Spiritual Growth and Christian Living Resources Toggle navigation 7 Signs You’re Being Controlled by the Spirit of Fear Leah Lively Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer 2020 7 May Today, many people in the world are facing a greater fear than they have ever felt in their lifetime. Crises of all kinds, and abundant misinformation, is taking our sanity on a never-ending roller coaster ride. Our world has never felt less peace-filled and more fear-filled. Fear is not a new concept in our world. From the beginning of Scripture and throughout its pages, fear is present and acted upon. While fear may always be a part of our lives, how we respond to our fear is what matters the most. It is easy to become controlled by a spirit of fear. God has a calling for your life and a spirit of fear will hold you back from fulfilling that calling. Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” Let’s take a look at seven signs you are being controlled by the spirit of fear: Photo Credit: ©Pexels Andrea Piacquadio 1. Fear Becomes a Prison Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. – Genesis 3:8 CSB God created Adam and Eve to have a relationship with them. They freely walked and talked with God throughout their days. Adam and Eve did not need to hide from God as they had yet to experience sin. Fear did not enter the world until Adam and Eve chose to disobey God and bite into the forbidden fruit. Once they sinned and disobeyed God, their sin created a prison of fear as they covered their bodies and physically hid from Him. They feared his response to their sin. They feared their new awareness of sin. They became imprisoned by fear, unable to experience the freedom of their relationship with God. When fear takes over, we want to hide from everyone, especially God. Our fear keeps us in bondage. Whether we are fearful of the future, becoming ill, or experience job loss—fear can control us to the point of turning away and hiding from God. Through prayer and worship in God’s presence, you can shift your eyes to the One who helps you move out of the shadows of fear into the light of freedom. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/tommaso79 2. Fear Makes You Lose Your Focus And Noah did everything the Lord commanded him. – Genesis 7:5 CSB The story of Noah relates closely to the COVID-19 pandemic. His family was in forced social isolation for 40 days. That’s not even the most fear-inducing element of the story. While his family was in quarantine on a massive boat, God destroyed everything outside of the walls except for the animals Noah was also living with. There would be rain for 40 days, which had never happened on the earth before this point. Rain was a foreign concept to the people of that time as water had only come from the ground, not the sky. Despite all the unknown circumstances, the word fear is never mentioned. God didn’t even tell Noah “Don’t be afraid” as he does other people of the Bible. We do know that Noah found favor with the Lord, walked with God, did everything the Lord commanded, and was righteous before God. While Noah most likely was afraid (as any human would be), he didn’t allow it to be his focus. Noah’s focus remained on God so that he could be obedient to God’s call on his life. Sometimes the enemy uses fear to remove our focus on what God may be calling us to do during a difficult season. Instead of focusing on fear, serve those around you. Collect food for a local food pantry to distribute to school children who are unable to get their normal meals at school. Send cards to a senior living facility or a gift card to a needy family. Focus on loving others instead of your fear. It’s an act of obedience to God. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages 3. Fear Makes You Listen to Outside Influences No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or abandon you. – Joshua 1:5 CSB In the Bible, God tells Joshua to be brave, strong, and not be afraid more than any other character in the Bible. Joshua had plenty of reasons to be afraid. Their great leader, Moses, had died and it was now Joshua’s job to lead the Israelites into battle with many nations who were larger and stronger. The Israelites complained about leaving slavery in Egypt and how difficult it would be to conquer these nations. The strength of other nations was intimidating. Joshua had a major task in front of him, but God reassured him that He would be with Joshua. Had Joshua listened to outside influences and allow his fear to control him, he would not have reached the promised land, fulfilling God’s plan for His people. The voices of the world are loud. Whenever you choose a path opposite of the majority opinion, outside influences will try to speak truth into your life. Going against the crowd can be fearful if you are not confident in your leader. Joshua trusted God’s leadership in his life. God had taken them from slavery, safely through the Red Sea, and provided nourishment in the wilderness. Joshua trusted that God would help them conquer their enemies. The path of following God is never easy, but fear can cause you to turn your ear to those who are not on the same path. Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio 4. Fear Creates Obstacles Lord God, what can you give me since I am childless? – Genesis 15:2 CSB The first time God’s commandment of, “Do not be afraid” is recorded in the Bible is when he was talking to Abram. Abram obeyed God by leaving his home and traveling to an unknown land. As Abram settled in the area, he faced difficulties with the Pharaoh of Egypt, his nephew Lot, and the king of Sodom. Each time, God brought him through with abundant blessings. While Abram could have felt fear in all of this, God only addresses his fear when Abram questions the fulfillment of a covenant God made with him. God promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. This seemed impossible since Abram and his wife were without any children and were well past child-bearing years. Abram’s fear created an obstacle to believing God’s promise. God’s promises throughout the Bible are abundant. Are you allowing your fear to create an obstacle to believing God’s promises for you? He promises never to leave or abandon you (Hebrews 13:5 CSB). God says He knows the plans He has for you, plans for your well-being not for disaster (Jeremiah 29:11 CSB). Do not allow whatever fear you are experiencing to create an obstacle to believing God. He is greater than any fear you will face. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Dilok Klaisataporn 5. Fear Can Keep You From Facing the Battle You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out and face them, for the Lord is with you. – 2 Chronicles 20:17 CSB King Jehoshaphat of Judah was one of the few kings who followed God as King David did. When he was afraid of war with enemies of Judah that were too many in number to conquer, he “resolved to seek the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:3). He called everyone to fasting and prayer, then before the people, he cried out to God: “We do not know what to do, but we will look to you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Jehoshaphat admitted their weakness and committed to looking to God for victory. Despite his fear, he was ready to stand and face the battle before him. Our world is full of battles. Global pandemics, broken relationships, and chronic illnesses can seem too great a foe to conquer. Just like Jehoshaphat, you must admit your weakness, position yourself before God, and face the war. God will do the fighting, look to Him to guide you into the next step to take in the battle before you. Ask God to help you stand and face your war, trusting Him to fight to victory. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes 6. Fear Causes Doubt You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time. – Luke 1:20 CSB Zechariah, the priest, and his wife Elizabeth had been praying for a child. The angel Gabriel visited Zechariah to let him know that Elizabeth would be having a son. The visit from an angel of God was not convincing enough for Zechariah for him to believe him. Zechariah asks, “How can I know this?” (Luke 1:18). This fear of the unknown caused Zechariah to be stricken mute for the entire duration of the pregnancy. He could not share this news with anyone, especially his wife. Your fear can create doubt making you believe your circumstances will never change or God is not sovereign (all-knowing and in full control). As a priest, Zechariah goes to the temple to care for it and oversee sacrifices made to the Lord. He was immersed in the presence of God daily yet doubted God’s messenger. Fear causes you to doubt God’s Word in the Bible and doubt the wisdom of your pastor’s Sunday message. Doubt hinders you from believing God is who He says He is. Zechariah’s son was John the Baptist who prepared the people for the coming Messiah. Some of John’s followers became Jesus’ disciples. If you find your fear causing doubt, ask God for more faith. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Bartek Szewczyk 7. Fear Makes You Forget God’s Truth The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said.” – Matthew 28:5-6 After Jesus Christ was arrested, the disciples scattered and hid in fear for their own lives. Only the women and John remained at the foot of the cross. On the third day after He was laid in the tomb, the women continued their service to their rabbi by preparing to anoint his body. The women were afraid when the earth shook, and an angel appeared. The angel reminded the women that Jesus has risen, just as he said. In the time leading up to his death, Jesus told his followers multiple times that he would rise on the third day. The disciples’ fear caused them to stay hidden instead of walking to the tomb with the women. Jesus had prepared them all for this moment, yet their fear made them forget his words. God’s truth can be forgotten when you allow your fear to cloud His words. Challenges of life can create fear and makes you not remember the truth He has spoken into your life. The moments when God said “yes” make you wonder if you really heard Him correctly when a situation becomes difficult and fear takes over. The gift of God’s peace is tested when circumstances fill you with fear. Throughout your lifetime, you will continue to experience fear. Despite this guarantee, you cannot allow it to take over. Through God’s Word and prayer, you can turn your eyes to Him. He can help you step into His presence and not hide from Him. Through focusing on God and not fear you can step out in obedience as you love and serve those around you. While fear can keep you from remembering God’s promises, trust that He will fulfill the promises He has for you. God will fight whatever battle is ahead of you. Stand before Him, acknowledging your weakness, and face the battle. Fear may cause you to question or forget God’s words and His faithfulness in your past. Remember the ways He has cared for you and focus on the truth of His Word. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Halfpoint Leah Lively is a wife and mother of four living in central Virginia. Through writing and speaking opportunities, she is passionate about encouraging others in learning more about the Bible and maturing in their faith. Leah writes on her blog at leahlivelyblog.com as well as 30-day Bible studies on specific books of the Bible. Her second study, 30 Days in Acts – A Journey: Igniting the Flame of the Early Church releases May 19, 2020. Drink This Before Bed, Watch Your Body Fat Melt Like Crazy Healthier Living Club Sponsored by Revcontent Find Out More > 67,979 NEXT: Prayers for Birthdays, Graduates, and Grieving during the COVID-19 Crisis About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Crosswalk App Do Not Sell My Info (CA Only)
What Does John 8:7 Mean?
Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day John 8:7 ◄ What Does John 8:7 Mean? ► But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7(NASB) Verse Thoughts The person who is most critical of the faults, failings and sins of others is often guilty of the self-same faults, failings and sins in their own lives. ‘When you point your finger of accusation at another, remember you have three fingers of accusation pointing right back at yourself,’ as the old saying goes. How often the person who is severely judging his fellowman is the hypocrite who flatters himself of his own uprightness. But in a few words, pregnant with meaning, Christ silences every accusing voice and each pointing finger. He did not excuse this woman’s adultery by finding fault with God’s law, but He challenged her to face her wrong-doing and to ‘go and sin no more.’ And by His atoning death she too was forgiven by grace through faith. The punishment for this type of sin was stoning, but the wages of all sin and every trespass, whether sins of the body or sins of the heart, whether physical sins executed through our bodies, or spiritual sin undertaken in the secret smugness of our own prideful hearts, the wages of all sin is death… and death means separation from God – BUT the gift of God is eternal life, which is accessed through the Lord Jesus Christ. He it was that took the punishment for our sin – the punishment that we so justly deserve. Praise God that Christ is the only One that has the righteous authority to cast the first stone at you and me, but by grace through faith in Him we are forgiven of all our SINS through His atoning death. But in addition, by faith in His finished work at Calvary the power of SIN (the old sin nature) has been broken in our lives – as has the power to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil, which is given to us by the Spirit. It is through the indwelling Holy Spirit, that the life of Christ within is able to overcome innate SIN – our old sin nature, (the old-man as Paul calls it) that lurks within. May the mind of Christ direct all our actions and attitudes, our thoughts and the motives of our heart, and may His gracious attitude be reflected in my life as I seek to live a life that is pleasing in His sight to His praise and glory. My Prayer Father thank You that my sins have been forgiven and that there is no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus. I confess that there are times when I have been critical of others, but I want to live a life that is pleasing to You and allow Your new-life within to display the grace and love of the Lord Jesus towards others – in the same way that You show you grace and love towards me, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: John 7:46 Next: John 8:9 ► Choose a Verse from John 8 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859 Philippians 1:16 Hebrews 13:4 Mark 11:10 Esther 9:32 Follow us John 8:7 Further Study John 8:7 in the Parallel Bible John 8:7 in the Thematic Bible John 8:7 Cross References John 8:7 Treasury of Scripture Knowing John 8:7 Sermons John 8:7 Prayers John 8:7 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Broken Foundations 1 Timothy 2:8 Psalm 38:10 Free, To Serve The Habit Of A Good Conscience The Sanctifying Life – Man’s Nature and Destiny (5) This Life Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved
Deux Ex Machina
Living Light Daily Devotional Deus Ex Machina By Touching Lives with Dr. James Merritt “Now this is eternal life: That they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” John 17:3 Eternal life is more than just living forever. If eternal life was simply living forever God could let us do that right here on earth right now. Everyone is going to live forever somewhere – either in heaven with God or in hell separated from God. What exactly, then, is eternal life? Eternal life is knowing God, being fully connected to God, being in God, and having God in you. It is worshipping God, obeying God, loving God, serving God, and glorifying God. And as believers, we get eternal life now. John 17:3 doesn’t say, “The gift of God will be eternal life.” It says, “The gift of God is eternal life.” It isn’t something we wait to receive. You have eternal life the moment you trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. You aren’t just going to live forever…you are going to live forever with God. His home will be your home. His family is now your family. The Heavenly Father is now your Father. There is only one remedy for sin and that is God. There is only one remedy for death and that is life. There is a Latin phrase used in theatre, “Deus Ex Machina.” In classical drama, it referred to the introduction of God into the action of a play to resolve a problem. Euripides had a rule for using God in the drama. He said that God must never be introduced as a Deus Ex Machina unless the characters had gotten themselves into such a problem