"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:1-2
Our worth and identity comes from Him who redeemed us
Your worth and identity isn't defined by your performance or by the things you possess. Your worth comes from God who says, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine." Isaiah 43:1. God knows your every thought and yet He has precious thoughts toward you, they're more numerous than the sand in the sea (Psalm 139:1-2, Psalm 139:17-18). There's something powerful about knowing that God knows and understand you infinitely more than you could for yourself and yet His love for you is eternal. (Jeremiah 31:3). He loves us, even when we don't love Him back (1 John 4:10).
God has a plan for your life, you are not an accident! (Jeremiah 29:11). God knew you before you were even born and just as He called Jeremiah, He also calls you to share His love with others (Jeremiah 1:5). Loving God and living for Him is only a response to Him first loving us, even when we didn't love Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 1 John 4:10, 19). You will seek to please God, not out of fear of punishment or to earn a reward, but because what He already did for you. To surrender to God is to recognize you belong to Him who created you and redeemed you.
God can change our hearts and free us from sin
God has the power to melt our stony hearts and give us the power to obey by His Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27). It is the Holy Spirit's job to testify of Jesus and transforms us into the same image as we behold Him. (John 15:26, 2 Corinthians 3:18). The scriptures testify of Him and it's His Spirit that helps us to see (John 5:39, 2 Corinthians 3:16). It is in His light that you shall see the light (Psalm 36:9). Let His word abide in you and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32). To overcome sin, we need to get to know the Lord and claim His promises personally for ourselves (2 Peter 1:3-4).
We all need a personal trusting relationship with Jesus
The Lord is near those who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). We have a real God who helps real people who get real with Him, confessing to Him their real problems. Our greatest problem is sin, but praise God, His grace is greater and more powerful than our sin (Romans 5:20). Our greatest need in life isn't things, ideas, or other people (God forbid) that we try to use to help ourselves. What we all really need is in our lives is a personal trusting relationship with Jesus, the Source of help.
Let God be Who you ultimately depend on
God knows the things and even the people we need in our life, but remember only God is your Savior, not things or people (Isaiah 43:4, 11). We all depend on God in order bear the fruit of the Spirit (John 15:5, Galatians 5:22-23). Nobody but God has innate goodness, we all depend on God as the source of goodness. We are all God's workmanship, it's not wise to dwell on your own faults or the faults of others (Ephesians 2:10).. Seeing God's image in others changes you. Your focus will be on God and how He's working to restore His image in others and yourself.
You have to surrender to Jesus for yourself
As Christians, we are all like epistles or letters from Christ for others to read. (2 Corinthians 3:3). Just as God can use you to point others to Him, He will also use others to point you to Him as well. That's what witnessing is all about. Maybe they don't say anything to you directly, but you know God is using them to convict you about something in your life that you need to surrender. A preacher once said, "God chooses how He speaks, we choose if we will listen". If God is saying to surrender something, listen to God, He means what He says. Don't go waiting for others to be your conscience for you, that's why God gave you your own conscience.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Friday, July 6, 2018
A Call to Surrender
You belong to God and He's The Giver of all good things
When God asks you to surrender something, remember everything already belongs to Him, and you aren't your own either, you belong to Him, for He is your creator and redeemer (Psalm 24:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Isaiah 43:1). Also remember that He wouldn't withhold something that would be for your own eternal good. The bible says "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11.
God isn't a withholder, He's a giver, Calvary proves it. "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17
God's goal for you is character
Remember, "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" 1 John 5:14. When you wonder what's going on in your life, remember that "all things work together for good to those who love God" Romans 8:28. Even if bad things happen to us, as long as our focus is on Christ, then it will work for the good of our characters (2 Corinthians 3:18). Our characters will change for the better when our “comfort” or fortitude is found in God in spite of disagreeable circumstances.
Ask God, and He will give you wisdom to understand what He is working on in your life (James 1:5). What you need to know is not information, but the Person of God and Jesus Christ who He sent (John 17:3). God's Spirit testifies of Jesus and will guide you to all truth (John 15:26, John 16:13). God will give you His Spirit if you ask Him (Luke 11:13). As you behold the glory of the Lord, His Spirit will transform your character into the same image as His (2 Corinthians 3:18). Don't worry about what you don't know and do what God already revealed to you. (Deuteronomy 29:29).
We are God's workmanship, not our own, and He prepared these works in Christ for us to walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). It shouldn't surprise us that we are called to walk in Jesus footsteps in this world of suffering (1 Peter 2:21). God prepared the way for us and He promises His Spirit to help us. "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31.
