrians against them to conquer the people of Israel. Later, God brings the Babylonians against Judah as a judgment, and Jerusalem is destroyed.

      1 Chronicles — A genealogy traces God’s people from Adam to the kingdom years, with a focus on David’s family. The rest of the book covers much of the same material as 1 and 2 Samuel, with an emphasis on the life of David.

      2 Chronicles — This book covers much the same material as 1 and 2 Kings, with an emphasis on David’s dynasty in Judah. The book begins with the construction of the temple under Solomon, and it ends with the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians, with a proclamation, in the last few verses, that the temple would be rebuilt.

      Ezra — After 70 years of captivity in a foreign land, the people of Judah are allowed to return to their homeland to rebuild. A descendant of David named Zerubbabel, together with some priests, begins to rebuild the temple. Political opposition to the rebuilding forces a halt in construction for about 15 years. But then the work continues, encouraged by two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah. About 57 years after the temple is completed, Ezra the scribe arrives in Jerusalem, bringing with him about 2,000 people, including priests and Levites to serve in the temple. Ezra finds that the people living in Judah have lapsed into sin, and he calls the people to repentance and a return to the law of God.

      Nehemiah — About 14 years after Ezra’s arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah, the king’s cupbearer in Persia, learns that the walls of Jerusalem are in a state of disrepair. Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem and oversees the construction of the city walls. He is opposed by enemies of the Jews, who try to thwart the work with various tactics, but the wall is finished with God’s blessings in time to observe the Feast of Tabernacles. Ezra reads the book of the law publicly, and the people of Judah rededicate themselves to following it. The book of Nehemiah begins with sadness and ends with singing and celebration.

      Esther — Some exiled Jews have opted not to return to Jerusalem and have stayed in Persia instead. Xerxes, the king of Persia, chooses as his new queen a young woman named Esther. Esther is a Jewess, but she keeps her ethnicity secret at the behest of her cousin Mordecai, who has raised her. A high-ranking official in the kingdom, a man named Haman, plots a genocide against all the Jews in the kingdom, and he receives the king’s permission to carry out his plan—neither he nor the king knowing that the queen is Jewish. Through a series of divinely directed, perfectly timed events, Haman is killed, Mordecai is honored, and the Jews are spared, with Queen Esther being instrumental in it all.

      Job — A righteous man named Job suffers a series of terrible tragedies that take away his wealth, his family, and his health. Even after losing everything, Job does not curse God. Three friends come to commiserate with Job, but they eventually speak their minds about the situation, advancing the notion that God is punishing Job for some secret sin. Job denies any sinfulness on his part, yet in his pain he cries out to God for answers—he trusts God, but he also wants God to explain Himself. In the end, God shows up and overwhelms Job with His majesty, wisdom, and power. God restores Job’s fortune, health, and family, but the answer to why Job had suffered God never answers.

      Psalms — This collection of songs includes praise to the Lord, cries of the needy, worshipful adoration, laments, thanksgiving, prophecy, and the full spectrum of human emotion. Some of the songs were written for specific occasions, such as traveling to the temple or crowning a new king.

      Proverbs — A collection of moral teachings and general observances about life, this book is directed to those in search of wisdom. Subjects include love, sex, marriage, money, work, children, anger, strife, thoughts, and words.

      Ecclesiastes — A wise older man who calls himself the Preacher philosophizes about life, looking back over what he has learned from his experiences. The Preacher, having lived apart from God, recounts the futility of various dead-end paths. Nothing in this world satisfies: riches, pleasure, knowledge, or work. Without God in the equation, all is vanity.

      Song of Solomon — A king and a humble maiden express love and devotion to each other through their courtship, leading to a joyous and affirming consummation of the marriage on the wedding night. The song continues to depict some of the difficulties faced by the bridegroom and his bride in their married life, always coming back to the yearning the lovers have for each other and the undying strength of love.

      Isaiah — Isaiah is called as a prophet in Judah and brings God’s messages to several kings. God proclaims judgment against Judah for their religious hypocrisy. The prophet then delivers messages of warning to other nations, including Assyria, Babylon, Moab, Syria, and Ethiopia. For all of God’s anger against His people in Judah, He miraculously saves Jerusalem from an attack by the Assyrians. Isaiah predicts the fall of Judah at the hands of Babylon, but he also promises a restoration to their land. Isaiah looks even farther ahead to the promised Messiah, who will be born of a virgin, be rejected by His people, and be killed in the process of bearing their iniquities—yet the Messiah, God’s righteous Servant, will also rule the world from Jerusalem in a kingdom of peace and prosperity.

      Jeremiah — Jeremiah, living during the time of the Babylonian invasion of Judah, prophesies Babylon’s victory over Judah, a message that brings him much grief from the proud kings and false prophets in Jerusalem. Continually calling God’s people to repent, Jeremiah is regularly ignored and even persecuted. Through Jeremiah, God promises that He will one day establish a new covenant with Israel. The prophet lives to see the fall of Jerusalem and predicts that the people’s captivity in Babylon will last 70 years.

      Lamentations — In a long acrostic poem, Jeremiah weeps over the destruction of the land of Judah. The reproach and shame of God’s people is overwhelming, and all seems lost. Yet God is just in His discipline, and He is merciful in not destroying the rebellious nation completely; God’s people will yet see God’s compassion.

      Ezekiel — This is a book of prophecies written in Babylon by Ezekiel, a priest-turned-prophet. Ezekiel deals with the cause of God’s judgment against Judah, which is idolatry and the dishonor Judah had brought upon God’s name. Ezekiel also writes of judgment against other nations, such as Edom, Ammon, Egypt, and Philistia, and against the city of Tyre. Ezekiel then promises a miraculous restoration of God’s people to their land, the reconstruction of the temple, and God’s rule over all the nations of the earth.

      Daniel — As a young man, Daniel is taken captive to Babylon, but he and three friends remain steadfast to the Lord’s commands, and God blesses them with honor and high rank in the Babylonian Empire. They have enemies, though: Daniel’s three friends are thrown into a fiery furnace, and Daniel into a den of lions, but God preserves their lives in each case and bestows even more honor upon them. Daniel survives the overthrow of Babylon and continues prophesying into the time of the Persian Empire. Daniel’s prophecies are far-reaching, accurately predicting the rise and fall of many nations and the coming rule of God’s chosen king, the Messiah.

      Hosea — Hosea’s mission is to call Israel to repentance, as God is poised to judge them for their corruption and idolatry. At God’s command, Hosea marries a wife who is unfaithful to him, and then he must redeem her from prostitution. This sordid experience is an illustration of Israel’s spiritual adultery and the fact that a loving God is still pursuing them to redeem them and restore them to their proper place.

      Joel — Joel ministers in Judah during a time of drought and a locust plague, events that are signs of God’s judgment on the nation. Joel uses the current judgment to point the people to the future, worldwide judgment of the Day of the Lord, and he calls on everyone to repent. Joel’s final promise is that the Lord will dwell with His people in Zion and bring great blessing to the restored land.

      Amos — Amos begins with pronouncing judgment against Damascus, Tyre, Edom, and Gaza, among other places. The prophet travels north from Judah to Israel to warn that nation of God’s judgment. He lists their sins and extends God’s invitation to repent and be forgiven. After the destruction of Israel, God promises, there will be a time of restoration.

      Obadiah — From their seemingly secure, rock-bound homes, the Edomites had rejoiced at Judah’s fall, but Obadiah brings God’s sobering message: Edom, too, will be conquered, and that without remedy. God’s people will be the ultimate victors.

      Jonah — Jonah, a prophet in Israel, is instructed by God to go to the Assyrian capital of Nineveh to prophesy against it. Jonah disobeys, attempting to travel away from Nineveh, but God intercepts him at sea. Jonah is thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. In the belly of the fish, Jonah repents, and the fish spits him back on dry ground. When Jonah prophesies in Nineveh, the Assyrians humble themselves before God and repent, and God does not bring judgment upon them. Jonah is angry that God has forgiven the people he hates, and God reasons with his obstinate prophet.

      Micah — In a series of three messages, Micah calls on both Judah and Israel to hear the word of God. He prophesies of coming judgment on both kingdoms and foresees the blessed kingdom of God, ruled by a king who would be born in Bethlehem. Micah ends his book with a promise that God’s anger will turn and that God’s people will be restored.

      Nahum — Nahum’s prophecy concerns the destruction of Nineveh. Nahum gives the reasons for it and promises God’s judgment on this nation that had once terrorized the rest of the world. Unlike God’s judgment against Israel, the judgment against Nineveh will have no respite, and the destruction will not be followed by restoration.

      Habakkuk — The prophet questions God about something he cannot understand: namely, how God can use the wicked Babylonians to punish God’s own people, Judah. The Lord answers by reminding Habakkuk of His sovereignty and faithfulness and that, in this world, the just will live by faith.

      Zephaniah — Zephaniah warns of the coming Day of the Lord, a prophecy fulfilled, in part, by the invasion of Babylon and, more remotely, at the end of time. Other nations besides Judah are also warned of coming judgment, including Philistia, Moab, Cush, and Assyria. Jerusalem is called to repent, and the book ends with a promise from God to restore His people to favor and glory.

      Haggai — Haggai lives and preaches during the time of Zerubbabel and Zechariah. The reconstruction of the temple had begun, but opposition from the Jews’ enemies has halted the work for about 15 years. Haggai preaches a series of four sermons to spur the people back to work so that the temple can be completed.

      Zechariah — A contemporary of Haggai and Zerubbabel, Zechariah encourages the people of Jerusalem to finish the reconstruction of the temple, a work that has languished for about 15 years. Eight visions relate God’s continuing plan for His people. Judgment on Israel’s enemies is promised, along with God’s blessings on His chosen people. Several messianic prophecies are included, predicting the Messiah’s coming, His suffering, and His eventual conquering glory.

      Malachi — Ministering to post-exilic Israel, Malachi calls God’s people to repentance. The prophet condemns the sins of divorce, bringing impure sacrifices, withholding tithes, and profaning God’s name. The book, and the Old Testament, ends with a description of the Day of the Lord and the promise that Elijah will come before that dreadful day.

      New Testament:

      Matthew — The ministry of Jesus Christ is presented from the point of view that Jesus is the Son of David and thus the rightful king to rule from Israel’s throne. Jesus offers the kingdom to His people, but Israel rejects Him as their king and crucifies Him. Jesus rises again and sends His disciples into all the world to proclaim His teaching.

      Mark — The ministry of Jesus Christ is presented from the point of view that Jesus is the Righteous Servant of God. Jesus obeys the Father’s will and accomplishes all He had been sent to do, including dying for sinners and rising again from the dead.

      Luke — The ministry of Jesus Christ is presented from the point of view that Jesus is the Son of Man who came to save the whole world. Jesus shows the love of God to all classes of people, regardless of race or gender. He is unjustly betrayed, arrested, and murdered, but He rises again.

      John — The ministry of Jesus Christ is presented from the point of view that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus speaks at length of His nature and work and the necessity of faith, and He proves that He is the Son of God through a series of public miracles. He is crucified and rises again.

      Acts — This sequel to the life of Christ follows the ministry of the apostles following Jesus’ ascension. The Holy Spirit arrives to fill and empower Jesus’ followers, who begin to preach the gospel in the midst of mounting persecution. Paul, a former enemy of the Christians, is converted and called by Christ as an apostle. The church begins in Jerusalem, expands to Samaria, and spreads to the Roman world.

      Romans — This theological treatise, written by Paul on one of his missionary journeys, examines the righteousness of God and how God can declare guilty sinners to be righteous based on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Having been justified by faith, believers live in holiness before the world.

      1 Corinthians — The church in Corinth is riddled with problems, and the apostle Paul writes to give them God’s instructions on how to deal with various issues, including sin and division in the church, marriage, idolatry, spiritual gifts, the future resurrection, and the conduct of public worship.

      2 Corinthians — The problems in the church in Corinth have for the most part been worked through, and Paul writes this letter to encourage them, to explain the love gift he is collecting for Judean Christians, and to defend his apostleship against critics who are speaking out against him.

      Galatians — False teachers have infiltrated the churches in Galatia, falsely suggesting that works of the law (specifically circumcision) must be added to faith in Christ in order for salvation to be real. In no uncertain terms, Paul condemns the mixture of law and grace, showing that salvation and sanctification are all of grace. Christ’s salvation has set us free. We rely on the Spirit’s work, not our own.

      Ephesians — Salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ, and not by our own works. The life Jesus gives, to Jew and Gentile alike, results in a new heart and a new walk in this world. The church is the Body of Christ, and marriage is a picture of Christ and the church. God has provided spiritual armor to wage spiritual battle.

      Philippians — Writing this letter from a Roman prison, Paul thanks the church in Philippi for the love gift they had sent him. The gospel of Christ is advancing in the world, despite hardship, and Christians can rejoice in that. We are urged to humble ourselves as Christ did, be unified, and press toward the goal of pleasing the Lord in all things.

      Colossians — Despite what false teachers might claim, Jesus Christ is the Savior, Lord, and Creator of all things. In Him, all believers are made alive and complete; they need not submit themselves to manmade regulations or the mandates of the Old Testament law. The new life we have in Christ will affect our relationships with spouses, parents, children, masters, and servants.

      1 Thessalonians — Paul reviews the start of the church in Thessalonica, and he commends them for their steadfast faith. Believers are encouraged to live pure lives and to maintain the hope that Jesus will return. When Christ comes again, He will resurrect believers who have died and will rapture those still living to be with Him forever. The Day of the Lord is coming, which will result in the judgment of this world.

      2 Thessalonians — The church of Thessalonica is enduring persecution, and some believers wonder if the Day of the Lord had already arrived. Paul assures them that what they are experiencing is not God’s judgment. Before that terrible day comes, there must be a worldwide rebellion, a removal of the Restrainer, and the rise to power of the man of lawlessness. But God will protect His children. Until the time that Christ returns, keep doing what is right.

      1 Timothy — Timothy, the pastor of the church in Ephesus, is the recipient of this letter from Paul. A pastor must be qualified spiritually, be on guard against false doctrine, pray, care for those in the church, train other leaders, and above all faithfully preach the truth.

      2 Timothy — In this very personal letter at the end of his life, Paul encourages Timothy to hold fast to the faith, focus on what is truly important, persevere in dangerous times, and preach the Word of God.

      Titus — Titus, an overseer of churches on the island of Crete, has the job of appointing elders in the churches there, making sure the men are qualified spiritually. He must beware of false teachers, avoid distractions, model the Christian life, and enjoin all believers to practice good works.

      Philemon — In this short letter to Philemon, a believer in Colossae, the apostle Paul urges him to show the love of Christ and be reconciled to a runaway, thieving slave. Under Roman law, the slave could face severe punishment, but Paul urges grace for the sake of Christ. Philemon should welcome his slave back into the household, not as a slave now but as a beloved brother in Christ.

      Hebrews — There are Jewish members of the church who are tempted to return to the Jewish law. The author of this epistle urges them not to look back but to move on to full spiritual maturity, by faith. Jesus Christ is better than angels and better than Moses, and He has provided a better sacrifice, a better priesthood, and a better covenant than anything in the Old Testament. Having left Egypt, we must enter the Promised Land, not continue to wander aimlessly in the wilderness.

      James — In this very practical book, James shows what faith lived out looks like. True, saving faith will affect our prayer life, our words, our response to trials, and our treatment of others.

      1 Peter — The apostle Peter writes to believers under persecution in Asia Minor, addressing them as “God’s elect, exiles scattered” (1 Peter 1:1). He reminds them of the grace of God, assures them of their heavenly home, teaches them to exhibit holiness, instructs them on marital relations, and encourages them as they face suffering.

      2 Peter — With his death impending, Peter writes the churches, exhorting them to follow the Word of God, identify and avoid false teachers, and live in holiness as they await the second coming of Christ.

      1 John — God is light, love, and truth. Those who truly belong to Christ will seek fellowship with His redeemed; walk in the light, not in darkness; confess sin; obey God’s Word; love God; experience a decreasing pattern of sin in their lives; demonstrate love for other Christians; and experience victory in their Christian walk.

      2 John — The Christian life is a balance of truth and love. We cannot forsake truth in the name of love; neither can we cease loving because of a misdirected notion of upholding the truth.

      3 John — Two men are contrasted: Gaius, who shows his commitment to truth and love through hospitality; and Diotrephes, who shows his malice and pride through a lack of hospitality.

      Jude — The message of the gospel will not change. But there are men who attempt to pervert the message and teach false doctrines to benefit themselves and lead people astray. These men must be resisted in the truth.

      Revelation — Jesus is the Lord of the church, and He knows the condition of each local body of believers. The end times will be marked by an increase in wickedness, the rise of the Antichrist’s one-world government, and the fury of Satan against God’s people on earth. God pours out His wrath on a rebellious and unrepentant world in a series of judgments that steadily increase in severity. Finally, the Lamb of God returns to earth with the armies of heaven, defeating the forces of evil arrayed against Him and setting up His kingdom of peace. Satan, the Antichrist, and the wicked of every age are thrown into the lake of fire, while the followers of Christ inherit a new heaven and new earth.

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      Top 10 Social Issues Teens Struggle With Today

       Technology Has Changed or Amplified the Struggles Young People Face

      By 
      Amy Morin, LCSW

      Fact checked by 

      Andrea Rice
       
      Today's teens are facing issues that no previous generation has ever seen. While some issues are not exactly new, electronic media has changed or amplified some of the struggles young people face.

      The prevalence of digital communication has changed the way teens interact with their peers and romantic interests.1 Because of this, many teens lack essential interpersonal communication skills like knowing how to pick up on social cues. Much of this dysfunction can be linked to the overuse of technology.2

      Teens' social media and texting habits as well as how they consume media is changing the way they communicate, date, learn, sleep, exercise, and more. In fact, the average teen spends over nine hours each day using their electronic devices.3

      Here are the top 10 social problems teens struggle with every day.

       

      Depression

      According to The National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 3.2 million adolescents in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2017. That means about 13% of teenagers may experience depression before reaching adulthood.4

      An analysis by the Pew Research Center reported that depression rates grew among adolescents, especially in girls, over the previous decade when about 8% of teens reported being depressed in 2007.5 Some researchers blame technology for the rise in mental health problems.

      Spending too much time on electronic devices may be preventing young people from in-person activities with their peers such as sports, which can help ward off depression.6 They also experience new conditions like "fear of missing out" or FOMO, which further leads to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

      Depressive disorders are treatable, but it's important to seek professional help. If your teen seems withdrawn, experiences a change in his sleep patterns, or starts to perform badly in school, schedule an appointment with your teen's physician or contact a mental health professional. Do not delay getting help for your teen if you notice these symptoms.