that only God could solve it. It had to be a dilemma that only God could get them out of. Sin and death are the ultimate Deus Ex Machina. The only way out is by accepting the free gift of eternal life that God offers to every one of us. Yes, we deserve death; but God desires life. Dearest Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me, for creating a way for me to spend eternity in heaven, and for helping me each day as I live here on earth. You are my savior and Lord. You desire the very best for me, and I am grateful to know you in my heart. Read in browser » Recent Articles: A Clear Conscious Clean Conduct The Platform of Suffering Complete Confidence Blessing Prayer Request Email TL Staff Donate Now Share Tweet Forward This email was sent to hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Touching Lives, Inc. · 1800 Satellite Blvd · Duluth, GA 30097 · USA
What Does John 5:22 Meant
Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day John 5:22 ◄ What Does John 5:22 Mean? ► “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, John 5:22(NASB) Verse Thoughts The healing of the paralysed man, at the Pool of Bethesda, infuriated Jewish leaders. They objected to Christ’s Messianic claims and were furious that He often referred to God as His Father. They were constantly looking for ways to get rid of Jesus and accused Him of breaking the Sabbath day. They regarded the healing of the paralytic man as WORK. But no biblical Law was violated… other than a man-made, Sabbath-day rule. Jesus responded by saying “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” But His statement further inflamed them, for they accused Him of blasphemy. They said He was making Himself equal with God. This latest accusation triggered a detailed discourse, concerning Christ’s relationship with the Father and provides us with a comprehensive overview of the hypostatic union of Christ’s humanity with His deity – for He is both the Son of Man and the Son of God. He had every right to make Himself equal with God – for as Son of God, He is God – the Son. His discourse explains the reason the eternal Son of God had to become the perfect Son of Man. It provides insight into His divine authority (as God) and the sovereign jurisdiction He was given by His Father (as Man). As a Member of the Godhead, all power was already His. But it was in His humanity that Christ Jesus was given all power and authority by the Father. It was in His human capacity that God gave Jesus all authority to judge. In His discourse, Jesus detailed the authority He received from the Father…”the Father has given all judgment to the Son,” The question may be asked WHY? Why would the Father commit all the judgement of humanity into the hand of Jesus, when He is already is the righteous Judge of the earth, because of His deity? Well, in the beginning, God gave dominion over the world into the hand of the first man, Adam, who failed in his duty. God in His grace determined that a second Adam – a second MAN, would come and regain all that the first Adam lost. However, no man is good enough to become Redeemer, for all men have sinned and all fall short of God’s glory. Only a perfect Man, without sin, could redeem fallen humanity. God, the Son was good enough to pay the price of sin, but God is Spirit… and spirit is spirit and flesh is flesh and blood! So the Son of God had to come in human form if He were to fulfil the Father’s plan of redemption and become the human sacrifice that would pay the price for the sin of the world. And the Father loved the world so much that He GAVE His only begotten Son… so that all who believe on HIM would not perish but have everlasting life. The first man, Adam, was made a living being, but the last Adam.. JESUS, was sent from above to become a Life-Giving Spirit – a Man who gives LIFE. And He became that Life-Giving Spirit when He rose from the dead. He alone would have LIFE-eternal within Himself. The first man sinned and lost his dominion over the earth, and all his offspring were born with a fallen sin nature – dead in trespasses and sin. However, God determined that whatever the first man lost in Eden, would be regained by the second Man – the God-Man. As the eternal Son of God, He was good enough to pay the price of sin, and so He came into the world as the sinless Son of Man. He became the GOD-MAN, Who walked in spirit and truth and Who alone was good enough to be the sin-sacrifice. He lived a sinless life and died a sacrificial death as payment for man’s sin. He obediently carried out His Father’s will, and qualified as man’s Kinsman-Redeemer – becoming a Life-Giving Spirit The eternal Son of God was sent by the Father to be born, into His own creation, as the sinless Son of Man. He was charged with winning back a lost creation, through the sacrificial offering of His own life on the cross. God had determined that a man must die for mankind’s sin. A man’s blood must be shed to pay