Seeking God's standards, abiding in His love
We tend to suffer needlessly from worry because we're trying to live up to a standards or expectations from the world instead of seeking God's word for His standards or expectations. While God does give us "commandments" or boundaries to abide by, we must remember they are meant for our own well-being. To abide by God's boundaries is simply to abide in His love (John 15:10). This is the key to surrender. Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" John 15:5.
Crucify away the thought that you have to perform something of yourself in order for God to love you, abide in His love, you're His masterpiece in the making! God isn't seeking for mere outward performance, He wants your heart (Psalm 51:17). Let Him take your heart and He'll give you a new one, then you will be able to work out what He works in you (Ezekiel 11:19, Philippians 2:12-13). This isn't a time time thing, the inner man is to be renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).
Remember that God's love for you never changes (Jeremiah 31:3). God says, "I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me." Isaiah 49:15b-16. God sees the walls we've built, so in reality we are the ones who hold ourselves back. Yet, God doesn't give up and forget about us, even if we give up and forget about Him (Isaiah 49:15). When we stray like sheep, He goes looking for us and will rejoice when He finds us (Isaiah 53:6, Matthew 18:13, Zephaniah 3:17). Yes, there's joy in all of heaven when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7).
God calls us to surrender, not to conform to this world, and to be transformed in the renewing of our minds so that we can know His will (Romans 12:1-2). While God warns about what happens to minds who don't retain Him in their knowledge, remember He doesn't really want to give us up to such things (Romans 1:28). "For this is the will of God, your sanctification" 1 Thessalonians 4:3. It's through the knowledge of God that we're given "exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:2-4. God wants to sanctify you completely and your "whole spirit, soul, and body" to be preserved "blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
Being known and loved by God should inspire us to live for Him
God knows what you're thinking and He understands what you're going through (Psalm 139:2, Hebrews 4:15). Of course He would, He made you and even became flesh to redeem you with His very life so you would not perish, but have eternal life if you believe; You belong to Him and are very precious to Him (Isaiah 43:1, 4. John 3:16, 1 Peter 1:18-19).
God has always loved you, even when you didn't love Him and when you had fallen into sin (1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8). God is "longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9. God's love should inspire us to no longer live for ourselves, but for Him who died for us and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
God's love gives us a sense of belonging and inspires us to love each other
Think about what God did for all of us. He sent us Jesus our Creator and Captain of our salvation, to taste death and bring many sons to glory, yes He isn't ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters! (Hebrews 2:9–11). We are part of His family, isn't that amazing? The bible also says that Christ suffered and died in the flesh so that He "might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Hebrews 2:14-15.
God bought our freedom from the tyranny of sin. God's word says, "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14. The Lord is able to keep you from stumbling and it's with exceeding joy that He presents you faultless before the presence of His glory (Jude 1:24). Jesus will never cast anyone out who comes to Him (John 6:37).
The Lord will order your steps, and though you may fall, He will not utterly cast you down, but will uphold you with His hand (Psalm 37:23-24). Knowing this, why would we ever discourage another soul, as if hoping they fall and give up on life? God's word warns us against this, it's the context of the verse which says that a righteous man will fall seven times and rise again (Proverbs 24:15-18). Let us love one another as Jesus loved us (John 13:34).
God is not willing that any should perish
To those who reject His love, the Lord asks, “O My people, what have I done to you? And how have I wearied you? Testify against Me. For I brought you up from the land of Egypt (represents the world), I redeemed you from the house of bondage (represents sin); And I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (represent God's messengers)." Micah 6:3-4. Just as Israel had evicted God out of His house (Ezekiel 8:6), many today are evicting Him from mind and body, which belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19). Jesus weeps over each of them, like how He wept over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37). Jesus weeps, not because of what they were but because of what they could have been.
God is pleading with us today ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Ezekiel 33:11. God isn't out to harm you, put away such thoughts. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11.
If we forget our dependence on God, blessings become a curse
The Lord wants you to be saved, He's excited about the idea. He says, "Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other." Isaiah 45:22. We need to remember that the Lord is our only Savior and be careful not to make an idol out of our blessings, lest we should forget to depend on Him from whom all blessing flow (Hosea 13:4-6, Ephesians 1:3). This is what can make "blessings" into a curse and God doesn't want that.
Jesus says, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15. "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26. Is eternal life really worth being lost over things that will burn up anyway? (2 Peter 3:10).