       
       

      Bullying

      According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 20% of teens in the U.S. experienced bullying in 2017.7 One explanation the research has cited for this is the rise of social media use by teens, which has made bullying much more public and more pervasive. In fact, cyberbullying has replaced bullying as the common type of harassment that teens experience.8

      Talk to your teen about bullying regularly. Discuss what they can do when they witnesses bullying and talk about options if they become a target themselves. Being proactive is key to helping your child deal with a bully.

      It's also important to talk to your child about when and how to get help from an adult. Remind them that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but instead a show of courage. Talking about how someone has humiliated them is never an easy topic.

       
       

      Sexual Activity

      Based on the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance data, 39.5% of high school students reported being sexually active. That means sexual activity had declined slightly over the past decade.9

      Fortunately, the teen birth rate has declined over the past decade as well. Births to teens ages 15 to 19 accounted for 5.0% of all births in 2017.10 The decline in pregnancy doesn't necessarily mean teens are using protection, however.

      Of the 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases each year, more than half were among young people between the ages of 15 and 24.11

      Parents may not be aware that their children are sexually active, however. Talk to your teen about sex, even if you don't think your child is engaging in sexual activity.

       
       

      Drug Use

      In 2017, about 6% of seniors in high school reported using marijuana daily. Marijuana use exceeds cigarette use is in teens now.12 In fact, many teens believe marijuana is less harmful now than in years past. This new perception may be due to the changing laws surrounding marijuana.

      Meanwhile, other illicit drug use has held steadily at the lowest levels according to the Monitoring the Future Survey published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Teen use of illicit drugs in 2017 was the lowest since the study began in 1975.13

      Make sure you have regular conversations with your teen about the dangers of drugs. And don't forget to mention the dangers of prescription drugs, too. Many teens do not recognize the dangers of taking a friend's prescription or popping a few pills that are not prescribed to them.

      Unfortunately, teens often underestimate how easy it is to develop an addiction. And they don't understand the risks associated with overdosing. Be sure you are talking about these risks on a consistent basis.

       

      Alcohol Use

      As of 2017, alcohol use and binge drinking showed a significant decline among teenagers. Despite the decline, 29.3% of high school seniors still report drinking alcohol within the past month.12

      Talk to teens about the risks of underage drinking. Educate them about the dangers, including the fact that alcohol can take a serious toll on a teenager's developing brain.14 Also, do not shy away from expressing your disapproval of underage drinking. Saying you don't approve can make a big difference in whether your teen decides to drink.

       

      Obesity

      According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of 12- to 19-year-olds are obese, with Hispanic and Black children more likely to be overweight or obese.15 

      Aside from the fact that overweight children are often targeted by bullies, obese kids also are at a much greater risk of lifelong health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease.16 They also may struggle with body image issues or develop eating disorders as an unhealthy way of changing their appearance. But parents are not always aware of these issues.

      In fact, surveys show parents are bad at recognizing when their kids are overweight.17 They tend to underestimate their child's size and the risks associated with being overweight.

      Talk to your child's pediatrician about the weight and body mass are appropriate for your teen's height and age and inquire about the steps you can take to ensure your teen is healthy. Then, if your doctor does recommend a healthier eating plan or exercise, find ways to support and empower your teen.

       

      Academic Problems

      About 5% of high school students drop out of high school each year in the United States, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.18 A high school dropout is likely to earn $200,000 less over his lifetime when compared to a high school graduate, which can have a significant impact on a young person's future.

      But, it's no longer just the "troubled teens" who are dropping out of school. Some teens feel so much pressure to get into a good college that they're burning themselves out before they graduate from high school.19 Stay involved in your teen's education. Provide support and guidance and be ready to assist your teen if he encounters problems.

       

      Peer Pressure

      While peer pressure isn't a new issue, social media brings it to a whole new level. Sexting, for example, is a major cause for concern as many teens do not understand the lifelong consequences that sharing explicit photos can have on their lives. But sharing inappropriate photos is not the only thing kids are being pressured into doing.

      More and more kids are being pressured into having sex, doing drugs, and even bullying other kids.20 To keep your kids from falling victim to peer pressure, give them skills to make healthy choices, and to resist peer pressure. Also, talk to teens about what to do if they make a mistake.

      Sometimes, kids can make poor choices and may be too afraid to seek help. Make sure your kids are not afraid to come to you when they make a mistake. Demonstrate that you can listen without judging or overreacting and instead find healthy ways for them to make amends and move on.

       

      Social Media

      Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be great ways for teens to connect with one another; but social media can be problematic for several reasons. For instance, social media can expose your teen to cyberbullying, slut-shaming, and so much more.21 And, while there are some benefits to social media, there are a lot of risks as well.

      Social media can have a negative impact on friendships and is changing the way teens date. It can even impact their mental health.22 But, no matter what precautions you take, teens are still likely to be exposed to unsavory people, unhealthy images, and sexual content online.

      While there are measures being put into place to reduce the risks kids face online, it's important for parents to get involved. 

      Help your teen learn how to navigate social media in a healthy way. Talk about ways to stay safe online. And most importantly, know what your teen is doing online. Educate yourself about the latest apps, websites, and social media pages teens are using and take steps to keep your teen safe. You may even want to take steps to limit your teen's screen time.

       

      On-Screen Violence

      Teenagers are going to witness some violent media at one time or another. And it's not just TV, music, and movies that depict violence. Many of today's violent video games portray gory scenes and disturbing acts of aggression.

      Over the past couple of decades, studies have linked watching violence to a lack of empathy and even aggressive behavior.23 And other studies have shown the number one factor in determining how kids relate to media is how their parents think and act.24

      According to Common Sense Media, the more violence that parents watch, the more likely they are to think it's OK for their kids to view.25 Pay attention to your teen's media use. Don't allow teens to watch R-rated movies or to play M-rated video games. It's not healthy for them to consume that material in excess and unsupervised. 

      Also, talk to your teen about the dangers of being exposed to violent images and monitor your teen's mental state. It's also important to talk about sexual situations and racial stereotypes that your teen might see.

      Teens need to learn how to identify what is good and what is bad about the media. It helps them become a healthier consumer when they can think objectively about what they are seeing online, in the movie theater, or in a video game.

      How to Talk to Your Teen

      Bringing up any difficult subjects with your teen can feel uncomfortable. And your teen isn't likely to respond well to a lengthy lecture or too many direct questions. But having a conversation with your teen about difficult issues is not something you should shy away from.

      Even when it seems like they are not listening, you are the most influential person in your teen's life. It is important to lay a strong foundation before the window of opportunity closes.

      A good way to strike up a conversation about drugs, sex, juuling, or other uncomfortable situations is to ask a question like, "Do you think this is a big issue at your school?"

      Listen to what your teen has to say. Try not to be judgmental, but make your expectations and opinions clear. It is important that your teen understands that you don't condone certain behaviors and that they know the consequences of breaking your rules. 

        

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      HOW TO SHARE YOUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS IN YOUR LOCAL CHURCH COMMUNITY

        

      How To Share Your God-Given Gifts In Your Local Church Community

      God has a perfect plan for every believer. To make His plans work, He has placed in each of us a spiritual gift, meant to be shared with the entire Christian community. Therefore, it is pretty important to understand what your spiritual is and how to share your God-given gifts in your local community.

      Spiritual gifts are not be confused with talent. Talent can be worked on and improved. We should be thankful for them as they are also gifts; but they are not the spiritual gifts bestowed upon us to build the Christian community. Some of the most successful athletes, businessmen, and medical professionals have realized spiritual gifts that have nothing to do with their more obvious skills.

      What Are Our God-Given Spiritual Gifts?

      Paul describes most of the spiritual gifts in his letter to the church in Rome. He wrote, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Rom 12:6-8)

      These are the more common gifts used to grow the church community. Missionaries, evangelists, pastors, preachers, prophets, religious teachers are included in Paul’s list. People who can donate more than expected and those who comfort the unfortunate are also noted.

      There are other, rarer spiritual gifts. They include the gifts of speaking in tongues; translating tongues; striking out demons, physical healing and other miracles. Martyrdom and celibacy are also spiritual gifts.

      What’s My Gift?

      Before you can learn how to share your God-given gifts in your local church community, you have to figure out what your gift is. If you’ve ever prayed or laid your hands on someone right before their miracle cure, you might have a pretty good clue. If you’re already preaching or evangelizing with effect, you already know.

      Sometimes, it takes a little more work to discover what God has in mind for you. It’s not always so obvious. Someone who is an excellent school teacher may not be cut out to teach or preach the Bible. The nicest person in your church might not feel the fulfillment of God when she tries to be hospitable or comforting.  

      The key is, you have to try something to see if it is your thing. If the Sunday school is looking for a leader; or the pastor is asking for coverage on the pulpit, jump in and try it. It might not feel comfortable to volunteer. In fact, it might be way out of your comfort zone. What is important is how you feel after you do it. If you experience a thrill of fulfillment or grace, then you probably found a spiritual gift.

      So…now what?

      Once you realize what they are, you need to figure out how to share your God-given gifts in your local church community. Your pastor or leadership council may be able to help. Go to them and explain what you experienced or felt that makes you think you found your calling. Sometimes, they will be extremely helpful and may even say you are the answer to their prayers.

      Of course, as with any spiritual question, it is a good idea to go to God. Ask Him, “Now what?” Let Him be your guide, especially if the church does not immediately have a need or can’t understand where to use your gift. Praying and contemplating your gift may lead to a dream or idea of how your gift can be used to bless your community.

      For sure, you have a gift. You can be equally certain there is a reason God blessed you with it. Even if the answer is not obvious immediately, don’t give up on it. In the perfect time, you will realize just what you are meant to do. Then, like Paul told Timothy, fan into flame the gift of God. (2 Tim 1:6-7)

      Please get in touch now and let’s make these things better together.

       

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      Top 10 Excuses for Not Going to Church (with suggested responses)

       

      This one is an oldie, but a goodie. One of those it’s-funny-cause-it’s-true kinda things.

      There are lots of reasons people don’t come to church. Some are legitimate reasons and some are simply excuses. Here are 10 of the top excuses and ways to respond.

      10.   I go to brunch on Sundays. 

      (Here is a list of local restaurants that serve Sunday brunch until 3 p.m.)

      9. Church is full of hypocrites.

      (And we always have room for one more!)

      8. I’m against organized religion.

      (Perfect! We’re highly disorganized.)

      7. Church people hate women/gays/divorced people/ethnic groups/interracial couples/insert group here

      (Um, no. We don’t. Can we introduce you to our female pastor and our church board made up of old, young, gay, straight, single, married, divorced, insert group here?)

      6. I don’t believe in God.

      (That’s okay. God still believes in you.)

      5. Church people are so judgmental.

      (Trust us, with everything we’ve done, we really can’t be throwing stones.)

      4. I’m just not being fed

      (That’s okay.  We’re not here to feed you, but to equip you to feed.)

      3. Ten years ago someone at some church somewhere was really awful to me. 

      (That is really crummy. Give us a chance to make that up to you.)

      2. I feel like I need to get right with God before I can come to church

      (Ain’t gonna happen, so you might as well come on.)

      1. Churches just want my money

      (Actually, we just want you to know that all that you have and all that you are comes from God and encourage you to respond accordingly. The church can survive without your money (we’ve been around for 2000 years), but you will be more likely to thrive if you’re willing to share it with others.)

      Bonus Excuses

      I’m just too tired.

      (I totally get this one, but I guarantee you that if your stressful life is making you that tired, ditching your spiritual life is not the answer. Something’s gotta give, but choose something else.  You will feel better for connecting with God and a community of believers.)

      My kid has sports

      Yeah, I don’t know what to do about this one. How do you teach a kid to be committed a team and a church if they gather at the same time? And making a kid who loves sports give it up in order to go to church is one surefire way to make sure your kid really hates church.   All I can say is make the effort to connect your kids to a faith community whenever possible.

      The reasons people don’t come to church run the gamut from legit reasons to ridiculous excuses. That’s one of the reasons I created Doubting Believer. You can follow our main FB page and if you are craving more Christian community, check out our Doubting Believer Members Community.

      But really, quit making excuses and take care of your spirit.

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      Information for lower limb amputees and their families

       
       
      Jonathan with C-Leg prosthesis setting up a basketball basket to play with his children.

      The following pages offer a wealth of information concerning what to expect before, during, and after amputation surgery.

       

      The most important goal of your entire treatment—from the operation to rehabilitation, to the fitting of your prosthesis—is to restore your mobility.

      Your therapy team, which includes your doctors, therapists, prosthetists—and of course, you and your loved ones—will help you achieve the most independence possible, so that you can lead an active and mobile life. On average, this rehabilitation process takes between two to six months, although this can be affected by various factors, including your level of motivation and how well your prosthesis fits.

      Recommendations with regard to your therapy and rehabilitation are provided below. However, the instructions from your rehabilitation team always take priority since this team is best able to evaluate your individual situation.

       

      Whether you’ve known about your amputation surgery for a while, or just found out, remember that you’re not alone. Your treatment team is there to support you, answer questions—and find the best solutions for you.

       
       

      Initial examinations

      If you are to undergo planned amputation surgery, you will be examined in detail several times before the surgery. Your doctors will explain what will happen both during and after the operation. Of course, if you’ve had a traumatic accident, your conversations will occur after the surgery.

      During these discussions, you have the opportunity to ask any questions which are important to you. It’s a good idea to take notes of what you want to ask the doctor before the discussions so that you don't forget anything. Remember that it’s their job to explain it all clearly to you.

       
       

      Targeted preparation

      If possible, you should begin doing those therapy exercises you’ll use after amputation surgery before your surgery takes place. That way you can strengthen your muscles in advance. It also makes sense to practice moving properly from the bed to the wheelchair as soon as possible. The timely training of such activities can make the time after the operation considerably easier on you. Ask your doctor and your physical therapist which exercises are right for you.

      It’s also a good idea to talk to a prosthetist before the amputation about which types of prostheses might be right for you.

       
       

      Psychological support

      An amputation is a big change in your life and it may be helpful to get psychological counseling. Counseling can help you work through any issues or fears you may have, while taking some of the weight off of your friends and family—and yourself.

       
       

      Talking to other amputees

      We also recommend that you talk with peers who have also undergone amputation surgery. It is good to hear how others deal with the situation, and in many cases they’ll also be able to share tips on everything from using your prosthesis to getting the right fit. Talk to your therapy team about how best to get in contact with peer support groups.

      Contact Us

      Ask for our Consumer Support Specialist

      800 328 4058 (US)

      Send an email

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      INSPIRATIONAL POEMS BY MARK

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      " IT IS MUSIC TO HIS EARS "

      A song in your heart

      Is what God wants to hear,

      No matter how you sound

      It is music to His ears.

       

      You may be off key

      But that is alright,

      When you sing to the Lord

      Everything is just right.

       

      Give Him all the glory

      Sing praises to Him,

      The joy that He will see

      Is that you are singing to Him.

       

      And when our Lord is happy

      The light will shine on you,

      Always sing to the Lord

      Is one of many things to do.

       

      Believe in the words you sing

      And sing with all your heart,

      Emotions will stir within

      When you truly sing from your heart.

       

      Stretch your arms to Him

      And look toward Heaven on high,

      Tears of joy will fall

      The Lord will hear your cries.

       

      So have a song in your heart

      And thank the Lord today,

      Any song you sing to Him

      Will always make its way.

       

      So do what you have to do

      To the one you love so dear,

      As you sing to the Lord, our Savior

      It is music to His ears.

      © 2021  Mark Jung

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      What Is the Power of Prayer?

      In other words, who you become, the circumstances in your life, and the core of your character are all determined by what you talk to God about. According to the Bible, the power of prayer is, quite simply, the power of God, who hears and answers prayer.

      What is the power of prayer? How can prayer bring a person back to life? How can it heal the sick? How does prayer comfort those who are anxious or sinking into the depths of depression? Why do Christians pray for their future spouses or pray prayers of protection over their children as they send them off to school? How can prayer impact those who don’t know Jesus or help in a time of crisis like a pandemic?

      The answer is found in one pivotal scripture. In Matthew 18:18-20, Jesus tells us about the power of prayer when he said,

      “Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” 

      There are dozens of real-life accounts in the Bible where Jesus and other disciples battled in prayer. God shut the heavens and prevented rain from falling for three years at Elijah’s request. He parted the red sea for Moses to lead His people through. He cast out demons; Jesus healed the sick and gave sight to the blind, and, on more than one occasion, raised people from the dead, like Lazarus.

      Do we realize the power we have available to us when we take our authority in prayer? If we did, we would be praying in Jesus’ name more. There would be no such thing as doubt, fear, or anxiety because we would be on our faces before God, storming the heavenly realms in battle with the darkness and evil forces in our world.

      Talking to God

      So, what exactly is the power of prayer? The power of prayer isn’t in the words you utter. It’s not about what you pray or even how you pray. Prayer can be defined as talking to God, but it is much more than that. Prayer is an act of worship that glorifies God and reinforces our need for Him. Through living a life of prayer, we communicate with the very source of and purpose for our existence.

      It is our fiercest weapon against the enemy and all things in this fallen world. Priscilla Shirer is the author of the Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer says, “Prayer is the portal that brings the power of heaven down to earth. It is kryptonite to the enemy and to all his ploys against you.”

      Another well-known author, Mark Patterson says, “Prayers are prophecies. They are the best predictors of your spiritual future. Who you become is determined by how you pray. Ultimately, the transcript of your prayers becomes the script of your life.”

      In other words, who you become, the circumstances in your life, and the core of your character are all determined by what you talk to God about. According to the Bible, the power of prayer is, quite simply, the power of God, who hears and answers prayer. Consider the following:

      God Is All-Powerful

      The Lord God Almighty can do all things; there is nothing impossible for Him (Luke 1:37). The character and heart of God is the very fabric of the gospel. When we close our eyes, get on our knees, the spirit of God whispers, “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” It’s as if to say to our hearts, no need is too great or small.

      God Asks Us to Pray

      He invites, encourages, and wants us to talk to him. We are to come to him in faith, (James 1:5), with persistence (Luke 18:1), with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), within his will (Matthew 6:10), and from a heart that is right with God (James 5:16).

      In fact, in Luke 18:1 we read, “And he [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Hebrews 4:14-16 talks about Jesus as our High Priest and says He can sympathize with us.

      Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” We have been given access to the very throne of God through prayer.