the price for the sin of humanity. So the Father sent the Son to become the sinless Son of Man – and to Him was given the power of everlasting life. JESUS, the God-Man, was given life within Himself, (a Life-Giving Spirit), and the authority to judge His kinsfolk – fallen humanity. As Deity, the Son of God was eternal and had the right to judge His own creation. However, as a Man Who was born into the human race, Jesus had to be given authority, from above – and indeed He was. Jesus was given jurisdictions to judge the world in righteousness. “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given ALL judgment to the Son.” By giving all judgement to Jesus, Who is the second Adam, as well as the sin-sacrifice, with life within Himself, God is returning Man into his original position on earth, with dominion over all creation, as determined before man fell. Eternal life is a characteristic of Deity. The Son of God did not need to be given eternal life. However, in His humanity, Jesus was born into the human race and received LIFE in Himself. Jesus was made a LIFE-giving SPIRIT, by being born into His own creation as a flesh and blood MAN. He was given life within Himself so that He would not only rise from the dead, but have the authority to judge fallen humanity – to judge the living and the dead, and to give life to ALL who would believe on His name. The Lord Jesus Christ is the second Adam, into Whose hands have been given ALL judgement. Sinners saved by grace through faith in Him know that the judgement we deserve, as payment for our sin, was paid IN FULL at the cross. And Christ has pronounced us redeemed by His own, precious blood. The judgement of those who refuse to believe, together with Satan and rebellious fallen angels, will also be judged by Him, at the Great White Throne. “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given ALL judgment into His hands His only begotten Son – JESUS CHRIST the Righteous. My Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing plan of salvation. Thank You for sending the eternal Son of God to become the perfect Son of Man, Who has become the life-giving Spirit, to all who would believe on Him. Thank You that all judgement is in His hand. Lord, without Your amazing plan of redemption I would still be dead in sins and estranged from You. Thank You, that by faith in Him, my sins are forgiven, and I have eternal life as a free gift of grace. Thank You that I am no longer part of the OLD CREATION in Adam, but have become part of the NEW CREATION in Christ. I pray that many whose eyes are blinded to this truth would find their hope in Him – in Whose name I pray. AMEN. ◄ Previous: John 5:21 Next: John 5:23 ► Choose a Verse from John 5 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647 1 Peter 4:10 Micah 5:4 Colossians 1:29 1 Peter 1:11 Follow us John 5:22 Further Study John 5:22 in the Parallel Bible John 5:22 in the Thematic Bible John 5:22 Cross References John 5:22 Treasury of Scripture Knowing John 5:22 Sermons John 5:22 Prayers John 5:22 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Light Of His Great Purpose 1 John 4:7 Psalm 69:20 Trusted Trainer Make A Habit Of Having No Habits The Threefold Life – Man’s Nature and Destiny (4) Christ Our Comforter Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved
Psalm that Pertaining to Depression
Bible Study Resources – Tips, Online Bible Search, Devotions Toggle navigation 7 Encouraging Psalms to Help Battle Depression Micah Maddox 2019 19 Jul Depression is not something that magically disappears when you slap a band aid on it. Sometimes the last thing you want to hear is another Bible verse or an encouraging word from someone who has not walked in your shoes. We all have moments when we need someone to grab our hand and help pull us up out of the depths of despair. It’s the moments when we cannot even reach back for the extended hand that are hardest to get through. No matter what you are facing today or tomorrow, or what you went through yesterday, there is hope for you. Psalms puts words to the hardest seasons of life when it’s hard to find words to pray. I’ve been there in the dark season of depression. I know what it’s like to wonder if this thick cloud that seems to surround me will ever lift. I’ve sat in the waiting rooms, read the articles, and attempted to talk about the moments that made me question if I was ever going to be ok again. We cannot cover depression with a bandage or pretend like there are not tangible physical reasons for mental health struggles. But what we can do is use the resources we have wisely and share the hope we find in scripture. There are a few Psalms that helped me through some of the darkest moments and I want to share them with you. The Psalmist conveys my feelings in ways I could never verbalize on my own. I have prayed these Psalms many times while asking God to deliver me from the struggle at hand. Every time I read them, I am