Only God's righteousness can satisfy the void in your soul, stop trying to satisfy it with something else (Matthew 5:6). Remember that eternal life is about personally knowing the Lord and the result is a transformation of character, which is the only thing you'll take to heaven anyway (John 17:3, 2 Corinthians 3:18). Make it your priority to "seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth" Psalm 105:4-5. When God shows you His goodness, He also asks you to reflect His goodness toward others (Exodus 33:18-19, Micah 6:3-8, John 15:12).
When God asks you to surrender something, remember everything already belongs to Him, and you aren't your own either, you belong to Him, for He is your creator and redeemer (Psalm 24:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Isaiah 43:1). Also remember that He wouldn't withhold something that would be for your own eternal good. The bible says "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11.
God isn't a withholder, He's a giver, Calvary proves it. "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17
God's goal for you is character
Remember, "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" 1 John 5:14. When you wonder what's going on in your life, remember that "all things work together for good to those who love God" Romans 8:28. Even if bad things happen to us, as long as our focus is on Christ, then it will work for the good of our characters (2 Corinthians 3:18). Our characters will change for the better when our “comfort” or fortitude is found in God in spite of disagreeable circumstances.
Ask God, and He will give you wisdom to understand what He is working on in your life (James 1:5). What you need to know is not information, but the Person of God and Jesus Christ who He sent (John 17:3). God's Spirit testifies of Jesus and will guide you to all truth (John 15:26, John 16:13). God will give you His Spirit if you ask Him (Luke 11:13). As you behold the glory of the Lord, His Spirit will transform your character into the same image as His (2 Corinthians 3:18). Don't worry about what you don't know and do what God already revealed to you. (Deuteronomy 29:29).
We are God's workmanship, not our own, and He prepared these works in Christ for us to walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). It shouldn't surprise us that we are called to walk in Jesus footsteps in this world of suffering (1 Peter 2:21). God prepared the way for us and He promises His Spirit to help us. "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31.
Seeking God's standards, abiding in His love
We tend to suffer needlessly from worry because we're trying to live up to a standards or expectations from the world instead of seeking God's word for His standards or expectations. While God does give us "commandments" or boundaries to abide by, we must remember they are meant for our own well-being. To abide by God's boundaries is simply to abide in His love (John 15:10). This is the key to surrender. Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" John 15:5.
Crucify away the thought that you have to perform something of yourself in order for God to love you, abide in His love, you're His masterpiece in the making! God isn't seeking for mere outward performance, He wants your heart (Psalm 51:17). Let Him take your heart and He'll give you a new one, then you will be able to work out what He works in you (Ezekiel 11:19, Philippians 2:12-13). This isn't a time time thing, the inner man is to be renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).
Remember that God's love for you never changes (Jeremiah 31:3). God says, "I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me." Isaiah 49:15b-16. God sees the walls we've built, so in reality we are the ones who hold ourselves back. Yet, God doesn't give up and forget about us, even if we give up and forget about Him (Isaiah 49:15). When we stray like sheep, He goes looking for us and will rejoice when He finds us (Isaiah 53:6, Matthew 18:13, Zephaniah 3:17). Yes, there's joy in all of heaven when a sinner repents (Luke 15:7).
God calls us to surrender, not to conform to this world, and to be transformed in the renewing of our minds so that we can know His will (Romans 12:1-2). While God warns about what happens to minds who don't retain Him in their knowledge, remember He doesn't really want to give us up to such things (Romans 1:28). "For this is the will of God, your sanctification" 1 Thessalonians 4:3. It's through the knowledge of God that we're given "exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:2-4. God wants to sanctify you completely and your "whole spirit, soul, and body" to be preserved "blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
Being known and loved by God should inspire us to live for Him
God knows what you're thinking and He understands what you're going through (Psalm 139:2, Hebrews 4:15). Of course He would, He made you and even became flesh to redeem you with His very life so you would not perish, but have eternal life if you believe; You belong to Him and are very precious to Him (Isaiah 43:1, 4. John 3:16, 1 Peter 1:18-19).
God has always loved you, even when you didn't love Him and when you had fallen into sin (1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8). God is "longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9. God's love should inspire us to no longer live for ourselves, but for Him who died for us and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
God's love gives us a sense of belonging and inspires us to love each other
Think about what God did for all of us. He sent us Jesus our Creator and Captain of our salvation, to taste death and bring many sons to glory, yes He isn't ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters! (Hebrews 2:9–11). We are part of His family, isn't that amazing? The bible also says that Christ suffered and died in the flesh so that He "might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Hebrews 2:14-15.