      He Answers Our Prayers

      The Lord God Almighty answers prayer. “I call on you, O God, for you will answer me” (Psalm 17:6). “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). In John 16:23-24, Jesus makes a stunning, sweeping, glorious promise to us:

      “Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

      In other words, when we ask God to give us a love for our neighbors, he does. When we ask for patience, he begins to tend to our hearts, uprooting areas of impatience and then provides opportunity to practice patience. When we ask him to be near to us, his presence sweeps in and surrounds us like a cozy blanketed embrace filled with his peace and strength.

      Power of Prayer and How Do I Tap into It?

      The power of prayer isn’t in the person praying. It’s not a magic formula. It isn’t keywords. It is an open heart, humble and filled with awe of who our mighty God is. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to.

      1 John 5:14-15 tells us, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him.”

      In fact, Jesus rebukes those who pray using repetitions or those who pray in public to seek attention or those who don’t have the right heart, “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:7-8).

      Psalm 107:28-30 reminds us, “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” There is power in prayer!

       

      Heather Riggleman is an award-winning journalist and a regular contributor for Crosswalk. She calls Nebraska home with her three kids and a husband of 22 years. She believes Jazzercise, Jesus, and tacos can fix anything and not necessarily in that order! She is author of I Call Him By Name Bible Study, the Bold Truths Prayer Journal,  Mama Needs a Time Out, and a contributor to several books. You can find her at www.heatherriggleman.com

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      5 Ways the Pandemic Is Saving the Church

      COVID-19 is rightly seen as a plague on our world, leaving a wake of physical death and financial devastation in its path. Most would say it’s been terribly distressing to the church, as most churches around the world are not able to gather for weekly worship or physically interact as a community of faith.

      What if the truth is that this pandemic might not just be serving the church, but saving the church? What if the path most churches were on, if not forced into a radical redirection, would have guaranteed their continued marginalization, irrelevance and decline? What if the pandemic has forced countless churches to change in ways that will actually allow them to grow in both size and influence?

      Consider these five ways the pandemic might just be saving the church instead of killing it:

      1. Churches have been forced to move from a weekend-centric, crowd approach to a seven-day-a-week, incarnational approach.

      While every church should embrace, celebrate and promote corporate worship, too many churches made that celebration the end-all for the life of the church. We say that the church isn’t bricks and mortar, but a community of faith that can be strategically served by bricks and mortar. Yet too many churches were never leaving the building. The goal of the church is to be the church in the community where it resides, attempting to reach and serve in the name of Jesus. The pandemic has broken us out of our gospel ghettos and holy huddles and into the neighborhoods and streets where we live. 

      2. Churches have been forced online. 

      You would think the vast majority of churches were already online. They’re not. I don’t mean they don’t have a website—most do. I mean they don’t have an online presence. Having an online campus, or even streaming a service on Facebook, had been pursued by a relatively small fraction of the 45,000 or so Christian churches in the technologically-advanced U.S., much less the wider world. Now, virtually overnight, the vast majority of churches do have an online presence. In other words, churches are finally going where the majority of the world “lives.”  

      3. Churches have been forced to embrace social media.  

      If most churches did not have an online presence before the pandemic, it goes without saying they were not embracing or using social media. In fact, a recent study found that only 15% of churches in the U.S. were using Twitter or Instagram. Yet, as churches are having to learn, social media is the communication network of the modern world. It’s how people relate, get their news or are “touched.” In essence, the pandemic has forced churches to learn to communicate the way the people they are trying to reach communicate.

      4. Churches have been forced to innovate and change.

      Necessity, it has been said, is the mother of invention. It is also the mother of change. When you are forced to stop doing things the way you have always done them, but must find a way to soldier on, you are forced into new ways of thinking and new ways of acting. It has been quipped that the seven last words of a dying church have always been, “We’ve never done it that way before.” In the nick of time, at least for many churches, they are now saying, “We must do things like never before.” That takes a church from seven words before death, to seven words before life.

      5. Churches have been brought back to mission.

      When all of your methods and practices have been stripped away, you are left with something raw and unfiltered. It’s called your mission. Case in point? The Gideons. Imagine an organization that prints and distributes Bibles to hotels suddenly finding that the hotels are now saying, “No thanks.” They quickly realized that Scripture distribution was never meant to be their main focus. The organization wanted to win people to Christ. Bibles in hotels were just a means to an end.

      “Sometimes the methods get confused with the purpose,” said Alan Anderson, president of The Gideons International in Canada. “We took a step back and asked ourselves, ‘What are we trying to accomplish?’” Churches around the world are finding that much of what they had been doing to fulfill the mission had become the mission. Now, they are seeing the true mission in a new and liberating light.

      If you had told me even three months ago that these five changes would soon take hold of the global church in a matter of days, if not hours, I would have assumed that it could only be the work and power of the Holy Spirit; that a true and historic spiritual awakening must be taking place. 

      I would never have assumed a pandemic.

      But perhaps this is precisely what is happening through the pandemic. As the apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28, NIV). As all good expositors know to add, Paul is not saying that all things are good, just that God can work good through all things.

      Perhaps the good that God is working through this pandemic,

      … is the awakening of the church we’ve all been praying for.

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      How to Memorize a Bible Verse

      There are so many benefits for memorizing Scripture. When in a tough situation, knowing what God has told you can help you overcome any obstacle. Scripture memorization is the key to growing in Christ and is a biblical command repeated over 17 times. So, how do you make sure those verses stick with you?

      Steps

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      1. Go to a quiet place, such as your bedroom, where you won't be interrupted by others. Get comfortable. Prop up some pillows if you'd like. Ideally, there shouldn't be any potential distractions. Turn your music off and don't answer the phone. You need concentration.

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      2. Ask God to help you understand what the verse means and help you to be able to live it out in your daily life. Prayer is so powerful, but you will never know just how much God works in your life until you come to Him every day with what's concerning you.[1]

       

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      3, Memorize the reference.[2] Say it out loud with the reference (e.g., John 3:16) once at the beginning of the verse, once at the end. This way, the numbers you'll memorize the reference faster.

       

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      4. Repeat the verse out loud.[3] Vary the speeds of your recitation. Focus on pronouncing each word clearly.

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      5. Focus on the key words. If you are memorizing John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son and that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life", the key words would be "God", "loved", "world", "Son", "whoever", "believes", "perish", "eternal", and "life". Now put them back together with the whole verse.[4]

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      6. Play a memory game.[5] Using dry-erase markers, write the verse on a dry-erase board. Make sure you can read what you wrote. Read the verse a few times, then erase 2 words at a time. Keep saying the verse until all the words are erased. If you were able to say the verse perfectly with no words on the board, give yourself a pat on the back.

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      7. Repeat these steps every day. Recite verses in your head while you're at the supermarket. Say them out loud as you walk your dog. When you think you have it down, recite the verse(s) for your family and friends!

       

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      8. Write the verses on index cards with colored markers. Post these around your room in places you go most (your bed, above your light switch, your bathroom mirror, etc.)

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      9. Study verses that promise you a good memory like John 14:26, I John 2:20, I Corinthians 1:5, Proverbs 10:7, I Corinthians 2:16, Hebrews 8:10, and Psalms 19.

       

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      Evidence-Based Programs for Professionals

      Exercise Programs That Promote Senior Fitness

      Jan 01, 2021

      3 min read

      Key Takeaways

      • Experts say older adults should engage in moderate exercise and strength training each week, however less than one-third meet this recommendation.

      • The best exercise for seniors to prevent health problems and stay independent are aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening.

      • NCOA helps community organizations offer fun and evidence-based exercise and training programs to keep seniors active.

      Regular exercise can help older adults stay independent and prevent many health problems that come with age. NCOA helps community organizations offer fun and proven programs that keep seniors moving.

      The CDC 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends two types of physical activity each week to improve health—aerobic and muscle-strengthening. Experts recommend that older adults engage in:

      • Moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
      • Muscle-strengthening activities for two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups.

      Statistics show that less than one-third of Americans aged 65+ meet this recommendation. However, there are many proven programs that can help keep seniors active. NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging connects community organizations to proven programs that empower older adults to engage in regular exercise. Explore these evidence-based physical activity programs, which have been proven to produce measurable health benefits for older adults.

      Active Choices

      Active Choices is a six-month physical activity program that helps individuals incorporate preferred physical activities in their daily lives. The program is individualized for each person. Staff or volunteers are trained to provide regular, brief telephone-based guidance and support, and mail follow-up is delivered to participants’ homes.

      Active Living Every Day

      Active Living Every Day (ALED) uses facilitated group-based problem-solving methods to integrate physical activity for seniors into everyday living. The program utilizes the ALED book and offers optional online support resources for participants and facilitators. ALED can be offered independently or with existing community-based physical activity programs.

      AEA Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program

      AEA Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program is a recreational group exercise program conducted in warm water that consists of two levels, Basic and Plus, to accommodate different ability levels. Programs offer multiple components to help reduce pain and stiffness, and to maintain or improve mobility, muscle strength and functional ability.

      AEA Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

      AEA Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (Land-based) is a recreational group exercise program on land that includes a variety of exercises that can be performed sitting, standing or lying on the floor. Programs offer multiple components to help reduce pain and stiffness, and to maintain or improve mobility, muscle strength and functional ability. 

      Bingocize®

      Bingocize® strategically combines the game of bingo, exercise, and/or health education. Trained lay leaders may select between three separate 10-week units that focus on exercise-only, exercise and falls prevention, or exercise and nutrition.

      Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less

      Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a 15-week online weight management program that uses evidence-based strategies proven to work to help participants achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Each lesson informs, empowers and motivates participants to live mindfully as they make choices about eating and physical activity.

      EnhanceFitness

      EnhanceFitness (formerly Lifetime Fitness Program) is a low-cost, highly adaptable exercise program offering levels that are challenging enough for active older adults and levels that are safe enough for the unfit or near frail. One-hour group classes include stretching, flexibility, balance, low-impact aerobics, and strength training.

      Fit and Strong!

      Fit and Strong! combines flexibility, strength training, and aerobic walking with health education for sustained behavior change among older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis. Fit and Strong! works with providers across the country to deliver an eight-week program that improves lower extremity stiffness, pain, and strength, aerobic capacity, participation in exercise and caloric expenditure, and self-efficacy for exercise.

      Geri-Fit

      Geri-Fit® is a progressive resistance strength training exercise program designed to increase strength, flexibility, range of motion, mobility, gait, and balance. Exercises are performed seated in chairs (optional standing) in a group setting class. Ongoing classes are held twice-weekly for 45 minutes.

      Healthy Moves for Aging Well

      Healthy Moves for Aging Well is a simple and safe in-home physical activity intervention developed and tested by Partners in Care to enhance the activity level of frail, high-risk sedentary seniors living at home. The model was developed for community-based care management programs arranging and delivering services to seniors in the home.

      On the Move

      On the Move (OTM) is a group-based exercise program for older adults, designed to target key principles of the biomechanics and motor control of walking. The program contains a warm-up, stepping patterns, walking patterns, strengthening exercises, and cool-down exercises. 

      Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)

      The core feature of a SAIL Program is a community-based fitness class that meets 3 times weekly for one hour. The fitness class includes warm-up, aerobics, balance, strength training and stretching exercises that can be done in a seated or standing position. Periodic Fitness Checks track general mobility, arm strength and leg strength.

      Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention

      The goals of Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (also known as Tai Chi for Arthritis) are to: 1) Improve movement, balance, strength, flexibility, immunity and relaxation; 2) Decrease pain and falls; 3) socialization and sustainability.

      Tai Chi Prime

      Tai Chi Prime is a six-week class series proven to reduce the risk of falling. Classes feature instruction in tai chi and qi gong basics, home practice coaching, home practice, and exercises to embed into activities of daily living. 

      Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance®

      Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® is an evidence-based fall prevention program derived from a contemporary routine known as Simplified 24-Form Tai Ji Quan (pronounced tye gee chuwan). TJQMBB consists of an 8-form core with built-in practice variations and a subroutine of Tai Ji Quan - Mini Therapeutic Movements®, which, collectively, comprise a set of functional Tai Ji Quan exercises. 

      Walk with Ease

      The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease program helps participants develop a walking plan that meets their particular needs, stay motivated, manage pain, and exercise safely. The Walk with Ease materials are based on programs that have been successfully implemented in research settings and have resulted in such benefits as increased physical activity, increased walking distance and speed, decreased pain, and decreased depression.

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      PRACTICING PATIENCE WHEN GOD HAS YOU WAITING

      BARBARA EROCHINA

       

      Sometimes, it is a very difficult to be patient. When we’re bringing our concerns to the Lord again and again, we can grow tired of waiting. We can begin to feel like our prayers are falling on deaf ears. Often our desire is to take control and just “do the best we can” even though we know Galatians 5 lists patience as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. When this dawns on us, we might confess our desire to rule our own lives, inviting the Spirit to direct us and empower us once again as we continue to wait on the Lord.

      This doesn’t mean circumstances change. Our only child might remain sick in the hospital, the thread our marriage hangs on might continue to to splinter, the hope we’ve held on to for years might fade with increasing speed. Having prayed fervently about whatever issue we are facing too many times to count,we can easily feel our bank of patience depleting once again. On these days, reminders on the nature of patience can be an encouragement to us as we continue to wait.

      We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently (Romans 8:22- 25).

      Waiting is a common experience. All your brothers and sisters in faith, as well as all of creation, know what it is like to wait on the Lord. Consider those who have waited before you: Job, David, a myriad of prophets. There is plenty of encouragement in the Bible concerning our need for patience. James 5:7, Colossians 1:10-12, Psalm 40:1 and Revelation 14:12 are just a few examples taken from a myriad of passages about the topic.

      The New Bible Dictionary defines patience as “God-given restraint in the face of opposition or oppression.” Patience is only necessary in the face of opposition. This is why seeking patience is in many senses a battle. The promise we can lean on is that patience is God-given restraint, not something we are to produce in our own strength. The Lord is the one who provides us with spiritual armor to go into battle. Our only responsibility is to trust that God will provide the strength to hold on, and then act accordingly to our faith in that promise.

      Related article: Praying God's Promises: The Why and How Behind the Practice

      How is this strength given to us?

      We receive this strength by faith. As Christians, we know that the ultimate source of patience, Christ, lives within us by his Spirit. Our role is to trust that the Holy Spirit is giving us the strength to persevere in whatever situation we find ourselves in. This is a provision we can claim by faith as taught us in Romans 5:1-5.

      Patience as listed in Galatians 5 is often called long-suffering. The original Greek word is makrothumio, meaning “long temper.” We are to keep a “long attitude” towards God, others, and ourselves. This spiritual posture calls for grace — grace that compels us to trust God, grace extended to others when they hurt us, and grace to forgive ourselves when we stumble and fall.

      The experience of waiting on God reminds us that it is not our circumstances that define our reality. Rather, it is the truth of Christ’s love and life in us. This gives us hope, as Romans 8:28 assures us that we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. It is not in our abilities to know the time or way in which God will work things out. Ecclesiastes 3:11 and Isaiah 55:8-9 are great reminders that these rest solely in the domain of God’s knowledge. Our role is to trust the promise of Philippians 1:6 and wait with hope as God’s brings about to completion the good work he began in each of our lives.

      What is our role in the battle?

      Consider again the definition of patience as God-given restraint. God allows us to access divine restraint, but it is our choice to trust him or not. Adam and Eve were given free will. They were gifted many provisions in the garden; they didn’t need to partake of the fruit that was forbidden. However, they chose not to exercise restraint and instead disobeyed God’s command. When we use God-given restraint, waiting on his will and timing instead of trying to change the situation in our own strength, we overcome temptation and step out in obedience towards God.

      Related article: Live By Faith

      There is purpose in the process. Take a look at Hebrews 12:2. Waiting on God forces us to look to him. It casts our eyes rightly to Christ as the source of our faith and the assurance of our salvation. It reminds us that Christ’s death and resurrection are the reason we can be filled with and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Trials cause us to persevere by deepening our knowledge of God and relying on him more intentionally. As James 1:2-4 tells us, it is through trials that our faith grows to maturity.

      Waiting patiently on the Lord does not mean being stuck at a standstill. Consider Ephesians 6, which commands: put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then.

      To hold our ground by remaining obedient to the Lord while waiting is not to remain inactive or passive. Note that the word stand is repeated three times. **To be patient is to persevere as a soldier in God’s army, continuing to stand firm in Christ and live fully for him, trusting in his perfect will despite any present difficulties. Revelation 3:10-11 tells us of God’s care for those who persevere through the battle.

      We might feel unable to continue to wait patiently on God or to continue to love those that may be hard to love, but in fact, we have access to all the patience we need in Christ. We can trust the Spirit to give us the strength to bear our circumstances and enable us to use this time of waiting to grow in our intimacy with the Lord.

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      How to Stay Committed to Your Christian Faith

      Download Article

      Throughout your walk as a Christian, it's normal to have times where you feel especially close to God. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true—there might be times when it's harder to feel His presence in your life. During those times, it can be hard to stay dedicated to your faith. Keep your faith strong by devoting yourself to your spiritual routine and spending time around other believers.[1]

       
       

       

      Method1
      Worshipping Privately
      1. Image titled Stay Committed to Your Christian Faith Step 1
        1
        Make time for your daily prayer and devotion. When you find yourself struggling with your faith, you might find it hard to consistently make time to read the Bible and pray. However, keeping a daily devotion will help you feel closer to God, even when times are hard.[2]
        • Choose a time that works best for you, then stick to it every day. If you're an early bird, you might enjoy starting off your day by studying God's word. If you're more of a night owl, you might prefer ending the day with reflection and prayer.[3]
        • During this time, try to shut out any distractions. If it's possible, find a quiet place away from other people, and turn off your TV and phone so it will be easier to focus.
        • Psalm 119:105 describes how God's word can help guide you: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
         
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        Talk to God about everything that's on your mind. Prayer doesn't have to be a formal speech to God with your hands folded in front of you. You can pray anytime, anywhere—and the more you pray, the more connected you'll feel to God. That can help keep your faith strong no matter what you're going through.[4]
        • For instance, you might thank God when good things happen, ask Him for wisdom when you face a challenging situation, or pray for comfort when you're feeling sad. If you're really questioning your faith, try saying a prayer like, "I feel so far away from you right now, God. Please help me feel Your presence in my life."
        • It can take a while to get into the habit of praying constantly, so don't beat yourself up if you forget sometimes. Just keep talking to God whenever you think about it—with time, it will become more and more natural.
        • The Bible describes this type of prayerful relationship in Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
         
         
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        Read your Bible to keep your faith strong. Each day during your quiet time with God, read a passage from your Bible, and really meditate on its meaning.[5] Often, you'll be surprised how relevant your Bible study can be to whatever you're going through. When God's word feels applicable to your own life, it can really help refresh your faith.[6]
        • There's no right or wrong way to read your Bible—you might start in Genesis and read all the way through, you might read a passage from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament each day, or you might do daily guided readings from a devotional. The important thing is that you spend time studying God's word.
        • If you find yourself questioning your beliefs, try reading stories of Biblical figures who also struggled with their faith, like Moses, Job, Esther, and Noah.[7]
        • Try meditating on what you read to really dig deeply into what it means for you.
         
