NCSA Mental Health Devotions: Recent Episodes
NCSA Mental health devotions
We sow not to eat today, but to eat tomorrow. Psalms 126:5-6 those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go and plant their seed, but sing as they return with the harvest.
Tears are a safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid upon it. To cry is to release all sorts of ugly little pressures. You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalms 56:8 NLT
Because we think we are going to live forever we procrastinate on life’s important tasks.
Anxiety can be the cause of coveting something badly. We need to focus more on wanting God before anything else.
Psychological research on memory show that you reconstruct memories slightly differently every time you recall them. Lamentations 3:19 (MSG) I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed
Trapped in the cycle of harmful coping mechanisms? God is that safe person who can help you break the silence, and break the cycle.
Your mind my not remember past trauma, but your body keeps score! Job11:16 You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by.
Viewing your trauma incident repeatedly helps to reduce feelings of fear, horror and anxiety it also decreases hyper vigilance and flashbacks. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety in him for he cares for you.
Flashbacks are like having nightmares while you awake. Flashbacks come in waves, so if you can’t stop the wave learn how to surf. Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
People, places, thoughts, smells and sounds, basically anything that reminds you of your trauma, can trigger the same anxiety in you as when you experienced the traumatic event. Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me
With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) the anxiety of the past continues to interrupt the present. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Gaslighting, it as form of psychological manipulation in which someone sows seeds of doubt in your mind, making you question their own memory, perception, or judgement. Romans 16:18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve
A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world
Life begins when you acknowledge that life is filled with good and bad, happy and sad, simple and complex, anger and calm, joy and melancholy; yet lives peacefully amidst these paradoxes.
Psalms 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore
Surrendering your life to God is an act of admitting that you have been defeated and want to stop fighting. Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
What does it mean to be an immovable force? It means if you build a wall of kindness no storm in this life should change you into someone unkind. Psalms 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength,always ready to help in times of trouble.So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Don’t let the fear of striking out stop you from playing the game. Mathew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
I want to be left alone, but then I feel so lonely. Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
psychology suggests that distancing yourself from a painful experience may help you make better decisions. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever
What if everything you are going through is preparing you for what you ask for? Ephesians 1:11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan
Most people believe that they will be happier once they get what they desire. Matthew 16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul
Don’t allow fear to shut you down, let it wake you up! Psalms 18:29 In your strength I can crush an army, with my God I can scale a wall.
Being rested is vital to happiness in life. A person who is constantly tired misses out on important opportunities. There are many reasons why a person may wake up tired but dehydration is probably the most surprising and common reasons that people feel tired. Jeremaiah 31:26 At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me.
When planted in the right soil, given water sunlight and protection a plant that seems almost dead can be brought back to life. How much more those who are part of Gods vineyard be brought back to life if the circumstances of life has killed you on the inside. Psalms 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me
Imagine a person that can motivate you, show loving care, offer a song, poem or verse of encouragement, listen attentively, offer an embrace, and feed your soul with advice. All at the right time, I’m the right amount and in the way that will truly help you. Such a person does not exist, and we often discard valuable relationships because of unrealistic expectations. There is only one person that is like this.
Psalm 35:10 All my bones will say, “Lord, who is like You, Who delivers the afflicted from him who is too strong for him, And the afflicted and the needy from him who robs him?
James the brother of Jesus called Job A MAN OF GREAT ENDURANCE. Endurance is the ability to go through wear and tear and still complete the task at hand, to fight through your issues no matter how hopeless they may look. James 5:11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
Self-denial prepares a person to bear with the hardships and toils of life. Some people are always striving for MORE. This can be exhausting, It is better to endure cheerfully every inconvenience and apparent lack than to loose your peace and happiness because of a desire for MORE. Sometimes you got to tell yourself: “its ok if I do not get it.” Luke 9:23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
The great preacher Charles Spurgeon said: The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation. It is God alone that can save us from this life of misery, pain and sickness caused by sin. And with certainty I can say HE will come and save you oh weary one. Isaiah 34:4 Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you
Havent you ever wished you could just “sit down and rest” from all your problems. All the worries, fears, anxieties, pain, heart ache, to just sit down and rest from them all. If Jesus can set a demon possessed person free and allow him rest at His feet, he can do the same for you. Luke 8:35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind:
Most of us experience a mundane, boring, recurring cycle of work day in and out. This destroys the joy and hope of present day living . however when we include prayer and the Sabbaths rest into that life cycle it brings pieces of the beauty of Gods kingdom and the sacredness of eternity into every day life. It enables you to experience sacredness right now in the midst of an ordinary life. Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save...
