Devotionals from Dad

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Calming the Soul

Music has a powerful influence on human beings. It can boost memory, build endurance, lighten your mood, reduce anxiety and depression, stave off fatigue, improve your response to pain, and help you work out more effectively. Music can also bring back powerful memories and emotions. Music is present in every part of our lives. Children learn the alphabet through a song. Music can even influence your spending habits, shopping malls and restaurants you visit are rarely silent. My wife claims she learned the preamble to our constitution through a song she heard on a Saturday morning cartoon as a child called “School House Rock.” 

Music has a very important role in worship as well. God can be glorified by music and peoples spirits can be uplifted by a pleasing melody. Through congregational singing Christian faith is not only expressed; to a very real degree it is learned. Since people tend to remember the theology they sing more than the theology that is preached, sorry preachers! Hymns, both ancient and modern, increase knowledge and vocabulary, rehearse the biblical story, and teach of the nature and the almighty acts of God. Music is essential for a Christians growth in faith. 

According to the Book of Samuel, an “evil spirit” plagued King Saul, making him agitated and fearful of persecution. Because music was thought to have a therapeutic effect, the king summoned the hero and warrior David, who was renowned for his skill with the harp. 

 1 Samuel 16: 14, 17-18, 23 14 Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. 17 So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.” 18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” 23 Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. 

This is one amazing example of what music can make do to a person. Today, we are bombarded with music that is full of subliminal messages that encourages drugs, fornication, vices, etc. And as we listen to this kind of music, those messages that are usually hidden in the upbeat bass or catchy melody are being burned into our subconscious minds slowly but surely. This is not what God wants us to have. Just like the music that the David’s harp produces, our music should be a comfort for the soul, a source of peace for the mind and a warm blanket of encouragement for the heart. As believers today, let us take some time to reflect what kind of music are we listening to in our lives? 

Our faith in God should result to a life that can provide comfort to other people especially those that are going through deep hurts and troubles. To give comfort to others means to stand in the situation, walk a mile in their shoes. Don’t judge or criticize, but rather give hope and love to the person who needs it. As the music of David’s Harp comforted the distressed King Saul, let the music of our lives through what we say or do also give comfort to those who are facing their own tormenting spirit. 

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Have you ever thought about how you are living out your Christian faith? Are you living a superficial Christian life or a supernatural Christian life? If you look up the definition of superficial your dictionary will tell you that it is something that is existing or occurring at or on the surface or something appearing to be true or real until examined more closely. On the other hand if you look up the definition of supernatural this is what you will find: an event attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature. 

Just because we have a relationship with Jesus does not mean that life will be a stroll down easy street! Life can be tough!!! As Christians, we have extra challenges. Before we were saved, we were no threat to the devil. But when we accepted Jesus into our heart, we became an enemy of Satan. We live in two worlds – the natural sin filled world and the supernatural spiritual filled world. Both are going on around us. When we are faced with battles or temptations, our victory comes from the supernatural! At one time or another, we’ve all believed the lies of the enemy. These lies can come from toxic relationships and failures. But whatever you’ve heard or believed until now, the truth of the bible can set you free!

In John chapter 8 Jesus is confronted by the Scribes and the Pharisees. They bring him a woman who has been accursed of commuting adultery. They put her on display in front of a crowd of people that were surrounding Jesus then they make their accusations! They tell Jesus, “This woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says we should stone her to death What do you say we should do with her?”

Only in Christianity do we “Shot our wounded!” In the business world if an employee makes a mistake they are offered training or rehabilitation so they can be made a better employee. In the military if a soldier is wounded in the field of battle he is given medical attention so he can live to fight another day. No soldier is left behind! However in Christianity if you make a mistake we tend to point our holy fingers at you and say how could you live like this, how could you make such terrible sinful decision? If you fail, fall or sin we shoot the sinner, we tell them you can't be a member of our church if you live like that. The Scribes and Pharisees wanted to pass judgment on the woman caught in adultery, but how did Jesus respond?

John 8: 3-11 NIV The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

The Scribes and Pharisees were living a “Superficial” faith. On the surface they seemed to be real Christians striving to live the best possible life, however upon closer examination of their faith it becomes obvious that their faith was certainly not “Supernatural!” The Bible is full of ordinary people who were deemed failures by those around them. Yet God enabled them to do mighty things. Supernatural living comes when you believe what God says about you and not what the world says!!!

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What's your job

Everyone that claims for be a Christian, a Child of God, has a job to do in his kingdom! I think we can all agree on that, but I am equally confident that most of us would also say I am not gifted enough to be a preacher or teacher.