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        Ask for forgiveness when you sin. Sin separates us from God, and that distance can lead to a crisis of faith if you don't address it. However, there's a way back to God—in 1 John 1:9, the Bible says, "If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Pray to God admitting your sins, and ask him to forgive you and help you overcome them.[8]
        • Everyone sins sometimes—it's human nature! However, part of being a Christian is dedicating yourself to being more and more like Jesus, so it's important to turn away from sin whenever you recognize it in your own life.
        • The Bible instructs us to forgive other people for their sins against us, as well: "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." -Mark 11:25
         
         
       

       

      Method2
      Overcoming Doubt
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        Meditate on times you've felt God's presence. When you're feeling especially far away from God, remind yourself of times when you felt close to Him. Try to hold onto that feeling, and pray that God will help you feel His presence again. If you can persevere through the tough times, you'll likely find that your relationship with God is closer than ever when you get on the other side.[9]
        • For instance, you might think back to when you first became a Christian or a time when you felt that He answered one of your prayers.
        • Even if it seems hard to feel God's presence, the Bible reminds us that He is always there. Matthew 28:20 says, for instance, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
         
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        Keep a prayer journal as a reminder of God's work in your life. Take a few minutes each day to write down whatever you're praying about. This might be things you're grateful for, things you're worried about, people you love—anything that's on your mind. [10]When you're going through hard times, read back through the journal, and reflect on how God may have answered those prayers.[11]
        • You can also write things down in your prayer journal so you'll remember to pray about them later.
        • Having a daily gratitude practice can make it easier to find the good things in life. Every day, write down something that you're grateful for. When you're having a hard time, read through your gratitude list and thank God for the blessings in your life.
         
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        Allow yourself to ask questions. It can be hard to have strong faith all the time, especially when you see and hear things that make you wonder if God is even real. Being a good Christian doesn't mean that you're not allowed to question who God is or how He works in your life. However, instead of allowing these questions to pull you away from God, lean on your faith, talk to fellow believers, and read God's word to try to find the answers.[12]
        • During your time as a Christian, you might hear people say that God doesn't exist, or you might see other Christians acting in a way that makes you feel distant from the church. However, those things don't have to destroy your faith—instead, use them as a reminder that all people need God's love and forgiveness.
        • You might also find yourself wondering why God allows bad things to happen to good people. There might not be any easy answers, but it's important to know that these types of questions are a normal part of faith.
        • The Bible encourages Christians to think critically about the things we hear. 1 John 4:1 says, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
         
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        Be patient with yourself if you struggle with your faith. Many Christians go through times when they don't feel as close to God, especially if something happens to make them question their faith. Take your time to reflect on why you feel distant from God. In addition, think about times you felt very close to Him. Then, try to figure out how to return to that close relationship.[13]
        • Remember, your faith doesn't necessarily have to look like anybody else's. For instance, you might believe that the stories in the Bible happened exactly as they're described, or you might believe that they're meant as metaphors to guide God's followers.
         
       

       

      Method3
      Enjoying Fellowship
      1. Image titled Stay Committed to Your Christian Faith Step 9
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        Attend church to learn more about God's word. Regularly attending church can help you keep your faith fresh and strong.[14] It's a great way to spend time with other believers, and during the service itself, you'll hear real-world applications of God's word from your priest or pastor.[15]
        • If you aren't able to visit a local church in person, watch live-streamed services or listen to podcasts.[16]
         
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        Spend time with other believers in and out of church. Fellowship with other Christians is a huge reason to attend church, but it doesn't have to end there. Join in church activities like Bible studies and fellowship groups to meet other believers in a more informal setting. As your friendships grow, you can even spend time together doing things that aren't church-related, like having a barbecue or grabbing coffee together.[17]
        • When you're around other people who share your faith, they can help uplift you when you're struggling or hold you accountable if you're drifting away from God.[18]
        • To meet other believers online, try checking out Christian forums or social media groups.[19]
        • The Bible encourages this fellowship over and over again, as in Hebrews 10:24-25: "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
         
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        Volunteer your time serving others.[20] Helping people in need is a great way to show God's love to others. In turn, this can actually help strengthen your own faith, so look for service opportunities wherever you can.[21]
        • Check with your church to see if they have any missions you can be apart of, like helping with a food drive for hungry families or taking part in a neighborhood cleanup.
        • Serving others doesn't necessarily have to be a formal thing, either—you might show God's love by being a caring listener when a loved one is having a hard time, for instance.
        • Find a way to use your unique talents to help others, as advised in 1 Peter 4:10: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
         
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        Ask for advice and prayer from mentors in your church. Form relationships with leaders in your church who you feel embody God's love. Then, when you go through hard times, let them know you're struggling. That way, they can pray for you, and they may even be able to share wisdom based on their own personal experiences.[22]
        • For instance, you might turn to your pastor or priest, an elder in your church, or just someone you really like who's been a Christian longer than you have.

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      Teens and social media use: What's the impact?

      By Mayo Clinic Staff
       

      Social media is a big part of many teens' lives. A 2018 Pew Research Center survey of nearly 750 13- to 17-year-olds found that 45% are online almost constantly and 97% use a social media platform, such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat.

      But what impact does social media use have on teens?

       

      Social media benefits

       

      Social media allows teens to create online identities, communicate with others and build social networks. These networks can provide teens with valuable support, especially helping those who experience exclusion or have disabilities or chronic illnesses.

      Teens also use social media for entertainment and self-expression. And the platforms can expose teens to current events, allow them to interact across geographic barriers and teach them about a variety of subjects, including healthy behaviors. Social media that's humorous or distracting or provides a meaningful connection to peers and a wide social network might even help teens avoid depression.

       

      Social media harms

       

      However, social media use can also negatively affect teens, distracting them, disrupting their sleep, and exposing them to bullying, rumor spreading, unrealistic views of other people's lives and peer pressure.

      The risks might be related to how much social media teens use. A 2019 study of more than 6,500 12- to 15-year-olds in the U.S. found that those who spent more than three hours a day using social media might be at heightened risk for mental health problems. Another 2019 study of more than 12,000 13- to 16-year-olds in England found that using social media more than three times a day predicted poor mental health and well-being in teens.

       

      Other studies also have observed links between high levels of social media use and depression or anxiety symptoms. A 2016 study of more than 450 teens found that greater social media use, nighttime social media use and emotional investment in social media — such as feeling upset when prevented from logging on — were each linked with worse sleep quality and higher levels of anxiety and depression.

      How teens use social media also might determine its impact. A 2015 study found that social comparison and feedback seeking by teens using social media and cellphones was linked with depressive symptoms. In addition, a small 2013 study found that older adolescents who used social media passively, such as by just viewing others' photos, reported declines in life satisfaction. Those who used social media to interact with others or post their own content didn't experience these declines.

      And an older study on the impact of social media on undergraduate college students showed that the longer they used Facebook, the stronger was their belief that others were happier than they were. But the more time the students spent going out with their friends, the less they felt this way.

      Because of teens' impulsive natures, experts suggest that teens who post content on social media are at risk of sharing intimate photos or highly personal stories. This can result in teens being bullied, harassed or even blackmailed. Teens often create posts without considering these consequences or privacy concerns.

      Protecting your teen

       

      There are steps you can take to encourage responsible use of social media and limit some of its negative effects. Consider these tips:

      • Set reasonable limits. Talk to your teen about how to avoid letting social media interfere with his or her activities, sleep, meals or homework. Encourage a bedtime routine that avoids electronic media use, and keep cellphones and tablets out of teens' bedrooms. Set an example by following these rules yourself.
      • Monitor your teen's accounts. Let your teen know that you'll be regularly checking his or her social media accounts. You might aim to do so once a week or more. Make sure you follow through.
      • Explain what's not OK. Discourage your teen from gossiping, spreading rumors, bullying or damaging someone's reputation — online or otherwise. Talk to your teen about what is appropriate and safe to share on social media.
      • Encourage face-to-face contact with friends. This is particularly important for teens vulnerable to social anxiety disorder.
      • Talk about social media. Talk about your own social media habits. Ask your teen how he or she is using social media and how it makes him or her feel. Remind your teen that social media is full of unrealistic images.
       

      If you think your teen is experiencing signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression related to social media use, talk to your child's doctor.

      Dec. 21, 2019

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      How Can I Rejoice in the Lord Always?

      Blair Parke
      | Editor for Xulon Press
      2020
      19 Sep
      rejoice in the lord always

      "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4

      When you think of the word “rejoice,” what do you typically think of? You might think of rejoicing as being in a state of constant happiness and celebrating every detail of your life with unending exuberance. 

      What about when you see the Scripture that says “rejoice in the Lord always”? Does that have the same sentiment as the mentioned state of happiness above? 

      Philippians 4:4 has the apostle Paul telling the church of Philippi, in a letter, to always rejoice in the Lord, always celebrate the Lord. This carries the understanding that you do it whether you want to or not, whether you are happy with the Lord or not. When you celebrate with the right thought in mind about how God works, it will be possible to find ways to rejoice in the Lord.

      Let us examine the following passages in Philippians 4 to see why this advice from Paul is so profound and how we can agree to this belief of God’s greatness at all times, finding the joy inside building up as we give Him thanks.

      What Is the Context of Philippians 4?

      The book of Philippians is the apostle Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi to share with them wisdom and encouragement for living out their faith in Christ and standing strong when struggles and persecution might occur.

      Remember that when it came to suffering for your calling, Paul was definitely the expert. He endured severe persecution for his belief in Christ and call to ministry, so advice from him on rejoicing during trials seems to be a good idea.

      Philippians 4 centers mostly on Paul conveying to the believers what to focus on during times of uncertainty. He wants them to also know that as they go through challenges, they will be able to do more because Christ is in them (Phil. 4:13). 

       
       
       

      The fourth chapter of Philippians also encourages people to not be anxious for anything, but to give their needs in prayer to God (Phil. 4:6) and gain God’s peace in return (Phil. 4:7). 

      Paul also shared in Philippians 4:11-12 how he has learned to be content where he is because he knows what it is like to be hungry and full, to suffer and to abound. 

      However, with Philippians 4:4, Paul only declares that we “rejoice in the Lord, always. Again I will say, rejoice!” What Paul is saying here is that we should rejoice at all times, whether we are sad, happy, angry, confused, or even tired: there shouldn’t be a moment that goes by that we aren’t giving thanks to the Lord for His love and provision.

      joyful mom and daughter singing praise songs with headphones on

      Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Lordn 

      What Does It Mean to “Rejoice in the Lord Always”?

      Rejoice, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary, is “to give you” or “to feel joy or great delight,” while to rejoice in means to “have or possess.” 

      So, the Scripture conveys that to rejoice in the Lord is to have joy or delight in the Lord; to feel joy when you think of Him always.

      How do you do that, you might ask? Well, think of God as you would someone you can see in front of you, whether a family member, friend, co-worker, or someone from your church or community. When you spend time with someone that brings you joy and happiness, you rejoice or delight in being with him or her. You celebrate it.

      Although you can’t see God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, you come to know that they are there with you, as close as anyone can be to you. You feel their presence when you feel calm in the midst of chaos, happiness or positivity in the midst of sadness, and confidence in the midst of uncertainty. You are rejoicing in knowing that God is there with you, strengthening you when you are weak and encouraging you when you feel like giving up.

       
       
       

      What if You Don’t Feel Like Rejoicing in the Lord?

      Especially in our present status of life, it can be hard to rejoice in the Lord when there is pain, struggle, and sadness all around us. However, it is possible to love on the Lord, to rejoice always, even when you don’t feel like it or are grappling with too much pain to think of God.

      Philippians 4:4 is followed by the well-known verses shared in Philippians 4:6-7, where it talks about not being anxious and giving your requests to the Lord with thanksgiving in your heart. Verse 7 follows this with: “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

      What these verses state is that when we rejoice in the Lord, we begin to feel peace in our situations, peace in our hearts and minds, because we understand that God has our prayer requests well in hand and brings us peace until those requests are answered. 

      Even when you have been waiting a long time for a prayer request to happen or a situation to change, you can rejoice and be thankful for the Lord in the meantime because you know your prayer request has reached the ears of God and will be answered soon.

      One way to rejoice when you don’t feel like it is to think back on the times that you were waiting on other prayer requests or were in similar situations of distress, and how God provided when it didn’t look like anything would change. When you remember what occurred and how appreciative you were to God, this feeling should fill you with joy and tell you that God can do this again and again. He is a God who loves and cares for you.

       
       
       

      So, Philippians 4:6-7 tells us not to be anxious, as the world would have us be, but hopeful, thankful, and at peace in knowing your prayer requests will be taken care of. The world may be anxious in its lack of control, but you don’t have to be because you know who is in control.

      Photo credit: Unsplash/Nghia-Le 

      A Prayer to Rejoice in the Lord

      As we close, let’s follow what is expressed in Philippians 4 and rejoice in the Lord always, as we give Him our prayer requests and await His peace in return.

      Lord God,

      Thank you for loving us and caring for our needs as You do. For You know the plan ahead for us and know how to guide our steps to be in line with that plan. It’s not always easy to rejoice and remain hopeful in You when problems and circumstances arise, but we have to think back on the times we have been in similar positions and remember how You blessed us more than we thought possible. From big to little, we can count the blessings that You gave us before and discover they are more numerous than we ever thought possible. That is because You know our needs before we ask them, You know our heartaches before we have them, and You know what will grow us the most to be all we can be in Your eyes. So, let us rejoice and be glad as we give You our prayers, knowing when we least expect it, You will bring them into fruition. We give all of this to You in Jesus’s name.

       
       
       

      Amen.

      God Will Provide

      Rejoicing in all situations, especially nowadays, can be hard to do, if not impossible, at times. However, God has called us to rejoice in Him always, knowing that we are loved and cared for by an eternal God.

      The apostle Paul knew well the suffering that we can endure in our day, having experienced several bouts of it throughout his ministry. But he reminds us in this chapter that we need to always be looking to God for hope and encouragement. God will provide for our needs when no one else can. 

      As we bypass feelings of apprehension of rejoicing when we are going through difficult situations, hopefully we will let those feelings be replaced by feelings of peace and confidence that the God who began a good work in us will fulfill it in His children.

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      How and Why the 5 Steps Can Help

      The five action steps for communicating with someone who may be

      suicidal are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention.

      5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in EMotional Pain: 1. Ask "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" 2. Keep them safe. Reduce access to lethal items or places. 3. Be there. Listen carefully and acknowledge teir feelings. 4. Help them connect. Save the National Suicide revention Lifeline number 800-273-8255. 5. Stay connected. Follow up and stay in touch after a crisis.

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      Transforming the understanding
      and treatment of mental illnesses.

       
       

      Suicide Prevention

      Esta página también está disponible en español.

      If You Know Someone in Crisis

      Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.

      The Veterans Crisis Line connects Service members and Veterans in crisis, as well as their family members and friends, with qualified Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text messaging service. Dial 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone or send a text message to 838255 to connect with a VA responder.  You can also start a confidential online chat session at Veterans Crisis Chat.

      Introduction

      Suicide is a major public health concern. In 2019, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 47,500 people. Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives.

      What is Suicide?

      Suicide is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, and they die as a result.

      A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the goal of ending their life, but they do not die.

      Avoid using terms such as “committing suicide,” “successful suicide,” or “failed suicide” when referring to suicide and suicide attempts, as these terms often carry negative meanings.

      Warning Signs

      Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:

      • Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
      • Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
      • Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
      • Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
      • Talking about being a burden to others
      • Withdrawing from family and friends
      • Giving away important possessions
      • Saying goodbye to friends and family
      • Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
      • Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
      • Talking or thinking about death often

      Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk for attempting suicide include:

      • Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
      • Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
      • Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
      • Using alcohol or drugs more often
      • Acting anxious or agitated
      • Changing eating or sleeping habits
      • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

      It is important to note that suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and should not be ignored. If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.

      Here are five steps you can take to #BeThe1To help someone in emotional pain:

       
      5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in EMotional Pain: 1. Ask "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" 2. Keep them safe. Reduce access to lethal items or places. 3. Be there. Listen carefully and acknowledge teir feelings. 4. Help them connect. Save the National Suicide revention Lifeline number 800-273-8255. 5. Stay connected. Follow up and stay in touch after a crisis.
       
      1. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
      2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
      3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
      4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-TALK (8255)) and the Crisis Text Line’s number (741741) in your phone, so it’s there when you need it. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
      5. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

      Risk Factors

      Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Suicidal behavior is complex, and there is no single cause. The main risk factors for suicide are:

      • Depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorder
      • Chronic pain
      • A history of suicide attempts
      • Family history of a mental disorder or substance use
      • Family history of suicide
      • Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
      • Presence of guns or other firearms in the home
      • Having recently been released from prison or jail
      • Exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities

      Most people who have risk factors will not attempt suicide, and it is difficult to tell who will act on suicidal thoughts. Although risk factors for suicide are important to keep in mind, someone who is showing warning signs of suicide may be at higher risk for danger and need immediate attention.

      Stressful life events (such as the loss of a loved one, legal troubles, or financial difficulties) and interpersonal stressors (such as shame, harassment, bullying, discrimination, or relationship troubles) may contribute to suicide risk, especially when they occur along with suicide risk factors.

      Family and friends are often the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide, and they can take the first step toward helping a loved one find mental health treatment. See the resources on NIMH’s Find Help for Mental Illnesses page if you're not sure where to start.

      Identifying People at Risk for Suicide

      Treatments and Therapies

      Effective, evidence-based interventions are available to help people who are at risk for suicide.

      Brief Interventions

      Psychotherapies

      Multiple types of psychosocial interventions have been found to help individuals who have attempted suicide (see below). These types of interventions may prevent someone from making another attempt.

      NIMH’s Find Help for Mental Illnesses page can help you locate a mental health provider in your area. Here are tips to help prepare and guide you on how to talk to your health care provider about your mental health and get the most of your visit.

      Medication

      Some individuals at risk for suicide might benefit from medication. Health care providers and patients can work together to find the best medication or medication combination, as well as the right dose. Because many individuals at risk for suicide often have a mental illness or substance use problems, individuals might benefit from medication along with psychosocial intervention.

      Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication used primarily to treat individuals with schizophrenia. To date, it is the only medication with a specific U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indication for reducing the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

      If you are prescribed a medication, be sure you:

      • Talk with your health care provider or a pharmacist to make sure you understand the risks and benefits of the medications you're taking.
      • Do not stop taking a medication without talking to your health care provider first. Suddenly stopping a medication may lead to "rebound" or worsening of symptoms. Other uncomfortable or potentially dangerous withdrawal effects also are possible.
      • Report any concerns about side effects to your health care provider right away. You may need a change in the dose or a different medication.
      • Report serious side effects to the FDA MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone at 1-800-332-1088. You or your health care provider may send a report.

      For the most up-to-date information on medications, side effects, and warnings, visit the FDA website.

      Collaborative Care

      Collaborative Care is a team-based approach to mental health care. A behavioral health care manager will work with the person, their primary health care provider, and mental health specialists to develop a treatment plan. Collaborative care has been shown to be an effective way to treat depression and reduce suicidal thoughts.

      Ongoing Research

      NIMH supports promising research that is likely to have an impact on reducing suicide in the United States. Research is helping improve our ability to identify people at risk for suicide and to develop and improve effective treatments. NIMH researchers continue to study suicide and how to best implement suicide prevention and intervention programs in different settings, including health care, community, school, and the justice system.

      Learn more about NIMH research priorities and recent research on suicide prevention.

      Latest News

      Teen girl looking off into the distance
      Adaptive Screener May Help Identify Youth at Risk of Suicide

      • Press Release

      In a study supported by NIMH, researchers have developed a computerized adaptive screener that can help identify youth at risk for attempting suicide.

      Continue reading

      National Institute of Mental Health
      Media Advisory: NIMH Researchers Available to Discuss Suicide Prevention

      • Media Advisory

      Experts from the National Institute of Mental Health are available to speak on topics related to suicide and suicide prevention, including the warning signs of suicide, suicide prevention methods, trends in suicide rates, how to find mental health help and support, and the latest in suicide prevention research.

      Continue reading

      a pair of hands holds another person's hand in a gesture of comfort
      NIMH Leadership Describes Suicide Prevention Research Priorities

      • Institute Update

      In a new paper, published in JAMA Psychiatry, NIMH looks forward, outlining the next stages in the Institute’s suicide prevention research priorities.

      Continue reading

      More

      Learn More

      Free Brochures and Shareable Resources

      • Frequently Asked Questions about Suicide: This brochure provides information about suicide including risk factors, symptoms and warning signs, treatment options and therapies, how to find help for yourself or others, and research about suicide and suicide prevention.
      • Warning Signs of Suicide: This NIMH infographic presents behaviors and feelings that may be warnings signs that someone is thinking about suicide.
      • 5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain: This NIMH Infographic presents five steps for helping someone in emotional pain in order to prevent suicide.
      • Shareable Resources on Suicide Prevention: Help support suicide prevention awareness and education in your community. Use these digital resources from NIMH, including graphics and messages, to spread the word about suicide prevention.

      Federal Resources

      • The African American Youth Suicide: Report to Congress is a response by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that builds upon the 2019 Congressional Black Caucus report, “Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Suicide in America.” The report examines patterns of youth suicide by race and ethnicity, what is known about youth suicide decedent characteristics, information on risk and protective factors, interventions, and remaining knowledge gaps.
      • The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) is the only federally supported resource center devoted to advancing the implementation of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. SPRC is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
      • The American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) National Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan is a national initiative addressing suicide prevention, based on fostering collaborations across Tribes, Tribal organizations, Urban Indian organizations, and the Indian Health Service (IHS). The IHS Suicide Prevention and Care site provides resources to support suicide prevention efforts, and to help communities and individuals understand and obtain services related to suicide.
      • The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Suicide Prevention webpage provides resources for communities and states to support suicide prevention efforts.
      • MedlinePlus offers information about suicide from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
      • National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is a public-private partnership working to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
      • The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Implement the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention outlines the actions that communities and individuals can take to reduce the rates of suicide and help improve resilience.
      • #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message to spread the word about actions everyone can take to prevent suicide.
      • Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) is free screening resource for medical settings (e.g., emergency departments, inpatient medical/surgical units, outpatient clinics/primary care) that can help nurses or physicians successfully identify youth at risk for suicide.

      Multimedia

      Read transcript.

      Read transcript.

      View more Multimedia on Suicide Prevention

      Crisis Hotlines

      • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24-hour, toll-free, and confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area. Support is available in English and Spanish and via live chat.
      • Disaster Distress Hotline: People affected by any disaster or tragedy can call this helpline, sponsored by SAMHSA, to receive immediate counseling. Call 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained professional from the closest crisis counseling center within the network.
      • Veterans Crisis Line: This helpline is a free, confidential resource for Veterans of all ages and circumstances. Call 1-800-273-8255, press "1"; text 838255; or chat online to connect with 24/7 support.
      • Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 for free and confidential support 24 hours a day throughout the U.S.

      Resources for Media

      Research and Statistics

      Research

      Statistics

      • Statistics: Suicide: This webpage provides information on the statistics currently available about suicide rates in the U.S.
      • Data and Statistics (WISQARS): This CDC resource is an interactive, online database that provides data on fatal injuries and violent deaths.

      Last Revised: August 2021

      Unless otherwise specified, NIMH information and publications are in the public domain and available for use free of charge. Citation of the NIMH is appreciated. Please see our Citing NIMH Information and Publications page for more information.

      Contact Us

      The National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center

      Available in English and Español

      Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, M-F

      Phone:  1-866-615-6464
      TTY:  1-301-443-8431
      TTY (toll-free):  1-866-415-8051

      Live Online Chat:  Talk to a representative
      Email:  [email protected]
      Fax:  1-301-443-4279

      Mail:  National Institute of Mental Health
      Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications
      6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6200, MSC 9663
      Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

    • Do You Know the Difference Between Tithes and Offerings?

      Do You Know the Difference Between Tithes and Offerings?

      If you’ve attended church even once in your life, you’ve probably heard the phrase tithes and offerings.

      It’s often printed in the bulletin, or the pastor talks about it as the ushers pass the collection plates. “Tithes and offerings” is often treated as one type of giving.

      But is there a difference between tithes and offerings? Yep! And as the giver of those tithes and offerings, you should know how to tell them apart.

      • The tithe is the first 10 percent of your income that God calls you to give to your local church each month.
      • An offering is any money you choose to give above and beyond the tithe.

      Let’s look at each one closely.

       

      The Firstfruits of All Your Increase

      Proverbs 3:9 calls us to honor God with the first and the best of our earnings—the firstfruits. At this time, Solomon was speaking to a society of farmers, so most people’s “income” came from the crops they grew or animals they raised. Today, we measure our increase in dollars, not donkeys. But the principle still applies: God calls us to bring Him the first of our earnings. Specifically, the first tenth.

      "Tithing is really a form of worship."

      So the tithe, which means “tenth,” is a baseline for giving—the bare minimum. It’s a tenth of your monthly income, and it goes specifically to your local church (Malachi 3:10). It’s the first thing you do when you budget your money—before you pay down debt, make a mortgage payment, or fill your car with gas.

      Tithing is really a form of worship, because it shows God we trust Him (not money) to provide for us.

       

      Giving Freely and Cheerfully

      Offerings are different. They’re given above and beyond the tithe. The Bible doesn’t command us to give offerings, but it does encourage us to give generously, and offerings—since they aren’t required—reflect the generosity in our hearts.

       

      Here’s the thing about offerings: Unlike tithes, which come out of your budget before anything else, offerings should be given only when you have the financial margin to do so. That means you tithe first and then take care of your own household: your bills, your debt payments, your housing costs, groceries, transportation, and clothing.

      After all that is done, and you feel called to give an offering beyond the tithe, feel free!

       

      "God loves a cheerful giver."

      Now, someone who’s debt-free with lots of extra income every month might not give much beyond the tithe. They can, but they choose not to. That’s where offerings become a heart issue. God wants us to give with open hands and hearts, to be as generous as we can within our circumstances.

      Related: How Could Your Debt-Free Giving Change a Life?

      In fact, 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

      Now, you have a lot more freedom as to where you can give your offering than you do with your tithe. Tithes must go to your local church, but offerings can really go anywhere—to your church, to a parachurch organization or even to a charity with a cause you believe in.

      The Bottom Line

      Tithes and offerings are different, but they do have one big thing in common: They both work to build your trust in God as your ultimate Provider and decrease your dependence on money. After all, Matthew 6:24 (ESV) tells us, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

      And if you’re not giving at all? There’s no time like the present to start!

      For more advice on giving and other biblical money principles, listen to Chris Brown’s True Stewardship podcast. Subscribe

      This article originally appeared on Stewardship.com. Used with permission.

      Image courtesy: ©GettyImages/MARIAMARTAGIMENEZ

      Publication date: May 9, 2017

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      14 Characteristics of a woman of faith

      Need to move the needle on your faith? One great way of doing that is to actually know what it looks like to live by faith. What are the characteristics of a woman of faith? The Bible is the best place to start to answer this question.

      Table of Contents  show 

      In this post, we will explore the lives of female characters of the Bible and what makes them stand out as biblical heroines of faith.

      Let’s start with some definitions.

      What does it mean to be a woman of faith?

      Faith has two basic meanings in the Bible. One has to do with believing that God exists and the other is trusting him with your life.

      A woman of faith knows that God did not create this world and has left it unsupervised. Rather, he is still sitting in heaven and is very much involved in the affairs of earth.

      She not only believes that He is God of the universe. But she also believes that He is a personal God who knows her every thought and feeling. Her every want, need, and desire. 

      She is a woman who believes that her salvation is as a result of what Jesus did on the cross and that her life is committed to him. She is a woman with a deep abiding, unwavering trust in God during the good and bad times. 

      She knows God is the author and finisher of her life. And in accordance with all this, she lives a life built on the purpose God has called her to fulfill. The way she chooses to live doesn’t make sense to everyone. That’s because she lives by faith and not by what can be seen by others. 

      What does the Bible say about women of faith?

      The Bible tells us about faithful women by telling us their stories. Faith journeys aren’t always linear. In fact, nobody has a smooth, straightforward faith story.

      As we look at the faith stories of women in the Bible, you will see that the faces of faith can differ. And because they are so different, each woman can teach us a variety of things about living a life of faith as a woman.

      Traits of a woman of faith

      Studying the lives of these women can show us that women of faith are

      1. fervent in prayer and abiding in trust

      2. Bold, persistent and shameless in approaching God with their needs

      3. Imperfect but believing 

      4. Filled with the Holy Spirit 

      5. Obedient to God’s call on their lives

      6. Pushing through fear everyday 

      7. Discerning of spiritual things

      8. Stepping out in faith regularly 

      9. Struggling in faith sometimes 

      10. Grateful for God’s faith in them

      11. Spending time with God regularly

      12. Believing the impossible 

      13. Believing the unlikely 

      14. Wise in exercising faith

      women of faith are fervent in prayer and abiding in trusting God 

      Hannah is one of the Bible’s most outstanding faithful woman of God. 

      Her story is not only heart-rending but also heartwarming. You see, she was married for years but just couldn’t get pregnant. 

      Back then, being able to have children, especially sons, pretty much defined a woman. 

      A woman who couldn’t produce offspring was deemed useless. After all, it was her responsibility to help her husband carry on the family name. If she could not fulfill this role, the next generation was in jeopardy.

      No matter how much her husband loved her, the rest of her family and the entire town would look at her with pity and shame. 

      Such was Hannah’s reality.

      Her husband’s other wife, Peninnah, reminded her every single day of her uselessness. Of her childless state. She mocked Hannah mercilessly.

      But Hannah had a superpower that Peninnah could not take from her.

      Fervent prayer.

      Hannah knew how to pray! 

      One fateful year, when they went to the temple, Hannah prayed with such fervency that the priest thought she was drunk. 

      But oh no! 

      Hannah was pleading her case before God. She wasn’t knocking at heaven’s doors. She was banging at it in open desperation. She was vulnerable before God. 

      “Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. 16 Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” (1 Samuel 1:15)

      She was extremely specific in her prayer too. Telling God exactly what she wanted and exactly what she was going to do with the blessing. 

      Hannah walked away from that prayer spot believing that her prayer was answered. She just knew it. She could finally enjoy a meal again.

      “Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad. (1 Samuel 1:18)

      A woman of faith prays. Alot. And fervently. And with an abiding trust in God that He will come through for her.

      women of faith are bold, persistent and shameless in faith

      A woman of faith isn’t only fervent in prayer. She is also persistent in prayer.

      Matthew 15:22-28 describes a very moving story. It details a woman’s distress over her sick daughter. Jesus is in the area just when this is happening to her. 

      This is her opportunity to get her problem solved! 

      But wait. Jesus responds in a very unusual manner.

      As she cries out to get Jesus’s attention, Scripture says Jesus doesn’t answer. He was actually ignoring it seems. But her calling out to him was so very persistent that she begins to annoy the disciples. Their solution is to send her packing.

      When Jesus finally gives her his attention, again he says something that could almost be considered an insult.

      He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” Matthew 15:26

      You see, to the Jewish person, anyone who wasn’t Jewish was practically regarded as a dog. A very unclean creature beneath the status of many other animals. This woman was a gentile. Was Jesus actually calling her a dog?

      She could have taken Jesus’s words personally. She could have fired back.

      But she did not. Instead, she replied:

      Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

      She persisted. She knew Jesus could heal her daughter. She was not about to walk away because of what people thought about her status in society. She needed help. Now. And the help was standing right there in front her.

      She swallowed her pride. She didn’t bother to get upset. She kept her eyes on her goal. Her daughter needed healing. That’s what her visit was about. 

      Jesus’s response?

      Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment”. Matthew 15:28

      Luke 18:1-8 records Jesus telling a parable about a widow who gets what she wants from an unjust judge because of her persistence. Jesus says that it is her faith and consistency in her persistence that make this cruel judge give in to her request.

      Godly women who have an abiding faith are persistent in prayer. Even when it feels like the prayers are going no further than the ceiling. Even when it seems like God has taken a vacation. Even when the situation looks hopeless and is getting more and more hopeless in your eyes. Don’t get sidetracked. Don’t get distracted.

      She prays all the more. She’s a prayer warrior instead of a worrier. 

      women of faith are Imperfect but believing

      Rahab is one of the less honorable women of the Bible. Her identity is told to us from the get go. She was a prostitute.

      It’s so easy to judge her because of her lifestyle. Before you judge her though, I would like to point out somethings.

      Rahab may not have been living a peachy, spotless life. She may not be someone who would get invitations to the who-is-who events. But she sure had one thing going for her: she believed in the God of heaven in a nation where that was not a thing. So when the Israelite spies were doing undercover work in Canaan, she helped them out.

      It is her faith that made her want to help them. She had heard how God had caused the Red Sea to swallow the Egyptian army to save the Israelites. Word had gotten around that God had fed the Israelites by allow water to flow from a rock and allowing food to fall from the sky.

      It made many afraid. But it made Rahab believe. Indeed, faith comes by hearing the Word.

      Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Judges 2:8-11

      Women of faith aren’t perfect people. They don’t always live like the Proverbs 31 woman. Yes, the Proverbs 31 woman represents the ideal. We’re striving to be like her. 

      But while we’re getting there we can find comfort in the fact that God meets us where we are. And I do mean wherever. Whether in the brothel or in the bank.

      Rahab believed in God and she believed in his power. And that’s why she becomes a part of the story to help Israel access the abundant blessings promised to them for over 400 years.

      And still there is more.

      This imperfect woman of faith becomes a part of the genealogy of Jesus! Imagine that. This prostitute didn’t remain one.

      As she grew in faith, she cleaned up her life and is recorded in the bloodline through which Jesus is born. Rahab became a godly woman. A woman of virtue. A woman of reputation. In fact, she is listed among the faithful in the hall of faith.

      By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. Hebrews 11:31

      God calls imperfect women too, friend. The only requirement is that you trust Him with your whole heart.

      women of faith are filled with the holy Spirit

      It was no secret that Elizabeth was beyond childbearing age. The whole community knew it.

      She was ashamed of and burdened by her childless state. But Elizabeth was not forgotten by God.

      God had told her husband, a priest, that she would get pregnant. And she did.

      The Bible says in Luke 1 that her baby would prepare the way for Jesus. But even more striking is that this baby would grow to be a spirit filled man.

      It follows that a spirit filled child needs to have the guidance of a spirit filled parent. Elizabeth was just that. Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, visited her during her pregnancy. And guess what happens.

      When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside her jumped, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41

      Women of great faith have the gift of the Holy Spirit. He leads her into truth. Helps her to discern spiritual things. Hones her character so she becomes more and more like Jesus everyday. Fills her up with all she needs to stay strong when life gets tough.

       women of faith accept God’s call in obedience

      Mary was only a teenage girl when Gabriel told her she was going to be the carrier for the promised Messiah. Her’s is an amazing story if you use imagination and time travel.

      Imagine this teenage girl being in a room. She’s not rich. In fact, quite the opposite. Where she lives is considered an inner city. A ghetto . Just not a great neighborhood. 

      Yet she was faithful woman of God. Even in those conditions, her character shone brightly.

      Any good jew knew the prophecy of Jesus’ coming. Mary more than knew it. She lived in expectation of it. And because of this, she was very much prepared when Gabriel appeared to her, delivering the news.

      What strikes me is how humble she was when her calling was revealed to her.

      “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38

      Mary doesn’t question. She doesn’t second guess. She doesn’t attempt to be disobedient. She just goes with the flow. With impressive obedience.

      If you are a woman of faith with a strong personality and an independent spirit, it can be hard sometimes for God to get you to go in the direction he wants you to. Why? Because you usually have your own plans or your own ideas of how things should unfold.

      Take a leaf from Mary’s book. Great women of faith are obedient to God’s purpose for their lives. Without question.

      This is a powerful lesson in this age of girl bosses.

      women of faith Push through fear

      This outstanding woman remains nameless. We know her because of the faith she exercised in a moment of great difficulty and fearfulness.

      The woman with the issue of blood is what we call her. She had been sick for 12 years and spent every penny she had to get well. 

      According to the law, she should not have been among people.

      When a woman has a discharge of blood for many days at a time other than her monthly period or has a discharge that continues beyond her period, she will be unclean as long as she has the discharge, just as in the days of her period. Leviticus 15:25

      She should have been afraid to break this law. And she was!

      But, you know what? Women who trust God and are desperate don’t care what other people think. They are only concerned with what God thinks.

      She was desperate for healing. By faith, she could envision herself being made whole. If only she could just touch Jesus’ clothes.

      This woman pushed through the crowd and her own fear just so she could reach Jesus. She took a massive risk. It paid off big time.

      But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me. Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.  Luke 8:46-47

      Women of faith are not always like Wonder Woman. Bold and brave.

