Confront the Child Within

The child can represent the child that we once were and the weak child of God on the inside of us….when our faith becomes weakened we must confront the child within by the Word of God.

The Enemy Within:

I am not overly concerned about witches, demons, sorcery or astrology.  As bad as crime is, I am not too worried about muggers, thieves, rapists, or con artists.  I do not want to be their victim, but they are not my greatest dread.  Nor WILL I stress myself out and become anxious thinking about  a figure dressed in red with a pitchfork and a pointed tail who makes evil suggestions to me.  If there is anything that I constantlyfight against and wrestle with is the enemy in me.  That is the one that I am most concerned about – the enemy “IN-A-ME”

Romans 1:21 – Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful , but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  28 - and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind  to do those things which are not convenient.

God gave them OVER to a reprobate mind – He turned them over to themselves – the deadliest enemy of ALL – ME!  Romans 8:7 – For the carnal mind is enmity against God.

.  The greatest judgment that could ever confront any of us is for God to turn us over to ourselves.  Romans 7:19 – For the good that I would do I do not, but the evil which I would not, that I do.

We need to Know Our Potential and who we are IN Christ

I have to confront the child within and believe that I can do all things through Christ who has strengthened me.

Galatian 2:20  I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

God challenges us in unique and special ways to help us know who we are, despite our handicaps.  When we have no goals, it is easy for others to impose on us their ideas of who we are and are not, and of what we should and should not be doing.    Anytime  we do not know and understand our purpose, or who we were created to be, we become vulnerable to being manipulated by others.  Revelations 4:11- Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Phillippians 2: 13 – For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Phillippians 2:14 – Do all things without murmurings and disputings.  Dispute-Argument

To will – The Desire – God dropped the desire in my spirit to do what I do for His glory.  To do – The deed that God has given unto me to DO.

A SEAT IS RESERVED FOR YOU IN HEAVEN. 

I have to confront the child within and tell myself that I WILL MAKE IT

St. John 14:2 – In my Father’s house there are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am there ye may be also.

The Devil is the Accuser of the Saints of God – Rev 12: 10 --The accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

The devil is accusing us:

THEY ARE NOT WHOLE ENOUGH FOR YOU

THEY ARE A LIAR

THEY ARE NOT FAITHFUL ENOUGH

THEY ARE NOT LOYAL ENOUGH

THEY  ARE PERVERTED

THEY DON’T LOVE YOU ENOUGH

THEY ARE NOT MOTIVATED

THEY DO NOT WORSHIP YOU ENOUGH

THEY DO NOT WANT TO PRAISE YOU

Psalm 23:4 Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. 5 thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies…..

Alone with God

Genesis 32:22-24 And he Jacob rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.  And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had,  24-And Jacob was left alone.

When God begins to call you away to himself, you may want to surround yourself with people.  Unless you realize what is going on, you will gather people around you so you will not be alone.  That will not help.  You can be surrounded by people and still be alone if God is after you.

You can experience intimate relationships and still be alone.  Who are you?  Who are you when nobody is looking.  That is the real you.  Who are you when all the camouflage is off.  When you don’t have an ego to defend.  When you have nothing to prove.  Who are you when you are not concerned about who is driving the nicest car, or who owns the biggest house, or who makes the best business decisions.

God wants us to be alone because that is when he c=really operates.  Nobody receives guests in the operating room.  I do not care how many loved ones you have around you, when you get ready to go through surgery, the doctors put them all out, even your wife and kids.    And Jacog was left alone.  Jacog  was not just alone, he was left alone.  The word left implies that somebody who was there deparated.    Somebody he thought he could depend on moved.  Somehone he fellowshipped with abandoned him.  And Jacob was left alone.  He was left alone,isolated, and separated by God for a  a divine purpose, and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.  Genesis 32:24 -  And Jacob was left alone, and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

God will come for a Fight with us –

This is when I have to deny the child within (fears, lack of faith, terror, despair, or, want to give up and let go).

When Jacob was alone with God many would say why did not God come to fight him rather then to comfort him.  God did not come to comfort Jacob he came to confront Him.  Many times God will come to confront us and bring us to a challenge by trials and tribulations that confront us in this life.

·       God will come to confront us to enable us to master our lives.

·       God willcome to confront us and wrestle with us to bring us to subjection to his will.

·       God will come to confront us and make us uncomfortable to move us away from mediocre ministry.

·       God will come to confront us with troubles and financial despair to remind us that all of the blessings have come from his hands – and not our own inventions.