The ever exhausting chasing after the standards of the world will leave you feeling mentally and emotionally worn out. It destroys your inner being, your inner person, you loose your soul The continual pursuit of earthly standards will wear out your strength and sap your life from you.
Matthew 16:26 ESV For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Admitting your brokenness is better than pretending you are whole. “When you come clean about your brokenness, others catch glimpses of how the real grace of a real God works in the messy life of a real person.” - Jason Gray. VERSE: Psalm38:8 I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.
Psychology teaches that the ability to correctly asses what we feel on the inside is called introception People who are good at introception have shown to have less mental health problems. Psalms 84:2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
The disciples were weary, but they were so glad to be once more in the presence of their Lord that they forgot their weariness. Remembering the joy of being in Gods presence makes you forget the weariness of everyday problems.
Isaiah 46:9 “Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me
Pain has a strange way of giving us tunnel vision. Why did this happen to me we ask? Well that is just it... THIS is only one thing in the scope of life. So this ONE thing went wrong, what about ALL the other things in your life that has gone right? Mathew 6:25 Is not your life not more than food? And your body more than clothes?
The greatest mask we wear, is the mask of “I am ok”. We pretend to be doing well. How will you call on the Lord to help us if you keep pretending everything ok, keep pretending difficulties don’t exist. Psalm 50:15 Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
Are you waiting for a a breakthrough in your life that seems as if it’s not coming. Be patient, tolerate delay, long-lasting problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
So while you cannot always run away from or change difficult times. You can rise above them in our thoughts and emotions. Colossians 3:2-3 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
Jesus had a few vision statements foe his life which kept him on track regarding his actions. What is keeping you on track? What helps you decide if you will do something or not do it? Matthew 20:28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many
Somedays you may feels like highway 401. Bombarded with half a million different kind of outward stimuli that directly effect your inward wellbeing and peace .. and it seems to never end like a 828 km highway. Psalms 116:7 Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you
Be daily keeping so close to God, by beholding Him every minute. In every unexpected trial your thoughts will naturally turn to Him, as naturally as the flower turns to the sun. Proverbs 3:25-26 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared
What makes you act on your inspirational ideas? Ever noticed some ideas you follow through into fruition others not? What makes the difference? Why do you sometimes strike while the iron is hot and other times not Because maybe you don’t really, really, really, really want it…
Luke1.37 For nothing will be impossible with God
Your greatest ability as a human is the capacity to improve who you are. Its an ability you have above the animals. A dog cant be anything but a dog. A tree cant be anything but a tree, but as a human being you have unlimited potential. You can put effort into you, and by concentrating and developing yourself with Gods help, you can transform your life and be anything. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Jesus only lived 33 years, and it ended on the cross, an apparent failure. Yet he said in John 17:4 I have finished the work thou gavest me to do. Living a life of quality is more precious than a long life. It doesn’t matter wether you live another year, or two years or five years. What matters is how you spend those days. James 4:14 What is your life it is but a vapor that appeareth for a little while and then vanishes away
When an enemy cant gain entry into your soul temple, they tend to engage psychological warfare while standing on the outside they may insult, curse and even threaten your life. This is a weak attempt to destroy you on the inside psychologically because they don’t have any real access. 2 Chronicles 32:7 be strong be courages, don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king if Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side.
Healing your soul temple starts with fixing the broken down doors. Doors are there to keep what belongs outside outside, and what belongs inside safe. Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Remember most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. If you asking “How long should you try?” The answer is. . . Until. 1 corinthians 16:13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. .
