Depression

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Memorable Scripture: Struggle in your blood.

Ezekiel 16:6
“And when I passed by you and saw you struggling in your own blood, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’ Yes, I said to you in your blood, ‘Live!’” Continue reading →

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Don’t be Mara!

There are so many people up one moment and down the next. It’s like a rollercoaster of emotion.

Everything is going so well, and then nothing ever goes well. Sounds like life to me!

There was a woman in the Bible that felt that way. She was married with two grown sons and daughters-in-law. But the men-folk died and she found herself a childless widow with no one to take care of her.

Living in a foreign land, she decided to move back home. When Naomi arrived everyone was pleased to see her.

But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?” Ruth 1:20-21

God never promised you easy times but He promised to see you through all times.

Like Naomi, many have bitterness over how things have turned out. They jumped to the conclusion to quickly that nothing is going to change.

But it did for Naomi and it will for you.

The Lord has a purpose for you. Sometimes you just have to wait for the fruition of it. As it is written,

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Ps 27:14

Abba, You have promised never to leave me or forsake me. And I believe Your promise. In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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Demon of depression and suicide

There’s a story of a man whose son had been plagued by a demon since birth. It would convulse him into seizures and the child was often hurt in the process. He would burn himself and try to drown himself.

The young man seems to have a self-destructive nature. No doubt he is demon possessed because the Bible says so. However the demon perhaps has an affect of depression and suicide on its host.

However, there are many that have the same depression and self-destructive nature. Demons are not blamed nor diagnosed. Meds are prescribed and perhaps psychiatric care.

I don’t downplay doctors and medicines – but doctors often downplay the spiritual.

The disciples had tried to help but could not. In desperation the dad turned to Jesus.
Jesus in turn frees the man from this demon.

There are a few great quotes and lessons that come from this story in Mark 9:17-29

Jesus –

“If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

The dad –

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

The disciples –

“Why could we not cast it out?” Mark 9:28

Jesus –

“This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:29

The message to me is clear. If you struggle with these things you can be delivered from it. Believing, prayer, and fasting are all keys to breaking the chains of depression and suicide.

Abba Father, help my unbelief too! In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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Depressed – Look Up!

The death of Robin Williams caught me by surprise. I found him a multi-talented comedian. He was lightning quick on delivery, while changing voices or subjects in a wink! Robin was made for improv!

Little did I know that such a talented man that could make so many others laugh had trouble laughing himself as he suffered with depression.

Prov 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,

One of my first thoughts upon hearing about his death was his soul – did he know Jesus as Savior. It’s a question I can judge but not one I can answer.

Last night one of the ladies at church told me that while he was receiving an award, he pointed up and thanked his Father!

My response was maybe he was thanking his dad.

Uncertainty about the future can cause anxiety; and anxiety can cause depression.

Prov 12:25 But a good word makes it[the heart] glad.

I am not uncertain about my future. I have a good word from God’s word and I have given my life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

That’s not to say that a Christian cannot be depressed. When you take your eyes off of Him and begin looking at the world around you, it can happen.

Keep looking up to Christ!

Abba, I pray for those suffering from depression. Please help me recognize them and share with them the only real Hope – Jesus! YES&AMEN

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He still cares!

I may be a strong Christian but I have my moments of doubt when it seems as if God is a dream, a figment of my imagination.
At those times it seems He is so far from me and I from Him.
My prayers seem to go unanswered and my life is in despair. Continue reading →

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A God-hug

morning thoughts

Morning thoughts from Pastor Tim
Good Morning!

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

praying3What am I doing up at this hour?
I’ve been awake since 1:30am and finally went ahead and got out of bed.
I’m troubled.
I’ve been thinking and praying over the lives of some of my friends in church.
I don’t know what to do about them, except pray. Continue reading →