1 Peter 4:10 NIV Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

So here is a comparison that I think most of us can understand. An NFL football game has a lot in common with most churches today. At the football game there are 22 players on the field who put everything they have both physically and mentally into being the best football player they can be. In the stands there are 80,000 people cheering them on. As long as the players on the field are doing well the fans in the stands continue to cheer them on. However if they make a mistake, if the game doesn't go the way the fans in the stand think it should be going the cheers quickly become jeers and boos!!! 

I think we can all agree this is no way to successfully run a church. Many times though it is reality though. The old rule of thumb is 10 percent of the members of the church do 90 percent of the work. God never intended for a handful of paid professionals to run the church. I know what your next thought is. I have no special talents or gifts. How can I possible serve the church. We all have at least one spiritual gift. What do you enjoy doing? What do others say you’re good at? These are the kind of questions that can help you discover the place where God wants you to serve the church.

1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 NIV There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Ordinary people can do extraordinary works just by living out their callings. As men and women trust in Christ, they do good works. These works are as good as a pastor when he preaches a moving sermon or prays at the bedside of a dying person and leads them to a saving faith in God. So what are some things an ordinary person can do to serve God?

Teach a Sunday school class. There are many opportunities from a preschool through senior citizens. Mentor a young person. You will have a greater impact for God when you develop a one on relationship with someone, invest your life in others! Visit someone in the hospital, let them know your care! Greet people at the front door. Seek out visitors and do what you can to help them feel welcome and comfortable. Send a card or letter. A timely word of encouragement to someone that has been missing from church for a while for whatever reason can have a huge impact. Cook a meal for someone that has recently had a loved one dye or is sick at home. Pull weeds and plant flowers so that God's house looks beautiful and inviting. Set up chairs for an event. The work is always easier when there are more hands helping. Work in the nursery, sing in the chior, volunteer to be an usher passing the offering plate, help in the sound booth or help with church security. Most of these jobs require no special experience or you can be easily trained. Last but certainly not least, PRAY!!! The ministry of prayer should not be taken lightly. It is often said, “I can’t do much, but I can pray.” That is a sad way to think about prayer. The truth is, not everyone will pray. And, prayer is never the “least you can do,” but should always be thought of as the most important thing you can do!

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Image Bearers

What does the bible mean when is says in Genesis 1:27 “We are all created in the image of God?”

Genesis 1:27 NIV So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Does this mean that we resemble God's likeness, having features in common with God, such as arms legs, hands, feet, fingers and a face? Maybe, but I really don't think this is all of what being made in the image of God really means. Being made in the image of God is not so much a physical feature, something that man has, it is more something that man is.

On the last day of creation, when God said let us make man in our image, in our likeness, He finished His work with a “personal touch.” God formed Adam from the dust and gave him life by sharing His own breath with him. Accordingly, humanity is unique among all of God’s creation, having both a material body and an in-material soul or spirit. To say that we are made in the image of God is to recognize the special qualities of the human nature that God gave us, that he did not give to any of the rest of his creation. 

Human beings can reason and choose. This is a reflection of God's likeness. Anytime someone invents a machine, writes a book, paints a landscape, enjoys a symphony, or names a child, he or she is proclaiming the fact that we are made in God’s image. Our conscience, our moral compass is feature that is only bestowed on us and is not something any of the rest of God's creation has. Whenever someone writes a law, recoils from evil, praises good behavior, or feels guilty, he or she is confirming the fact that we are made in God’s own image.

God created us for fellowship with him. In the Garden of Eden, humanity’s primary relationship was with God. God made the first woman because it was not good for the man to be alone. Every time someone marries, makes a friend, hugs a child, they are demonstrating the fact that we are made in the likeness of God. So if we are created in the image of God we must love, honor and respect everyone no matter what they look like, how they dress, the color of their skin, or their social or financial position in this world.... We must love them even if they don't agree with us!!!

 1 John 4: 20-21 NIV Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 

Wow!!! In today's world loving your brother or sister even when they don't agree with you is a huge request! The world today is a veritable petrie dish of conflicting viewpoints and dysfunctional behavior. Since we are all created in the image of God we must love everyone despite our vast differences and disagreements. All this being said,... not everyone is a child of God! The good news is God offers everyone redemption. That redemption is only available by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior from the sin that separates us from God. Being made in the image of God we all have and eternal soul. Where your soul spends eternity, Heaven or Hell, is your choice! Choose wisely, your choice will have an eternal consequence!!!