·       God will come to confront us in the midst of a storm to bring us to our knees when we have to lay aside the normal prayer and pray as though we are losing our minds and not stop and until he blesses us.  Genesis 32:26 – And he said, let me go, for the day breaketh, and he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

Keep on Being Filled

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.

The command to be filled with the Spirit is suggesting a continuous being filled in the original Greek language.  We are not filled once for all, like a bucket.  Instead, we are to be filled continuously.  We need to be filled over and over again!

Look at this comparison of an old time farmhouse kitchen.  In one corner was a sink, above it was a pipe through which came a continuous stream of water from the spring outside.  The water by running constantly, kept the sink brimful of good water.

In the same way, we are to let ourselves be filled and then emptied of the Spirit--like a leaky bucket--only to be refilled later on, again and again.  Rather the Holy Spirit should flow within us constantly and He will as we yield ourselves to Christ's presence and power every day.

When we empty ourselves of the Spirit this is when we allow the filling of the Holy Spirit to release His power in our ministries, in our walk, in our talk, in our giving, in our sharing, in our witnessing, in our preaching.  Allow the Spirit of Christ to flow from your vessel and touch someone else that needs to know about the goodness of Jesus. Allow the Spirit of Christ to touch someone that needs to be encouraged.

Don’t Worry About It!

Don’t Worry About It!

IntroductionFirst Peter 5:7 contains the following exhortation: “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” These words are similar to those of King David in Psalm 55:22 where he writes, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” In both passages, believers are encouraged to give our worries to the Lord, whose loving concern and sustaining power are available to us at all times. 

Human beings are well acquainted with worry. We worry about our job security, our physical appearances, our public images, our families, and our futures.  We also worry about sickness, death, and other critical concerns.  The Christians who received Peter’s letter, like many of us, had ample opportunity to worry.  They were going through tremendous trials and hardships.  They often endured persecution because of their faith in Christ.  Yet, in the midst of difficult times, Peter tells his readers, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 

Why Not Worry?
So why shouldn’t we worry?  Is Peter telling Christians to ignore the various troubles of life—to live in a state of denial?  Certainly not!  One verse later in First Peter 5:8 the apostle declares, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”  Thus, there are real things about which to be concerned.  Yet, we still are not to allow worry to consume us!  Why?  Let me offer three reasons.

1. Worry represents an improper focus.  Worry focuses our attention on our problems rather than on God.  When we worry, we sometimes forget that God is greater than any problem or trial and that he has promised never to leave or to forsake us (Hebrews 13:5, cf. Deuteronomy 31:6,8).
2. Worry keeps us from truly trusting God.  Casting our cares and worries upon the Lord is very much an act of trust.  When we do so: (1) we acknowledge our complete dependence on God and (2) we express our faith that God is fully able to handle our problems.
3. Worry does not change situations.  Jesus asked in Matthew 6:27, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”  Worry is useless and unproductive because it does not improve the situations that we face.

Replacing WorryOkay, so what can we allow into our lives to replace worry?   I believe that there are at least three things that we need in our lives instead of worry.

1. Worship.  It is imperative that we replace worry with worship.  When our eyes are fixed on the Lord, everything else pales in comparison to Him.  It is very difficult to be overcome by anxiety and fear, when we occupy our thoughts with the Lord and His goodness.  Isaiah 26:3 declares, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
2. Wisdom.  We must replace worrying about situations with seeking God for wisdom.  Such wisdom is always granted to the one who asks for it in faith (James 1:5-8).  Wisdom involves seeing things from God’s perspective, seeing things as they really are.  Seeing things from God’s perspective combats fear in our lives because when we do so, we immediately realize that He is more than able to handle our problems.
3. Weapons.  Finally, we need to displace our fears and anxieties with the vast arsenal of weapons giving to us by God.  We are told in 2 Corinthians 10:4 that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (or earthly), but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds.”  Ephesians 6 encourages believers to “put on the full armor of God.”  We are equipped with everything that we need to survive in these perilous times.  We must therefore, appropriate God’s provisions through prayer and through obedience to His Word.

ConclusionSo finally, what does it really mean to cast our cares upon the Lord?  Well, in a nutshell, it means to have faith in God.  If you are filled with worry, anxiety or fear on today, then go to the Lord in prayer.  Cast your cares upon him and leave those cares on the altar.  You’ve got to trust God.  He can handle your problems much better than you can.  I invite your comments.

December 12, 2010 Posted by Dr. Wilfred Graves Jr. 

