Christians and depression: biblical help

Christians and depression: biblical help

Most of us suffer from situational depression at some time, but some of us experience serious clinical depression. What comfort and help can we get from Christianity and the Bible?

Depression can be a crippling illness. It strikes most of us at one time or another. Most of us suffer from situational depression, but some of us experience serious clinical depression. What comfort and help can we get from the Bible? Sometimes, depression is a spiritual condition. We humans are made up of a body, a mind and a spirit and depression can attack all three of our essential beings. Gaining relief from depression in our spirit often helps relieve our emotional depression. The spirit is much like the body in that it requires food to live. We feed our bodies nutritious things to keep it well and sometimes we feed it junk that can make us sick. Its like this for the soul, too. We sometimes feed it good food that encourages it and uplifts it. Other times we feed it junk that can lead to depression. Spiritual causes of depression can include difficult circumstances, mourning, sickness, sorrow, anxiety and fear. Identifying and dealing with possible spiritual causes can be very healing in two ways; we address the underlying issues causing depression and we deepen our relationship with God. Difficult circumstances can drain our emotional and spiritual strength, causing or aggravating depression. Circumstantial challenges are sometimes tests of faith or the result of sin or disobedience. Other times, things are difficult just because they are difficult. Whatever the reason for the challenges, Christians always have a loving Father willing to help. As difficult as it is while depressed, we must keep our eyes focused on God. He is the answer for all of our challenges. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6) If disobedience is a factor in your depression, its very important to confront it and change your behavior if you wish to get well. Disobedience that is ignored or rationalized will blossom into despair. Disobedience is spiritual junk food and must be gotten rid of if the spirit is to heal. Mourning is certainly a cause of depression. Grief can sometimes be overwhelming. The loss of a loved one tosses us from emotion to emotion like a leaf on the wind, keeping us in a state of internal upheaval for some time. Grief seeps into our spirit, numbing it and dulling our communication with the Holy Spirit within us. When this happens, we have a difficult time hearing the promises of God because we are so wrapped up in psychic pain. While mourning, we need God the most. We must, by an act of our will, keep His Word before us. Daily devotions help, even if they are done out of habit, our soul is fed and a slow recovery begins. Readings from Isaiah and the Psalms are particularly helpful for those in grief. Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. (Isaiah 51:11) Physical illness can sap energy from our spirit, too. Illness brings with it all sorts of spiritual challenges, not the least of which is doubt. If the illness is quite serious or prolonged, spiritual depression will probably result. When dealing with depression that is the result of illness, its important to keep feeding our spirits with the Word of God focusing on verses that promise His care and constant presence. Sickness can be difficult to cope with emotionally and spiritually but God does care and that information is what we must feed our souls. Sorrow for things we have done can lead to spiritual depression. We all have regrets about things weve done, hurting others, lying, cheating, and not doing our best. The best thing we can do is make up for what we can make up for and turn all of our regrets over to God. All sin leaves a scar on someone. Whether the one scarred is you or someone else, ask God for His forgiveness and healing. Carrying around regrets for things that have been forgiven is counterproductive and can aggravate depression. If you have done what you can to correct the mistake and have asked forgiveness, then you must also accept forgiveness and leave the regret behind. Sometimes, we think that we are paying penance by carrying the regret with us, but were not. Remember, there is nothing that we can do to earn forgiveness, its Gods free gift to us. Holding on to regrets starves the spirit of the food of forgiveness. Anxiety and fear are often big elements of depression. Worry over circumstances, nervousness about the future, and fears of all kinds can eat away at our confidence and sense of security. Spiritually, these things put up barriers between us and God, preventing open and honest communication. Christians accurately define fear as a lack of faith. We need faith food to drive out fear. Reading the Word of God and associating with strong, mature Christians builds faith. If youre experiencing overwhelming fears and anxieties that are depressing you, consult with your pastor or a mature Christian friend for guidance. Remember that There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. (1 John 4:18a) When depressed it is critical to focus on hope. There is all hope with God, He is with us always, concerned with our living, concerned with our feelings and health. He is our hope. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. (Psalms 42:11) Even if it takes every ounce of energy, we must feed our souls with hope if we wish to overcome depression. Depression quickly lapses into despair so we have an obligation to ourselves and to God to focus on hope. As long as there is breath in the body, there is hope. God is faithful to us. Even in deep depression, He is with us, loving us and working things for our good. This is what we must focus on. We have to keep our eyes off of the world and the things that would try to starve our spirits and stay focused on Gods love for us. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)