Hope in the Christian tradition is hope because of a new state of being. Hope in the fact that you are not who you use to be. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new
If your soul, inward person (your little bob) is tired, dirty, hungry, thirsty, toxic, diseased, hurt, out breath, worn out and ready collapse Gods message to you is:
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Making the conscious choice to let go of bad habits and addictions is only the first step to achieving mental health. Its going to take focus and dedication to Gods ways to stay on track, but be encouraged God will strengthen you. 2 Chronicles 16:9 the eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committee to him.
The reason so many fail to break free from bad habits are: 1. Neuro-pathway formed by man made pleasures are stronger deeper than natural healthy ones 2. The pleasure trap pulls you towards bad unnatural habits/addictions 3. To break out of a habit leaves you feeling horrible for a few weeks before you feel good again. Mathew 7:13-14 Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few
Like a mot to a flame, our brains natural instinct is to go for whatever gives it the most pleasure. Irrespective of the negative consequences that may follow. Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
Apathy is a trap. There is no challenge... so there is no real reward. Remember, there is always free cheese in a mousetrap.- Steve Maraboli 1 John 2:16 ESV For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world
Satan has many ways of breaking you down mentally, however God has many more ways to build you up mentally and restore to you that which was lost.
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart (mind) for everything you do flows from it.
The original hope of mankind with the advancement in technology, and material goods was to reduce stress and pressure and to increase happiness. Unfortunately many these advancements bring with them dangers for health & mental health because of the neurotoxins they contain. Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
Neuroscience has proven that social neglect cam cause damage to the brains of adults as well as children. However as children of God even if we find ourselves tested by social neglect and hardship we find social healing in God as our father, Jesus as our brother and the Holy Spirit as our constant companion. John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Social grief like death or a break up can cause a disruption in hormonal balances that results in specific symptoms, such as disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, fatigue and anxiety, which in turn can be a hit for depression. Genesis 2:18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him (he didn’t say its not nice, not good- socially, mentally?)
One of the key characteristics of depression is the lowering of your mood. This can happen when you have an off day, when you are grieving, or if you are clinically depressed. It is important to identify what is causing the decline in your mood. Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind
Unfortunately it is possible to struggle with Anxiety & depression simultaneously and be going through grief at the same time. You can imagine this can cause allot of confusion if at the same time having a elevation and lowering of your mood all at the same time. Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
As economies are falling and times are getting tougher financially, many of us may be experiencing a want of physical food. And if we are also hungering inwardly and not being spiritually nourished these physical wants many be come overwhelming and too heavy a burden to bear. John 4:31-32 Teacher, have something to eat! But he answered, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
Feeling beautiful has nothing to do with what you look like. Confidence is the only key. I can't think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be themselves. 1 Samuel 16:7 Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
There is a bitter sweet truth that every Christian must face and that is that the path of life only gets harder as we approach the end, but the sweet truth is the more we lean on Jesus the less we have to do to stay on the path for He becomes our path, our full dependance. Mat 7: 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it
Because of the current pandemic the traditional places and ways of mourning has become inaccessible to many. Visiting the homes of the bereaved, attending a memorial service, or being at a grave side committal is not possible for many. Sharing a hug, holding a friends, wiping away their tears is no longer safe. We facing the difficult task of reinventing the places and rituals of mourning. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
Heraclitus the greek philosopher said: “the only constant in life is change”… even the bad you are going through will soon change. However as Gods children we have a greater hope. There is one more constant and that is God.
Heb13:8 Jesus christ is the same yesterday today and forever
That its not the start of the race or what happens in between that counts, what matters is that you finish the race. Hosea 14:4 will heal their back slidings; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them
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Meditation in some practices is viewed as the emptying and opening up of the mind to new things, this can be dangerous of you do not filter what is allowed in. Meditation as a biblical practice is the complete opposite. It is the filling the mind with the things of God, meditating means thinking upon Gods truths. 1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” —Ronald Reagan Psalm 107:29-30 He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet, So He guided them to their desired haven.