We have an Inside out Problem

We have an Inside out Problem

Psalm 51:5 - Behold I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

The easiest thing for the mind to do is to push blame toward another person.   People in our society have learned to blame his or her shortcomings and lifestyle on somebody else.  When confronted with our own wickedness, it is so easy for us to say, it was because of him or her that I am in this predicament.  Or, it is their fault that my life turned out to be the way it is.

Sin is manifested and activated as a result of the information that is fed into our sin nature from the world, and the brain.  When that sin information reaches the heart, it connects with the cold, carnal area in the heart.  There the brain rationalizes that information as being acceptable or unacceptable.  If the sinful desire is acceptable with the heart and then the saying will come to pass Behold, I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me.

What is Our Heart LIke

Jeremiah 17: 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

The word deceitful means to mislead by a false appearance or statement, or trick.  This wicked heart not only misleads people, it misleads you.  This heart can give a false appearance, not just to people, but also to you.  Perverse means that this heart is willfully determined not to do what is expected or desired.  This deceitful heart does not have what it takes to be faithful to anything-God or man.  This heart perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick.  Severely means grave, critical or harsh.  It is of extreme, intense violence in character and nature.  This heart destroys everything that it touches.  It can act fine for a little while, but this heart eventually tears up relationships.  It is harsh, not kind.  This heart will lead you to your grace.

Be Careful when Dealing with Ignorant Folks

Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Interpretation- Their moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclouded.  They are alienated - estranged, self-banished from the life of God with no share in it, this is because of the ignorence (the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness) that is deep-seated in them, due to their hardness of heart (to the insensitiveness of their moral nature).

The Blessings to be In Christ

ROMANS 8:1 -Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Condemnation - to express strong disapproval of).

ROMANS 8:39 -Either height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from The love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Comment:  Though He Test us and discipline us that does not mean that He does not love us. Because He loves us He will never leave us nor forsake us in any situation, test, trial or misfortune!  Glory!!!!!

ROMANS 9:1 -I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost.  (I can not lie without being convicted.  Paul’s conscience as a minister was, enlightened and directed by the Holy Spirit, bore witness to his sincerity).

ROMANS 12:5 -In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (We are a united family in Christ - there are no denominations- only one body in Christ).

2 TIMOTHY 2:1 -You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  (In Christ we must be Strong in all situations).

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-18 -Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:(RECONCILE-TO MAKE CONSISTENT OR COMPATABLE-TO BRING TOGETHER, TO REUNITE-TO BIND AND FORM A LASTING RELATIONSHIP).

Nothing we do in life means anything without love!

John 13:34,35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Nothing we do in life means anything without love!

Pastor Sharon T. Spencer - September 11, 2010

Love begins with God

1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for^[a^] our sins.

God defines love by His actions.  Without God’s active demonstration of love, we would never know what it means to love. Without God’s revelation, we might think of love only as an emotion.  In reality, emotion is only part of love.  God taught that love is ACTIVE, love takes initiative.

God’s demonstrated Love

St. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,^[a^] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  Perish refers to eternal destruction.

God has given us the opportunity to live again after this life through His Son by exercising Faith in the gospel.  This is his DEMONSTRATED LOVE for mankind.

The Extent of God’s Love

Ephesians  3:17-18 - so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

We cannot Earn God’s Love

Romans 5:6-8

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Because Christ died for us while we were still sinners, we cannot earn his love.  In other words, on the cross he was loving us while we were h Because ating him in our sins and unbelief.

Sharing God’s Love

1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

If God could love us while we were hating Him, who do we think we are that we cannot love the hard to love or the ones that do not like us.

God’s love must be given away!!

There is a standard to use as we love others

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

What is the Holy Spirit’s role in my life?

What is the Holy Spirit’s role in my life?

He gives you access to Father God: Ephesians 2:18, "...we have access in one Spirit to the Father." There may be people in your life who love you and attempt to give you what they think you need, but only the Holy Spirit can give you the one thing you can't live without -a relationship with God.

He convinces you of your sins: John 16:8-11, "When he comes, he will show that the world is wrong about sin, about righteousness and about judgment - about sin, in that people don't put their trust in me; about righteousness, in that I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; about judgment, in that the ruler of this world has been judged." As God's child, the Holy Spirit holds you accountable for your actions as God wants only the best for you. If he ignored your sin, you would never learn healthy spiritual boundaries and you would lack self-discipline.