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The Sin of Procrastination

Is procrastination a sin? It is not specifically mentioned in the 10 commandments so is it really a bad thing? This may be hard to hear but the simple answer is, “Yes Absolutely!!!!” Our time and talents are gifts from God and should not be wasted. Procrastination is defined as “the act of willfully delaying the doing of something that should be done,” or, “to put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness.” While the word “procrastinate” is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, the topic is addressed. 

Colossians 3:23 NIV Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

The Bible says that when it comes to some things, we should never procrastinate. In Matthew 5:23-24 Jesus taught that reconciling with an offended brother should be done immediately upon our remembrance of the situation. The bible also tells us, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” Ephesians 4:26-27. Dealing appropriately with our anger is a matter of great importance, and we must not put it off until tomorrow or you risk giving the devil a foothold. 

Christians should never procrastinate when it comes to sharing the gospel with the lost. There is no time to waste. No one is promised tomorrow and that person you need to witness to, may not have tomorrow. Their life could come abruptly to an end without warning. The Bible urges everyone to get right with God today. 

Hebrews 3:12-13 NIV See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 

Procrastination may also be an unforgivable sin. The bible tells us that there is only one sin that can not be forgiven and that is the sin of blasphemy. What is blasphemy you ask? It is the is hardening your heart against God and repeatedly refusing to respond to the Holy Spirit. In other words, the only unpardonable, unforgivable sin is a persistent refusal to acknowledge the reality and existence of God, the fact that He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. It is the refusal to “Admit,” “Believe,” and “Confess” faith in God! What does all this have to do with procrastination and how can it be unforgivable? Some people, upon hearing the gospel and recognizing their spiritual need, delay in making a response. This is the most dangerous type of procrastination. They may think that they need to clean up their bad habits first. They may not be ready to let go of their favorite vice and think foolishly that they are young and they will enjoy life now and later turn to God. Life is short, and we do not know what will happen tomorrow!

Proverbs 27:1 NIV Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. 

So in the matter of our spiritual life, we dare not procrastinate. If you die this day without confessing faith in God you will spend eternity separated from God in Hell where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched. As Christians it is unwise for us to delay healing a broken relationship or dealing with anger. Giving glory to God comes with eternal blessing and should motivate all we do, so we have no reason to procrastinate. In short, procrastination is a bad habit that can have eternal effects.

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The Transforming Power of Fire

Discovering and dominating fire was a key factor in human evolution. It not only helped the first humans to stay warm and have light to illuminate the darkness, it also provided them with protection from predators. Fire, we huddle around it in search of warmth. We cook with fire. As kids we may have jumped over the embers of the fire. We let ourselves be hypnotized by its moving flames. Fire attracts us hopelessly due to its destructive abilities, but also for its infinite transforming power. Depending on what substance you place into fire it may either be consumed by the fire or transformed by the fire. 

Before modern metalworking techniques were invented, blacksmiths used fire to make metal workable. Once the metal was formed into the desired shape, the heated metal was cooled quickly. The process made the metal harder, transforming it into a different substance. Many substances like paper or wood when placed into the fire are totally consumed, reduced to nothing but ashes. The greatest story from the bible dealing with the transforming power of fire is that of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

During Nebuchadnezzar’s second year as king, the Lord gave him terrible dreams. When none of his wise men were able to interpret his dreams, he sentenced them to death. Then he asked Daniel to tell him what his dream was and interpret it. Daniel asked Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to pray that God would reveal it to him – and He did. He advanced Daniel to a high post, gave him many generous presents and made him ruler of the whole province of Babylon. At Daniel’s request the king made Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego administrators of the province of Babylon. This made the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, and other officials of the kings court furious!

They hatched an evil plan and convinced King Nebuchadnezzar to pass a decree that each day at a certain time everyone should bow to and worship a enormous gold statue. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to follow the decree. The men who plotted against them brought this to the king’s attention. Nebuchadnezzar was infuriated, and immediately had the three men brought before him. King Nebuchadnezzar questioned them: “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you will not serve my god, or worship the golden statue that I set up?” Daniel chapter 3 verses 16 thru 18 records the young men's response to King Nebuchadnezzar.

 Daniel 3: 16-18 NIV Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were bound and cast into the furnace, they began lifting their voices in praise to God. The king’s servants continued to stoke the flames, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remained unharmed, because the substance of their lives was the one and only true God!!! What is the substance of your life? When you are faced with the fiery trails of life do they consume you or transform you? Because of the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego God delivered them from fire. When they emerged from the furnace, it was clear that the fire had had no power over the bodies, not a hair of their heads had been singed, and their garments were not altered.

