Category: depression

Expect the Adversaries

Sunday, September 30, 2012

“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Corinthians 16:9 KJV).

Hypothetically, if we are the Lord’s children, then we will have an easy life? Right? Wrong!

As one Christian brother expressed it, “God has not promised us Christians a rose petal pathway.” Contrary to the feel-good cliché “God wants you healthy and wealthy,” our membership in the Church the Body of Christ does not ensure our lives will be trouble-free.

While we Christians serve the Lord Jesus Christ, this world has never been and will never be His friend: “They hated [Jesus Christ] without a cause” (John 15:25; cf. Psalm 35:19). During His 33 years on earth, the world was very unkind to our Lord and Saviour. He was hated, belittled, and executed by His own people. The world will “love” Christ living His life in us to the same extent they “loved” Him living His life during His earthly ministry—not at all!

In the verse previous to today’s Scripture, Paul is staying at Ephesus until Pentecost. Today’s Scripture says that while Paul had opportunity to preach and teach in Ephesus, the satanic policy of evil had its men in place. Evil men, Satan’s cohorts, were eager to divide Paul’s audience and persecute Christians, including harming the Apostle himself. Today’s Scripture refers to Acts 19:21–20:1, when Paul preached against the pagan goddess Diana in Ephesus. Fearing financial ruin, the local idol makers anger the Ephesians and cause them to turn against Paul. This riot in Ephesus (present-day western Turkey) forces Paul to depart to Macedonia (present-day northern Greece).

The Philippian believers endured intense persecution, yet Paul encouraged them: “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God” (1:28). Do not fear or be intimidated by Satan’s evil world system. (“Satan” is a Hebrew word meaning “adversary.”) The devil is our adversary because he is God’s adversary. Thankfully, Satan’s tactics do not have to destroy us: God’s grace is sufficient for us to bear them (2 Corinthians 12:9,10).

Expect the adversaries, and expect God’s grace to endure them! 🙂

Content With “Herbs”

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith” (Proverbs 15:17 KJV).

Suppose that you have been invited to two dinners: a “vegetarian buffet” and a “carnivore’s delight.” Today’s Scripture suggests you attend the one with the less backbiting!

Imagine a scanty meal—“a dinner of herbs”—eaten by people who love one another. Although the food is less than appealing, the diners love each other, making the atmosphere hospitable. Now, visualize an extravagant feast—“a stalled [fattened] ox”—attended by people who hate one another. They fuss and fight, verbally slaughtering each other. These carnivores sound as though they not only want to eat the ox, but each other as well!

Though the meal of herbs is less than superb, at least those eating it love one another, thus sharing what little they have with one another. The greedy meat-eaters hate one another, so despite the abundance of food, they refuse to share, and persist in animosity. Eat not with the meat eaters, for they may (figuratively) eat you!

Read the verse preceding today’s Scripture: “Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith” (Proverbs 15:16). A millionaire can afford an abundance of fine foods (the “stalled ox”), but if his or her life is plagued by hatred, what good is that material wealth? How can he or she be happy? One who can only afford herbs for dinner may not have much, but the love he enjoys outlasts any material wealth, and he rejoices in that fact.

Most Christians are not (and most have never been) millionaires and billionaires: the “Hollywood Christian” leaders are something else entirely. Their houses are meager and modest, not luxurious castles and condominiums. Most do not drive exotic vehicles or enjoy international vacations. Their meals do not consist of fine, imported foods. Most do not wear expensive designer clothing. While they lack many of the possessions that the world deems “necessary,” they have the Lord, and He has them! 🙂

Better is few possessions with the Lord, than much wealth without Him, and we are content with “herbs.”

Not in Vain

Saturday, September 8, 2012

“For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain” (1 Thessalonians 2:1 KJV).

The believers in Thessalonica demonstrate that ministry work for the Lord is not done in vain.

Paul and Silas, on Paul’s second apostolic journey, arrive in Thessalonica in Acts 17:1. Here, there are Judaistic Jews and Greeks (verse 1), people who have some comprehension of the Old Testament and the one true God. However, there are also pagan Gentiles, individuals who later “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

The Lord through Paul and Silas preached the Gospel of God’s Grace to us in Christ (dispensational Bible study). By placing their faith in that message, the Thessalonians either progressed to further understand God’s Word (that is, how God was now revealing advanced information—the mystery program—not found in the Old Testament), and/or learned that the one true God, unlike the pagan gods they had worshipped as heathens, had come in the form a Man to die for their sins. After the Thessalonians trusted Christ, today’s Scripture and its context (1:3–2:1) describe how God used them to evangelize their neighbors!