reminded again of how amazing and alive God’s Word really is. While I love the entire chapter of each of these Psalms, I included the highlights that speak directly to my heart. For deeper study, read the entire chapter. If you are encouraged by one of these, it’s your turn to hold out your hand to a friend and pull her up. Be an encourager and pass this on! Photo Credit: unsplash/AaronBurden A Psalm for the fearful heart “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” Psalm 27:1,14 Fear is gripping. It’s the feeling that starts small but grows and seems to take us down faster than we want to go. But God gives us big truths to cling to from this psalm. He is our light! He is our strength! When fear grips us, we know where to go to find light in the dark and strength when we feel depleted. It’s not that we immediately jump for joy and have miraculous physical power, but remembering where the light comes from, helps lead us in the right direction when we are in the depths of the dark. Photo credit: Unsplash/Torsten Dederichs A Psalm for the waiting heart “I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:1-3 Seasons of depression go by slower than other seasons of life. The days linger and the nights seem to never end. But the psalmist here reminds us that God pulls us up out of that terrible place and gives us steady ground to stand on. When we feel like the night will never end, this gives us fresh hope to rise up with a new song for a new day. Photo credit: Unsplash/Diana Simumpande A Psalm for the discouraged heart “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” Psalm 43:5 The question why is one that is hard to answer in seasons of depression. Sometimes there is no good answer. But we can always find an answer for where to find hope. This psalm spells it out for us and walks us toward God with praise and thanks for salvation. Photo credit: Pexels/Nathan Cowley A Psalm for the grieving heart “I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes. Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer.” Psalm 6:6-9 Grief changes us. It forces us to stop and acknowledge the pain of the world around us. Loss ushers us into an emotional cycle that we can try to ignore only to be hit harder when the next wave of grief overcomes us. Tears are not a sign of weakness, they prove a person is letting him or herself come face to face with something difficult. The hope we hold is that God hears the cries of His children and He gives us words to help express the deep ache of a heart in grief. Photo credit: Unsplash/Aliyah Jamous A Psalm for the overwhelmed heart “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah. Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:1-3,10 Life is paralyzing when struggles surround us. There is no shame in being still, and this psalm gives us the very tangible value to slowing down the soul and letting the season of struggle be a gift rather than a curse. Being still and letting God into the depths of the overwhelm is perhaps a key to finding the help we need to make it through another day. Photo credit: Unsplash/Nik Shuliahin A Psalm for the terrified heart “Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:1-4 Life is complicated when people let us down or hurt us on purpose. But there is one person who is always steady, faithful, and true. If you are worried about what might happen next or afraid of what people will do or say, know that God is gracious, merciful, loving, and kind. He wants to hear you pray the words of the psalms. Photo credit: Unsplash/Max Nelson A Psalm for the desperate heart “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:1-2 Walking through depression isn’t something I want to do again, but I am thankful for the season when my heart was faint because I experienced God’s presence like never before. These Psalms gave me prayers to pray when I had no words. Wounds of life had run deep and my mind was filled with fear and despair. No matter what you are going through or how hard life may be, speak these simple psalms to the Lord today and let Him meet you right where you are. May God bless you and begin to give you a glimpse of hope. Photo credit: GettyImages/Marjan Apostolovic Micah Maddox is a women’s event speaker, Bible teacher, and author of Anchored In: Experience a Power-Full Life in a Problem-Filled World. She is passionate about helping women find purpose, peace, and calm in our chaotic world. Micah is on the Proberbs31 First5 Writing Team. As a pastor’s wife, mother of three, and foster mom, she contributes her time to her family and local church serving as a women’s ministry leader. Micah loves to give a voice to hurting hearts and writes to the one who needs encouragement. You can connect with her at micahmaddox.com. Share NEXT: 8 Crucial Lessons from the Story of Lot’s Wife You may also like What Christian Women Should Know about Masturbation Progressive Christian Leader Rachel Held Evans Dies at 37 Promoted Stories Ads by Revcontent Drink This Before Bed, Watch Your Body Fat Melt Like Crazy Healthier Living Club You’ll Never Think About Solar Panels Again After Watching This Easy Power Plan [Pics] After Rescuing Them, Firemen Realized They Weren’t Puppies Articlestone 28 Reasons Why You Should Never Buy Something at Aldi! 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No More Weak Prayers