      Sometimes they are afraid. But they do life scared anyway because they are desperate for healing and peace. They carry hope in their hearts because of the abiding faith they have.

      They understand that what they seek most is on the other side of fear. So they either fight the fear and step out in faith or tuck away the fear in their purse and step forward anyway.

      women of faith Discern spiritual things

      Anna was a prophetess who was living at the time of Jesus’s birth. Her life had been plunged into despair when her husband passed away 7 years after they married.

      After that, she dedicated her life to service at the temple. Spending that much time with God caused her faith to be on a whole new level. 

      As she tarried with God in prayer, hers became a waiting faith. She waited for the coming of the promised Messiah. 

      There is no doubt that God revealed many things to her. Future things that I’m sure other’s wondered how she knew.

      Anna was able to discern spiritual things because of the deep relationship and faith she had.

      So when Jesus was brought to the temple as a baby for the Jewish rites of circumcision, she was very much there. It was an ordinary day. But she knew there was something different. The Holy Spirit broke through on that ordinary and made it extraordinary. He spoke to Anna. As she looked at the baby swaddled in Mary’s arms, she knew this was the promised Messiah. S

      With her spiritual eyes, with her sharp spirit of discernment, she knew this baby was the promised Savior.

      When you think about how Jesus was treated by even the religious leaders, it took great faith to know, understand, and accept that this baby was God.

      But Anna had no trouble. Because she had been all wrapped up in God so much so that her whole life had been well marinated. 

      There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38

      Women of faith spend time with God. Lots of hours over their lifespan is dedicated to staying in God’s presence. They have an acute discerning spirit through which God works to reveal things to them or to impress things on their hearts. 

      women of faith step out in faith

      God women who have confidence in God’s power step out in faith, especially when it makes sense to nobody else. The Old Testament contains many of these stories.

      I think about the widow mentioned in 2 Kings 4. She was a mother to two boys. Her husband suddenly dies and leaves the whole family in debt.

      As was the custom of the time, people could be enslaved in payment for their debts. This was exactly what was about to happen to this widow’s sons. So she reached out to Elisha in desperation. 

      What he instructed her to do required great faith. It required her to believe the impossible. She was about to lose her sons. There was no door that wasn’t worth pushing. So she stepped out in faith.

      Elisha told her to get as many jars as she could from her neighbors. Next, she was to pour the measly amount oil she has left in the bottom of her jar into all of the borrowed jars. 

      Think about it. What would anyone expect to happen?

      The miraculous happened because this woman’s faith activated God’s intervention. As she poured, oil came gushing out of the almost empty jar until all the jars were full! She could now sell the oil to pay off her debt and had enough money left over to support her family.

      Had she not followed God’s instruction through Elisha. Had she not exercised faith that God could work this miracle. She would have missed out on her blessings. She could have lost her family.

      Women who say they trust God step out on nothing but the trust they have in God. Their faith becomes the evidence that what they believe is already done. Just as Hebrews 11 says. They believe that God can make something out of nothing.

      They will do things that seem ridiculous to people who have no understanding of how faith works. They know and understand that sometimes to access your freedom, you have to believe the impossible. They know that sometimes you have to rely on your faith to make your desires real. 

      women of faith sometimes struggle with their faith

      Let’s be real. A life of faith isn’t easy. You can’t always tell what God is up to. And you certainly don’t always know what’s supposed to be your role.

      This is where the struggle gets real.

      Sometimes women of faith struggle with their faith. Sarah knew all about it. 

      When God promises that she would get pregnant and have a son, she was all of 89 years old and her husband Abraham was one year shy of his 100th birthday. 

      Sarah laughs at this idea.

      So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Genesis 18:12

      It is indeed laughable to think that a 90 year old could have a child naturally. But we’re dealing with God here. He specializes in doing the impossible and silencing naysayers.

      Women of faith don’t always remember this though.

      Despite her moment of weakness, Sarah too is counted in the hall of faith in Hebrews.

      And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. Hebrews 11:11

      You see, God understands our humanity. He knows our weaknesses. He is very much aware that sometimes no matter how much he has done for us, our faith doesn’t always carry us. And in those moments of weakness, he sympathizes with us and lovingly reminds us of his track record.

      Even women who otherwise have an unwavering trust in God need to be reminded that God never promises anything he can’t deliver. He remains the same throughout the ages.

      If you struggle sometimes to believe God, be encouraged by Sarah’s delay in trusting God. She eventually recovered her faith and was able to use it to receive the blessing that God had promised.

      women of faith are Grateful for God’s faith in them

      Gratitude. Its importance to the Christian woman’s life cannot ever be underestimated.

      This is especially true when a woman has been through a whole lot in this life. So much so that when God has rescued her, she’s just grateful. Her story is so wrapped up in God, that the gratitude comes pouring out of her in all kinds of ways.

      Look at this list of grateful women from the Bible.

      After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:1-3

      These women had been rescued from demons and sickness. From then on, there gratitude led them not only to follow Jesus to support his ministry out of their own pockets.

      Their faith had been primed when they were set free from and forgiven of a multitude of sins. Jesus welcomed them into his company despite their past. He showed them he had faith in their capacity to live above a life of sin. Jesus never judged them.

      They responded with loyalty, gratitude and service to others who also needed to be rescued. Because when you have been forgiven of much, you want others to get a taste of how good God is.

      women of faith Spend time with God regularly

      One quality of a godly woman is that she knows her faith isn’t self-sufficient. It comes from a source. And she has to spend time plugged in to that source.

      The story of Mary and Martha comes to mind. They were sisters and dear friends of Jesus along with their brother Lazarus. Jesus was a regular visitor to their home.

      On such occasion, Martha busied herself with playing hostess but Mary was too thirsty for the Word to be interested in being the proper host. She sat with Jesus, drinking up every word he delivered.

      Martha wasn’t happy about this at all. She complained bitterly to Jesus and demanded Mary’s help. Jesus needed to redirect her attention.

      Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41-42

      Mary and Martha represent two types of women of faith. Martha is like those who serve others selflessly but they pour into others so much that they forget to spend time with God or take care of themselves. Mary is like those who understand the balance between when it’s time to serve others and when it’s time to pause to feed their spirit.

      Faith is enhanced with serving others but it can become weak and weary and even die without its flame being consistently fanned by time with God.

      As a woman of faith, taking time to have some meaningful one-on-one time with God is important. Quiet meditation isn’t optional. Making time for God can seem like an impossibility when life is packed. Ditch something from your schedule or get creative. 

      women of faith believe the impossible

      Being a woman of God does not protect you from grief or disappointment. In fact as you mature in your faith it can sometimes feel like God steps back a little bit and allows the storms of life to have their way with you. 

      In those moments a believing woman forgets about the way she feels and relies on what she knows about God. 

      That’s the way to believe the impossible when life is knocking the life out of you.

      Martha knew something about this.

      Their brother Lazarus had become sick. He was dying. They decided to rely on their friendship with Jesus. When they sent a message to him, Jesus took all of 4 days to turn up. By then, Lazarus had died and was buried.

      To say the sisters were mad would be understating the facts. They weren’t even trying to disguise their disappointment. Everyone knew that Lazarus and Jesus shared a special friendship. Why wasn’t he there when he was needed the most?

      But again, God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want, even when we pray in faith. This is a hard pill to swallow.

      However, a woman of faith can believe the impossible even in the darkest of situations.

      As Martha grappled with the death of her brother and the confusion of Jesus’ behavior, Jesus arrives on the scene. She immediately accosted him. “If you had been here my brother wouldn’t have died” she said.

      In that moment of utter grief and disappointment, Jesus tugs at her faith strings.

       Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:25-28

      And with that. Right there. Her expression of faith unlocks God’s power to do the impossible. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.

      Women whose faith develops from a relationship with God will know that life has disappointments but there can be many victories too. It takes an abiding faith and trust to tap into the vast resources available in heaven.

      women of faith Believe the unlikely

      Faithful women of God not only believe the impossible but they also believe the unlikely. What’s the difference?

      An impossible thing has no chance of happening. But an unlikely thing has a small chance of happening.

      We only know this woman as Noah’s wife. She’s nameless to us. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t stand out as a woman of great faith.

      You know how they say beside every great man there is a great woman? Well if ever there was a great woman in Scripture, Noah’s wife is it.

      Noah’s wife, I’m sure, was actively engaged in the work of building the ark and preparing her family for the fulfillment of God’s promise.

      Her life could not have been easy. For 120 years her husband preached that God was going to destroy the earth with a flood. This message earned him the title of a crazy person. His whole family I’m sure was the laughing stock of the town.

      Up until this point in history, it had never rained. Nobody knew what that could even look like. In the minds of most people, it was unlikely to happen since it had never happened before. Very many thought that it was impossible.

      Noah needed his wife to believe the unlikely with him. Otherwise, the massive task of building the ark would be a heavy burden without her support. 

      She’s not the only believing woman in the story either. Her three sons each had wives. They too needed to believe the unlikely.

      We never hear their voices. We never see their faces. But what we do see is the power of a woman’s faithfulness to God and to her husband. For this reason, their  lives were saved along with the rest of their family.

      By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. Hebrews 11:7

       women of faith are wise in exercising faith

      Some people think that all you need to do is to trust God. Full stop.

      When it comes to stepping out in faith, God has His part to play and so do we. I am often annoyed when people say they have dreams yet their idea of trusting God is just to pray. They pray day in, day out. They pray year in, year out. That’s it. 

      Faith without works is dead! 

      I believe Esther understood this. See, as she prepared to go before her king husband, she knew she could get killed for doing that without being invited. So her first line of defense was to call a fasting and prayer. But notice, the very next thing she did was to strategize.

      She knew Haman was a sly old fox. She knew she couldn’t just accuse him of premeditated murder out of the blue. Although he was planning to kill all of the Jews in the land, Esther had to be careful. Haman had already won over the heart of her king husband. 

      She needed to win back the favor of her husband before she presented her request. She understood organizational politics and policies but she also understood human interaction. 

      Her strategy was to make a great first impression so that he couldn’t resist her when she appeared. She communicated clearly, choosing her words cautiously. 

      She played to his desires knowing he probably wouldn’t say no to a little private party. She knew the right timing for saying what needed to be said.

      Esther didn’t just have faith. She exercised wisdom. Women of faith know this. That when you are up for fighting some battles, brute force and fire will not always work. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

      A gentle word or touch, rightly devised, will move the needle in the right direction.

      Pray. Have faith. But don’t forget to plan with wisdom and discernment.

      Having faith doesn’t mean you need to be careless. Esther strategized. This was a very good sign of a spiritually mature faith.

      how to be a faithful woman

      Mahatma Gandhi was not a Christian but he said something very profound about growing your faith. 

      Faith is not something to grasp, it is a state to grow into

      Becoming a woman who trusts God completely is no sprint. It’s a marathon. It takes time to run the race of faith. The most important virtue you will need is to be patient. You need patience and grace towards yourself. You need patience for the process. 

      You’ll fall and fail. You’ll make bad decisions. You will disobey the voice of the Holy Spirit and get into unnecessary trouble. But God knows your weaknesses and His forgiveness runs ahead of your mistakes.

      With that in mind, here are four simple steps to becoming a woman of faith:

      1. Set faith goals

      2. Create a plan of action

      3. Track your progress

      4. Evaluate and revise your goals

      Start small and work at it each year. While you’re at it, keep yourself encouraged with these Bible verses and quotes.

      bible verses every woman of faith should know

      As a woman on a journey to growing your faith, you absolutely need some Scriptures in your arsenal, especially on the hard days. Here are some women of faith Bible verses to add to start your list if don’t yet have one or to add to the one you already have.

      Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

      God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, Psalm 45:1-2

      Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:3-4

      But I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth. 26Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. Job 19:25-26

      The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14

      woman of faith quotes

      God is still writing your story. Don’t let go of your faith because of what you are yet to see. – Grit and Grace Life

      A woman of faith does not care about the naysayers. She understands that God has the final say. – Gift Gugu Mona,

      Never is a woman so fulfilled as when she chooses to underwhelm her schedule so she can let God overwhelm her soul. – Lysa TerKeurst

      I am not a woman with great faith – I am a woman with a little faith in the great God! – Kathryn Kuhlman

      A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows that it is in the journey where she will become strong. – Luke Easter

      I want to be a woman who overcomes obstacles by tackling them in faith instead of tiptoeing around them in fear.  – Renee Swope

      you can be a woman of great faith

      I wish I could tell you that living by faith as a woman is easy. I wish I could tell you that it can happen in a year. 

      I was 13 when I gave my life to Christ. It took me another 3 – 4 years before I even had an idea of what it meant to read the Bible. Took me even longer to develop Bible study habits. Have I been completely consistent with it over the years? Of course not. I’ve fallen off the wagon many times. 

      But thank God for grace. I can get back up and start all over again with God.

      My point is this: although it’s not easy, it’s very possible to live a life of faith. God will be with you through every victory and every failure. He expects progress, not perfection.

      So go ahead. Start your journey of becoming a woman of faith. You can start right here and right now by setting your first faith goal.

      woman of faith sermon

      Here is a short, encouraging sermon on Rahab, a woman of amazing faith. This should wrap this post up and put it in a little bow.

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      WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT ADDICTIONS

       

      Excerpted from Biblical Counseling by Chuck Smith

      Any addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, prescription medicines, pornography, gambling, cigarettes, or even food, is a form of idolatry. The first commandment is, “You shall not have any other gods before Me.” The second commandment is, “You shall not bow down to them or serve them” (see Exodus 20). When a person is addicted, they are really bowing down and serving that addiction as their god. It is the sin of idolatry. They become a slave to it and they are held in bondage. Jesus said, “Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin” (John 8:34). Adam had perfect liberty in the garden. He had the freedom to eat of any tree in the garden that he pleased, but God warned him, “Don’t eat of that tree! That will bring you into bondage. That will bring you into death.” God didn’t tie him up in the corner of the garden, nor did God build a high wall around that tree. He had the freedom to eat of it. But Adam exercised that freedom in such a way as to bring death and bondage to sin and to the flesh. As he obeyed the desires of the flesh rather than the Word of God and the commandment of God, he then found himself a victim to his flesh. So many people are dying a slow death because their addiction has a hold on them, almost as if it were demonic; and the only thing that can free a person from this hold is the power of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to open the eyes of those that are blind, and “to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1). “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:30). GOD’S

      PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Proverbs 5:22-23 John 8:34-36 Proverbs 23:20-21 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 Romans 8:12-15 Rom. 6:1-2, 11-13, 16 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Romans 12:1 1 Timothy 6:6-10 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 James 1:14-15 BIBLICAL EXAMPLES 2 Corinthians 7:1 1 Peter 4:1-3 Proverbs 23:29-35 1 John 1:8-9 2 Peter 2:19 ALCOHOL Drinking alcohol has been debated within the church for years. There are many Christians who feel at liberty to drink wine, and to be frank, I cannot make an airtight scriptural case against it. However, Paul said, “All things are lawful for me,” but he declared, “I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). I personally feel that it is unwise to take anything into your system that can bring you under its power, or "under the influence." It alters a person’s thinking, and thus their judgment. In addition, alcohol has been proven to damage a person both physically and mentally. There is a thirst within the spirit that can’t be satisfied with material or emotional things. Only a meaningful relationship with God can satisfy that yearning within. Sometimes people seek to drown this thirst with alcohol. Ironically, all they're doing is creating a fuzzy mind so they won’t have to think about it. But when they sober up, the thirst is still there. By turning to the bottle, an alcoholic only creates new problems greater than the first.

      If you will turn your life over to Jesus, He will set you free from that which is destroying you. More than that, He’ll bring you satisfaction; He’ll fill your thirsty soul. Be filled with the Spirit of God and you will find that which your soul and spirit are longing after. Though it may be lawful, I believe you’re better off not to drink or ingest anything that can bring you under its influence. Live a life that’s completely consecrated and committed to God. The Bible says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1 KJV).

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Proverbs 20:1 John 7:37-38 Proverbs 23:20-21 Proverbs 21:17 John 8:36 Luke 21:34 Proverbs 23:29-32 1 Corinthians 10:13 Romans 13:12-14 Isaiah 5:11, 22 2 Corinthians 5:17 1 Corinthians 5:11 Habakkuk 2:15 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Galatians 5:19-21 2 Corinthians 7:1 Ephesians 5:18-21

      For those who serve in ministry: GOD’S PERSPECTIVE MAKE A CHANGE 1 Timothy 3:8-9 2 Timothy 2:4 Titus 1:7-9

      ANGER

      Are you quick-tempered or quick to “fly off the handle” when something doesn’t go right? The only thing some people are ever going to know about Jesus Christ is what they see in you. How do you represent Jesus? Do you represent Him as being upset, mad or angry over small annoyances? The only way we can really be His representative is through the power of the Holy Spirit. We can spend our lives thinking about all of the things that make us upset, or we can spend our lives thinking of God’s lovingkindness, goodness, mercy, and grace—and extending that to others. Proverbs 19:11 reads, “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.” It’s the discretion of a man to put off his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

      Love covers a multitude of sins. Don’t respond or react in anger to a situation. Defer that action until your anger has subsided. Then, many times, once it’s subsided, you’ll say, “Well, what difference does it make? Nobody was hurt.” This is a good rule for driving the freeways. Overlook someone’s transgression, rather than get frustrated and stew over the matter. The next time something upsets you, don’t react. Instead, I would exhort you to just count your blessings and be thankful for what God has done. And then let your heart rejoice in His goodness. GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE Proverbs 10:12 Romans 12:19 Psalm 37:8 Proverbs 12:16 Proverbs 22:24-25 Proverbs 14:17, 29 Luke 6:28-29 Proverbs 15:1 Eph. 4:26-27, 30-32 Proverbs 19:11 Colossians 3:8 Proverbs 25:28 James 1:19-20 Proverbs 29:22 Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 Galatians 5:19-21

      DEPRESSION

      Depression doesn't just hurt you; it also hurts everyone around you. There is nothing more depressing than talking to a person who is depressed, sometimes lasting weeks, months, and even years. Everything you suggest that might help, they return with a negative statement and attitude. You do your best to lift them up out of it but it seems they have brought you down instead. But there is a cure. When we’re miserable and think despairing and hopeless thoughts, we can literally dig our own grave. But by setting our minds upon the Lord, we come into a whole new state of consciousness. No longer one of total despair and hopelessness, but one of victory and hope. And that's what Jeremiah did. He changed his thought patterns from, "Oh, woe is me and there's no one to help me" to thinking, “Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

      You can get into this self-pity mode very easily by concentrating upon yourself, but as you begin to think about the Lord it will lift you up right out of the deepest depression.

      GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

      Psalm 147:3 Psalm 27:13-14 Job 1:20-22 Romans 5:3-5 Psalm 37:3-7 Job 2:6-10 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Psalm 42:5 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Proverbs 3:5-6 2 Corinthians 12:10 Romans 12:2 PRAYER Ephesians 3:16-19 1 Corinthians 15:58 Psalm 16:7-8 Titus 3:5-6 Philippians 3:1 Psalm 55:16-18 James 1:2-8 Philippians 4:4 Psalm 73:26 Lam. 3:17-18, 21-26 DRUGS The word “sorcery” stems from the root word pharmakeia, which is also translated as witchcraft. When we find sorcery or witchcraft in the Bible, it refers to the use of drugs for hallucinogenic or mind-altering purposes, like narcotics. God’s law strictly prohibits drug abuse because when you allow the abuse of narcotics to reside in your life, it will ultimately destroy you. Narcotics are very insidious. The very first thing a narcotic will do is attack a person’s willpower to resist. People can become hooked so quickly. Narcotic abuse then destroys good judgment and sensitivity to right and wrong, and people soon find themselves doing things they would have been appalled and shocked at before. One of the most devastating effects of drug abuse is becoming enslaved to the drugs. Satan loves to take a person captive, holding them as a hostage against their will.

      Paul wrote to Timothy, “that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:26). Satan does not fight fairly or by the rules. But thank God, Jesus Christ came to set at liberty those who were captive, and to open the prison doors to those who are bound. The power of Jesus Christ can break the hold that Satan has upon someone bound by drug addiction, “to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus” (Acts 26:18). That’s what the gospel is all about, freeing people from the power of darkness.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      1 Samuel 15:23 Revelation 22:14-15 Ephesians 5:18 Psalm 52:7 1 Corinthians 6:12 Isaiah 47:9 Ezekiel 18:30-32 BIBLICAL EXAMPLE Malachi 3:5 Revelation 9:20-21 Galatians 5:19-21 Revelation 21:6-8

      FOOD

      Jesus warns us concerning the last days before His return, that we should be careful not to be caught unaware or by surprise as the result of surfeiting, which is eating and drinking too much (Luke 12:45-46). Eating and drinking too much can cloud our judgment. Solomon warned, “It’ll bring you to poverty, son.” In the book of Leviticus God gave extensive instructions to the children of Israel concerning what they could and could not eat. Today you can find an interesting book written by Dr. S. I. McMillen called None of These Diseases, which explains the medical reasons for these dietary laws and cleansing rituals. I don’t think that we can load ourselves up with junk food and ask God to give us a healthy body. That’s inconsistent. When my friends and I used to drive home from Bible school, we would stop by the market and buy a gallon of ice cream, a pint of whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and bananas. Then we would get home and I would whip up a quick banana cream pie. As we sat down to devour it, the guys would look at one another and say, “Who’s going to ask the blessing?” I’d say, “You’ve got to be kidding. You can’t in all good conscience ask God to bless this. Just eat it and suffer the consequences.” Don’t ask God to bless what you know isn’t good for you. Once in a while dessert is fine, but it’s foolish to eat like that all the time and expect God to bless you with strength and health.

      Paul wrote, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). What a great bottom line principle this is! If we do not grasp anything else, God help us to grasp this truth. The purpose of our existence is to live for His glory. Let this one question be uppermost in our minds whether or not we should or shouldn’t do something: Can I do it for the glory of God? Today maybe you are in the bondage of surfeiting and it has a hold on your life. You can see it is destroying you, and you’re somehow unable to get free. “All things are lawful for me,” Paul said, “but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). Many times people foolishly exercise their liberty in doing things that bring them into bondage. Don’t use your liberty as an occasion for the flesh, because if you do, it’ll destroy you. Surrender your life over to Jesus and He will set you free from that which is destroying you. More than that, He’ll satisfy your hungry and thirsty soul.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Psalm 81:10 1 Corinthians 10:13 Proverbs 23:2 Proverbs 23:19-21 Romans 12:1 Proverbs 25:16 BIBLICAL EXAMPLE 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Matthew 6:25 Daniel 1:8-14 1 Corinthians 9:27 Matthew 26:41 1 Corinthians 10:31 Luke 12:40-46 PRAYER Galatians 5:16 John 4:34 Philippians 4:13 1 Peter 4:1-2 John 8:36 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 1 Corinthians 6:12-13

      FORNICATION

      Fornication is having sexual relations outside of marriage. The world terms it “making love.” However, it’s not an act of love at all; it’s an act of lust. A person who entices someone else into the act of fornication is selfish since they are not considering the other person, but only thinking about satisfying their own desire. Fornication is a very unloving act and it is only by Satan’s deception that a person would think of it as an act of love. To the Christian who commits the sin of fornication, Paul writes, “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not!” (1 Corinthians 6:15). Jesus took it a step further, “You’ve heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). Jesus looks at the heart—you’re guilty even if you haven’t actually committed fornication.

      You see, if a person goes around lusting in his mind but never actually gives in, that man would be self-righteous. “I’ve never committed adultery. I’ve never committed fornication.” But in his heart, he has. Now if he were to say, “Oh God, I have impure thoughts. God, I’m an unclean man. Help me, God,” he then casts himself on the mercy of God. And in so doing that man will attain the righteousness imputed to Jesus Christ by his faith to overcome those lustful thoughts and live a Christlike life.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Proverbs 5:20-23 Isaiah 55:7 Acts 15:20, 29 Proverbs 6:23-25 1 John 1:9 1 Corinthians 6:18 Proverbs 7:4-5 Revelation 22:14-15 Ephesians 5:3-5 Matthew 15:19-20 Colossians 3:5 Mark 7:21-23 BIBLICAL EXAMPLE 1 Timothy 4:12 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Revelation 2:14 2 Timothy 2:22 Galatians 5:19-21 Hebrews 13:4 PRAYER Psalm 51:7, 10

      GAMBLING

      Gambling has an addictive capacity. A man can find himself under the dominion of this addiction and under its power so quickly. You see, a person who is involved in sinful iniquitous practices, such as gambling, is actually yielding himself as a servant unto sin. The Bible says, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).

      A person who has a gambling addiction is a servant of Satan. The moment he gives himself over to this sin, he comes under the power of Satan. And once he is under Satan’s power, he will not let go. The power of Satan is greater than a man’s power to resist. Only Jesus Christ can free a man from sin. The psalmist very wisely prayed, “Lord, do not let any iniquity have dominion over me” (Psalm 19:13). And thus if there is anything that has the capacity of bringing you under its influence or under its power, it is wise to exercise your liberty to avoid it.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Exodus 20:17 Matthew 6:33 Luke 12:15 Proverbs 23:4-5 1 Corinthians 10:13 1 Corinthians 10:31 Proverbs 28:22 Hebrews 13:5 Galatians 5:1 Ecclesiastes 5:10 1 Peter 5:2-4 Colossians 3:2, 5-7 Ezekiel 33:31 1 Timothy 6:17 Matthew 6:24 1 Corinthians 6:12 1 Timothy 6:6-10 PRAYER Psalm 19:13 Proverbs 30:8-9

      HOMOSEXUALITY

      The prophet Ezekiel tells us the sin of Sodom started with pride, abundance, idleness, and they neglected the poor and needy. (Ezekiel 16:49-50). The term “sodomy,” is the obvious sin of Sodom. But as God looked into these men’s hearts and analyzed Sodom’s sin, He saw its more subtle form, the roots before it bore fruit. God emphasized that the sin of Sodom was actually pride. Pride is thinking of yourself more highly than you should; it is an exalted opinion of yourself.

      So many times we look at the blessings that God has granted to us, and we act as though our genius, abilities, or wit have brought God’s favor and blessings upon our lives, not realizing that if we have anything worthwhile and good within us, it has come from God. There are certain roots of sin that when tolerated will germinate into vile fruit.

      Homosexuality and sodomy were actually the final manifestations of the people’s sins. Their sins of pride had been germinating under the soil for a long time before being manifested in its final form. God created the sex drive within us basically to become the highest form of expression of love between a husband and a wife who have pledged themselves exclusively to each other, and through its fruit the procreation and the perpetuation of mankind. It is not designed for one’s own delight or pleasure, but rather a beautiful gift to be shared between a husband and wife. The Bible is very clear that homosexuality is something that is opposed to God.

      Those who are practicing homosexuality have chosen to live after the flesh rather than to walk in the Spirit. The Bible says it is sin; it is not to be accepted nor tolerated. It is something to be dealt with. None of us are immune from problems with our flesh. There is a battle whether or not I am going to be controlled by my flesh or allow my spirit to be in subjection and harmony with God’s Spirit. If you regularly attend church and you are engaged in sinful practices, don’t be deceived into thinking that your church attendance is going to cover your sin. If it supersedes your commitment to Jesus Christ, it is all a form of pride and idolatry, and you will not inherit the kingdom of God. Paul wrote, ‘‘The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,” for “although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God.” You see, men became proud. They didn’t give God the glory and the credit for what He had done, but “their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools…and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” For this reason God gave them over to a mind that was void of God, and ultimately God gave them up to all kinds of vile practices such as the sin of homosexuality (see Romans 1:18, 21, 22, 25).

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Gen. 1:27; 2:24; 5:2 Psalm 138:6 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Leviticus 18:1, 22 Proverbs 11:21 Ephesians 4:20-24 Leviticus 20:13 1 Corinthians 10:13 1 Peter 5:5 Ezekiel 16:49-50 2 Corinthians 5:17 Proverbs 16:5 2 Timothy 1:7 Proverbs 18:12 2 Peter 2:4-10 Proverbs 21:4 Isaiah 3:9 BIBLICAL EXAMPLE PRAYER Obadiah 1:3 Genesis 19:4-5; 24-25 Psalm 19:13 Matthew 19:4-5 Psalm 119:133 Romans 1:24-32 Romans 2:8 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Ephesians 5:31 Jude 4, 6-7

      LOVE OF MONEY

      There’s nothing wrong with money. It’s a means by which we exchange commodities and goods with one another. The Bible doesn’t say that money is evil––it says “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). If getting rich is the most important thing to you, and you are obsessed with wanting to get more and more money or possessions—that’s when it becomes evil. When your love for money exceeds your love for the true and the living God, you are actually worshiping the god mammon, and you will then find yourself “straying from the faith in greediness, and pierced through with many sorrows.” There were many people in the Bible whom God blessed with great riches, but when their riches became more important than God, it became sinful. Such was the case for the young man written about in Matthew 19:20-22. His riches stood in the way of his following Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Riches are not wrong in and of themselves. But if your riches master your life, and if you are ruled by them and they have precedence over your relationship with God, then they are wrong. That’s the essence; that’s the heart of it. Do you want eternal life? Follow Jesus.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Deut. 8:17–20 2 Corinthians 9:8 Psalm 62:10 Proverbs 3:9-10 Philippians 4:19 Proverbs 3:9-10 Proverbs 13:7 Proverbs 23:5 Proverbs 15:16 BIBLICAL EXAMPLE 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Ecclesiastes 5:10 Matthew 19:21-24 Hebrews 13:5 Matthew 6:21, 24 Luke 19:8 Luke 12:15 Philippians 4:11-12 Luke 16:13 1 Timothy 3:8 PRAYER 1 Timothy 6:10 1 Chronicles 29:12-13 Titus 1:7 Proverbs 30:8-9

      LUST

      Lust can never be satisfied. It will always demand more. The only cure for lust is to starve it to death. If you feed it, it will go into a feeding frenzy and draw you deeper and deeper into it.

      The sin of lust began in the garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve. So wouldn’t it have been better had God not placed the tree there, averting the temptation to lust? But then how would God know you truly loved Him and wanted to obey Him unless you had a choice? Choices are necessary. Man was made in the image of God, self-governing, but there had to be something to choose from—something attractive and desirable. If it was ugly, bitter, or sour, all the temptation in the world couldn’t get you to choose it. John summed it up, “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John 2:16). If you are a child of God, you are called to live a life separated from the defilement of the things in the world. So therefore, we are to separate ourselves from living after the lust of our flesh. We are not to be controlled, governed or following after our fleshly desires. If you fulfill the lust of your flesh, it is a one-way road. You can’t retreat. Your flesh will always demand more and more and more. The Bible says, “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). God said, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). So it’s important for us to live a life of holiness and a life of separation from the world.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Proverbs 5:22-23 1 Corinthians 10:13 Proverbs 6:25-26 Proverbs 11:6 Romans 6:12 Ecclesiastes 10:8 Romans 13:13-14 Matthew 5:27-28 BIBLICAL EXAMPLE Galatians 5:16 Romans 8:5-8, 12 Genesis 3:1-4, 6 Colossians 3:5 James 1:14-15 2 Samuel 11:2-4 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 2 Peter 1:2–4 2 Samuel 12:7, 9-10, 13-14 2 Timothy 2:22 1 John 2:16 Job 31:1 Titus 2:11-12 Revelation 21:8 Hebrews 13:5 PRAYER 1 Peter 1:13-16 Psalm 19:13 1 Peter 2:11-12 Psalm 119:37, 133

      MASTURBATION

      Uncleanness is immorality, one of the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19, and it can be a powerful sin that controls your life. So it’s understandable that you could lose hope. If we examine why we do the things that we do, we need to realize that man is a trinity made up of body, mind, and spirit. Either my mind is going to be controlled by fleshly desires, or it is going to be controlled by spiritual desires. If I am living after the flesh, giving in to the passions and desires of my flesh, then the result will be a carnal mind. Paul said we are to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). When we find our minds absorbed in the things of the flesh, it’s important to take a moment and stop and ask the Holy Spirit to take control. Start to sing a worship chorus. Turn your mind toward the Lord. Pray. Get into the Scriptures. The Bible says, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word” (Psalm 119:9). The best defense that we have against the attacks and temptations of Satan is the Word of God hidden in our hearts. Saturate your life with the Word of God. As you are saturated with God’s Word, there is that power against sin. The Word of God hidden in your heart gives you the best defense against the temptations of Satan. Reading God’s Word will help you to live and to walk in the Spirit. When you do, you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Romans 6:6 Romans 8:12-13 Romans 6:12 Galatians 5:19, 21-25 Romans 12:2 2 Timothy 2:25-26 PRAYER Romans 13:13-14 James 1:13-15 Psalm 19:13 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 1 Peter 2:11 Psalm 119:9-12 2 Corinthians 7:1 2 Peter 2:19 Philippians 4:13 2 Corinthians 10:5 Galatians 5:16-17 Ephesians 4:22-24 Colossians 3:2 1 Peter 4:1-2

      MATERIALISM

      Materialism is a lust for the things of the flesh, to possess worldly things. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). That’s the bottom line: Where is your heart? Do you desire heavenly things or earthly things?

      Do you want a new car, home or clothes, or do you desire spiritual things such as a greater faith in God and a love and kindness towards other people? Whatever things you treasure most reveal the condition of your heart. Materialism will blind a person to things that are perfectly obvious. God has given us all things to enjoy, our homes, our families, but the sin of materialism turns the blessings of God into a curse. These things that were intended to be a blessing can become a master, and a person can become enslaved to worldly things. The truth of the matter is, you are serving God or mammon, one or the other—but you can’t serve them both; you can’t mix light and darkness. Mammon is a worldly treasure. And since God has given to us the ability and the capacity to reason and to choose, we must decide whether we will serve God or mammon. You’re the one who makes the choice whether you will put your heart and your life into the things that are eternal or into the things that will pass away.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE BIBLICAL EXAMPLE MAKE A CHANGE

      Psalm 49:6-20 Luke 12:16-20 Matthew 6:19-21 Proverbs 22:4 Mark 4:18–20 Proverbs 23:4-5 PRAYER Luke 12:15 Ecclesiastes 5:10 Proverbs 30:8-9 Galatians 5:16 Matthew 6:24 Colossians 3:2-4 Luke 16:13 1 Timothy 6:17 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Hebrews 13:5 Hebrews 11:24-26 1 John 2:15

      PORNOGRAPHY

      When a person gives himself over to lust, he loses all sense of balance and propriety, and as such is a person who has given himself over to pornography. He has to keep going deeper and deeper into that realm to find a sense of satisfaction. But he’s never really satisfied. It’s an appetite that doesn’t quit—until it just has taken over and controls his life. He becomes enslaved and addicted. But there is hope for the one who wants to be free from the addiction and slavery of pornography. Psalm 119:9-12 promises, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Also, a healthy respect for God and the awareness that He is always with us helps us to purify ourselves, and to live in such a way that we do not offend Him. It’s a tragic thing to see a person who is really given over to lust, because their life becomes so unbalanced. There’s no moderation at all. They go hog wild. But the tragic thing is that they never find a place of satisfaction. With this ugly scene in mind the psalmist wrote, “And God gave them their request [or the lust of their heart], but sent leanness into their soul” (Psalm 106:15). And that’s always the tragic consequence of giving yourself over to pornography. You suffer spiritually.

      You see, there is the world of the flesh and there is the world of the spirit, and they are mutually exclusive in that no person can serve two masters. You’re either going to be mastered by your flesh or by the Spirit. And these two are warring against each other. Paul said, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17). There is a battle going on for the control of your life. If you give yourself over to the flesh to be controlled by the flesh, then it brings you into the bondage of corruption. It brings you into this desire that cannot be satisfied but only grows. Paul the apostle said, “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” And you will find that there’s such a full satisfaction in walking in the Spirit. The problem is that people will not make a true and full commitment to God. They will either make provision or compromise. But the only cure is to commit your life completely to the things of the Spirit. And when you do, you’ll find that you can’t do two things. You cannot be walking after the Spirit and still living after the flesh. But that walk after the Spirit actually puts the flesh in its proper place and under control.

      Now, we still live in a fleshly body—and there are still those body appetites. But thank God they don’t rule me anymore. I’m not a slave to them and they take their proper place. God never intended that any of us should be a servant to our flesh, a slave to the desires of our flesh. God intended that we should have victory over the flesh. And that victory comes when the spirit is supreme and we’re walking after the Spirit and living after the things of the Spirit. Then you do not fulfill the desires of your flesh. You don’t need to. You can have a life that is rich and full, and you’re free from those things that were destroying you.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Psalm 101:2-4 Psalm 119:1-2 Job 31:1 Psalm 106:15 John 8:32 Proverbs 4:23 Psalm 119:9 Galatians 5:16 Proverbs 6:25 Proverbs 5:20 1 Corinthians 5:9, 11 Matthew 5:28 BIBLICAL EXAMPLE Galatians 5:24 Romans 13:14 1 Kings 11:4-6, 11 Ephesians 2:1-6 Galatians 5:16-17, 19 2 Peter 2:14 Ephesians 4:22 James 1:14-15 2 Timothy 2:22 1 John 2:16 PRAYER Titus 2:11-12 Revelation 21:8 Psalm 19:13 James 1:14-15 Psalm 119:18, 33, 37 1 Peter 1:13-16 1 Peter 2:11

      SEXUAL IMMORALITY

      One of the great weaknesses of the church today is the toleration of sexual immorality such as fornication, or people living together outside of marriage, or homosexuality. Don’t give it an inch. Make no provision for it but put on the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s important that we cast off the works of darkness and we put on the armor of light. That means to put a block on the Internet so sexual images don’t pop up. These are the last days and we must walk in holiness and purity because we want to be found in the righteousness of Christ.