He comforts you: John 14:16-17, "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another comforting Counselor like me, the Spirit of Truth, to be with you forever. The world cannot receive him, because it neither sees nor knows him. You know him, because he is staying with you and will be united with you." In your most vulnerable, painful times, the Holy Spirit knows your need to be comforted. He will lovingly embrace you with a hug you can trust, gently wipe your tears, and soothe you like you've never been comforted by anyone before.

He guides you: John 16:13, " When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own initiative but will say only what he hears. He will also announce to you the events of the future." When discerning if the guidance you have is from the Holy Spirit or the devil, remember this: Satan forcefully drives you, but the Holy Spirit always gently guides you. The Holy Spirit has no other motivation or hidden agenda, but that he loves you. He will only tell you the truth. He will not deceive or manipulate you. You are completely safe under his guidance.

He gives you strength: Ephesians 3:16, "...from the treasures of his glory he will empower you with inner strength by his Spirit, so that the Messiah may live in your hearts through your trusting." Living with the traumas in life and even abuse weakens you by depleting your strength. The Holy Spirit will give you a mighty inner supernatural strength to live each day with the hope of restoration, a strength to stand firm by faith, and re-claim your God given destiny.

He gives you spiritual gifts:1 Corinthians 12:4-11, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. Also there are different ways of serving, but it is the same Lord being served. And there are different modes of working, but it is the same God working them all in everyone. Moreover, to each person is given the particular manifestation of the Spirit that will be for the common good. To one, through the Spirit, is given a word of wisdom (God’s revelation giving insight to solve a problem); to another, a word of knowledge (facts not conceived through the natural mind), in accordance with the same Spirit; to another, faith (discerning God’s will and trusting him), by the same Spirit; and to another, gifts of healing (a supernatural release of health), by the one Spirit; to another, the working of miracles (something accomplished which is naturally impossible without the power of God); to another, prophecy (knowing God’s mind; a prediction beyond human ability to calculate); to another, the ability to judge between spirits (discerning spiritual forces that are impacting the natural realm); to another, the ability to speak in different kinds of tongues (speaking in an unknown language); and to yet another, the ability to interpret tongues. One and the same Spirit is at work in all these things, distributing to each person as he chooses." God wants you to have purpose in your life. He doesn't want you to simply survive life, but thrive through you knowing and then using the spiritual gifts he's given to you! Even though the Holy Spirit determines which spiritual gifts you receive, you can still ask God for the gifts you would like to have. He won't force you to go through life looking under every rock for your purpose. Usually the gifts you desire and receive are the ones you need in order to fulfill God’s destiny for you.

Sharon Therese Spencer

WHAT DE-MOTIVATES PEOPLE?

WHAT  DE-MOTIVATES  PEOPLE?
Motivate – To encourage.  De-motivate – To discourage

Certain behavior patterns can be de-motivating.  We sometimes behave in these ways without realizing the negative influences they have on others.

DON’T BELITTLE PEOPLE  - To make someone feel less important. Ministers must have an air about themselves- a distinctive quality in somebody’s appearance or manner[1]  don’t CAP on the members it is not graceful…Let your speech be SEASONED with salt.   Phil 2:3- Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem (honor) other better than themselves.  (Give honor to others more so then to yourself)


   Vain glory – Let nothing be done through Vain Glory.  Whatever we do for the Lord let us not do it with a spirit seeking fame, admiration, distinction or praises.  TO GOD BE THE GLORY.  Don’t do anything for the Lord if your motive is to seek the glory that comes from men. James 4:10-Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
     If you press your way to church with a negative spirit or you may not be feeling good in your body, please do not place yourself on the pulpit as a representative of God, unless you are ready to serve God despite your disposition or situation.  You can demotivate people with the wrong spirit on the pulpit. Psalms 122:1 – I was glad when they said unto me let us go into the house of the Lord.  1 Thessalonians  – Quench Not the Spirit.  (Yes it quenches the Lord when we come into his house with a contrary spirit-it is a sign of flesh on parade and human weakness).  Ps 100:4 – Enter into his gates with Thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. Yes…we are human beings and we are not always UP, however, we are yet Ministers of the MOST HIGH, we must portray the spirit of Habakkuk – Hab 3:17

Note:  If you are on the pulpit for any other reason then to EXALT Jesus Christ and to do the work of an Evangelist then your presence is VAIN and unacceptable to God.  Your presence on the pulpit is to glorify God, preach or teach the gospel and to assist the pastor and elder with a variety of ministerial tasks. Ro 15:6 – that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  If you are not ready to function as a minister when called upon  then you are not ripe for the multiple tasks of the PULPIT.  Romans 12:7 –Let us wait on our ministering.