Today’s Scripture “…You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures…” (James 4:2–3, NKJV) No More Weak Prayers When James says “you ask amiss,” the word amiss means “sick, weak, miserable.” When we ask to just get by and endure, that’s a weak prayer. That’s asking amiss. God is saying, “I created the whole universe. Don’t come to Me with a weak prayer, asking Me to help you live in mediocrity. Ask big, knowing that I’m the God of more than enough. Ask Me to show out in your life, to heal you from that disease, to accelerate your goals.” When you ask big, God calls that a healthy prayer. That’s when He says to the angels, “Go to work. Release My favor. Open new doors.” Ask to be the difference maker. Ask to set a new standard. When you say, “God, I don’t have the funds for this project, but I want to thank You that blessings are chasing me down,” that’s your faith being released. That’s what allows God to do great things. A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that You want to do great things in my life so that You will be glorified as the God who is more than enough. Help me to pray healthy prayers that release Your favor and open new doors. I declare that am taking the limits off You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” MIRACLES OUT OF MISTAKES 3 Inspiring Messages from Joel! Through this resource, you will be encouraged to move past regret and shame. Your mistakes don’t stop or cancel your purpose. Allow God to correct the complications and resolve the complex issues. OUR THANKS FOR A GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT REQUEST YOURS NOW! ► Follow Us This email is intended for hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com. To unsubscribe from this email list, click remove. To ensure delivery to your mailbox, please add devotional@goto.joelosteen.com to your address book of approved senders. View this email online. Share this email © 2020 Joel Osteen Ministries | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE
A Clear Conscious
Living Light Daily Devotional A Clear Conscious By Touching Lives with Dr. James Merritt “…Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:16-17 One of China’s greatest evangelists for the Gospel was a man named, Wang, Ming Tau. He was imprisoned for his faith. Under tremendous pressure, pain, and persecution he recanted his faith and they let him out of jail. He was miserable. He knew he had failed God. So Ming Tau made a decision. He prayed, “If it is Your will for me to spend the rest of my life in prison doing what is right, I would rather be there than to spend my life free but doing what is wrong. If prison is what You want, I gladly accept it.” He began to walk the streets of Beijing shouting, “I have betrayed my Lord! Jesus Christ is my Lord!” As expected, he was immediately arrested. For 19 years he suffered terribly in a Chinese prison. After his release from prison, he shared his story with other Christians. He asked if he could sing a hymn that he sang every day in prison. This man, sitting in an aged, broken-down body, began to sing these words: “All the way my Savior leads me – What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who throughout life has been my guide? Heavenly peace, divinest comfort Here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know, what err befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.” There is one thing you can always say with absolute confidence and conviction, knowing it is true and right. Whenever you are being harmed for doing what is right and good, you can always say, “Lord, You are in control of this situation. Even when others are not doing what is right You will. Even when life is not fair You are faithful.” Dear Lord, help me to see the purposes behind suffering, to understand your hidden ways, and to stand fast when all others will not. Let me speak your precious truth to a world in great need, and help me to proclaim Jesus wherever I go. Read in browser » Recent Articles: Clean Conduct The Platform of Suffering Complete Confidence Blessing In Christ Prayer Request Email TL Staff Donate Now Share Tweet Forward This email was sent to hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Touching Lives, Inc. · 1800 Satellite Blvd · Duluth, GA 30097 · USA
What Does 1st John 4:18
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What Does 1st John 4:1
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What Does James 3:10 Mean?
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