      There are always those who fool themselves into thinking that they could live immorally and still be Christians. But the apostle Paul made it clear that “fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit the kingdom of God” (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). That was a part of your past life. If you want to be God’s child, He will clean up your life. Don’t go back to that. There are still others who say, “It’s my body, I can do as I please.” Isn’t that what we’re hearing today, especially when it comes to pro-choice? Well, that may be true of the person in the world, but it is not true of the child of God. It’s not your body anymore. It’s been redeemed. You’ve been bought with a price. Jesus redeemed you from that lost, enslaved state, that you might be free now to serve, worship, and to glorify God in your body. The Bible teaches that the end result of being sexually promiscuous will be disastrous. It will destroy you and your life, and it will bring you into poverty. It will rob you of everything that is worthwhile and good, including your health.

      Paul said to the church of Corinth, “Don’t you realize that you cannot be joined together with a prostitute? Since you are Christ’s, then you are seeking to make Christ a participator in that immorality” (see 1 Corinthians 6:16-18). It can’t be! The Lord won’t join Himself to sin. He cannot be one with sin. It is important that we purpose in our hearts to live a life of moral purity. That is what enabled Joseph to flee Potiphar’s wife when she sought to entice him (see Genesis 39). He had already determined in his heart that his body belonged to God, so when evil presented itself he knew he must flee. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Flee youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). In our world today we have many people who worship sex; it’s their god or goddess. They’re too sophisticated to carve out little idols anymore, but nonetheless it is still their god. They may have pictures that would be an equivalent in a sense to these idols. If you observe that person’s life, you see that their whole life revolves around sex and sexual encounters. That’s what they live for and that’s what they talk about. It is really the god that controls their life. However, the Bible teaches that the end result of being sexually promiscuous will be disastrous. It will destroy you and your life, and it will bring you into poverty. It will rob you of everything that is worthwhile and good, including your health.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Genesis 2:24 Psalm 119:1-2 Prov. 5:1-5, 8-9, 15-23 Exodus 20:14 John 8:32 Proverbs 6:23-29 Leviticus 20:10 Galatians 5:16 Proverbs 7:1-5, 24-27 Deuteronomy 5:18 Romans 6:12-13 Proverbs 2:16-19 BIBLICAL EXAMPLE Romans 12:1-2 Matthew 5:27-28 Genesis 39:12 Romans 13:14 Matthew 15:19-20 1 Corinthians 6:15-17 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Romans 1:18, 22, 24, 26-29, 32 Colossians 3:5-7 1 Cor. 6:13b, 16 2 Timothy 2:22 Galatians 5:19-21 1 Peter 2:11 1 Thesslonians 4:3-8 1 John 2:15-16 Hebrews 13:4 James 1:13-14

      SMOKING

      “As a Christian, can I smoke cigarettes? I find that it just sort of calms me down.” Let me ask you this: Can it get a hold on your life so that you’ve just got to have another one? Is that really calming you down? God never intended that man should be ruled by his flesh; God intended that you should be ruled by the Spirit. There are things that will hinder your progress in your walk with the Lord. They’re not wrong, whereby it’s a sin, but they are hindrances in the way of following Jesus.

      You’re a born-again Christian—so why does it seem impossible to stop smoking? Second Timothy 3:5 says, “Having a form of godliness but denying its power.” That is an accurate description of much of the church today. They observe rituals by going to church every Sunday, and have a form of godliness, but they lack power. Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). When you come to Christ and understand the cross, you realize not only was Jesus crucified for your sins, but you are crucified with Christ. I no longer am held by the power of sin but I am dead to sin and alive to God through Jesus Christ. Sin no longer rules over me. So this is the principle: As a believer, I am now crucified with Christ. I have reckoned my old life and nature to be dead. Now, that doesn’t mean I completely lose the desires of the flesh, but they no longer rule over me. I no longer have to obey them. I’m no longer a slave to my fleshly desires, but I’m a slave of Jesus Christ.

      My desire is to obey Him and to please Him. And because of this, I can overcome sin through Him. God has given us pure air with oxygen to breathe. But when you breathe in chemical substances, such as nicotine, it will affect your brain to give an altered state of consciousness. It will give you a feeling of euphoria or excitement. But the truth is, that isn’t why God created your breathing. By smoking cigarettes, or anything else for that matter, you are twisting the use that God had originally intended. And what happens? You soon become addicted and then you become enslaved. Now your body is ruling over you. You’re no longer in control. God never intended that man should be ruled by his flesh; God intended that you should be ruled by the Spirit. There are things that will hinder my progress in my walk with the Lord. They’re not wrong, whereby I can label them as sin, but they are hindrances. Paul said, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). In the book of Hebrews it says, “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). And so we need to deny those things that would hinder us that stand in the way of following Jesus. We need to use wisdom in the exercise of our liberty in Christ. Don’t use your liberty as an occasion for the flesh, because if you do, it’ll bring you into bondage. First Corinthians 3:16-17 declares, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.” If you are a child of God, then you are a temple of God and the Holy Spirit lives inside you. And as Paul reminds us, God’s temple is holy and shouldn’t be mistreated or defiled.

      Now there are some people who use this passage to teach against smoking cigarettes. That could certainly be a good application; but to be consistent, we must then include candy bars and everything else that is bad for us. Our bodies are His holy temples, and we need to keep them pure. Let’s say you agree that smoking cigarettes is wrong, and you want the Lord to help you quit. You’re a Christian. You’re born-again. So why does it seem impossible for you to stop smoking? Second Timothy 3:5 says, “Having a form of godliness but denying its power.” That is an accurate description of much of the church today. They observe rituals by going to church every Sunday, and have a form of godliness, but they lack power. Churches have often just become social centers, where one can get some entertaining message dealing with psychological issues, and hear some inspiring music; but the power of God is left out. Every one of us is either a servant of God or a servant of Satan. And it is God’s desire to bring us out of the bondage of the kingdom of darkness, Satan’s kingdom, and to bring us into His glorious kingdom. But there is a war going on, a spiritual warfare, and Satan is doing his best to keep you in bondage. And Satan uses the world and the flesh in order to bring you into bondage unto himself. First John 2:14 declares, “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.” In other words, John gives us the secret to how these young men overcame sin: they were strong in God’s Word. They lived in it. King David asked, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:9-11). Oh, how we need the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God working in our lives. To ignore the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word is to teach people how to get along in life without God, and without Him we can’t do anything. We’re no longer slaves to our flesh, sin or Satan when we’re born again (Romans 6; 2 Timothy 2:26). We’re also free from the Law. But we must exercise our freedom in a way that will not bring us back into bondage.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Genesis 2:7 1 Corinthians 10:13 Psalm 119:9-11 Exodus 20:3, 5 2 Corinthians 7:1 John 8:34, 36 Deut. 5:6-7, 9-10 Galatians 6:7-8 Romans 12:1-2 Job 33:4 Romans 13:14 Romans 6:6 BIBLICAL EXAMPLE 1 Cor. 6:12, 19-20 1 Corinthians 2:5 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Galatians 5:13, 24-25 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 2 Timothy 3:5 Galatians 2:20 PRAYER Hebrews 12:1 2 Timothy 2:26 Psalm 119:37 1 Peter 2:16 2 Peter 2:19 1 John 2:14

      TELEVISION

      Many people have stunted spiritual development because pleasure is their thing. Their minds are distracted and drawn away by the pleasures of this world. Movies and television contribute greatly to this. So many people spend their evenings in front of the television set, seeking pleasure, seeking to be entertained. Yet Paul the apostle speaks about the decadent society, the horrible things that were going on as far as violence and immorality, and he said, “Not only do they do such things but they take pleasure in those that do them” (Romans 1:32). Now you may be true and faithful to your marriage, you may be of the character and sort that you would never cheat on your wife, but if you are watching adultery on TV, in being entertained by it, you are vicariously entering into it. When pleasure supersedes your relationship with Jesus, it can sap spiritual life from you, and it can keep you in an arrested spiritual state.

      Those who spend maybe eight, ten hours a week in front of the television will tell you, “Oh, I just didn’t have time to read my Bible.” And so many people allow these other things to become first and supersede their relationship with Jesus. And thus, though they have received Jesus and claim to be Christians, their lives never bring forth fruit. They never develop; they never grow. The fruitfulness is choked out by these other things. I would like to suggest that this week, during that time when you normally sit down and pollute your mind with television—instead of clicking on the remote, turn your face towards God.

      Dedicate yourself to prayer and reading the Bible. Turn off your television and turn your face to God.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Luke 8:14 Isaiah 33:15-16 Psalm 101:2–4, 7 Romans 1:28-32 Romans 8:13 Romans 13:14 Romans 6:21 Galatians 6:7-8 Romans 16:19b Romans 8:7 Ephesians 5:11-16 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 BIBLICAL EXAMPLE Philippians 4:8 Ephesians 4:17-19 Psalm 50:18 Colossians 3:16 1 Timothy 5:22 Colossians 4:5 Revelation 18:4 PRAYER 1 Peter 4:3 Psalm 119:37 TEMPER A hot temper is like the wave of the sea that has no rest, driven by the winds of passion. It is like a volcano waiting to erupt. So often a person will try to strategize a bad temper by saying, “Well, I’ve learned to count to ten before I react.” They try to figure out how to keep from losing their temper, but then they lose control and say all kinds of horrible, ugly things. And then they hate themselves for doing it. And yet when faced with a provocation again, they explode. God has a better way. The person who has yielded his life to follow Jesus Christ is at peace with the circumstances of his life. He has greater patience; he is more gentle. There is a temperance knowing that God rules one’s life. As a person sees God working through their anger, it’s like they can't believe it. It’s very exciting to see God doing this work within a person what they could not do for themselves. It’s God’s work; it’s His battle. Give your hot temper over to God and let the Holy Spirit help you overcome your anger.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE BIBLICAL EXAMPLES MAKE A CHANGE

      Proverbs 14:29 1 Samuel 20:27-33 Psalm 37:8 Proverbs 15:1, 18 Psalm 106:32-33 Proverbs 22:24-25 Proverbs 25:28 Ephesians 4:31 Proverbs 29:22 Colossians 3:8 Ecclesiastes 7:9 James 1:19-20 Galatians 5:19-21 Titus 1:7

      TRANSGENDER

      In the King James Version of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 reads, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” If you are engaged in these practices, don’t be deceived into thinking that your church attendance is going to cover your sin. If you are effeminate seeking to be female when you are male, or female seeking to be male, you will not inherit the kingdom of God. The book of Jonah shares a valuable lesson. In the KJV, Jonah 2:8 reads, “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” “Lying vanities” is translated “worthless idols.” Even though Jonah knew the Scriptures, he believed worthless lies. He thought he could escape the presence of God. Psalm 139:7-8 declares, “Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” Another lie Jonah believed was that his plan for his life was better than God’s plan. Not so. God’s thoughts concerning you are “of peace and not evil” (see Jeremiah 29:11). Jonah also believed the lie that he could resist the call of God and still win. How many of these lying, worthless vanities do you believe?

      It is a lie to think that you know better for your own life than does God. It is a lie for you to think that you can find happiness apart from God. And for you to attempt to do so you are only bringing misery and disaster upon yourself. You're forsaking your own mercy, because God is merciful. God is loving. And however God has created you is the very best thing that could ever happen to you, though you may not think it. Jonah 2:9 continues, “But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” “Salvation is of the Lord”—Jonah discovered he couldn’t save himself. Salvation is not of my own works. It is not of my own efforts. I tried for a long time to please God with my works and my efforts, and I tried to be righteous by my own doing. But what a glorious day when I learned Jonah’s lesson: salvation is of the Lord. After a lot of bitter experiences of failure, I learned that salvation is of the Lord. One of the happiest days in my whole life was when God taught me this truth—salvation is of the Lord—and I found my answer in Him.

      GOD’S PERSPECTIVE GOD’S PROMISES MAKE A CHANGE

      Genesis 1:27, 31 Psalm 37:39 1 Samuel 12:21 Deuteronomy 22:5 Psalm 138:8 Psalm 100:3-5 Deuteronomy 32:6 Isaiah 29:23-24 Jonah 2:8-9 Isaiah 43:21 Philippians 1:6 John 3:1-7, 12 Acts 4:12 Hebrews 13:20-21 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Romans 1:18-32 Philippians 2:13-15 1 Corinthians 3:9 BIBLICAL EXAMPLE Ephesians 2:10 Jude 7-8 PRAYER Psalm 31:5-9 Psalm 139:14-18

    • Verse of the Day

      I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
      Psalm 121:1-2/KJV
      Verseoftheday.com

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    About the Bible…

    The Bible

    The Bible is unique among “Holy Books;” it is rooted in and intertwined with actual human history.

    The Bible claims to be “the word of God.” It records the interaction of God with historical people and nations. It reveals the meaning of life and the responsibility of human beings to their Creator.

    66 Books

    Explorer hat (photo copyrighted)

    KIDS—Learn more about the World’s Most Amazing Book in our Kid Explorers section

    The Bible is actually a collection of books—some long, some short. This book of books is the world’s all-time bestseller (several billion copies) and the world’s most translated book.

    Bible’s 2 major sections

    The Bible’s two major sections are the Old Testament and the New Testament.

    ➤What’s so NEW about the New Testament?

    The Old Testament

    • Starts at the Creation of the universe
    • Books: 39
    • Chapters: 929
    • Verses: 23,214
    • Words: 593,493
    • Longest book: Psalms
    • Shortest book: Obadiah—3rd shortest book of the Bible

    The New Testament

    Order of books

    The Bible’s books are usually arranged by TYPE, rather than in chronological order, although chronologically arranged Bibles are available.

    • Why teach the Bible chronologically? What resources do you recommend? Answer
    • Effective Evangelism—Why start with Creation and then proceed chronologically when teaching the Gospel? Answer

    9 sub-sections of the Bible

    Books of Moses and the Law History Wisdom Prophets Gospels

    known as The Pentateuch:

    Genesis
    Exodus
    Leviticus
    Numbers
    Deuteronomy

    see:
    • Moses
    • Law of Moses
    • About the Book of Job

    		 Joshua
    Judges
    Ruth
    1 Samuel
    2 Samuel
    1 Kings
    2 Kings
    1 Chronicles
    2 Chronicles
    Ezra
    Nehemiah
    Esther    		 Job
    Psalms
    Proverbs
    Ecclesiastes
    Song of Solomon    		 MAJOR
    Isaiah
    Jeremiah
    Lamentations
    Ezekiel
    Daniel

    MINOR
    Hosea
    Joel
    Amos
    Obadiah
    Jonah
    Micah
    Nahum
    Habakkuk
    Zephaniah
    Haggai
    Zechariah
    Malachi

    see:
    • prophecy
    • prophets

    		 Matthew
    Mark
    Luke
    John

    These record the life of Christ and the way of salvation.

    see:
    • About the Gospels
    History of the early church Letters from Paul Letters from others Apocalypse
    Acts of the Apostles

    see:
    • About the book

    		 Romans
    1 Corinthians
    2 Corinthians
    Galatians
    Ephesians
    Philippians
    Colossians
    1 Thessalonians
    2 Thessalonians
    1 Timothy
    2 Timothy
    Titus
    Philemon
    Hebrews

    see:
    • Paul
    • About the Epistle to the Hebrews

    		 James
    1 Peter
    2 Peter
    1 John
    2 John
    3 John
    Jude    		 Revelation

    see:
    • Apocalypse
    • About the book of Revelation
     

    Descriptions of each book

    OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT

    Illustrated chronological summary of the Bible

    God’s Story. Click here.

    Illustrated journey through the Bible

    Want to understand the Bible better? Start with God’s Story, a wonderful, multimedia summary of the Bible, chronologically from Creation to eternity.

    CHRONOLOGICAL TEACHING—Why use this method? See recommended resources. GO

    ChristianAnswers On-line WebBible Encyclopedia

    Use our free, on-line BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA to learn about virtually every word, person and place in the Bible. It’s huge and cross-referenced with the Bible and our answers! See such words as Bible, Canon, Scripture, Inspiration of Scripture, Word of God, Apocrypha, and King James Words Defined.

    Bible fun and education

    Fun facts

    Last word in the Bible: Amen (Rev. 22:21)
    Longest word (and name): Mahershalalhashbaz (Isaiah 8:1)
    Shortest verse: John 11:35 (2 words: “Jesus wept”)
    Longest verse: Esther 8:9
    Shortest book (number of words): 3 John
    Longest book: Psalms (150 chapters)
    Middle books: Micah and Nahum
    Chapters: 1,189
    Longest chapter: Psalm 119 (176 verses)
    Shortest chapter (number of words): Psalm 117
    Number of times the word “God” appears: 3,358 (It appears in every book except Esther and Song of Solomon.)
    Number of times the word “Lord” appears: 7,736
    Number of different authors: Over 40
    Number of languages the Bible has been translated into: 513+ complete Bibles
    2,817 partial translations—and increasing every year
    as of 2014

    Some people ask, “How many words, or letters are there in the Bible?” Or, “What is the middle verse?” The answers totally depend on which translation or manuscript you are using. So, the answers are of little importance to us.
     

    Read the Bible

    We urge you to read the Bible for yourself. It’s an adventure. If you don’t have time to read the whole thing immediately, we suggest that you begin with Genesis (the book of beginnings) and then read the Gospel of According to JOHN.

    We offer two plans to help you get through reading the entire Bible: a One-Year program (arranged by book type) or a Three-Year program (arranged simply from Genesis to Revelation).

    More of our Bible resources

    Kid Explorers link

    Learn more about the world’s most amazing book in our Kid Explorers Rain Forest
    Archaeology and the Bible

    Reliability of the Bible - Did the people, places and events of the Bible really happen? What has archaeology proved?
    Creation SuperLibrary

    Has science disproved the Bible? What about Evolution, radioactive dating, ape-men, etc.?
    Dinosaurs and the Bible

    What about dinosaurs? Doesn’t their existence show that the Bible is not true?
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