DON’T MANIPULATE PEOPLE–No one likes to feel used.  Manipulation, no matter how slight, tears down the walls of trust in a relationship.  We gain more by being honest and transparent than we do by being cunning and crafty.  Build people up through affirmation and encouragement, and they will be motivated and loyal.  I am not saying to encourage their weaknesses—look beyond their weakness and see a man or woman of godly worth for the future.  Note:  Don’t use people for your glory.  YOU GIVE GOD THE GLORY AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME.  

     Manipulate - control somebody or something deviously: to control or influence somebody or something in a devious way or to falsify something: to change or present something in a way that is false but personally advantageous[2] THERE IS A SLIGHT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MANIPULATION AND MOTIVATION:  MANIPULATION IS MOVING TOGETHER FOR MY ADVANTAGE.  MOTIVATION IS MOVING TOGETHER FOR MUTUAL ADVANTAGE.  

DON’T BE INSENSITIVE – Make people your priority.  Take time to know and care about them.  This means being responsive in conversation, never appearing preoccupied with self or in a hurry.  Stop talking and develop the art of really listening.  Quit thinking of what you will say next, and begin to hear, not only what they say, but how they feel.  Your interest in even insignificant matters will demonstrate your sensitivity.  1 Thessalonians 2: 7-8 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse (mother) cherisheth her children.  So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.  James  – Let every one be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.   It is alright to be sensitive towards people but DON’T be taken advantage of . Sensitive is being - tactful and sympathetic in relation to the feelings of others[3]  Tactful
- characterized by tact: having or showing concern about upsetting or offending people[4]

Note:  It is not  tactful to minister to another church teachings contrary to what THEY BELIEVE. This can cause confusion and God is not the author of confusion.  Also teachings contrary to church doctrine demotivates  persons.   Acts  – Then Peter said, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  (Most apostolics are JESUS ONLY).  Romans  – Hast thou faith, have it to thyself  before God.

         DON’T FOLLOW DISOBEDIENCE – Minister’s Meeting.  When called upon to speak stay within the time zone that you were given without going beyond your time despite what everyone else is doing .  Romans  – Let not your good be evil spoken of.  If you have to practice preaching for three minutes at your home – DO IT. It is embarrassing for your pastor to watch someone pull your coat tail. “Naughty-Naughty”.

DON’T DISCOURAGE PERSONAL GROWTH – Growth is motivating.  Encourage the believers to stretch.  Give them opportunities to try new things and acquire new skills.  We should not feel threatened by the achievements of others, but should be very supportive of their successes.  As Pastor I must allow the believers to succeed and fail.  Build team spirit that says, if you grow, we all benefit.  WHAT IS FAILURE – Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.  Romans 15: 1- We then that are strong ought to  bear the infirmities of the weak  and not to please ourselves.  We that are strong should put up to a certain degree the weaknesses of others and not for our glory, but to the glory of God for the saving and strengthening of a soul.  If your brother is healed by your ministry you don’t have to blow the trumpet about how YOU did this or that, just GIVE GOD THE GLORY!  You are not the healer, God is.  We are instruments that the Power of God uses to transmit his divine energies to bless us and the lives of others.





[1]Encarta® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

[2]Encarta® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

[3]Encarta® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

[4]Encarta® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
Sharon Therese Spencer

Edited 7/5/2004 4:05 pm ET by Downtoearth (pastorsts)

GO FORWARD AND DON'T BRING YOUR PAST WITH YOU!

Philippians 3:13-This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before.

The word of the day is:

STOP LIVING IN THE PAST AND REACH FORTH

THE APOSTLE PAUL KNEW THAT HE HAD TO LET GO OF HIS PAST LIFE BECAUSE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT  HINDRANCE TO HIM AS A SERVANT OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.  PAUL AT ONE TIME WAS A PERSECUTOR OF THE CHURCH OF GOD.  PAUL SAID IN 1 TIM 2:12-13 - I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has counted me faithful to be a minister of the gospel.  Paul explained that he was a blasphemer and a persecutor, and injurious, but he obtained mercy because he did it ignorantly in unbelief.

DESPITE PAUL’S PAST FAULTS, GOD SAW SOMETHING IN THIS MAN THAT HE COULD USE FOR HIS OWN PURPOSES. PAUL SOUGHT THE LORD FOR FORGIVENESS OF HIS PAST SINS, AND DESIRED THAT GOD WOULD USE HIM FOR HIS UTMOST GLORY.