Ever wonder, “Are our preaching the message of God’s grace and teaching the King James Bible rightly divided, really worth it?” After all, many—even professing Christians (!)—hate it. Too prideful and too attached to their religious tradition to admit that God’s message to us Gentiles is Paul’s epistles (Romans through Philemon), denominational Christians vehemently oppose and attempt to suppress dispensational Bible study… THAT is vain. For, though we are few in number, we Pauline dispensationalists “serve the living and true God,” and nothing God does is ever “in vain” (worthless, futile). “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Again, “Are our preaching God’s grace and our teaching the King James Bible rightly divided, really worth it?” Today’s Scripture is a resounding, “Yes, it is worth it! It is ‘not in vain!’” 🙂

Hope Deferred, Sick Heart Incurred

Sunday, September 2, 2012

“Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12 KJV).

Regarding today’s Scripture, we can all shout, “Amen!”

Have you ever had an intense desire to have something (or perhaps, someone)? Your heart was thrilled beyond words, was it not? How you looked forward to that wish coming true. In effect, that want became a crutch, something that you depended on entirely. You had such hope, and you looked forward to that certain event happening (a relationship, raise at work, new car or house, friendship, job, vacation trip, et cetera).

But to your horror, that hope was shattered, as that dream was “deferred” (delayed), or worse, it never even came to pass. Were you not sick to your stomach? Did you not have a horrible feeling inside, like something in you died? Maybe you despaired even of life? Perhaps you felt angry, sad, or both. This is to be expected, since the first part of today’s Scripture reads: “Hope deferred [delayed, overdue] maketh the heart sick.” When we hope for something, and it fails to come to pass, it wounds us emotionally. Our innermost being feels sick.

Now, the second part of today’s Scripture declares: “but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Here is the flipside to our previous paragraph: suppose that wish or hope did come true. Were you not overjoyed? You wanted to live and enjoy that good time, right? The Bible describes this as “a tree of life,” something that makes you want to live and makes you happy that you are alive.

Saints, life is full of disappointments. While we are emotional beings, we need to be reminded that our emotions should not be in control of our lives. Let us walk by faith in an intelligent understanding of God’s Word to us (believing the King James Bible rightly divided), and let our emotions follow us (not vice versa). Above all, let us hope in Jesus Christ and our sufficiency in Him, which hope is never deferred, and a sick heart is never incurred.

Refuge in the Storms of Life

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 KJV).

Whether in life, or in death, our refuge is Jesus Christ our Lord.

Later today, here in south-central Louisiana, we are expecting a category 1 hurricane, Isaac. Its sustained winds of over 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour) and its potential flooding have many residents worried, especially considering the damage Hurricane Katrina inflicted here along the United States Gulf Coast exactly seven years ago today. But, as during every “storm of life,” we rest in Jesus Christ!

Life is unpredictable. It has its good times, and its bad, and we never know which type will come when. Considering, almost nothing in life is certain… almost….

What is certain is that, regardless of our circumstances, God our Father has equipped us in Christ Jesus to handle them all: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

We as saints of the Most High God have within us the resurrection life of Jesus Christ. When we live by walking by faith in an intelligent understanding of God’s Word to us, it is literally Jesus Christ living in and through us (today’s Scripture). Our Lord Jesus Christ is our refuge, and His strength enables us to handle all of the troubles of life (our flesh is too weak).

Additionally, we have comfort that even if one of these “storms of life” causes our physical death, we will still have refuge in Jesus Christ. We will still be secure in Him, in perfect peace and free from this life’s troubles: “to be with Christ… is far better” (Philippians 1:23; cf. today’s Scripture). However, saints, until then, hang in there. God still has work to be done on Earth! 🙂

Living As Peaceably As Possible

Monday, August 27, 2012

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18 KJV).

Having recently listened to family members and friends discuss their struggles, my advice to them was simple—apply today’s Scripture.

Saints, today’s Scripture is clear. We should make every attempt possible to get along with others, especially with our Christian brethren (as always, please remember that we never, EVER compromise sound Bible doctrine for the sake of unity). But, there does come a point where we cannot resolve conflict, and we must leave the situation alone. Notice today’s Scripture: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” It is not always possible to live peaceably, even with fellow Christians (which is so sad).

In fact, there are such deep divisions among some Christians—including myself—that they cannot be resolved until heaven. I have met people who cause their own problems, thereby making other people’s lives—and mine—miserable. We all make mistakes, but what makes it sadder is that even after they are warned repeatedly, they continue in their error, with little to no remorse.

When dealing with these kinds of people who absolutely refuse to apply sound Bible doctrine in handling a disagreement, we must step back and say, “There is nothing more that I can do. It is time to leave these individuals alone.” Again we apply today’s Scripture and move on; otherwise we risk making the situation worse with hatred, bitterness, physical altercations, gossiping, cursing, et cetera.

Regrettably, sin causes squabbling, which results in division. Our “friends” will turn other friends against us, and divorce destroys our marriages and families. It is most pitiful when these divisions occur within the local church, disrupting the unity of God’s people and furthering the plan of the adversary (Satan). While we do “forgive [others] as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven [us]” (Ephesians 4:32), we are not to be doormats. In this sinful world, we cannot live harmoniously with everyone.

“If it be possible,” saints, “IF it be possible,” “live peaceably with all men….”