Be Led by The Spirit of God not the philosophies of the world

Be Led by The Spirit of God not the philosophies of the world Romans 14:5 – Let every man (person) be persuaded by his own mind Colossians 2:8 – Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Definition of words underlined: Spoil – Anything spoiled is no good.  Man can make our spiritual understand no good by spoiling us through his or her philosophy. Philosophy – Man’s ideas.  The philosophy of man is the wisdom of the world.  When man’s philosophy does not agree with God’s word, man’s philosophy becomes foolishness unto God. Vain Deceit – To deceive persons intentionally for vain reasons. To deceive the people for another person’s glory. To deceive people with the motive to prove who is superior over the other. Traditions – The handing down of certain customs, beliefs or practices from one generation to another.  Spiritual leaders to believe that certain traditions are of God when they are of men can deceive one. Rudiments of the world – Rules or principles of the world and not of Christ.  Example:  Acts 15:1 – And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said, except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved. ·   This was a good example of a rudiment of the world.  This was a rule or principle that was taught by believers.  Yet, their teaching was of the world (their understanding) not of Christ. It was the Apostle Peter that taught that salvation was through faith in Christ not the works of the law. (Acts 15:5-11).  The Apostles of Christ wrote letters to the church letting the Christians know that this teaching was not of them.  Acts 15:24-Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment. Following philosophies, traditions, and rudiments that are of men, and not of Christ can spoil a person.  It is possible for believer’s to get hung up on rudiments of the world.  Also, certain people can trouble your mind with words to subvert your soul.  You must stand up for what you believe to be true or why support it?  What ever you support that you do not believe in is SIN! Romans 14:23. This is why God’s Word admonishes his people to study the word of God so that we won’t be spoiled by man’s interpretation but strengthened and enlightened by The Word of God -  II Timothy 2:15. Jeremiah 3:15 – And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. The Lord will place you with a pastor according to His heart.  When God places it on our hearts to be with a certain pastor, why question God?  He is in control and knows what he is doing.  Proverbs 20:24, Ephesians 1:11. St. John 8:32 – And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  The truth is a revelation of The Word of God.  Hallelujah! Questions:  How can we as the church determine if what we hear is of God or man’s interpretation    In what ways can we become spoiled?   What is a rudiment of the world?

DON’T DISCOURAGE PERSONAL GROWTH

DON’T DISCOURAGE PERSONAL GROWTH   

 There are people who can not stand to see others succeed.  As soon as they see any signs of success coming from the life of another they are so ready to tear down another person's castle merely because they are envious and have no motivation to see their own dreams come to fruition.

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.

FEAR, ANXIETY AND WORRY PT 1

FEAR, ANXIETY AND WORRY    An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up" (Proverbs 12:25, NIV). "I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7) (Also see Psalm 55:22-23) "Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" (Luke 12:22-26, NIV). (Also see Matthew 6:25-34) "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God" (Psalm 42:5). "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones" (Proverbs 3:5-8). "...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:26-28). "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). The apostle Paul found his strength in God, He reminds us that, "I ...have ...been in prison ...frequently, been flogged ...severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. ...I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. ...Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. ...I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. ...[God] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 11:23-12:10). "So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6).

FEAR ANXIETY AND WORRY

FEAR ANXIETY AND WORRY Part 2          Too stressed to rest. TOO nervous to socialize and to tense to relax.   Lord, help me. THREE FRIENDS OF FEAR, ANXIETY AND WORRY ARE: STRESS, TENSION AND NERVOUSNESS "...put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." (Psalm 131:1) Also read: Psalm 139:1-23 The possible causes of anxiety and fear are many: Conflict, health problems, dangerous situations, death, unmet needs, spiritual problems, false beliefs, etc. "According to the Bible, there is nothing wrong with realistically acknowledging and trying to deal with the identifiable problems of life. To ignore danger is fooling and wrong. But it is also wrong, as well as unhealthy, to be immobilized by excessive worry. Such worry must be committed to prayer to God, who can release us from paralyzing fear or anxiety, and free us to deal realistically with the needs and welfare both of others and of ourselves." (Dr. Gary R. Collins, Christian Counseling, p. 66.) Some general, common sense suggestions for those weighed down with fear, anxiety or worry... SIN IN YOUR LIFE - Sometimes fear and anxiety are the result of one's own sin and guilt. If you have committed a sin or done anything evil, your fear and anxiety is probably God and your own conscience trying to get your attention. You need to repent, confess your sin, seek God's forgiveness, and set it right. SLEEP - Humans generally need 8 or 9 hours of sleep per day. Sleep deprivation can increase anxiety. Get enough rest. If you cannot sleep, you may need to seek God's help and perhaps that of a physician. BE MORE REALISTIC - Many people are worried and anxious about events that will never actually will happen to them. Relax. Focus on today. Take life one day at a time. LISTEN to relaxing, soothing music. There is some great Christian music available that can help you focus on God and leave your fears and worries behind. It may also help to listen to good Christian speakers and teachers. FUN - If at all possible, do something that you enjoy. It is good to get some recreation on a regular basis. Take a break. Get your mind off your fears and worries, and have some fun. TALK to someone. Don't hold all the anxiety inside. It can be a big relief to share your fears and worries with someone else -- a friend, relative, pastor or counselor. If fear and anxiety is an ongoing problem in your life, schedule a regular time each week to talk with someone. TAKE ACTION - If there is something practical and wise that you can do to alleviate the problem or avoid needless danger, take action. Don't put it off. Procrastination will generally raise your anxiety level. EXERCISE - Medical studies show that exercise can help lower anxiety. If you are healthy enough to exercise, try it. Regular brisk walks, running, swimming or other exercises can be a real stress reducer. PROFESSIONAL HELP - There are various organizations which provide help for people with anxiety attacks, including the Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety (stresscenter.com) which provides self-help. You can search for information and assistance on the Web using keywords such as: anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia. You should be able to find local help by consulting you pastor or physician. "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work" (2 Thes. 2:16-17).

THE WORKINGS OF FAITH

Acts 16:30-31 – And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?  And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house.

The Workings of Faith

We are Saved by Faith – Acts 16:30-31 – And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?  And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house.

BELIEVE DENOTES: 

transitive verb accept as true: to accept that something is true or accept as truthful: to accept that somebody is telling the truth; to be of the strong opinion that something exists or is a reality, and to be confident that somebody or something is good and you can put your trust in it.

We are Justified with God by Faith - Romans 5:1 –Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.   We have been justified or made right by God for our sins through our faith in Christ.  We were criminals before God but our faith in Christ freed us from the penalty of our offenses.

Enriched with The Spirit by Faith – Gal 3:2 – Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith.  The works of the law represent –obeying the ten commandments. Note:  You can’t get the Spirit by Being Good.  You get the Spirit through repentance which is admitting that you are not good outside of Christ  Galatian 3:22 – But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise (Holy Ghost) by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Sanctified by Faith – Acts 15:9 –(Sanctification is purification) Purifying their hearts by faith. Note:  Faith without works is dead, therefore we are safe to conclude that the works of Faith represence obedience to the Word of Faith which results in our SANCTIFICATION.

Kept by Faith -  Romans 11:20 –Because of unbelief (the jewish nation) they were broken off, and thou standest by faith.  Be not highminded but fear.  Faith is the Power of Obedience to The Word.    (Broken off  - Separated from the grace of God).  God regards unbelief as a GREAT sin – John 16:8-9 – When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin  9 – Of the sin of unbelief in HIM.  Romans 14:23 – And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith, for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.  (if you are eating the word of God without faith you are in sin as you sit to eat). Unbelief can limit the Power of God.

What is faith again – TRUST IN GOD TO OBEY HIS WORD. FAITH IS ALSO BELIEF IN THAT WHICH IS NOT VISIBLE TO  SIGHT.

Established by Faith – Isaiah 7:9 –If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.  To be established in God’s viewpoint is to be successful with God first and those things that you desire to do or become can be blessed by God as a result of your faith   Not believe – suggests rebellious towards God.  Can one become established without faith in God?  Yes - The rich fool was established in this world, however, his establishment was temporary, soon he was labeled a Fool, cut off, and all that he established was left without HIM.  There is a difference in becoming established by faith in God and established by your self efforts.  Mat 6:33 – But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all of his righteousness and all of these things shall be added unto you.  Psalm 1:2-3His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate both day and night, and he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

A tree planted by rivers of waters shall flourish and bear fruit in its season.  When we are planted by The Rivers of Living Waters which represents The word/the spirit, we too shall bring forth fruit in its season.

We walk by Faith in God – II Cor 5:7 –For we walk by faith and not by sight.

Walk by faith – We live our daily lives by an act of Faith in God to provide for our needs, to lead and guide us and to work in all circumstances pertaining to our very lives…hallelujah!!!!!

Faith is hearing the man or woman of God given to lead you – Acts 27:9-11; (Paul warned them not to go forth, but they listed to the owner of the ship above the man of God and ended in a life threatening storm.