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The Omnipotent Power of God

Saying that God is “omnipotent” does not suggest He almost has control over all of creation. God’s power is complete. He has all authority over all creation, life, and death. God created the universe and all life with His voice and His breath. God created light out of the darkness with just His voice. Did you know that the speed of light is 671 million miles per hour. This planet we live on seems vastly enormous. However at the speed of light you could circle the earth 7 times in just 1 second. You could go to the moon in 2 ½ seconds. You could travel to Mars in just 22 minutes at the speed of light. Our God is so powerful that he spoke the milky way galaxy into existence and our home galaxy is so vast that even at the speed of light it would take you 200,000 years to travel from one side to the other.

When Jesus walked on water, His power over natural law came from God. Jesus direct control over laws of nature, such as breaking the law of gravity and of the properties of water, when he walked on water came from God! When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and when he himself arose from the grave He demonstrated his power over life and death. 

God is all power and sufficient to complete His own work. Why the does God instruct believers to spread His word or feed his sheep if He can accomplish all things himself? God does not need us at all. If God needed us to accomplish His work he wouldn't be “Omnipotent”. God doesn't need us but he does desire a relationship with us, but that’s not the same as being needed by Him! In reality, we in our weakness, need Him. When the Lord works through ordinary people who are not capable of whatever job He has assigned them, His omnipotence is displayed. When you say God is omnipotent you are proclaiming that He not only has ultimate power over all things, but He is also is the source of all power. He is limitless in strength, wisdom, love and holiness. Though His power is unfathomable, unimaginable, we can catch a glimpse of His might by considering all He has made. He made all things—every planet, beam of light, law of nature, and every human heart.

When we begin to comprehend and understand that God, our Creator and Savior, is omnipotent, is all powerful and in control over all things, our chaotic and constantly changing world doesn’t seem quite so scary. No matter how vulnerable or ill-equipped we feel, no matter the challenges and problems we face, we can rest in this truth: God is matchless in power, unconquerable, and always victorious. God is bigger than your problems. When storms hit and the ground beneath us feels ready to give way, we can rest in peace, knowing God Almighty, the omnipotent One, stands beside us.

Colossians 1:16 NIV For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 

Our God, the omnipotent, all-knowing, all-loving and faithful King, reigns over all and holds us securely in His hand. Understanding this helps us stand, unshakable, above all that threatens to defeat and destroy us. 

Hebrews 1:3 NIV The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 

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What are you going to be when you grow up?

Have you ever asked a child what it is they are going to be when they grow up? I am sure that most of us have asked this very question of our own children or grandchildren many times. It is interesting to listen to their responses. Some want to be policemen, some firefighters and some may want to be a doctor or nurse. I have a grandson that even told me once that he wanted to be a preacher, but now I think he has changed his mind and wants to be a professional motor-cross rider. Oh well, he is only 10 years old I am sure he will change his mind about what he is going to be when he grows up many times over the years.

Children really don't have any idea how much time must be invested in order to get that career they are dreaming of now. For example in order to become a Missouri State Trooper you must have be a high school graduate and then pass a 6 and ½ month law enforcement training academy. What about becoming a preacher? Most-+6 graduated from high school and then went to seminary for a couple years in order to become a preacher. Ever thought about how long it takes to become a nurse or a doctor? A licensed RN must have either an associate in nursing or a bachelor's in nursing degree, plus complete the clinical nursing requirements, and pass the state board exams. All of this will take anywhere from 2 to 4 years. MD doctor programs generally last four years. Once you're done with medical school, you'll need to complete 3-7 years of residency before you can receive licensing and start practicing medicine.

Now here is my difficult question. How much time and effort must you put into becoming a Christian? How many years do you need to spend attending church and Sunday school or studying your bible in order to become a born again believer? The steps to becoming a Christian are few, plain and easy to understand!

Step #1 Believe!!!We must believe God exists! That’s the first step. But you say: “I don’t have faith. How can I get this faith in God? Well, here’s the way, as described by the apostle Paul in Romans 10:17: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Step #2 Repent!!! The second step is repentance. First, belief in God; second, repentance. But you ask, Are you sure God will forgive me? The answer to that question is found in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Step #3 Confess!!! The third and final step is to confess. If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved!

 Romans 10: 9-10 NIV If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

The 3 simple steps to becoming a Christian can be completed in no more time than it will take you to leave your seat in the church, walk down the aisle and say a simple pray, all of which can be accomplished in minutes. You don't have to spend years educating yourself or cleaning up your life. Just believe, repent and confess!