Life unfolds in the present. But so often, we let the present slip away, allowing time to rush past unobserved and unseized, and squandering the precious seconds of our lives as we worry about the future and overthink the past. So where-ever you are be all there.” Jim Elliot
Luke 19:42 If you, even you, had only known on this day (today) what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes
At your baptism you entered into a covenant with God. Declaring Him to be your God and you to be his child. Communion is a time where you can re-establish this covenant through the rite of partaking of the symbol of Christs blood and body. 1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
Partaking of the Lords supper means that we partake in the promise of eternal life, it’s a time to share Gods goodness with others and call to remembrance everything God has done in the past. Its an affirmation of our covenant with God for the forgiveness of sin. It’s a proclamation of the Lords death
Luke 22: 7-8 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said, “Go and prepare the Passover meal, so we can eat it together
What brought you here to the point in life where you are scared, running, saying you had enough? Have you lost faith and hope in power of God in your life? What happened to your zeal.. your obedient faith, your hope and trust in Gods unfailing love and power? Have you forgotten all He has done for you? 1 Kings 19: 4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life...
The architect of your life can clearly see how this world of sin has destroyed His master plan. And he’s come to this world to make you knew. To bind up your broken heart and to restore all those things which have been lost by the sinfulness of this world. As long as you have the master-builder in your life He will restore your life to the original design Ephesians 2:12 Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world
Judges will generally "follow precedent" - meaning that they use the principles established in earlier similar cases to decide the outcome of new cases that have similar facts. In forgiveness God works on this same system, the way you judge others is basically you setting a precedent for your own upcoming trial. Mark 11:25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. ”
The principle behind Biblical forgiving others means removing any responsibility from the offender to repairing the damages they caused, and taking responsibility to fix what they damaged yourself with Gods help. Unfortunately many walk around broken people because they expect the accused to fix the damages. 1 Corinthians 6:19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,
What makes forgiveness difficult is the intensity of the offense, the motive, your relationship with the offender, the persons attitude regarding the offense, as well as the external and internal emotional damages. Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
When God forgives you and removes the penalty of sin, that is death, He may also lift from you the burden of sin, but choose not to cover the consequences and visibility of sin in your life. Psalms 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven and sins covered
The Hebrew word Salach (forgive/pardon) is a forgiveness only God can offer. It is includes the divine restoration of an offender into favor with God, whether through his own repentance or in the intercession of another on his behalf.
Psalms 13:2-5 Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits. Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
One of the Hebrew words for forgiveness is the word Nasah. Meaning to lift, bear and carry sin away. Truth be told no one can do this for themselves: we cannot lift, bear or carry our own sins. But sometimes you may stubbornly try to do so, or even expect others to carry it on their own. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Jewish tradition, ranks sin in 3 categories 1. Sins of ignorance. (Which means if you don’t know its sin its hard to repent) 2. Intentional sin (where you know about it and need to make a conscious choice to stop) 3. Or Rebellious sin (Where you don’t care that you are sinning and therefore will see jo need to repent). Psalms 103:13 As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us
God in His mercy teaches us when we ignorantly sin, he may chastises you if you do what is wrong knowingly, and in love he will punish you when you rebel so that he can bring you back and save your from ruin and death. Ezekiel 33:12 “Son of man, give your people this message: The righteous behavior of righteous people will not save them if they turn to transgression(rebellion), nor will the wicked behavior of wicked people destroy them if they repent and turn from their transgression (rebellion)
All types of sin is characterized by a going away from God and moving towards an allegiance with satan. Its like walking into a dark forest, first you wander away a little just a few steps, and can still see the entrance and easily leave the forest again. But then you go further and further so that when we try and turn back we cant find the path anymore or see the light anymore. Romans 1:23-24 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired...
Sin has a way of removing God from your life, when you allow the cup of intentional sin to overflow it switches over to full scale rebellion. The word translated ‘transgression’ seems literally to signify separation, or rending apart, or departure, turn your back , and hence comes to express the notion of apostasy and rebellion Psalms 53:1 The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
Most people know the wrong they do… there are occasions where people have ignorantly and accidentally hurt you, and there are times where its happened and the person was fully aware of their actions. And God knows and sees the hearts and intentions of man. Psalms 56:8 You have kept count of my tossings; you put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?
Intentional sin starts in the mind with your thoughts and grows and spreads like a crack in a windshield. It effects your emotional wellbeing, your sincerity and leaves you with so many regrets. Engaging in intentional sin is like volunteering to go to a maximum security prison. Isaiah 5:18 You are doomed! You are unable to break free from your iniquity.