An Overwhelmed Heart

Friday, June 22, 2012

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:1,2 KJV).

Sometimes, the circumstances of life can be overwhelming. To where does the psalmist (David) in today’s Scripture turn during these disheartening times?

King David continues, “For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name” (verses 3-5). David had faith in the LORD: he knew that his God would always be there for him, even if no one else were.

Life in this sin-cursed world is not always easy, but let us remember, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

“And he [the Lord Jesus Christ] said unto me [Paul], My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9,10).

Just as King David could flee to God for peace and consolation, we can too! We can go to God’s Word rightly divided for comfort, and talk to God in prayer during disturbing times (Philippians 4:6,7). What a privilege!

David concluded the chapter of today’s Scripture with, “So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever…” (Psalm 61:8). Let us sing praise unto God’s name forever… even when we have an overwhelmed heart!

Are We of All Men Most Miserable?

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19 KJV).

Is our Christian service done in vain? Today’s Scripture explicates.

Today’s Scripture is excerpted from the Bible’s greatest passage regarding resurrection (1 Corinthians chapter 15). According to verse 12, some of the Corinthians deny bodily resurrection (thus denying Christ’s resurrection). So, the Holy Spirit through Paul provides 58 verses on the topic. Notice the argument Scripture gives for bodily resurrection (verses 13-18):

  • “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:”
  • “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”
  • “Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.”
  • “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:”
  • “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”
  • “Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”

If there is no such thing as resurrection, everything we believe and do would be “vain” (worthless, empty): it would mean Christ never resurrected, that our preaching eternal life in Christ is “vain,” that our faith in Christ is also “vain,” that Paul lied when he preached Christ’s resurrection, that we are still dead in our trespasses and sins, and that we will never again see those who have died in Christ. We would be “of all men most miserable” if that were true: if we Christians had this brief, earthly life, and nothing else, we would be the most depressed of all people (today’s Scripture)!

But, verse 58 gives us hope: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” We are not “of all men most miserable!” Our Christian service is not in vain—there will be a resurrection! 🙂

We With Patience Wait for It

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

“But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (Romans 8:25 KJV).

We live in this fallen world, an environment abounding with despair, disease, and death. But, as Christians, we have hope. We patiently wait for the day when we shall be eternally delivered from the presence of sin and its accompanying miseries.

Since we have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, God has spiritually redeemed us: our souls are no longer bound for hell because God has forgiven us our sins in Christ, and He has delivered us from the penalty of sin (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).

Spiritually, we are redeemed, but our physical bodies have yet to be redeemed. In the context of today’s Scripture (verses 18-24), the Apostle Paul discusses “the sufferings of this present time,” living in a world that is under the curse of sin (“the bondage of corruption” [verse 21] that God placed on creation in response to Adam’s sin [Genesis 3:16-19]).

Because of sin’s curse, every living creature suffers: “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22). But even we Christians suffer sin’s curse! “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (verse 23).

Thankfully, “For we are saved by hope” (verse 24a). This is not soul salvation, but salvation from despair and hopelessness. Yes, we suffer sickness and we will experience physical death (short of the rapture), but there is hope! At the rapture, we Christians will receive glorified physical bodies, bodies fashioned like unto Jesus Christ’s resurrected body, bodies that will be eternally delivered (“redeemed”) from sin, disease, and death (Philippians 3:20,21; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; Ephesians 4:30). The rapture is God’s method for healing in this the Dispensation of Grace: be not fooled by the “faith healers” of our day!

We join our Apostle in faith and hope, and declare (without sight; 2 Corinthians 5:7), “The rapture—we with patience wait for it!”

The Peace of God

Saturday, May 5, 2012

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

Here are two of the best Bible verses regarding prayer!

Recently, a friend and Christian sister was troubled by her circumstances, so I shared today’s Scripture with her. This fallen world is filled with pain and suffering. We are confronted daily with events that wear us out mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We cry, “Oh, God, deliver me! If you really loved me, you would take it all away!”

Saints, instead of getting discouraged and growing weary, we need to commit to memory and apply today’s Scripture by faith. The Bible says, “Be careful for nothing:” we should not worry in difficult times. Rather, in stressful times, we need to pray “with thanksgiving.” No matter what happens, we need to always thank God for giving us the resources in Christ needed to handle all of life’s matters: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

We need to talk to our heavenly Father and share with Him the situation and tell Him how we feel. Yes, God already knows these things, but He wants us to communicate with Him. Just as God speaks to us using His Word (the King James Bible), we speak to God using prayer. During trying times, we should pray in accordance with God’s Word rightly divided: we need to find sound (dispensational) Bible verses that relate to the situation, and then by faith, apply that sound doctrine to the situation.

We rest in the fact that God knows what we are experiencing. He comforts us and strengthens us. How does He strengthen us? “By his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16c). The indwelling Holy Ghost will take His Word (sound Bible doctrine we believe) and He “shall keep [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Once we talk to God about the matter, we have “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.”