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Fear and Faith

There is little dispute that 2020 was a difficult year full of extraordinary events that struck fear and anxiety into American's hearts. A raging pandemic and economic recession followed by a contested election that spurred a dramatic insurrection, were just a few of the incidents that left tensions high nationwide. According to a a survey conducted by a company called, “Safe Home” that specializes in home security here is a list of the top 10 fears for 2021 of Americans: #1 Loved ones dying, #2 Loved ones becoming seriously ill, #3 Mass shootings, #4 Not having enough money for retirement, #5 Terrorism, #6 Government corruption, #7 Becoming terminally ill, #8 Hate crimes, #9 High medical bills, #10 Widespread civil unrest.

2020 has been labeled the most stressful year on record, and rampant anxiety has become a national mental health emergency. For 2021 It appears that the situation has not significantly improved. For some people worry and anxiety can create major problems in life. Some of us come by it honestly. For some, it’s a family trait – it’s in our blood, it is a learned trait. Some of us acquire issues with anxiety over the course of life’s many obstacles. Anxiety and worry can be like anchors that keep you from getting anywhere. Yet it shouldn’t be that way. As Christians, we have the means to live a life that can be free from anxiety. So what does the bible have to say about fear, worry and anxiety? 

Matthew 6:27 NIV Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 

Anxiety is noncompliant with God’s Word. The Bible is full of commands about anxiety: Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). Let not your hearts be troubled (John 14:1). Do not be dismayed (Joshua 1:9). Isaiah 41:10 says Fear not. This is also commanded 364 other times in scripture. So there is one command per day to remind you that should not have fear in your life. Simply put, it’s not possible to be overcome by fear and to wholeheartedly trust in God. It’s like oil and water. The scriptural solution to anxiety is to have a disciplined mind that focuses on Christ. Here are five ways that can help you to deal with your anxiety and change your focus from your own problems to Christ.

#1 Change your thinking. Become more aware of the circumstances that trigger your anxiety and fear. Acknowledge your feelings and make intentional choices to shift your focus to Christ. Acknowledge that He is sufficient to help you and free you from whatever makes you feel anxious.

#2 Be Thankful. Studies have proven that those who are thankful live longer, happier lives. Start a gratitude journal, write a letter of thankfulness, serve at a local charity, or spend some time in purposeful prayer of gratitude to God.

#3 Practice Self Care. Prioritize physical exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and connection with other people. Find the activities that give you joy and energy, and make time for them without apology. Take care of yourself.

#4 Make Room for Joy. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins in the brain. Laughter is also good for your heart and your immune system and it relaxes the whole body.

#5 Seek Christian Counseling. Christian Counseling is an excellent place to start facing whatever it is that has you feeling anxious or worried. With the help of a good Christian counselor, you can begin to begin to deal with and even eliminate fear and anxiety.

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

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Recognizing Happiness & Blessings

I personally believe that happiness is a choice. I believe that it is a choice you must make everyday. Happiness in my humble opinion, is a state of mind. If you choose to look for the silver lining in the cloud you will find it. It you choose to look for all the thunderclouds in the storms of life, then you will find them as well. However,... the difficult question I would like to ask you is: If you never have any storms in life, how then do you recognize the sunny days? If you never have any dark days in your life, how then do you learn to appreciate the bright days?

Most of the time, I like to think I’m pretty good at recognizing what makes me happy in life. But I sincerely believe that if you don't go through some tribulation in your life, you may not always recognize all the blessings God gives you every day! It can become easy to let these moments of happiness and blessings slip past you. There is a new song out by a group that goes by the name, “Cochren and Company.” The song is entitled “Graves.” The lyrics to this song really do a good job of illustrating the point I am trying to make. Here is the some of the song:

If there hadn't been the darkness, I would've never seen the light, I wouldn't long for the sunrise, if it wasn't for the night. If there hadn't been a Father who made a way when there was none, I'd still be an orphan, if it wasn't for His son.

If there hadn't been a grave, if there hadn't been a cross, my heart would still be buried, and my soul would still be lost, if there hadn't been a Savior, who died to make a way, I'd still be a dead man, if there hadn't been a grave.

If it wasn't for the breaking, I would never know the mend, I wouldn't know the sweetness of freedom, if I didn't know my sin, If there hadn't been forgiveness that covered all my shame, I'd still be a debtor, if He didn't take my place.

If there hadn't been a grave, if there hadn't been a cross, my heart would still be buried, and my soul would still be lost, If there hadn't been a Savior who died to make a way, I'd still be a dead man, if there hadn't been a grave.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Ephesians 5:20ESVGiving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

After great tribulation comes the blessings!!! One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward!

James 1: 2-4 ESV Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

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