God bought our freedom from the tyranny of sin. God's word says, "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14. The Lord is able to keep you from stumbling and it's with exceeding joy that He presents you faultless before the presence of His glory (Jude 1:24). Jesus will never cast anyone out who comes to Him (John 6:37).
The Lord will order your steps, and though you may fall, He will not utterly cast you down, but will uphold you with His hand (Psalm 37:23-24). Knowing this, why would we ever discourage another soul, as if hoping they fall and give up on life? God's word warns us against this, it's the context of the verse which says that a righteous man will fall seven times and rise again (Proverbs 24:15-18). Let us love one another as Jesus loved us (John 13:34).
God is not willing that any should perish
To those who reject His love, the Lord asks, “O My people, what have I done to you? And how have I wearied you? Testify against Me. For I brought you up from the land of Egypt (represents the world), I redeemed you from the house of bondage (represents sin); And I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (represent God's messengers)." Micah 6:3-4. Just as Israel had evicted God out of His house (Ezekiel 8:6), many today are evicting Him from mind and body, which belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19). Jesus weeps over each of them, like how He wept over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37). Jesus weeps, not because of what they were but because of what they could have been.
God is pleading with us today ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Ezekiel 33:11. God isn't out to harm you, put away such thoughts. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11.
If we forget our dependence on God, blessings become a curse
The Lord wants you to be saved, He's excited about the idea. He says, "Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other." Isaiah 45:22. We need to remember that the Lord is our only Savior and be careful not to make an idol out of our blessings, lest we should forget to depend on Him from whom all blessing flow (Hosea 13:4-6, Ephesians 1:3). This is what can make "blessings" into a curse and God doesn't want that.
Jesus says, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15. "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26. Is eternal life really worth being lost over things that will burn up anyway? (2 Peter 3:10).
Only God's righteousness can satisfy the void in your soul, stop trying to satisfy it with something else (Matthew 5:6). Remember that eternal life is about personally knowing the Lord and the result is a transformation of character, which is the only thing you'll take to heaven anyway (John 17:3, 2 Corinthians 3:18). Make it your priority to "seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth" Psalm 105:4-5. When God shows you His goodness, He also asks you to reflect His goodness toward others (Exodus 33:18-19, Micah 6:3-8, John 15:12).
Monday, July 2, 2018
God's promises for the depressed
Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.
Psalm 34:18
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Psalm 119:107 I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
Psalm 56:8
You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?
Psalm 30:5b ...Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:38-39
Psalm 119:107 I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
Psalm 56:8
You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?
Psalm 30:5b ...Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
Philippians 4:6-8
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Job 1:21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Also see Mind Character and Personality, Vol 2, Chapters 49 (Grief) and (52 (Depression)
Also see Ministry of Healing, Chapter 18 "Mind Cure"
Depression: A Time To Choose Who To Worship
“All suffering is intended to train us to fix our eyes on the true God. Therefore, depression, regardless of the causes, is a time to answer the deepest and most important of all questions: Whom will I trust? Whom will I worship?” Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness, p. 43-44
“Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings–as much a duty as it is to pray.” The Ministry of Healing, p. 251
Helpful music playlists on Youtube
Trials and temptation
For The broken heart
Jesus Understands
Peace in the Storm
Hymns for troubled minds
Courage, Hope, and Cheer
Faith and Courage
Peace, Joy, and Comfort
Songs for the trials of life (bluegrass)
Songs for the storms of life (bluegrass)
Courage and Comfort (bluegrass)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
Philippians 4:6-8
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Job 1:21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Also see Mind Character and Personality, Vol 2, Chapters 49 (Grief) and (52 (Depression)
Also see Ministry of Healing, Chapter 18 "Mind Cure"
Depression: A Time To Choose Who To Worship
“All suffering is intended to train us to fix our eyes on the true God. Therefore, depression, regardless of the causes, is a time to answer the deepest and most important of all questions: Whom will I trust? Whom will I worship?” Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness, p. 43-44
“Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings–as much a duty as it is to pray.” The Ministry of Healing, p. 251
Helpful music playlists on Youtube
Trials and temptation
For The broken heart
Jesus Understands
Peace in the Storm
Hymns for troubled minds
Courage, Hope, and Cheer
Faith and Courage
Peace, Joy, and Comfort
Songs for the trials of life (bluegrass)
Songs for the storms of life (bluegrass)
Courage and Comfort (bluegrass)
Saturday, June 30, 2018
God's Promises for the discouraged
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 37:34 Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
Joel 2:23, 25 ...And He will cause the rain to come down for you— The former rain, And the latter rain... I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten...
Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ
Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 30:19-21 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; You shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; When He hears it, He will answer you. And though the Lord gives you The bread of adversity and the water of affliction, Yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore, But your eyes shall see your teachers. Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
James 1:2-5 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Hebrews 12:2-3
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The Discipline of God For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Nehemiah 8:10b "...The joy of the Lord is your strength."
Job 23:10
But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold
1 Peter 1:6-9 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 2:20-25 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Encouraging quote:
To all who are reaching out to feel the guiding hand of God, the moment of greatest discouragement is the time when divine help is nearest. They will look back with thankfulness upon the darkest part of their way. "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly," 2 Peter 2:9. From every temptation and every trial He will bring them forth with firmer faith and a richer experience. [Desire of Ages, p. 528]
Also see How to get over past hurts
Also see Bible promises for the depressed (and broken hearted)
Helpful music playlists on Youtube
Courage, Hope, and Cheer
Faith and Courage
Peace, Joy, and Comfort
Courage and Comfort (bluegrass)
Helpful music playlists on Youtube
Courage, Hope, and Cheer
Faith and Courage
Peace, Joy, and Comfort
Courage and Comfort (bluegrass)
Trials and Temptations
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41. "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." James 1:12-25
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:2-4. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16. "For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:13. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6.
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:7-10.
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21 "For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God." 1 Peter 2:15-16. "For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God." 1 Peter 2:16-20
"..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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." Hebrews 12:1-3
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." 1 Peter 2:17-25
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified." 1 Peter 4:12-14
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." James 1:12-25
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:2-4. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16. "For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8:13. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:6.
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:7-10.
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21 "For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God." 1 Peter 2:15-16. "For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God." 1 Peter 2:16-20
"..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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." Hebrews 12:1-3
"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." 1 Peter 2:17-25
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified." 1 Peter 4:12-14
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Job 23:10
But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3. "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24. "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." Jude 24-25
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:2-11
Relevant quote:
To go forward without stumbling, we must have the assurance that a hand all-powerful will hold us up, and an infinite pity be exercised toward us if we fall. God alone can at all times hear our cry for help. ST July 28, 1881
Also see, Quotes for the tempted
Also see, Bible verses for the tempted
Helpful music playlists on Youtube
Trials and temptation
Songs for the trials of life
Faith and Courage
Courage and Comfort (bluegrass)
But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3. "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24. "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." Jude 24-25
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:2-11
Relevant quote:
To go forward without stumbling, we must have the assurance that a hand all-powerful will hold us up, and an infinite pity be exercised toward us if we fall. God alone can at all times hear our cry for help. ST July 28, 1881
Also see, Quotes for the tempted
Also see, Bible verses for the tempted
Helpful music playlists on Youtube
Trials and temptation
Songs for the trials of life
Faith and Courage
Courage and Comfort (bluegrass)
Friday, June 29, 2018
How to be and stay transformed
Let God's word guard your heart
God knows that our hearts are naturally deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Give Him your heart and He will give you a new one (Proverbs 23:26, Ezekiel 36:26). How? "Let your heart retain my words", He says (Proverbs 4:4a). “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32. This is how we can guard our hearts from which spring the issues of life.
God knows that our hearts are naturally deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Give Him your heart and He will give you a new one (Proverbs 23:26, Ezekiel 36:26). How? "Let your heart retain my words", He says (Proverbs 4:4a). “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32. This is how we can guard our hearts from which spring the issues of life.
Let God's word be your meditation all the day
We become what we think (Proverbs 23:7), that's why we need to constantly feed on "every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" Matthew 4:4. Let it be your "meditation all the day" until it is written in your heart, then it will become a delight to do God's will (Psalm 119:97, Psalm 40:8). We need to depend on God's word to live, just like how a new born depends on milk (1 Peter 2:1-3). Feeding on God's word, you'll find joy, knowing that His thoughts and ways are higher and seeing His word accomplished in your life (Jeremiah 15:16, Isaiah 55:7-11).
Wise in what is good, innocent concerning evil
We are called to have childlike humility, trusting the Lord with all our hearts and not leaning on our own understanding (Matthew 18:4, Proverbs 3:5). This doesn't mean we should be gullible (John 10:4-5, John 10:27). We are called to be "wise in what is good, and innocent concerning evil." Romans 16:19. Search the scriptures, "which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15.