When you sin ignorantly, we will be shown our faults and offered an opportunity to repent and be forgiven. When new knowledge of sin is rejected, one starts to play the dangerous game of becoming involved in intentional transgression of Gods moral laws. Psalms 5:5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity
The word iniquity in the KJV (Hebrew: Avon) means to commit wrong intentionally. When you know something is wrong but do it anyway, giving in to your desires. It is something twisted or distorted, the purposeful breaking of God’s moral law and a turning from the perfect will of God even though you know its wrong. Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee
The seed of sin grows and that is the danger. Sin is sin regardless of the liability and the various ways God deals with it. And it poisons the soul. It leaves a stain on the soul
Exodus 34:6-7 The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin
When it comes to the sins people commit towards you, you may Want permanent change: before forgiving. You may feel the offender must remove the hurt: before you can forgive, or pay for their offense or somehow work to earn your forgiveness. Knowing how to respond correctly to being hurt is very important. FORGIVENESS is not the only response to the ignorant sins people commit.
John 5:16 If you see a believer commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray to God, who will give that person life.
Throughout your life you will committed many wrongs inadvertently, or in ignorance. The problem is although not intentional, the cost can be quite high. So even where there is low accountability in wrong doing it should be taken seriously. The ride is short but the cost is high. Leviticus 4:27-28 If any of you people sin and become guilty of breaking one of the LORD's commands without intending to, then as soon as the sin is called to your attention, you shall bring as your offering a female goat without any defects
Dealing hurts, transgressions and sins towards us (accidental sins caused by ignorance) may be difficult because we have over simplified it with sayings like “forgive and forget”, or “time heals all wounds”. Forgiveness does not magically give amnesia allowing you to just forget past hurts. Dealing with transgressions & sins is not that simple. To know how to respond to the sins of others, we need to know how God responds to our sin. And how we should respond to our own sins
John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin: but now you say, We see; therefore your sin remain.
There are many different words in the hebrew and greek scriptures for the word sin. On the lower level of liability is the wors used for sin: Katah (Hebrew), or Hamartia (Greek) meaning to miss the mark, or to fail, or stray from the path. It denotes the idea of meaning to do what is right but failing in your attempt. Romans 7:15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
There are so many people whose minds do not belong to them. Their thoughts have been highjacked by the hurts caused by people. They have made those people kings and queens of their thought. Robbing you of your sleep. When the offenses of people occupy your mind, your mind becomes saturated with the offenses of people instead of filled with your own thoughts and plans and dreams. Work to have your own mind and to be your own self, free your mind!- Ernest Agyemang Yeboah. Psalms 38:15 What can I say? The LORD has done this. My heart is bitter, and I cannot sleep.
Identifying WHO & WHAT the source of your bitterness is the first step towards breaking open the prison of bitterness. * External sources of bitterness: Tragedies, losses, disappointments, violations, crime, hurts, betrayal, injustice. * Internal sources of bitterness: Expectations and the sense that everything must always go right. Dwelling upon past hurts & injustices, Comparing your life to others, that leads to envy and bitterness. External sources is summarized in 3 categories. 1) circumstances of life 2) unanswered prayer 3) relationships Act 8:23 For I see that you are full of bitter envy and are a prisoner of sin
Bitterness has been identified as a mood... to deal with bitterness you need to differentiate between an emotion, feeling and mood. * The initial response of shock is termed an EMOTION (a chemical reaction due to the realease stress hormones and certain neurotransmitters) * Feelings are evoked as you begin to integrate the emotion, to think about it, to “let it soak in. * Moods are more generalized. They’re not tied to a specific incident, but a collection of inputs. – influenced by where you focus your attention Hebrews 12:15 Guard against turning back from the grace of God. Let no one become like a bitter plant that grows up and causes many troubles with its poison
By becoming deeply aware of our mortality, we intensify our experience of every aspect of life. Robert Greene * Take note of the reality of approaching death. * This will clear up your priorities, and help you focus on whats truly important in life. * When you clear up your priorities and focus on whats truly important. * You will be ready when death knocks at your door. While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die. Leonardo da Vinci John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
All men think that all men are mortal but themselves. Death commences too early – almost before you’re half-acquainted with life. Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it. Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to arrive at deaths door feircely in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride! Hunter S. Thompson
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me
Be careful of becoming attached to the feeling of suffering. Although it may be constantly appearing in your life. Do not let your eyes adjust to dark. How you react to the shadow of death is important- DON’T SIT DOWN, keep moving. Isaiah 16:3 Protect us like a tree that casts a cool shadow in the heat of noon, and let us rest in your shade. We are refugees; hide us where no one can find us
You may three very important emotions while on holiday... peace, joy, love. But in this sinful world- and everyday life you may struggle to reproduce these emotions. As a matter of fact you probably experiencing the direct opposite, irritation, feeling miserable and sad, and even angry at times. Displacement needs to take place. Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Righteous as well as unrighteous anger can kill you. It kills your morals, and it kills your health. Harvard University scientists found that in healthy people, simply recalling an angry experience from their past caused a six-hour dip in levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A- compromising your immune system. Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.