WE TODAY MUST RID OURSELVES OF HIDDEN RESENTMENTS, ANGER, REVENGE AND ENVY THAT WE MAY FEEL TOWARDS ANOTHER, SO THAT WE MAY EXPERIENCE A RELEASE OF EMOTIONAL WEIGHT THAT WE HAVE BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO CARRYING WITH US.  

LET US LET GO AND LET GOD BRING FORTH HEALING IN OUR MINDS. LET US FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE WRONGED US SO THAT WE CAN GO FORWARD IN THE POWER OF GOD AND FOCUS ON THE THINGS THAT THE LORD DESIRES FOR US TO ACCOMPLISH IN OUR LIVES.

 LET US FORGET AND GO ON SO THAT WE MAY GIVE GOD A SINCERE PRAISE FROM OUR HEARTS, AND LET US LET GO AND LET GOD TAKE AWAY THE NEGATIVE PAST FROM OUR MINDS SO THAT WE CAN LIVE IN TODAY AND HOPE FOR TOMORROW.  EPH 4:23-"BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MINDS". WE DO NOT FORGET OUR PAST, BUT WE CAN LEARN FROM OUR PAST, TRY TO AVOID SITUATIONS THAT CAN REPEAT THE PAST, AND LEAVE IT WHERE IT BELONGS--IN THE BACK-NOT BEFORE US!

WE MUST NOT USE THE PAST AS A WEAPON TO HURT, HARM OR DESTROY SOMEONE ELSE.  REMEMBER THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST ON FORGIVENESS.  HOW CAN WE EXPECT CHRIST TO FORGIVE US WHEN WE ARE RELUCTANT ABOUT FORGIVING OTHERS?

PRAYER:  LORD FATHER HELP US TO LET GO OF THOSE EVENTS YESTERDAY THAT HURT AND BROUGHT ANGER, CONFUSION AND GRIEF. GRANT US THE SPIRIT OF FORGIVENESS SO THAT WE CAN LIVE IN A NEW DAY AND PLEASE YOU FOREVERMORE.  WE THANK YOU LORD FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE, AND WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR NEW MERCIES.  AMEN.

WITH MY LOVE TO YOU ALL-

Pastor Sharon T. Spencer

CHRISTIANS AND DEPRESSION (WORK ON THIS)

CHRISTIANS AND DEPRESSION

The struggles of this life can get to us!

  

Being a Christian does not make us exempt from troubles and depression. Let's face it; everyone is depressed at some time or another. Even Jesus was depressed and had anxiety before going to the cross.

Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be one. 43 And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Don't let anyone tell that your depression is not real or that if you just had enough faith you wouldn't have it. Although some depression is because of sin not all is. The causes of depression can be both physical and psychological and spiritual. If we can find the cause

of the problem, there is a good chance of being able deal with it or remove it entirely. Merely treating our symptoms with pills and or alcohol may bring some temporary relief,

but recognizing the cause could help bring about a more permanent solution.

Our greatest enemies are those of fear, guilt, anxiety, depression, discouragement and loneliness. Satan will use these things against us. But realize he is powerless to do anything unless we give him that power. The greatest sin is not believing that God has the power to

deliver us. Satan wants you to let go of your faith. He wants you to believe that no one cares and that there is no hope for you. If he can fill you with unbelief then he has succeeded in his

mission to destroy you. God never walks away from you, YOU walk away from HIM!

Depression can stem from guilt.

David had committed adultery and was depressed until he confessed his sin.

Psa 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. 3 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was healed.

Psa 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 

2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is

ever before me.

 4 Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 

6 Behold, thou desirest truth

in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 

7 Purge me

with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 

8 Make me to

hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 

9 Hide Thy face

from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and

renew a right spirit within me. 

11 Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not thy

Holy Spirit from me 

12 Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with thy

free spirit 

13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto

thee. 

14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation:and my tongue

shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 

15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall

shew forth thy praise. 

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou

delightest not in burnt offering. 

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a

broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

David went to the Lord with a broken heart and confessed his sin. If our depression is from

guilt, go boldly to the throne of grace and confess your sin and deal with it.

1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  The Holy Spirit responds to your broken heart.

Heb 12:1 .. . .  let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

What can we do when we have depression?

Call upon God. Keep your eyes upon Jesus, not the circumstance. If we let the circumstances

overwhelm we limit God.

2Co 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

Psa 50:15 And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he

trusteth in thee.

4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

When we call upon the Lord we can be assured that He hears the cry of every child of God.

Do not isolate yourself and close yourself in darkness. The devil wants to isolate you.