Faith can obtain help for others – Acts 27:22-24 (Paul to the sailors who were with him in the storm at sea) And now I exhort you to be of good cheer; for there shall be no loss of any mans life among you, but of the ship.  For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying  fear not Paul thou must be brought before Caesar, and lo, God hath give thee all them that sail with thee.

God hath given thee-God would spare the lives of all those who sailed with Paul.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR TIME?

Ephesians 5:15-16 – See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR TIME?

To redeem the time is to spend our time wisely. Redeem means to buy back. At one time we We were irresponsible with the use of our time. Now, that we are saved, we must redeem, repurchase or make for better the use of our time. To repurchase is to buy back what we have lost. When we were lost, we lost much time, but now we must buy back the time that we lost and use every second wisely. We as the Children of God are accountable to the Lord for how we use our time. Time is a gift from God. What are you doing with this precious gift.

Time is bright and sparkling, absolutely untouched, unspoiled. Each day, every person alive receives a fresh new supply. 1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds. Each day we receive 24 hours that we have never lived before, and they are 24 hours that shall never be experienced again.

THE CLOCK OF LIFE IS WOUND BUT ONCE, AND NO MAN HAS THE POWER. TO TELL JUST WHEN THE HANDS WILL STOP AT LATE OR EARLY HOUR. TO LOSE ONES WEALTH IS SAD INDEED; TO LOSE ONES HEALTH IS MORE; TO LOSE ONES SOUL IS SUCH A LOSS, THAT NO MAN CAN RESTORE.

Matthew 25:13 – Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.

Use your time today for the Glory of God! 

THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE

THE  CHANGE  LIGHT NECKLACE

  

 WRITTEN BY  Sister L. Spencer

Professional Child Care Provider, Youth Sunday School Teacher

and writer of Children's stories

IT WAS A SATURDAY MORNING AND AMAYA LAY BACK ON THE LIVINGROOM COUCH WATCHING THE BIG TELEVISION.  WHEN AMAYA SAW HER FAVORITE COMMERCIAL SHE YELLED FOR HER MOM TO COME.  THE COMMERCIAL WAS OF A LITTLE GIRL WEARING A BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE THAT GLOWED IN THE DARK.

MOTHER STOOD IN THE LIVINGROOM WITH HER HANDS ON HER HIPS.  “AMAYA, WHAT DO YOU WANT?”  MOTHER ASKED.  “YOU KNOW I AM TRYING TO CLEAN UP THE HOUSE.” AMAYA STOOD BY THE TELEVISION POINTING AT THE BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE THAT THE GIRL WAS WEARING.

“COULD YOU PLEASE BUY ME THAT NECKLACE?” “IT’S CALLED A CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE THAT GLOWS IN THE DARK, AND  CAN CHANGE INTO EIGHT DIFFERENT COLORS,” AMAYA EXCITEDLEY SAID. “I HAVE TO HAVE IT MOM,  PLEASE!” “AMAYA, I’M  NOT BUYING ANY TOYS FOR A WHILE,” MOTHER SAID. “YOU HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF IN YOUR ROOM AND NOT ONLY THAT,  BUT I HAVE TO PAY SOME BILLS.”   “AH MAN!”  AMAYA SAID.

AMAYA WENT UP TO HER ROOM, SHE WAS PRETTY UPSET.  SHE REALLY WANTED THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE.  SHE WENT AND GOT HER PIGGY BANK AND SHOOK IT, TO SEE HOW MUCH MONEY SHE HAD.  SHE FORGOT IT WAS EMPTY, BECAUSE SHE HAD USED IT TO BUY SOME LIGHT UP ROLLER BLADES. AMAYA WAS SAD.  SHE HAD NO MONEY TO BUY THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE.  

“AMAYA, COME ON!”  MOTHER SAID. AMAYA WAS EXCITED; SHE THOUGHT HER MOTHER WAS TAKING HER TO GET THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE. “ARE YOU TAKING ME TO GET THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE?”  AMAYA ASKED. “NO I AM NOT.  I AM TAKING YOU TO SIEARRA’S HOUSE TO PLAY,” MOTHER SAID.  “I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO AROUND THE HOUSE, AND SIEARRA’S MOTHER SAID IT WOULD BE ALRIGHT FOR YOU TO COME BY AND PLAY FOR AWHILE.”