It is true there is an indignation/ anger that is justifiable, even in the followers of Christ. When they see that God is dishonored, and His service brought into disrepute, when you see the innocent oppressed, a righteous anger stirs the soul. Such anger, born of sensitive morals, is not a sin. Be careful however Saul Tarsus persecuted the first christian church in the name of righteous anger. Nehemiah 9:17 but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
The American Psychology Association defines anger as: an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. Anger can be a good thing. It can give you a way to express negative feelings, or motivate you to find solutions to problems. But excessive anger can cause problems. Increased blood pressure and other physical changes associated with anger make it difficult to think straight and harm your physical and mental health. Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath
Many who profess to be Christ’s followers have an anxious, troubled heart because they are afraid to trust themselves with God. They do not make a complete surrender to Him, for they shrink from the consequences that such a surrender may involve. Unless they do make this surrender they cannot find peace. Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in Thee
The fear of death keeps us in bondage. Because a slave does what the master demands or he dies. Trying to preserve our lives can cause us to sin- to lie, to cheat, to use violence- thus we loose the fear of the Lord which brings peace and happiness. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The more frequently the fight-or-flight response is activated, the more likely it is to be activated again. It will take less to activate it and the response will likely be more forceful. If you constantly under stress you could be experiencing these automatic reaction more frequently and intensely. Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps round about them that fear(honor) Him, and delivers them
• By choosing to disobey Adam and Eve choose to side with the scary prince of darkness- which resulted in mankind becoming aware of evil and evidentally being cast into a lifetime of fear and anxiety. • A subtle transaction took place at the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Eve traded the fear of the Lord, for the fear that comes from knowing evil. Psa 33:8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him
Man was made for happiness, not to be kept in continual worry and fear . At creation man was perfectly happy. But we soon see sin and fear, doubt perplexity creep in . In order to truly understand fear we need to examine its origin Ephesians 2:14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united us nto one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us
Imagine the benefits of a life without fear. I’m sure we can all agree that if we could find a way to live at peace and not fear, the benefits would be incalculable. One thing we know is that Fear holds people back, it is debilitaing, and paralizing in its effects. Luke21:26 warns that in the last days there will be many disasters, “ Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”
It can be exasperating when you’re trying to communicate with someone, but you know that what you are saying is “going in one ear and out the other Dr Susan Heitler says persons who do not feel heard often end up depressed, anxious and with built up anger. James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry
“It’s important to make sure that we’re talking with each other in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.”Barack Obama
Honest, open communication is the only street that leads us into the real world… We then begin to grow as never before. And once we are on this road, happiness cannot be far away.” ― John Joseph Powel
ps 119:45 I walk in freedom for I have devoted myself to your commandments
There is perhaps nothing more dangerous than a bad person with good people skills.” Bob Burg “… if you fail to comply with the requests of manipulators, they will try to make you feel bad, selfish, naïve, foolish, guilty, or whatever emotion will cause you to give in to their desire.” Matthew 10:16 ESV Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves
Manipulation is the art of controlling people or circumstances by indirect, unfair or deceptive means, especially to one’s own advantage. Techniques used to exert control over someone else using fear or reward, lies and half truths Those who are manipulated allow others to have excessive control over them—the control that God alone should have. Romans 16:18 For those who do such things are not serving Christ our Lord, but their own appetites. By their fine words and flattering speech they deceive innocent people
The ancient philosopher plato theorized that we love In order for us to become complete. He believed that LOVE MAKES US WHOLE AGAIN All healing is first a healing of the heart.” – Carl Townsend A friend loves at all times.~ Proverbs 17:17
- Rejection can be unintentional or intentional
- Rejection may be communicated in a pleasant or unpleasant way
- Rejection can be direct and personal, or it can be indirect towards your ideas or habits. Rejection doesn’t mean you not good enough, just means the other person’s failed to notice the quality of what you offering-Mark Amend. Psalm 27:10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.