He can bring you down to the very bottom when we do not have contact with other Christians

to encourage and pray for us. Talk with someone in your family or a friend that you trust.

Ask them to pray with you.  Choose someone who understands. Sometimes God will use our

loneliness for us to reach out to Him. So sometimes loneliness can be a good thing. Dr. Carl

Menninger once gave a lecture on mental health and was answering questions from the

audience. Someone said, "What would you advise a person to do if that person felt a nervous

breakdown coming on?"Most people thought he would say, "Go see a psychiatrist immediately,"

but he didn't. To their astonishment, Dr. Meninger replied, "Lock up your house, go across the

railroad tracks, find somebody in need, and help that person." To overcome discouragement,

"Don't focus on yourself, get involved in the lives of other people."

Light has a definite impact on our lives.Christ and the word are often referred to as light.

Let us be reminded that there will be no darkness in the new heaven and earth. Rev 21:23

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God

did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

Stop thinking Negatively Depression can be caused by always thinking negatively, flesh

controlled thinking.  Reach up and turn that little radio off in your ear that keeps playing

the same tune over and over. Make this a conscience choice that you will not listen to

negativity. Phi 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are

honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are

lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any

praise, think on these things.

Rejoice even when you don't feel like it.  Nothing can make the devil flee from you faster

than praising God. He will take advantage when you are down. Get the body in gear and the

mind will follow.

Phi 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Jam 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.  Remember the

devil doesn't mess with those he already has.

Choose to be thankful. Have an attitude of gratitude. Make a list of all your blessings.

And thank God for each one. Sometimes when we see all the blessings we do have it can

be uplifting.

Sing and give praises to His name.  Singing and worship music can be very uplifting when

we are down. It is hard to be depressed when we are singing. Stay away from old music that

brings unpleasant memories to you.

Psa 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.

Psa 21:13 Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.

We can sometimes procrastinate about things that are not even going to happen.

Give God time to move in our situation. Mat 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil

thereof.

Let go of self-hatred and anger with others.

Depression is anger turned inwards.

Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God

for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Many diseases are caused by an unforgiving spirit. We

need to learn accept ourselves as God made us.  If we cannot love ourselves then we cannot

love someone else. Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour

as thyself.

Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Remember you are made by God in His very image. To reject yourself is to look upon what

God has made in criticism.

Except yourself as God does.

Stop looking to self and others or things in which to place your hope and happiness.

When we buy things to bring us happiness it is only a quick fix. We should not depend upon

people to bring us happiness. All these things will forsake you but hope in Christ is

everlasting.

Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same

bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our

Saviour Jesus Christ;

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he

trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting

strength:

When our happiness is dependent upon human relationships and that person fails to meet

your needs you will be unhappy again. Your needs are spiritual and only God can fill them.

The truth is until you are a whole person within yourself you will make the same mistakes

over and over again in all your human relationships. So many marriages end with each

trying to fulfill their needs by leaning on the other. When your relationship with God is not

right then all your relationships will be affected. We do need one another, the comfort and

loveof our families and friends, but they cannot make our happiness last. Only God can do

that.

How often I have heard, "If God would just put someone in my life I would be happy. I

wouldn't be lonely anymore." Until we come to the realization that our happiness is not

dependant upon someone we will repeat the same mistakes over and over.

Forget the past.

We should not constantly be living in the past. Although we should remember and learn

from our pasts we should never live there for it can be depressing. Christians go forward

not backward. Remember you have a whole new life before you in Christ and he can heal

all those past hurts if we let Him.

Phi 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting

those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Phi 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Learn from your depression, and when you have come out of it God will be able to use you

to minister to others. You can't understand depression until you have been there. Let it

produce love in your heart for others instead of bitterness and an uncaring attitude. Would

you turn your back on someone with diabetes or cancer? Depression and mental illness is just

the same!

Mental illness and depression

Depression is sometimes caused by chemical imbalances. God sometimes uses medicine to

heal but, drugs can mask the symptoms instead of getting to the source of the problem. Seek

help immediately for prolonged depression or if contemplating suicide. Seek professional

help. Have a good physical to rule out any medical problems. And pray for God to lead you

to the right sources. God loves you and He will supply those you need if you only ask. 

Those who suffer need Christian support and the love of their families and friends.  It could

happen to any of us. A lack of support and encouragement is the last thing one needs when

faced with emotional problems that have overwhelmed them. Find someone who understands

that you can confide in. Be careful when choosing someone. They need to be Godly people

that can be trusted. The last thing you need is a fair weather friend who will abandon you.