Spiritual Maturity and The Holy Spirit
We have to grow up from carnal infancy to spiritual maturity so that we can handle more "solid food" from God's word (1 Corinthians 3:1-4, Hebrews 5:12-14). Spiritually mature people don't put other people down, but bear each other's burdens, realizing that we all depend on Jesus who is everyone's Burden Bearer (Galatians 6:1-5, Matthew 11:28-31). Spiritual maturity (or being wise) comes from being constantly filled with the "oil" of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 25:4). The Holy Spirit doesn't speak of itself, but will testify of and glorify Jesus (John 16:13, John 15:26, John 16:14). It's also through the Holy Spirit that Christ can live in us (John 14:15-18, 23).
Crucifying selfish pride, realizing Christ is all you need
When our lives are centered in Christ, we have nothing to boast about except in "in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" Galatians 6:14. Selfish pride is spiritually fatal, it leads to thinking we have everything figured out, but it ends in destruction (Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 14:12). Like Paul, we need to be determined to not know anything but "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). We must remember, without Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5). To bear the cross is to crucify the idea that you have to do something to save yourself or make God accept you, then realizing God loves you in spite of yourself and offers a new life to you through His son Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:24-25, John 3:16).
Dying to self daily and being renewed in the inner man daily
When we accept Christ's death as our own, we also receive His life (Romans 6:4-10). Then we will be dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). We will no longer live for ourselves, but live for Him who gave His life for us (2 Corinthians 5:15). We will be able to say like Paul, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. This isn't a one time event, we must die to self daily (Luke 9:23, 1 Corinthians 15:31).As we deny our old self, we must be renewed in the new inward man day by day (Ephesians 4:21-24, 2 Corinthians 4:16). "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
Keeping God in your knowledge
If we hear the word of Christ and believe in God who sent Him, then we have everlasting life. (John 5:24). Having eternal life is dependent on keeping God in our knowledge (John 17:3). It's only through God's Spirit that we can cast down "arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God". 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. "When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16
Thursday, June 28, 2018
How to guard your heart
The Lord is near the brokenhearted, who call on Him in truth (raw honesty)
"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18. "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18
Let God have your heart
"Give me your heart" Proverbs 23:26. "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:10. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." Ezekiel 36:26-27.
Let God search your heart, He knows it better than you do
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my anxieties: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24. "For as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7.
"Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. " Psalm 19:12. "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; cause me to understand wherein I have erred." Job 6:24.
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9. "...God is greater than our heart, and knows all things." 1 John 3:20b. "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off." Psalm 139:1-2..
Pray for a new heart
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:10-11.
Abide in God's word and you'll be freed from the lies that lead to sin
"Let your heart retain my words" Proverbs 4:4a. "For the word of God is living and powerful.. and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12. “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32.
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11. "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16. "I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8.
Careful what you say or think (it begins in the heart)
"[Guard] your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23. "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14. "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21. "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Proverbs 15:4. "Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it." Psalms 34:13-14.
"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8. "Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" 2 Corinthians 10:5
Don't let anything "choke" the God's word out of your heart
Matthew 13:22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
Let Christ and His word dwell in your heart
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Let God strengthen your heart and pour His love into it
"Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24. "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5.
Make a melody in your heart
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God." Ephesians 5:15-21
"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18. "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18
Let God have your heart
"Give me your heart" Proverbs 23:26. "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:10. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." Ezekiel 36:26-27.
Let God search your heart, He knows it better than you do
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my anxieties: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24. "For as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7.
"Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. " Psalm 19:12. "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; cause me to understand wherein I have erred." Job 6:24.
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9. "...God is greater than our heart, and knows all things." 1 John 3:20b. "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off." Psalm 139:1-2..
Pray for a new heart
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:10-11.
Abide in God's word and you'll be freed from the lies that lead to sin
"Let your heart retain my words" Proverbs 4:4a. "For the word of God is living and powerful.. and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12. “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32.
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11. "Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16. "I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8.
Careful what you say or think (it begins in the heart)
"[Guard] your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23. "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14. "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21. "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Proverbs 15:4. "Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it." Psalms 34:13-14.
"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8. "Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" 2 Corinthians 10:5
Don't let anything "choke" the God's word out of your heart
Matthew 13:22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
Let Christ and His word dwell in your heart
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Let God strengthen your heart and pour His love into it
"Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24. "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5.
Make a melody in your heart
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God." Ephesians 5:15-21
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