A person feels truly connected when they are seen, heard and valued, People who stay together usually have an anchor of connection. A type of ritual, special intentional repeated action. Traditions that foster togetherness. Genesis 2:18 it is not good for man to be alone, I will make for him a suitable helper
Have you noticed how some days and especially after a hard weeks work your mind is exhausted your body taxed and it feels like you need a holiday just to recharge and detox from it all.
Psalms 55:5-6 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest
Learn how to schedule your priorities. •Urgent and Important: Do these tasks as soon as possible •Important, but not urgent: Decide when you’ll do these and schedule it •Urgent, but not important: Delegate these tasks to someone else •Neither urgent nor important: Drop these from your schedule as soon as possible
Ephesians 5:15-16 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil
There is something called Neuroplasticity which decribed the ability we have to sculpt our brain just as we sculpt our muscles What are you sculpting your brain with? The things world? Or the things of God?
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed(meditation/focus) on you, because he trusts in you
We must work to have sound bodies and strong minds that are not easily broken, there are changes you can make with regards to your life that will build up a strong brain
1Pe 1:13 So then, have your minds ready for action. Keep alert and set your hope completely on the blessing which will be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
The brain constantly tries to keep your neurochemical systems in balance. Too much or too little of any of one neurotransmitter can change the way you think, feel and behave. Psalm 16:20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful
It is extremely important to have a healthy brain to live life in a meaningful way. The functioning of brain messengers play a big role in our happiness or lack thereof. 2 Corinthians 10:5...we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ.
People struggling with OCD(obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour) may know they struggle with OCD, but even so, you feel unable to resist the thoughts or behaviours associated with it them and break free. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light
Always expecting disaster and can't stop worrying about health, money, family, work, or school? People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder often worry about things in an unrealistic way, or their worry is not proportionate to the problem. Exaggerated worry Psalms 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
No amount of me trying to explain myself was doing any good. I didn't even know what was going on inside of me, so how could I have explained it to them?
Psalms 42:5 Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God.
It’s not the load that breaks you, but how you carry it.- Lou Holtz John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
There is compassion and consideration given to those in physical pain, but when your heart is ripped out you may get neither. Psalms 69:20 Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I had hoped for sympathy, but there was none; for comfort, but I found none.
The ability to rebuild your life after tragedy or disappointment is called resilience. And life’s scars are there to remind you where we’ve been. They don’t have to dictate where you are going. Hellen Keller said: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”
Proverbs24:16 The righteous man may fall seven times, but he gets up again
What kind of love puts aside their own needs, and gives without expecting in return? What kind of love would die for someone who does not love them back? Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.
The one basic human emotion and need that we all want to experience in life is love. Love is a driving force that pushes people to climb mountains, swim across rivers, love will make you do things and be things you never imagined. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…”Love never ends.
Come to the Redeemer who is the only inexhaustible fountain. You may drink, and drink again, and ever find a fresh supply. Isaiah 12:3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
What drives you in life? What makes you get up out of bed and live your life each day? 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ compels us...
Often times the reason we feel guilt is because we are trying to live up to the standrads of everyone else around you. Which may deep down conflict with your own beliefs. Micah 7:19 “…he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities, and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Let them go because you have been forgiven
Those struggling with mental health issues often feel that the world and life is oppressive, and meaningless. Psalms 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Don’t sabotage yourself by searching out specific scriptures on problems of life this has a way of causing anxiety Psalms 107:20 He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.