The devil uses people like that to bring you even further down. 

We can look at the book of Job to see how the wrong friends and an insensitive family

can make things even worse. Few of us will ever enter into sufferings like Job did.  Job

lost all his possessions. His children were killed and his body was racked with horrible

sores and his friends judged and condemned him, and his wife told him he should curse

God and die. Job's pain was almost unbearable. Yet when his trial was over God increased

everything to Job two-fold. Would your character stand if satan were to challenge God over

your reasons for serving Him.

The problem is that many are not sensitive enough to the emotional problems of others.They

are too wrapped up in self. I pity these people for they may find themselves alone some day.

Look at what friends and family did to Jesus. The devil will use other human beings.  We

need to love one another no matter what!

Some Biblical instances of depression.

Isa 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD

troubled him. 15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God

troubleth thee. 16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek

out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil

spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. 17

And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring

him to me. 18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son

of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a

man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.

19 Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son,

which is with the sheep. 20 And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of

wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. 21 And David came to

Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath

found favour in my sight. 23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was

upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed,

and was well, and the evil spirit departed.

In 1 Kings 19 we see Elijah's depression and how it was dealt with. Elijah's mind was

focused on Jezebel instead of the LORD. He took his eyes off the Lord and focused on

his problem.  He got on his pity pot with a poor me attitude. Self pity leads to depression. 

In reality God had many other faithful believers. Elijah was not alone as he imagined.

Instead of trusting in God as he had done in the past years, he ran for his life. He left God

out of the picture. He wasn't thinking rationally.  But God provided for Elijah and lifted him

out of his depression. In his time of need God gave him a friendship with Elisha.When we

have mistaken thinking then we have all the wrong emotional thinking.

Look at Jonah 4.  Jonah became depressed and angry when God had mercy towards those

of Nineveh when they repented after Jonah had prophesied their destruction because of their

evil ways.  He wanted to die. He was more concerned that he might be losing his credibility

as a prophet. Jonah did the right thing but with a wrong attitude. God will deal with rebellion

in our lives. He works in our lives in order to work through our lives to other people. A

burden for the lost.

Our hope is in God.

Psa 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope

thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths 6 Humble yourselves

therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 9 Persecuted, but not

forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

2Co 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not

in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 16 For which

cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed

day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh

for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

 Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount

up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not

faint.

Even when your family and friends forsake you, God never abandons you. God remembers

you.  Tell the Lord you are going to wait upon Him. You will come out a better and stronger

person in the long run.

The apostle Paul was focused on the eternal rather than the temporal. 2Co 11:23 Are they

ministers of Christ?

(I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in

prisons more frequent, in deaths often. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes

save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck,

a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in

perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils

in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often,

in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me

daily, the care of all the churches.

You were not created to live a life of discouragment.

Joh 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son

of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.

Don't let your circumstances bring you down. His will can be revealed to you in these

circumstances.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your

mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2Co 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in

despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 16 For which

cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed

day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far

more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which

are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal;

but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We cannot trust in self, but we can trust in Christ. Lam 3:40 Let us search and try our

ways, and turn again to the LORD.

Jer 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

You are valuable to God. Mat 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?and one of

them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head

are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

You will never be released from discouragement and depression until you have a truly

personal relationship with Christ.

Psa 84:2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my

flesh crieth out for the living God.

Without God in our lives we are lonely and depressed for we were made for God.

2Th 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us,

and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

God can use our sufferings to prepare us to be in His service of helping others.

Precious promises

John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

John  16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome

the world.

2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty.

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

and of a sound mind.

1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto

their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

1Pe 3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

1Pe 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid

of their terror, neither be troubled;

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Psa 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such

as be of a contrite spirit.

Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of

them all.

Psa 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of

his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. 6 And now shall mine

head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his

tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Psa 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help

and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Psa 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless

come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Isa 58:9 Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he

shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting

forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

Dear Christian, if you are at the point that you are hurting so badly that you are crushed

under the load then reach out to God. He will show Himself strong in your weakness. 

The Holy Spirit will impress someone into your path that will reach out to you and help

you with your burden.

Heavenly Father, Help me to remember that I am created in Your image and that I am a

somebody.  Help us to turn to You in simple childlike faith, knowing that we will find

You all sufficient.  We pray for those who do not know that they can rest and trust in

You, and who may not be able spiritually and physically, and we pray that You will

give us an opportunity every day to do good in Your name. Let us be Your messenger

of hope to this lost and dying world.

Amen

Sharon Therese Spencer