AMAYA WAS SAD THAT SHE WAS NOT GETTING THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE, BUT SHE WAS HAPPY THAT SHE WAS GOING TO HER BEST FRIEND SIEARRA’S HOUSE.

AMAYA WENT OUTSIDE WITH MOTHER AND THEY BOTH GOT INTO THE CAR, OFF MOTHER DROVE TO SIEARRA’S HOUSE. MOTHER DROPPED AMAYA OFF TO PLAY WITH SIEARRA.  SHE TOLD AMAYA SHE WOULD BE BACK LATER TO PICK HER UP.  AMAYA AND SIEARRA HAD SO MUCH FUN PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK IN THE BACK YARD.  AMAYA AND SIEARRA TOOK TURNS JUMP ROPING AND MAKING UP SILLY SONGS AS THEY ATE THE ICE-CREAM THAT SIEARRA’S MOTHER HAD GIVEN THEM.  

“I HAVE SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL TO SHOW YOU,” SIEARRA SAID.  “IT’S IN MY ROOM.” “WHAT IS IT?”  AMAYA ASKED. “FOLLOW ME AND I WILL SHOW YOU.” SIEARRA SAID. AMAYA FOLLOWED SIEARRA INTO THE HOUSE AND INTO SIEARRA’S BEDROOM. SIEARRA OPENED HER DRESSER DRAWER AND PULLED OUT A BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE.  IT WAS THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE.  THE NECKLACE THAT AMAYA WANTED SOO MUCH. SIEARRA PUT THE NECKLACE ON, AND AMAYA WATCHED IT TURN DIFFERENT COLORS.  THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE LOOKED SO BEAUTIFUL. “CAN I TRY IT ON?”  AMAYA ASKED. “SURE!” SIEARRA SAID, TAKING THE NECKLACE OFF AND PUTTING IT ON AMAYA. “ISN’T IT BEAUTIFUL?”  “YES IT IS,” AMAYA SAID.  “I FEEL LIKE A PRINCESS.”

SIEARRA’S MOTHER CAME INTO SIEARRA’S ROOM TO TELL THEM THAT AMAYA’S MOTHER WAS HERE. “AH MAN, I HAVE TO GO NOW.”  AMAYA SAID. AMAYA DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE OFF, BUT SHE KNEW SHE HAD TO.  SHE TOOK THE NECKLACE OFF AND GAVE IT BACK TO SIEARRA.  AMAYA WATCHED AS SIEARRA PUT THE NECKLACE BACK INTO HER DRESSER.  “COME ON, I’LL RACE YOU TO THE FRONT DOOR.”  SIEARRA SAID. “OKAY.”  AMAYA SAID. SIEARRA RAN OUT THE BEDROOM AS QUICK AS SHE COULD.  BUT AMAYA STAYED BEHIND.

NOBODY WAS IN THE BEDROOM EXCEPT FOR AMAYA.  AMAYA WANTED THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE SO BAD.  SHE QUICKLY OPENED UP SIEARRA’S DRESSER AND TOOK THE NECKLACE OUT AND PUT IT IN HER POCKET.  AMAYA THEN RAN OUT THE BEDROOM. THAT NIGHT WHILE AMAYA WAS TAKING HER BUBBLE BATH SHE SAT IN THE TUB STARING AT THE BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE.  “OH I AM SO HAPPY I FINALLY HAVE ME A CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE.”  

WHILE LYING IN HER BED, AMAYA TOOK THE NECKLACE AND PUT IT ON HER NECK.  SHE WATCHED AS THE NECKLACE CHANGED DIFFERENT COLORS. AMAYA THOUGHT ABOUT HOW SIEARRA DIDN’T HAVE A NECKLACE ANYMORE.  SHE THOUGHT ABOUT HOW IT WAS NOT RIGHT TO STEAL THE NECKLACE. AMAYA SAT UP IN HER BED, SHE FELT VERY BAD ABOUT WHAT SHE HAD DONE.  SHE TOOK THE NECKLACE OFF.  AMAYA DIDN’T WANT TO WEAR THE NECKLACE ANYMORE, BECAUSE SHE KNEW IT DID NOT BELONG TO HER.  AMAYA KNEW IT WAS WRONG TO STEAL FROM HER BEST FRIEND.

AMAYA COULD NOT TAKE IT ANYMORE.  SHE GOT OUT OF BED AND RAN INTO THE LIVING ROOM WHERE HER MOTHER WAS LAID ON THE COUCH WATCHING A MOVIE. “MOMMY, YOU HAVE TO TAKE ME TO SIEARRA’S HOUSE RIGHT NOW.”  AMAYA SAID. “WHY?”  MOTHER ASKED. AMAYA STARTED CRYING AS SHE TOLD HER MOTHER WHAT HAPPENED.  “I STOLE THIS CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE FROM SIEARRA.  I KNEW IT WAS WRONG.  I WANT TO GIVE IT BACK TO HER TONIGHT MOMMY.  STEALING IS NOT RIGHT AND I FEEL JUST TERRIBLE ABOUT THIS.” “WELL IT’S ONLY 8:00,” MOTHER SAID.  “I GUESS WE CAN GO OVER THERE QUICKLY, PUT YOUR COAT ON AND YOUR SLIPPERS.”

MOTHER DROVE OVER TO SIEARRA’S HOUSE.  SIEARRA’S MOM WAS SURPRISED TO SEE AMAYA AND HER MOTHER AGAIN.  AMAYA’S MOTHER EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPEENED.  SIEARRA’S MOTHER SMILED AND SAID SHE WAS HAPPY THAT AMAYA HAD BROUGHT THE NECKLACE BACK. 

AMAYA SLOWLY WALKED TO SIEARRA’S ROOM AND OPENED THE DOOR.  SIEARRA WAS CRYING IN HER BED.  AMAYA RUSHED OVER TO HER BED AND SHE STARTED CRYING TOO, AS SHE PULLED OUT THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE AND HANDED IT TO SIEARRA. “OH I AM SO SORRY, SIEARRA.  I STOLE YOUR NECKLACE AND I KNOW I WAS WRONG.  I HAD TO BRING IT BACK, BECAUSE YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND AND THIS NECKLACE DOES NOT BELONG TO ME.  IT BELONGS TO YOU.”  AMAYA SAID.  SIEARRA SMILED WHEN SHE SAW THE NECKLACE.  SHE WAS NOT ANGRY AT AMAYA FOR STEALING IT.  SHE WAS HAPPY THAT AMAYA HAD RETURNED IT.  

“OH THANK YOU AMAYA FOR RETURNING IT,” SIEARRA SAID.  “I THOUGHT IT WAS LOST.” “YOU ARE NOT ANGRY WITH ME?”  AMAYA  ASKED. “NO I AM NOT, YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND,” SIEARRA SAID. “BUT NEXT TIME ASK ME BEFORE YOU TAKE SOMETHING,  I WOULD HAVE LET YOU BORROW IT.” “I WILL,” AMAYA SAID.  “I PROMISE.” SIEARRA GOT OUT OF BED AND GAVE AMAYA A HUG. SINCE AMAYA ALREADY HAD HER PAJAMAS ON; BOTH MOTHER AGREED THAT AMAYA COULD SLEEP OVER AT SIEARRA’S HOUSE.  BOTH GIRLS LAY IN THE BED.  SIEARRA REACHED AND GOT THE CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE AND PUT IT ON AMAYA. “YOU CAN WEAR IT TONIGHT WHILE YOU SLEEP.”  SIEARRA SAID. “THANK YOU! AMAYA SAID WITH A BIG SMILE. BOTH GIRLS THEN WENT FAST ALSEEP. 

THE END

IN THE STORY WE SEE  THAT AMAYA WANTED SIEARRA’S CHANGE LIGHT NECKLACE AND THAT SHE STOLE IT.  THE BIBLE TEACHES US THAT WE SHOULD NOT STEAL.  THOU SHALL NOT STEAL IS ONE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS THAT THE LORD GAVE TO MOSES.  WE SHOULD OBEY WHAT THE LORD SAYS SO THAT HE WILL BE HAPPY WITH US.  SOMETIMES WE CAN NOT ALWAYS HAVE THE THINGS WE WANT, AND WHEN WE CAN NOT GET WHAT WE WANT IT IS WRONG FOR US TO STEAL.

AMAYA STOLE FROM SIEARRA AND  LATER WHEN SHE GOT HOME, SHE FELT REALLY BAD ABOUT IT. AMAYA KNEW IT WAS WRONG TO STEAL AND SHE WANTED TO RETURN IT TO SIEARRA.  SIEAARA WAS HAPPY THAT AMAYA HAD RETURNED THE NECKLACE AND SHE FORGAVE HER.  WE SHOULD ALSO FORGIVE OTHERS WHEN THEY DO WRONG TO US, JUST LIKE JESUS FORGIVES OUR SINS.

LET’S MAKE JESUS HAPPY BY DOING WHAT IS RIGHT, BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT JESUS LIKES.