Your God-view directly effects your emotional and cognitive well being. Numbers 23:19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill
The best things happen unexpectedly , when RISKING LIFE ON THE EDGE OF SPECTACULAR Proverbs 16:3 : Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
If you want to stay motivated use logic, and use empathy…because tapping into your empathy, egnites your emotionally and creates movement and action. But emotions wear off, you have to have something concrete to fall back on. Hebrews 10:24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works
Do you tend to view life and information through a microscope, or a binocular? Romans 11:33-34 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom(big picture) and knowledge(facts) of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
An introverted person is inwardly-focused. They are naturally stimulated by their inner thoughts, feelings, and ideas. They seek solitude to recharge their energy after socializing and interacting with the outside world for long periods of time. An extrovert is outwardly-focused. They are fueled by the outside world and by meeting and socializing with other people. They become drained if they spend too much time alone; they need human interaction. Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power
Do not try and mold and fashion the experience of others to conform to your own ideas. God forbids that one man shall have arbitrary jurisdiction over the minds of his brethren. No child of God should submerge his identity in any human being. 1 Corinthians 12:14 For the body itself is not made up of only one part, but of many parts
Pain is not Gods big mistake. Isaiah 53:3 He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with much grief
Where you are now it not your forever John 16:33. These things I have spoken unto you,” He said, “that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
You are a vessel that gives glory yo God Mat 12:6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple
Recomposing: to form something again or in a different way Hos 14:5-6 I will be to the people of Israel like rain in a dry land. They will blossom like flowers; they will be firmly rooted like the trees of Lebanon. They will be alive with new growth, and beautiful like olive trees. They will be fragrant like the cedars of Lebanon
How you live your life is directly proportionate to how you view yourself Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece.
I would rather walk in the dark with God, than go alone in the light. I would rather walk with Him by faith, than walk alone by sight. Psalm 6:2 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony.
If there is no enamy within the enamy without can do you no harm 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.
You must meet all obstacles placed in your way,, and overcome them one at a time. If you overcome the first difficulty, you will be stronger to meet the next, and at every effort will become stronger.
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, "If you want to come with me, you must forget yourself, take up your cross every day, and follow me.
I will never leave you nor forsake you Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
We feel alone in the world, isolated from everyone and everything Psalms 139:23, 24 – Know my heart! Know my anxious thoughts!
At the sound of earnest prayer Satan’s whole host trembles Jeremaiah 33:3 Call on me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you did not know
The war is won but the battle still rages. Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord
Remember giants appear bigger in valleys. 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great. Matthew 6:33 Seek ye first… then all these things shall be added
You have forgotten your first love. Isaiah 57:18 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.
Conflict teaches us about ourselves and others. Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Be careful who you trust the devil was once an angel. Hebrews 6:18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.
When life gives you lemons make lemonade. Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
A sense of inadequacy often informs the question around "Who am I?" Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Do not undererestimate the power of small temptations & trials, you may be dragged away by its power
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy
What are you chasing that is causing this unrest in you?
Ecclesiastes 6:9 It is useless; it is like chasing the wind. It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else.
It’s the calm before the storm, and the peace thereafter.
2 Tim 3:2 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days
Yes sin isn’t fair, but neither is salvation!
John 17:3 Now this is eternal life- that they may know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent
Certain types of anxiety stem from a lack of boundaries, or the presence of conflicting boundaries
Psalm 104:9 You set a boundary that they may not pass over,
Most of us don’t realize that in their life much misery and hellish events, are self inflicted
Prov 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
You have to stay close to the fire to keep warm
Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
For the peace to be lasting the hardship will be harder.
Luke 3:17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable
In boxing there’s a saying that goes: The guy that aint afriad of dying is gonna win.
2 Timothy 2:3 You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t want us to worry about anything. Nothing, nada, zip, zero.
Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
Welcome all experiences cause you never know which one is gonna turn everything on.
Jeremaiah 17:7-8 But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.
Hunger, divorce, physical abuse and hardship will not destroy you. Only sin can destroy you.
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
You must not allow circumstances to master you, but you must master your circumstances. 2Corinthians 4:8-9 We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed.