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Post by Cindy on Nov 16, 2017 11:52:19 GMT -5
It wasn't you fault because I could have just checked with you and asked If I should continue to write concerning my plan, or if you just wanted me to do it on my own?
So I will go back to the plan and re-read, and then start Colossians over with the plan in mind, and also start talking/praying to Lord about psalm 103:5.
Oh, by the way, I got the gizmo/gadget Oxygen thingy ....so far my oxygen is in the low 90's to mid 90's. Leonard's stays between 99 and 100.
So far my oxygen stays around 91....which used to be worse, in the 80's.
Still it reminds me to sit up straighter and stretch a little.
For some reason, I cannot figure out, I am always slipping in my recliner to an almost laying down position.
I never ever notice it actually happening,
until I notice, just how far I have slumped or slid LOL
It happens over and over during the day.
I do have a pillow behind my back, and maybe that is the culprit, but without it I would be even more uncomfortable.
Anyway, all that to say, thank you for having posted about the oxygen meter and sitting up straighter ( I was already becoming aware of it myself, because of the constant sliding down in the chair) so the little gadget, helps me remember ( cuz its fun) to sit back up etc.
I am feeling a bit better today for the first time in about 10 days....I am still congested and sneezing, but I am hopeful I am really getting better...from the cold that is.
The thing is, I have to clean the B & B today
but even more ...a wee bit worrying, I have to watch Devon again.....having been sick, I hope he is also better and does not have another cold or worse, flu germ, as I have not gotten a flu shot for years now.
I try to always get the flu shot. Only missed it once - last year, as I kept forgetting. I know it's helped me any number of times.
v. 1 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,"
just as Paul and Timothy were chosen by the will of God, so am I chosen to be a child of God. So when depression tries to convince me, perhaps I am not a child of God ( too sinful, not loving the Lord enough etc.)....I will remind myself, that it is God who choose me, forgave me, and will complete that which He has begun in me and therefore, I will not fret.
v.2 "To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father."
When depression tells me I am too sinful, I will remember that because of Jesus, I am Holy...because He has imparted His Holiness to be...yes, I still fall into sin, but I do not need to listen to the lies, that is all I am....because God has made me more than a sinner, I too can have peace and unmerited favor with the Father because of Jesus.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
v. 3 "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,"
During a depression attack, I can instead gives thanks to God for all my blessings and also pray for others.
v. 4 "because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— "
I will trust Jesus when depression strikes and also take my mind off of me and onto those I love.
v.5 "the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel"
I will reflect on the fact, that there is infinite love stored up for me in Heaven.
v. 6 "that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace."
I will remind myself, that it is God's grace I have been blessed with, and He has in fact, been growing me, I am not the person I was.
v. 7 "You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,"
Just as the Colossians believers learned from Epaphras, I too will remind myself, of the wonderful faithful brothers and sisters God has provided me with .
v. 8 "and who also told us of your love in the Spirit".
Instead of lies, because of Jesus, I have love in the Spirit, I will remind my self
v. 9 "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,"
I will encourage myself, to never stop praying ( for myself and others) and will ask the Lord to fill me with the knowledge of His will, that the Holy Spirit gives.
v. 10 "so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, "
When depression attacks, I will remember I am growing in the knowledge of God and focus on living a life worthy of Him ( and depression would not be a part of that).
v.11 "being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,"
I will remember He has infinite power, and these trials can only strengthen me, and give me patience
v. 12 "and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light."
I will not only give thanks but 'joyful' thankful because God has qualified me to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light.
v. 13 "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,"
I really need to remember ..and will.....just how far the Lord has rescued me from the dominion of darkness when depression hits, and how far into the kingdom of the Son, Jesus ( He loves).
v. 14 "in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Further, when or if depression starts, I will remember, I have been redeemed, my sins have been bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus on the cross...my sins ( all of them) are forgiven and that is surely a joyous thought!
I will work on the rest of chapter one tomorrow.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:3–4)
Wow, you did really great! I loved reading it! 
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778 
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Post by fearnot on Nov 16, 2017 13:38:19 GMT -5
I am going to try to corner Hossanah today with the gizmo and see her oxygen level ( she's a smoker ahem!! LOL)
but I didn't even think....Devon is asthmatic, so it would probably be interesting to see what his is too ....
and while I am busy terrorizing everyone with it,
might as well get Vanessa
and Brian ( also a smoker humph! )
Soon... they will all run away when they see me coming....
ahhhhh finally peace and quite to snooze yeah LOL
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 16, 2017 14:50:10 GMT -5
The Supremacy of the Son of God
v.15 "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation".
When feeling down, I can look forward to seeing in Heaven Jesus...tho God the Father and the Spirit are invisible, Jesus is not....and I want to see Jesus, and will.....just one more great thing to look forward too....life is not ending, it's only beginning.
v. 16 "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".
Not only will I have seeing my Savior to look forward to but the 'Creator' of all things
v. 17 "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together".
Scientists are absolutely befuddled at what is holding the universe together. Strangely this is a positive upbeat thing for me. I used to think scientists were the end all, but now they are totally stumped at what is holding the universe in place....but I know!! Jesus is! I believed that before they were perplexed and I still do, and that is a joyful thing to know.
v. 18 "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy".
If I start feeling down, I can know that Jesus is the head and the beginning and the first born and supreme. Those who don't believe have settled for nothing, I have the best of the best, the alpha and omega the beginning and end, infinite and eternal.
v.19 "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him",
Indeed I can reflect my Savior has it all, full and never ending love, joy, power etc.
v.20 "and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross".
Jesus has procured peace for me....not depression.
v. 21 "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior".
When depression tries to convict me of my evil behavior...and it was...
the key words for me to remember are: 'once' and 'were'
but I am no longer God's enemy.
v.22 "But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— "
And here I go....depression accuses but God's word says I am holy, without blemish and free from accusation, by Jesus death. It always gives me pause to say I am holy because clearly I still sin.....but it is Jesus that the Father sees and thru Jesus death, my sins past, present and future are forgiven, erased and in that sense, I am holy. And of course, the Lord will complete what He has begun in me....tho I still sin, I hate it, and I do sin less, and will continue to sin less and less...until Heaven where I will in fact sin no more ( I can't wait).
v. 23 "if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant".
Depression is allowing faith and hope to slip and lies to win....so I will deny the lies and hang onto the truth firmly.
Paul’s Labor for the Church
v. 24 "Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church".
when I suffer depression, I know that because evil hated Jesus, it hates me too.....and again strangely that can be a positive thought, because, I belong to the Lord and I can rejoice in that for sure.
v.25 "I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— "
when depressed I can remember that I too am a servant of God with a commission He has for me....I am not useless ( prayers are a powerful force).
v. 26 "the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people".
I had and have a lot of friends in science fields who imply I am naive or even ignorant but I now know, that sadly it is they that are without knowledge...true knowledge and there are many mysteries that are hidden to them, that have been disclosed to me, so I do not need to be depressed about not be 'smart' enough.
v. 27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory".
In fact, it is with glorious riches beyond compare...Christ in me, that the unbeliever's cannot fathom....the sadness is actually their's because the have no hope of glory.
v.28 "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ".
I can rejoice ( if felling glum) that I am becoming a mature Christian
v.29 "To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."
And with the energy of Christ I can run with perseverance the race marked out for me because I can do all things thru Jesus who works powerfully in me.
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Post by Cindy on Nov 17, 2017 11:55:56 GMT -5
I am going to try to corner Hossanah today with the gizmo and see her oxygen level ( she's a smoker ahem!! LOL)
but I didn't even think....Devon is asthmatic, so it would probably be interesting to see what his is too ....
and while I am busy terrorizing everyone with it,
might as well get Vanessa
and Brian ( also a smoker humph! )
Soon... they will all run away when they see me coming....
ahhhhh finally peace and quite to snooze yeah LOL
Hope you got a good nights sleep!
The Supremacy of the Son of God
v.15 "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation".
When feeling down, I can look forward to seeing in Heaven Jesus...tho God the Father and the Spirit are invisible, Jesus is not....and I want to see Jesus, and will.....just one more great thing to look forward too....life is not ending, it's only beginning.
v. 16 "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".
Not only will I have seeing my Savior to look forward to but the 'Creator' of all things
v. 17 "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together".
Scientists are absolutely befuddled at what is holding the universe together. Strangely this is a positive upbeat thing for me. I used to think scientists were the end all, but now they are totally stumped at what is holding the universe in place....but I know!! Jesus is! I believed that before they were perplexed and I still do, and that is a joyful thing to know.
v. 18 "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy".
If I start feeling down, I can know that Jesus is the head and the beginning and the first born and supreme. Those who don't believe have settled for nothing, I have the best of the best, the alpha and omega the beginning and end, infinite and eternal.
v.19 "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him",
Indeed I can reflect my Savior has it all, full and never ending love, joy, power etc.
v.20 "and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross".
Jesus has procured peace for me....not depression.
v. 21 "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior".
When depression tries to convict me of my evil behavior...and it was...
the key words for me to remember are: 'once' and 'were'
but I am no longer God's enemy.
v.22 "But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— "
And here I go....depression accuses but God's word says I am holy, without blemish and free from accusation, by Jesus death. It always gives me pause to say I am holy because clearly I still sin.....but it is Jesus that the Father sees and thru Jesus death, my sins past, present and future are forgiven, erased and in that sense, I am holy. And of course, the Lord will complete what He has begun in me....tho I still sin, I hate it, and I do sin less, and will continue to sin less and less...until Heaven where I will in fact sin no more ( I can't wait).
v. 23 "if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant".
Depression is allowing faith and hope to slip and lies to win....so I will deny the lies and hang onto the truth firmly.
Paul’s Labor for the Church
v. 24 "Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church".
when I suffer depression, I know that because evil hated Jesus, it hates me too.....and again strangely that can be a positive thought, because, I belong to the Lord and I can rejoice in that for sure.
v.25 "I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— "
when depressed I can remember that I too am a servant of God with a commission He has for me....I am not useless ( prayers are a powerful force).
v. 26 "the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people".
I had and have a lot of friends in science fields who imply I am naive or even ignorant but I now know, that sadly it is they that are without knowledge...true knowledge and there are many mysteries that are hidden to them, that have been disclosed to me, so I do not need to be depressed about not be 'smart' enough.
v. 27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory".
In fact, it is with glorious riches beyond compare...Christ in me, that the unbeliever's cannot fathom....the sadness is actually their's because the have no hope of glory.
v.28 "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ".
I can rejoice ( if felling glum) that I am becoming a mature Christian
v.29 "To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."
And with the energy of Christ I can run with perseverance the race marked out for me because I can do all things thru Jesus who works powerfully in me.
Don't forget the homework I suggested for you for the weekend...reflecting on Psalm 103:5.
Here's what i said before about it:
Speaking of old age, I have a scripture that you might want to reflect on and talk to the Lord about concerning something He says about it. It's speaking about God: “who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5) In this I'm not looking for what commentaries say about it or anything like that. Instead, I'd like to hear what you get from it when you spend a lot of time thinking about it and talking to the Lord about it. Like over the weekend maybe - or even over the next couple of days.
Seeing what you got from the above scriptures, I'm really looking forward to what you get when you really spend time on just one verse!  I'll share some of what the Lord gave me about it after you're done.
Have a great weekend!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 17, 2017 13:11:59 GMT -5
You were right about smoking and oxygen with Hossanah....
but at the first test, it seemed scary....she was at 84......
but...
what I did not know is, she has Raynaud's like me.
I didn't even notice when we put her finger in the gizmo....
but when it read 84 and I was really surprised!!!
She said, do you think it makes a difference if my hands are cold?
And then she showed me her white fingers...how did I never notice before? She has very pretty hands, with long elegant fingers....and very very white tho....it's definitely no mistaking Raynauds
so she ran her fingers under warm water, waited a few minutes and we tried again.....
99
Bah humbug!! LOL
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 17, 2017 13:20:27 GMT -5
arrrggghhh you are right, I forgot the verse...
we've been having a bunch of extra stuff happening....like a tenant moving,( we deal with that) and another one's sister died of heart failure and we are going to clean the B & B for her family to come ( plus there are new guests in right now),
and I have to babysit tonight at 4PM again ( most likely will not sleep much..)
and so on....I don't always have so much going on
but when the landlord starts texting me pages and pages LOL of guests coming dates, etc. ( give Dwana back her deposit on and on)...
I mean I have a hard enough time remembering without all the rest HA!
So I am soooooo glad you reminded me....thank you so much. I was looking forward to it and it just flew right out with all this other drivel sigh!
But yeah...now I remember. Thank you so much for the good report.....I was a wee bit afraid, it was wrong or something.
So that was very uplifting.
there is a part of me that wants to look at a commentary....but I won't.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 17, 2017 19:30:27 GMT -5
So this is the first day on this verse:
“who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
I know we have talked before about the idea if we had our youth to do over, we would make different choices, but I think I recall you pointing out to me that as a sinner, I might either commit the same sins again, or perhaps different ones, etc.
But what IF our youth could really be re-new-ed ( not just when we get our new bodies in heaven) but even now, but with God's satisfying my desires with 'good things?
I know, I would want the sins and evils that I committed in my youth gone, and the good I did not do, done.
To have the strength to do them ( to have a servant's heart of love), and the purity and love of God and others instead of selfishness and sin, would feel like flying.
Somewhere in scripture it talks about walking and not fainting and running and not be weary....and I think eagles are mentioned also.
I understand our (my) struggles, pain and weariness can be used of God, but this verse makes me wonder about what it might be like to be not only being grown spiritually strong, but what it might be like to be physically also.
Even more so, to never had committed so many youthful sins would have been so freeing( if youth were re-new-ed.....)
or maybe that is not the idea,
but rather,
the idea of youthful strength and unencumbered with the things that years of self centeredness, self pity, etc. have done that keep me grounded, instead of soaring like a beautiful strong eagle for the Lord.
And it may indeed not be just a physical weakness that kept me grounded but a lack of spiritual strength due to little or no study of God's word, little or no prayer,
and little or no real relationship with Jesus.....
we (I) can only truly 'fly' ( in all ways) with Him.
I will pray and think on this some more.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 18, 2017 20:05:13 GMT -5
“who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
Today, I was reflecting on how an eagles's
perspective would change from being on the ground as opposed to being high in the sky.
There might still be problems but they are very small when high in the air, and they are not really affecting the eagle anymore.
It occurred to me that when I am in God's word or praying, that is in a sense like the eagle flying, which to me is a joy.
It would seem to me to even be more like when was young and having a summer vacation. Many of the 'problems' that even a child might have while in school, bullies, homework etc. for many children, are gone during summer.
Summer in one's youth is like being filled with good things and a eagle's flight reminds me of that. I know, eagles are often hunting when flying, but I have seen both eagles and other birds, seemingly just having 'fun' on the air currents, carefree, free and joyful.
But then again, perhaps it is not just being physically able to do things like a youth but one's mindset. A child can be like a very old angry person, and a person of many years, can be joyful, fun, caring like a free child.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 19, 2017 12:23:22 GMT -5
“who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
So there seems to me to be at least 3 ways to have youth renewed....when we die and go to Heaven, by a change in one's mind, and if we are raptured.
However, in one sense we are always 'youths' to God...we are His children, to someone who is eternal we shall always be young in several ways.
Some of us are cranky children but when we get a different perspective, we in that sense go back to our true self, which is forever young.
Which reminds me of a couple of verses that sort seem to fit this to me anyway:
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:40
Envy can age a person but peace can give life ( like being renewed).
And also:
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day".
2 Corinthians 4:15-17
So although this body is growing older and wasting away, God is giving us (me) good things and that renews me as a youth, day by day.
There are many things that often do not depend on age for their goodness... God's Word the Bible, prayer, laughter, music, songs even dance to an extent ( one can dance in their chair LOL), art, books, animals, flowers, food, etc.
I think we all have felt often at times, like inside, we are still a youth, it is only the outside package that does not seem to go with the inner.
Yet, God has His reasons that it is so ( our sin nature has done most of the 'damage') but god also uses it to rid of us pride, or vanity, etc.
And He does not intent for us to be trapped in our wasting bodies forever, and in fact, in our hearts and spirits we utdo not need to be trapped even now....
we (I) can have a 2nd childhood even in this life when we are free of the root of bitterness, envy, self-pity, etc.
Oh there will be times when pain etc may in fact get us down, but often, I put myself there unnecessarily, when I could be 'flying' like the eagle.
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Post by Cindy on Nov 20, 2017 11:29:48 GMT -5
You were right about smoking and oxygen with Hossanah....
but at the first test, it seemed scary....she was at 84......
but...
what I did not know is, she has Raynaud's like me.
I didn't even notice when we put her finger in the gizmo....
but when it read 84 and I was really surprised!!!
She said, do you think it makes a difference if my hands are cold?
And then she showed me her white fingers...how did I never notice before? She has very pretty hands, with long elegant fingers....and very very white tho....it's definitely no mistaking Raynauds
so she ran her fingers under warm water, waited a few minutes and we tried again.....
99
Bah humbug!! LOL 
It's funny how many people with RA also have Raynauds. (I have it too).
arrrggghhh you are right, I forgot the verse...
we've been having a bunch of extra stuff happening....like a tenant moving,( we deal with that) and another one's sister died of heart failure and we are going to clean the B & B for her family to come ( plus there are new guests in right now),
and I have to babysit tonight at 4PM again ( most likely will not sleep much..)
and so on....I don't always have so much going on
but when the landlord starts texting me pages and pages LOL of guests coming dates, etc. ( give Dwana back her deposit on and on)...
I mean I have a hard enough time remembering without all the rest HA!
So I am soooooo glad you reminded me....thank you so much. I was looking forward to it and it just flew right out with all this other drivel sigh!
But yeah...now I remember. Thank you so much for the good report.....I was a wee bit afraid, it was wrong or something.
So that was very uplifting.
there is a part of me that wants to look at a commentary....but I won't. So this is the first day on this verse:
“who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
I know we have talked before about the idea if we had our youth to do over, we would make different choices, but I think I recall you pointing out to me that as a sinner, I might either commit the same sins again, or perhaps different ones, etc.
But what IF our youth could really be re-new-ed ( not just when we get our new bodies in heaven) but even now, but with God's satisfying my desires with 'good things?
I know, I would want the sins and evils that I committed in my youth gone, and the good I did not do, done.
To have the strength to do them ( to have a servant's heart of love), and the purity and love of God and others instead of selfishness and sin, would feel like flying.
Somewhere in scripture it talks about walking and not fainting and running and not be weary....and I think eagles are mentioned also.
I understand our (my) struggles, pain and weariness can be used of God, but this verse makes me wonder about what it might be like to be not only being grown spiritually strong, but what it might be like to be physically also.
Even more so, to never had committed so many youthful sins would have been so freeing( if youth were re-new-ed.....)
or maybe that is not the idea,
but rather,
the idea of youthful strength and unencumbered with the things that years of self centeredness, self pity, etc. have done that keep me grounded, instead of soaring like a beautiful strong eagle for the Lord.
And it may indeed not be just a physical weakness that kept me grounded but a lack of spiritual strength due to little or no study of God's word, little or no prayer,
and little or no real relationship with Jesus.....
we (I) can only truly 'fly' ( in all ways) with Him.
I will pray and think on this some more.
“who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
Today, I was reflecting on how an eagles's
perspective would change from being on the ground as opposed to being high in the sky.
There might still be problems but they are very small when high in the air, and they are not really affecting the eagle anymore.
It occurred to me that when I am in God's word or praying, that is in a sense like the eagle flying, which to me is a joy.
It would seem to me to even be more like when was young and having a summer vacation. Many of the 'problems' that even a child might have while in school, bullies, homework etc. for many children, are gone during summer.
Summer in one's youth is like being filled with good things and a eagle's flight reminds me of that. I know, eagles are often hunting when flying, but I have seen both eagles and other birds, seemingly just having 'fun' on the air currents, carefree, free and joyful.
But then again, perhaps it is not just being physically able to do things like a youth but one's mindset. A child can be like a very old angry person, and a person of many years, can be joyful, fun, caring like a free child.
“who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
So there seems to me to be at least 3 ways to have youth renewed....when we die and go to Heaven, by a change in one's mind, and if we are raptured.
However, in one sense we are always 'youths' to God...we are His children, to someone who is eternal we shall always be young in several ways.
Some of us are cranky children but when we get a different perspective, we in that sense go back to our true self, which is forever young.
Which reminds me of a couple of verses that sort seem to fit this to me anyway:
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:40
Envy can age a person but peace can give life ( like being renewed).
And also:
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day".
2 Corinthians 4:15-17
So although this body is growing older and wasting away, God is giving us (me) good things and that renews me as a youth, day by day.
There are many things that often do not depend on age for their goodness... God's Word the Bible, prayer, laughter, music, songs even dance to an extent ( one can dance in their chair LOL), art, books, animals, flowers, food, etc.
I think we all have felt often at times, like inside, we are still a youth, it is only the outside package that does not seem to go with the inner.
Yet, God has His reasons that it is so ( our sin nature has done most of the 'damage') but god also uses it to rid of us pride, or vanity, etc.
And He does not intent for us to be trapped in our wasting bodies forever, and in fact, in our hearts and spirits we utdo not need to be trapped even now....
we (I) can have a 2nd childhood even in this life when we are free of the root of bitterness, envy, self-pity, etc.
Oh there will be times when pain etc may in fact get us down, but often, I put myself there unnecessarily, when I could be 'flying' like the eagle.
You're so close to seeing what I did when you said: "I think we all have felt often at times, like inside, we are still a youth, it is only the outside package that does not seem to go with the inner." And: "And He does not intent for us to be trapped in our wasting bodies forever, and in fact, in our hearts and spirits we do not need to be trapped even now...."
Keep reflecting on these verses whenever you have the time ok? I'll post them for you again here. OK, let me share a few thoughts to help you continue in the direction you're going:
“who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5) First, God cannot lie, therefore if His Word says that He satisfies our desires with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagles, He means that. He literally means that our youth is being renewed. (and yes, He does this as we know through His Word). Now, what is God's ultimate goal for us? To be made like Christ, right? So God satisfies us with "good things" things like Phil 4:8 names, which of course would include His Word, so that our youth is renewed. As you said, we are trapped in this body for now, but that won't be forever (thank God!) One day God will give us new bodies to match what we really are, and those bodies will also match the youth that that He has renewed in us. So the part of us that's real, the part of our self that makes us who we are, the part that thinks and feels, is not in this body. That part that's really "us" is separate from this body. If we cut off our arms and legs, we'll still be the same person, so our arms and legs aren't "us", and the same thing goes for every part of this body. This body is nothing more than clothing for us to wear while we're here, and since it's getting rather ragged, we can be very thankful that we don't have to wear these clothes forever! Instead we'll get new clothes that WILL last forever, and our new clothes, unlike these, will be a perfect representation of who we really are. It's that part of us, that wears this body like clothes, that the Lord is renewing. It's our true youth that's being renewed, not this set of clothing. These clothes are destined for the trash heap. None of us would want to keep them forever! We need to really realize that this body is not who we are, therefore who cares what happens to it. We don't grieve when we throw trash away, and shouldn't grieve when we throw away this body either. Why would we when we know for sure that we are receiving another one that's so much better??? God is renewing our youth, not our bodies youth! Paul used the words "inwardly" vs "outwardly" to express this. So as you reflect on the scriptures, remember that God is talking about renewing the real you, not the temporary body you happen to be wearing at the moment.
“who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30)
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Post by Cindy on Nov 20, 2017 11:30:51 GMT -5
I forgot to tell you, please read Christian chat as I'm not sure how much I'll be able to be here this week, ok?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 20, 2017 12:46:21 GMT -5
I did see where you are going to be mucho busy busy bee!!!!
I will be praying for you.
Thank you so much for your words. I really liked what you posted on the verse.
I will spend time reflecting and posting on the 4 or 5 related verses now...
and a couple more verses too, that may also relate.
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Post by Cindy on Nov 21, 2017 11:18:50 GMT -5
I did see where you are going to be mucho busy busy bee!!!!
I will be praying for you.
Thank you so much for your words. I really liked what you posted on the verse.
I will spend time reflecting and posting on the 4 or 5 related verses now...
and a couple more verses too, that may also relate.
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Post by Cindy on Nov 21, 2017 18:27:32 GMT -5
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 22, 2017 20:20:57 GMT -5
I already did this verse but as I was re-reading it:
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".
It reminded me I just finished listening to 8 sermons by John MacArthur on forgiveness.
Anyway, I think this is where we left off?
Instructions for Christian Households
v.18 "Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord".
I think there have been times more in the past when depression came as a direct result of not being submissive but independent ...so I will check myself to see if perhaps that might be a contributing factor when depression hits.
v. 19 "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them".
v. 20 "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord".
This certainly was a big factor for depression when I was young. Even when I was 'obedient' I had a strong inner independant streak, that only grew worse. I excused myself so often with thinking because my adopted parents were the age of most other kids grandparents or even great grandparents, that was another reason for poor me, and a 'reason' I could be independant ...but it only added to deep depression that I could not figure out why.
v. 21 "Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged".
Even now, I need to watch out for this, for if my children are 'distant' or discouraged do to mom in my case, it has the effect of adding to my depression.
v. 22 "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord."
I do remind myself about 1/2 the time to do everything with sincerity of heart because to do work with complaining and bitterness, only adds to a down feeling.
v. 23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters",
Instead, I will increase reminding myself to do it ( not for people) but as unto the Lord.
v.24 "since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving".
Even if people do not 'reward me' not even in thankfulness, I know Jesus, will reward me, if not in this life, in eternity, because it will be Jesus I am serving. It is easy to feel depressed relying on people to 'reward' me and they don't, but to simply bypass that, and trust in God, then depression, bitterness and hurt are stopped before they start.
v.25 "Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism".
And 'revenge' ( not necessarily in a major way) is also not a path to ever go down, vengeance is mine saith the Lord, God will deal with peoples sins and wrongs...no matter who it is....even me.
Vengeance is a depressing way to live ( even in one's thoughts only)....so if ever I start to grumble and feel that darkness and depression as a result,
I will quickly hand it over to the Lord, and instead, forgive....because I have been forgiven soooooooooooooooooo much!!!!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 23, 2017 12:32:52 GMT -5
Before doing Bible study I was thinking the other day about my always having wanted to be beautiful.
And first, I realized, that 99% of that was a selfish self-centered desire.
More than that, it would possibly have caused many men ( and maybe even some women, given today's world) to stumble into sin of lust.
But worse, it would be like satan. to wish to be beautiful, is really to wish to be 'worshipped' by others.
So why I said 99% percent instead of 100% is I often tried to convince myself, that if I were 'beautiful' I would attract more people....and they would be willing to hang around ( at least at first) and I would be able to present the gospel....
people like being around beauty of all kinds I reasoned.
But as I thought on that....even IF I did attract lots of people....they would by the very 'beauty' I had.....might often be so distracted...
they would not 'really' be listening....
or,
they might fake interest just to hang around my outward appearance and have no true interest in who I really was, or believed, or what seeds I was trying to plant in their spirit.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 23, 2017 15:01:01 GMT -5
colossians 4:1-6
4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven".
I don't have any slaves or even workers in a business. However, I know when I am kind, compassionate, right and fair to clerks or cashiers in a store ( who for a short while are working for me)....and they are grateful I am not a complaining, angry etc customer, their momentary happiness, actually can lift me out of a gloomy state. So I will remind myself, that not only can I make someone's day by a smile or kind word, it even uplifts me, to make someone else a wee bit happier.
Further Instructions
v.2 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful".
This is a perfect verse for Thanks-Giving day!!! Of course, it is good for every day. one way to beat the depression war, is to devote myself to prayer. To talk with the God of Creation who loves me, and who is all powerful and all knowing, infinite and eternal, can't but help and sad self pity!
Also I will work more and more at counting my blessings, which are so many that it could keep me so busy I would not have room for sad, gloomy, worry, self pitying thoughts.
v. 3 "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains".
I will also pray for others. but here is an even more specific prayer, that God may open not only for me, but for all my Christian brothers and sisters to have doors open so they may proclaim the mystery of Christ.
v.4 "Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
And that they may be able to proclaim it clearly ( and me too of course) in an effective way, depending on who they ( or I) am talking to. Jesus knew how to speak in a way, so that if speaking to farmers and fishermen, they understood by the words that they could understand, but if speaking to very learned folks, he could speak to them in a different way, that could reach them and so on.
v.5 "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity".
I really need more help in this area. I continue to want to be a man pleaser waaaay too often. Oh I have grown some, and am a little more daring and bold, and convicted in wanting to please my Savior more.....but I still cringe at the thought of being told to keep my 'religion' to myself ( even if I am not pushing the gospel down anyone's throat....I may have only said, I will pray for you).
I will make an effort to think more on how Jesus suffered discrimination, persecution, humiliation, anger to the point of dying on the Cross for me, surely, I can bare a sneer or two, some ridicule, anger etc.
v.6 "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone".
If ever, I am depressed when out and about, I need to focus, on others,
and let my conversation instead of being about 'poor me'....rather be kind, and seasoned with salt.....
I remember at some Bible study years and years ago, someone pointed out that salt was used in the past to preserve food from spoiling and rotting.
So I am thinking, God's principles in my talk, or praises, expressing gratefulness, etc. may not only uplift the person I am speaking with from the slime that is often talked about ( crude sexual jokes, the occult etc.) but it will also lift me.
And of course, I need to be ready, in case someone should ever ask me some 'spiritual' or Biblical question and that means I need to stay in the Word,
which thanks to you, I have been able to do!!!
Nevertheless, I still need to be even more in God's word....but I have made some progress and intend to continue...so I will know how to answer ( at least way more often)
There might be a time, I don't know the answer, and I will have to admit it,
but say, I will go find out the answer and get back to the person.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 24, 2017 17:59:26 GMT -5
colossians 4:7-18
Final Greetings
v.7 "Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord".
I think I can just say how I will attempt to apply verses to my life, concerning depression and sad gloomy thoughts without writing: "what I will do when and if depression hits"...yes?
But rather just write like about this verse
I will remember, I have a dear sister ( and many other dear brothers and sisters ) in the Lord...who pray for me, and minister to me.
v.8 "I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts". I will be grateful and joyful how they encourage me, instead of thinking about something I think I am lacking.
v.9 "He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here".
I will reflect on what is happening to my faithful and dear brothers and sisters. some of these things are repeats of what I have said before, but in fact, because I have had a life time well ingrained habit of depression, I need to say ( think and do) these things over and over...because this is a very deep habit that for most of my life consumed the majority of my life.
v. 10 "My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him".)
Seeing the word 'prisoner' reminds me that in essence, I have been a 'prisoner' as well but rather of depression.
Not all jails or prisons are made of stone or concrete....they aren't even always made by other people....
in my case,
I made my own prison,
by choosing to be sad and depressed....
but, it was ever so much a real prison.....
in fact, some real people like Paul, who was in 'real'
( material) prison,
was actually not nearly ( in certain ways),
as much of a prisoner,
(tho he was chained to a dark dank rat infested hole in the ground)....
as I was by a mental and emotional prison, I made myself, but my choosing to build one of sadness, self-pity, hopeless thoughts etc etc.
v.11 "Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me".
I too can think about and be grateful for my co-workers for the kingdom of God...instead of letting gloomy thoughts weaken me, making me of little use to God in that state.
v.12 "Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured".
I can remember I have a sister ( and others in the faith) who wrestles in prayer for me....that I might stand firm in the will of God....mature and fully assured ( not doubting, and weak in faith)
v.13 "I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis".
I can remember people work very hard for me.
v.14 "Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings".
v. 15 "Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house".
v.16 "After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea".
I need to continue to be in the Word ( the Bible) daily.
v.17 "Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord".
I will remember that even I have a ministry in the Lord, and instead of wallowing in self-pity, I need to 'run the race' and complete what the Lord has set before me.
v. 18 "I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you".
Further I need to think of others, they have more severe trials, problems etc. many brothers and sisters in Christ and being persecuted, tortured and killed....I have not endured that....maybe the occasional sneer or name calling etc. but truly in reality, so far, that is 99 percent not the case.
So I need to be in prayer for those really suffering and stop whining.
True sometimes I am attacked by the enemy with depression, but I have tools to fight back, and I have God to fight for me.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 26, 2017 12:49:08 GMT -5
Yesterday was my 2nd day of not studying the Bible.
Our landlord was here with the intended purpose of cleaning the B & B
but
he had to do a bunch of other necessary stuff.
He had asked us the night before if we might clean for him instead ( of him cleaning...one of 2 reason he came on Thanks-Giving)
BUT.... because he had to do other things...
at first we said no we would not clean....it was a 'turnaround '
We had already told him we would not do any more turnarounds!!!
Thus he came down on Thanks-Giving to clean.
and
he also
brought us a stove ( cuz our stove had died).
Sooooo...
thinking about how he gave up his Thanks-Giving, to bring us a stove....
we caved and said yes ( we caved because this time he had come on Thanks-Giving day when he did not HAVE to...... in order, to to give us a stove.
However, we had to get right to cleaning.....his text woke me up even
and
I got dressed
and
we cleaned......... ALL day until about 6:30 at night.....
by then, I was in so much pain and exhausted, I had no energy left to 'study' the Bible
listening to the Bible doesn't count
Leonard reads from the Bible each night before we eat
also... before we go to sleep....
My first inclination was to say... nothing...
because
I was afraid you would be so disappointed in me ( not to mention Jesus even)...
sooooo if I said, nothing, you would never know...
but that would only be compiling sin upon sin....
and I do not want to do that.
I haven't done a lot of outright lies in my life ( but there have been 'some'...
I am more apt to commit the sin of lying.... by omission.
Anyway....I am back...
tho I am really hurting from yesterday's marathon cleaning...the very reason we had said...NO MORE turnarounds!!!!!!!!!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 26, 2017 12:55:54 GMT -5
You are NOT going to believe this!!!!
BUT we just got an automatic EMERGENCY weather text...extreme weather coming in....
So if you don't see a post today...you will know why....our internet or electric or both is down....
but I am going to study in John 1 right now....so you will also know that!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 26, 2017 13:24:07 GMT -5
I am going to try post the first 5 verse, at least before we lose power or whatever....if we don't lose electric and/or internet by the time I post the first 5 verses, I will continue and see if I can add more.
The Word Became Flesh
v.1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God".
This is one of my favorite verses. It is a verse to remember ( I have memorized it) when depression is trying to take over. It is so cool, it tells me Jesus IS the WORD of God and that JESUS IS God because the WORD IS God!!!
What a great way to get close to My Lord and Savior when depression hit.....just remember God's Word ( and pray....but even praying God's Word back to Him....speaking in His language ( His Word) to Him!!!
v.2 "He was with God in the beginning".
To be with God in the beginning is another proof that Jesus is God....just another thing to remind myself for an uplifting thought as a weapon against doubt or gloomy thoughts.
v.3 "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made".
Again, I often remind myself when depressions tries to unstable me, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made ( so many irreducible complex aspects to my body) and Jesus is the God who made everything and without Him, nothing was made!!!
v.4 "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind".
Scientists still cannot figure out how 'life' came from inanimate materials....but I know! LOL
As usual when depression strikes like a 'fiery dart' trying to plant doubt in my mind about God...I can remind myself...that it is IMPOSSIBLE for 'life' to come from inanimate material.....but it is NOT impossible for life to come from God...and Jesus is the one who gives "life" and not only that but 'light'
5 "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it".
Well depression is certainly darkness....and the only thing to overcome darkness is light!
And thankfully Jesus, being light, can and does shine in my darkness and the darkness, cannot win...praise God.
I am 72 and still here. Many times in my life darkness tried to win and claim me....from under age 5.....and it has not won!!!
Because it cannot win over God.....this is also a good and great thing to tell myself when darkness tries yet again to claim me as its own...it cannot win ( oh maybe for a moment or two, it might seem like it...but so far, Jesus has fought every battle, and kept me safe in His hand, where nothing can take me out of
I will try to come back, but we are already getting lots of heavy rain.....not unusual for here tho and the wind is picking up....
so far......
weather as normal...
but because they choose to send an emergency weather text....
I am going to post this much at least
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 27, 2017 15:29:31 GMT -5
v.6 'There was a man sent from God whose name was John'.
v.7 "He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe".
Thru reading John's witness concerning THE light ( Jesus is The light...Jesus Himself said, He was THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Light)
I can remind myself, that I DO believe in Jesus the Light and it (He...Jesus) can and will chase out my darkness of depression.
v.8 "He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light".
I am not confused thinking John was THE light because John says here that he, John was NOT the light....
This reminds me, that I can find the truth when doubt tries to confusion me....I have God's Word ( Jesus) to tell me the truth.
v.9 "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world".
This tells me there could be 'false' light.....satan can come as a light ( because he once was the most beautiful angel) but he is the exact opposite of Jesus The TRUE Light!
There are things in this world that seem 'beautiful ( on the outside) and for a time might even appear as light but brings sorrow, and depression because they are false.....I will remember this when down....it is false, not the true light.
v.10 "He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him".
Just as satan can appear as light ( but is false),
Jesus, the True light, is often not recognized...
So when things don't go 'my' way, I need to reflect on whether I am thinking the truth or not.
.
v.11 "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him".
I belong to Jesus
v.12 "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— "
I believe in his name and am His child....I will remember this.
v.13 "children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God".
I am not His child because I was born of a certain race or culture, nor because someone decided mother or father or husband etc.( Not even did I decide because as a sinner I could not...God choose me before I was born),
But I can joyfully remember it was God who decided!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 28, 2017 12:37:46 GMT -5
John 1: 14-18
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
v.15 "(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”)
Here is another example of a testimony as to Jesus being God, because in order to have been born after John, and yet to be before John was....
can only mean Jesus is God come down in the flesh.....something to remind myself, if doubt/depression ever tries to plague me.
v. 16 "Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given".
Only God can give 'grace' unmerited favor....I have unmerited favor from Jesus.
v.17 "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ".
All the law did was to prove how sinful we all are and how impossible it is to live it 100%. We ( I) needed the law to understand just how much a sinner I was and to some extent still am ( tho thru Jesus strength not nearly as much and lessening as I grow in Christ) because Jesus supplies me with unmerited favor and truth.
v.18 "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known".
Again we ( I) can't see God the Father or God the Holy Spirit....but many saw God.....the Son...and thereby saw God and understood what He was like.
Another thing to reflect on when starting to feel down.
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Post by Cindy on Nov 28, 2017 13:53:25 GMT -5
I already did this verse but as I was re-reading it:
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".
It reminded me I just finished listening to 8 sermons by John MacArthur on forgiveness.
Anyway, I think this is where we left off?
Instructions for Christian Households
v.18 "Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord".
I think there have been times more in the past when depression came as a direct result of not being submissive but independent ...so I will check myself to see if perhaps that might be a contributing factor when depression hits.
v. 19 "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them".
v. 20 "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord".
This certainly was a big factor for depression when I was young. Even when I was 'obedient' I had a strong inner independant streak, that only grew worse. I excused myself so often with thinking because my adopted parents were the age of most other kids grandparents or even great grandparents, that was another reason for poor me, and a 'reason' I could be independant ...but it only added to deep depression that I could not figure out why.
v. 21 "Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged".
Even now, I need to watch out for this, for if my children are 'distant' or discouraged do to mom in my case, it has the effect of adding to my depression.
v. 22 "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord."
I do remind myself about 1/2 the time to do everything with sincerity of heart because to do work with complaining and bitterness, only adds to a down feeling.
v. 23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters",
Instead, I will increase reminding myself to do it ( not for people) but as unto the Lord.
v.24 "since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving".
Even if people do not 'reward me' not even in thankfulness, I know Jesus, will reward me, if not in this life, in eternity, because it will be Jesus I am serving. It is easy to feel depressed relying on people to 'reward' me and they don't, but to simply bypass that, and trust in God, then depression, bitterness and hurt are stopped before they start.
v.25 "Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism".
And 'revenge' ( not necessarily in a major way) is also not a path to ever go down, vengeance is mine saith the Lord, God will deal with peoples sins and wrongs...no matter who it is....even me.
Vengeance is a depressing way to live ( even in one's thoughts only)....so if ever I start to grumble and feel that darkness and depression as a result,
I will quickly hand it over to the Lord, and instead, forgive....because I have been forgiven soooooooooooooooooo much!!!!!!
You're so right about it all. I recently wrote to someone about their sins (not mentioning them, just "in general".) and told them that there was only one way that we could avoid being paid back for every sin we've ever committed and only one way we could avoid having the rest of humanity know about our every sin, and that was of course, to be saved. For once we are saved, we will never have to go through the White Throne Judgement and therefore will never have our sins "dealt with" as they've all been forgiven and "forgotten" forever. Before doing Bible study I was thinking the other day about my always having wanted to be beautiful.
And first, I realized, that 99% of that was a selfish self-centered desire.
More than that, it would possibly have caused many men ( and maybe even some women, given today's world) to stumble into sin of lust.
But worse, it would be like satan. to wish to be beautiful, is really to wish to be 'worshipped' by others.
So why I said 99% percent instead of 100% is I often tried to convince myself, that if I were 'beautiful' I would attract more people....and they would be willing to hang around ( at least at first) and I would be able to present the gospel....
people like being around beauty of all kinds I reasoned.
But as I thought on that....even IF I did attract lots of people....they would by the very 'beauty' I had.....might often be so distracted...
they would not 'really' be listening....
or,
they might fake interest just to hang around my outward appearance and have no true interest in who I really was, or believed, or what seeds I was trying to plant in their spirit.
The last part of what you said is also true. People who are attracted to another because of their "beauty" are not interested in what's in that person's heart or mind. They're interested in their beauty. They either want to possess it (the beautiful person) for themselves so they can use it for their pleasure and have others look up to them and envy them because they have this person of beauty; or they want to find a way to use whatever that person does to become beautiful themselves. (it's generally the first one though). They may pretend interest in what the beautiful person says or does in order to keep them in their lives so they can continue to use them, but it's generally just pretense. Therefore nothing they say or do has any lasting benefit. Being truly beautiful in this life would be a curse and our Lord knows that. The few who are naturally truly beautiful on the outside and are born again and godly, generally do what they can to take away from their looks so that others aren't misled by them. The few others who are naturally beautiful on the outside and aren't born again, generally wind up being used and using others themselves and having a very lonely and miserable life.
Very Good! I hope you continue to reflect on this one!
colossians 4:1-6
4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven".
I don't have any slaves or even workers in a business. However, I know when I am kind, compassionate, right and fair to clerks or cashiers in a store ( who for a short while are working for me)....and they are grateful I am not a complaining, angry etc customer, their momentary happiness, actually can lift me out of a gloomy state. So I will remind myself, that not only can I make someone's day by a smile or kind word, it even uplifts me, to make someone else a wee bit happier.
Further Instructions
v.2 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful".
This is a perfect verse for Thanks-Giving day!!! Of course, it is good for every day. one way to beat the depression war, is to devote myself to prayer. To talk with the God of Creation who loves me, and who is all powerful and all knowing, infinite and eternal, can't but help and sad self pity!
Also I will work more and more at counting my blessings, which are so many that it could keep me so busy I would not have room for sad, gloomy, worry, self pitying thoughts.
v. 3 "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains".
I will also pray for others. but here is an even more specific prayer, that God may open not only for me, but for all my Christian brothers and sisters to have doors open so they may proclaim the mystery of Christ.
v.4 "Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
And that they may be able to proclaim it clearly ( and me too of course) in an effective way, depending on who they ( or I) am talking to. Jesus knew how to speak in a way, so that if speaking to farmers and fishermen, they understood by the words that they could understand, but if speaking to very learned folks, he could speak to them in a different way, that could reach them and so on.
v.5 "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity".
I really need more help in this area. I continue to want to be a man pleaser waaaay too often. Oh I have grown some, and am a little more daring and bold, and convicted in wanting to please my Savior more.....but I still cringe at the thought of being told to keep my 'religion' to myself ( even if I am not pushing the gospel down anyone's throat....I may have only said, I will pray for you).
I will make an effort to think more on how Jesus suffered discrimination, persecution, humiliation, anger to the point of dying on the Cross for me, surely, I can bare a sneer or two, some ridicule, anger etc.
v.6 "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone".
If ever, I am depressed when out and about, I need to focus, on others,
and let my conversation instead of being about 'poor me'....rather be kind, and seasoned with salt.....
I remember at some Bible study years and years ago, someone pointed out that salt was used in the past to preserve food from spoiling and rotting.
So I am thinking, God's principles in my talk, or praises, expressing gratefulness, etc. may not only uplift the person I am speaking with from the slime that is often talked about ( crude sexual jokes, the occult etc.) but it will also lift me.
And of course, I need to be ready, in case someone should ever ask me some 'spiritual' or Biblical question and that means I need to stay in the Word,
which thanks to you, I have been able to do!!!
Nevertheless, I still need to be even more in God's word....but I have made some progress and intend to continue...so I will know how to answer ( at least way more often)
There might be a time, I don't know the answer, and I will have to admit it,
but say, I will go find out the answer and get back to the person.
Very good! Remember though, that while it's fine to answer honest questions of a person who is truly seeking God or seeking the Truth, we are not to answer questions of those who only want to argue or who aren't really interested in God or the Truth. In those cases we need to simply tell them that the Lord will show them the Truth or show them He's real, or whatever you're talking about and all they have to do is sincerely ask Him to show them and then open a bible and read it.
colossians 4:7-18
Final Greetings
v.7 "Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord".
I think I can just say how I will attempt to apply verses to my life, concerning depression and sad gloomy thoughts without writing: "what I will do when and if depression hits"...yes?
But rather just write like about this verse
I will remember, I have a dear sister ( and many other dear brothers and sisters ) in the Lord...who pray for me, and minister to me.
v.8 "I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts". I will be grateful and joyful how they encourage me, instead of thinking about something I think I am lacking.
v.9 "He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here".
I will reflect on what is happening to my faithful and dear brothers and sisters. some of these things are repeats of what I have said before, but in fact, because I have had a life time well ingrained habit of depression, I need to say ( think and do) these things over and over...because this is a very deep habit that for most of my life consumed the majority of my life.
v. 10 "My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him".)
Seeing the word 'prisoner' reminds me that in essence, I have been a 'prisoner' as well but rather of depression.
Not all jails or prisons are made of stone or concrete....they aren't even always made by other people....
in my case,
I made my own prison,
by choosing to be sad and depressed....
but, it was ever so much a real prison.....
in fact, some real people like Paul, who was in 'real'
( material) prison,
was actually not nearly ( in certain ways),
as much of a prisoner,
(tho he was chained to a dark dank rat infested hole in the ground)....
as I was by a mental and emotional prison, I made myself, but my choosing to build one of sadness, self-pity, hopeless thoughts etc etc.
v.11 "Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me".
I too can think about and be grateful for my co-workers for the kingdom of God...instead of letting gloomy thoughts weaken me, making me of little use to God in that state.
v.12 "Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured".
I can remember I have a sister ( and others in the faith) who wrestles in prayer for me....that I might stand firm in the will of God....mature and fully assured ( not doubting, and weak in faith)
v.13 "I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis".
I can remember people work very hard for me.
v.14 "Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings".
v. 15 "Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house".
v.16 "After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea".
I need to continue to be in the Word ( the Bible) daily.
v.17 "Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord".
I will remember that even I have a ministry in the Lord, and instead of wallowing in self-pity, I need to 'run the race' and complete what the Lord has set before me.
v. 18 "I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you".
Further I need to think of others, they have more severe trials, problems etc. many brothers and sisters in Christ and being persecuted, tortured and killed....I have not endured that....maybe the occasional sneer or name calling etc. but truly in reality, so far, that is 99 percent not the case.
So I need to be in prayer for those really suffering and stop whining.
True sometimes I am attacked by the enemy with depression, but I have tools to fight back, and I have God to fight for me.
Yesterday was my 2nd day of not studying the Bible.
Our landlord was here with the intended purpose of cleaning the B & B
but
he had to do a bunch of other necessary stuff.
He had asked us the night before if we might clean for him instead ( of him cleaning...one of 2 reason he came on Thanks-Giving)
BUT.... because he had to do other things...
at first we said no we would not clean....it was a 'turnaround '
We had already told him we would not do any more turnarounds!!!
Thus he came down on Thanks-Giving to clean.
and
he also
brought us a stove ( cuz our stove had died).
Sooooo...
thinking about how he gave up his Thanks-Giving, to bring us a stove....
we caved and said yes ( we caved because this time he had come on Thanks-Giving day when he did not HAVE to...... in order, to to give us a stove.
However, we had to get right to cleaning.....his text woke me up even
and
I got dressed
and
we cleaned......... ALL day until about 6:30 at night.....
by then, I was in so much pain and exhausted, I had no energy left to 'study' the Bible
listening to the Bible doesn't count
Leonard reads from the Bible each night before we eat
also... before we go to sleep....
My first inclination was to say... nothing...
because
I was afraid you would be so disappointed in me ( not to mention Jesus even)...
sooooo if I said, nothing, you would never know...
but that would only be compiling sin upon sin....
and I do not want to do that.
I haven't done a lot of outright lies in my life ( but there have been 'some'...
I am more apt to commit the sin of lying.... by omission.
Anyway....I am back...
tho I am really hurting from yesterday's marathon cleaning...the very reason we had said...NO MORE turnarounds!!!!!!!!!!!  The Lord knows your heart though dear, and He knows you'll get right back to your Bible! Bless you!You are NOT going to believe this!!!!
BUT we just got an automatic EMERGENCY weather text...extreme weather coming in....
So if you don't see a post today...you will know why....our internet or electric or both is down....
but I am going to study in John 1 right now....so you will also know that!!!
I am going to try post the first 5 verse, at least before we lose power or whatever....if we don't lose electric and/or internet by the time I post the first 5 verses, I will continue and see if I can add more.
The Word Became Flesh
v.1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God".
This is one of my favorite verses. It is a verse to remember ( I have memorized it) when depression is trying to take over. It is so cool, it tells me Jesus IS the WORD of God and that JESUS IS God because the WORD IS God!!!
What a great way to get close to My Lord and Savior when depression hit.....just remember God's Word ( and pray....but even praying God's Word back to Him....speaking in His language ( His Word) to Him!!!
v.2 "He was with God in the beginning".
To be with God in the beginning is another proof that Jesus is God....just another thing to remind myself for an uplifting thought as a weapon against doubt or gloomy thoughts.
v.3 "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made".
Again, I often remind myself when depressions tries to unstable me, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made ( so many irreducible complex aspects to my body) and Jesus is the God who made everything and without Him, nothing was made!!!
v.4 "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind".
Scientists still cannot figure out how 'life' came from inanimate materials....but I know! LOL
As usual when depression strikes like a 'fiery dart' trying to plant doubt in my mind about God...I can remind myself...that it is IMPOSSIBLE for 'life' to come from inanimate material.....but it is NOT impossible for life to come from God...and Jesus is the one who gives "life" and not only that but 'light'
5 "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it".
Well depression is certainly darkness....and the only thing to overcome darkness is light!
And thankfully Jesus, being light, can and does shine in my darkness and the darkness, cannot win...praise God.
I am 72 and still here. Many times in my life darkness tried to win and claim me....from under age 5.....and it has not won!!!
Because it cannot win over God.....this is also a good and great thing to tell myself when darkness tries yet again to claim me as its own...it cannot win ( oh maybe for a moment or two, it might seem like it...but so far, Jesus has fought every battle, and kept me safe in His hand, where nothing can take me out of
I will try to come back, but we are already getting lots of heavy rain.....not unusual for here tho and the wind is picking up....
so far......
weather as normal...
but because they choose to send an emergency weather text....
I am going to post this much at least
v.6 'There was a man sent from God whose name was John'.
v.7 "He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe".
Thru reading John's witness concerning THE light ( Jesus is The light...Jesus Himself said, He was THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Light)
I can remind myself, that I DO believe in Jesus the Light and it (He...Jesus) can and will chase out my darkness of depression.
v.8 "He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light".
I am not confused thinking John was THE light because John says here that he, John was NOT the light....
This reminds me, that I can find the truth when doubt tries to confusion me....I have God's Word ( Jesus) to tell me the truth.
v.9 "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world".
This tells me there could be 'false' light.....satan can come as a light ( because he once was the most beautiful angel) but he is the exact opposite of Jesus The TRUE Light!
There are things in this world that seem 'beautiful ( on the outside) and for a time might even appear as light but brings sorrow, and depression because they are false.....I will remember this when down....it is false, not the true light.
v.10 "He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him".
Just as satan can appear as light ( but is false),
Jesus, the True light, is often not recognized...
So when things don't go 'my' way, I need to reflect on whether I am thinking the truth or not.
.
v.11 "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him".
I belong to Jesus
v.12 "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— "
I believe in his name and am His child....I will remember this.
v.13 "children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God".
I am not His child because I was born of a certain race or culture, nor because someone decided mother or father or husband etc.( Not even did I decide because as a sinner I could not...God choose me before I was born),
But I can joyfully remember it was God who decided! John 1: 14-18
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
v.15 "(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”)
Here is another example of a testimony as to Jesus being God, because in order to have been born after John, and yet to be before John was....
can only mean Jesus is God come down in the flesh.....something to remind myself, if doubt/depression ever tries to plague me.
v. 16 "Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given".
Only God can give 'grace' unmerited favor....I have unmerited favor from Jesus.
v.17 "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ".
All the law did was to prove how sinful we all are and how impossible it is to live it 100%. We ( I) needed the law to understand just how much a sinner I was and to some extent still am ( tho thru Jesus strength not nearly as much and lessening as I grow in Christ) because Jesus supplies me with unmerited favor and truth.
v.18 "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known".
Again we ( I) can't see God the Father or God the Holy Spirit....but many saw God.....the Son...and thereby saw God and understood what He was like.
Another thing to reflect on when starting to feel down.
Do you remember if we've already done Philippians? I was thinking of doing that next, but at the moment can't remember for sure. Feel free to continue in John if you'd like to though!
I'm so sorry you've been left on your own so much lately. I'm really trying to be here more for you now and will continue to. The last two months have been really really difficult for me, both because of the severe pain physically and because of having to watch the children - although I adore them and love having them, it plays havoc with my body; and trying to get the house clean and before that, the yard done. I've been trying to get the yard and house done as I don't think I'll be able to do those things much longer. So I tried do things like putting plastic down in the garden to prevent the weeds as much as possible so that the garden wouldn't look so bad when I can't go out and care for it. And then cleaning the house like doing the carpets while I still could as I doubt I'll be able to do it again. Of course doing those things only made the pain a lot worse and aggravated the inflammation etc. but I felt as though I had no choice. From what the doctor told me, all the years I worked in the garden and pushed myself through the pain trying to force my body to work better and "get in shape", actually caused the further denigration of my disks. I'd been told that I couldn't physically hurt myself and that the pain was just worse because it's always worse when I do stuff. It seems my doctors and I were both wrong about that, because it did physically harm me. Oh well, such is life. God is in control and He will make sure that all works out for my good and His glory. Plus I know He never wastes a single tear or wastes a single moment of pain that we're in. He's so very good to us! I can't wait to actually be presented to the Father and to finally see my Lord face to face! (and can't wait to get to sit and chat with you too!)
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Post by Cindy on Nov 29, 2017 10:55:16 GMT -5
I replied to you in Christian Chat but it looks like I missed you here today. I hope you're doing well and not having a hard time or not in a lot of pain or something.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 29, 2017 15:43:58 GMT -5
No Here am I!! But yeah, I am usually here a wee bit earlier.
I did not get up until after 9 ( I am usually up an hour or two before 9).
I was soooo interested in what you said this doctor told you.
How strange, I have always wonder about that.
All physical therapists I have ever seen, have absolutely vigorously insisted, that if one 'takes it easy' because they are hurting badly.....
they utterly and 'unquestionable' ( it is scientifically a proven FACT)....that you are damaging your body more!!!
Well, I have never been able to push to the extreme they would have me do....and I never quite believed their 'proven fact '
( one of their theories is,
if you don't exercise your muscles deteriorate....
I think that is probably or certainly true....
the theory goes on, tho, to say ,with weak muscles your back becomes more unstable.....maybe so
and you will hurt more and more as your muscles continue to weaken due to no exercise.
However, I have always felt, if I am in great pain....my body is telling me it needs down time to 'repair' ( as best it can)
and further
exercise in my way of thinking, can also cause damage.
You know I think of my adopted dad.
First off he was a contractor and builder ( that is a fairly 'physical...ie plenty of 'exercise' type of job....climbing, lifting, swinging a hammer etc etc.).
Not only that, people wrote about him in their books....he was a noted sportsman.
At age 50's, 60's etc. he could go hunting with much much younger men ( all day) and they would be huffing, puffing, wanting a ' sit down relax a minute break'....
whereas my dad, was truly unaffected by all the hiking up and down from before dawn to dusk......
But here's the thing, he was a fit man...and yet....he died at age 73 of cancer. One would think, all his healthy exercise, and eating really 'good' food all his life ( there wasn't much 'junk food in 1895 when he was born) would have guaranteed, he would have lived to a ripe old age of a 100...but no.
So while I can 'see' the weak muscles point,
I also think the body tries to tell us things....
like you need to rest ( even God told us to rest one day....and most people even Christians do not do that)
I think the body also needs us to rest so it can concentrate on healing as much as it can and exercise means it has to devote some energy, that might go into healing, instead, has to be diverted to doing.
of course, like you, I also baby sit, and clean ( not my home much) but the B & B....that way we have a little to be able to buy gifts, give to the poor, and Christian ministries,
and have an occasional treat ( some food or something)....or pay a bill!!!
So, I too push sometimes when I am still convicted it might not be the best....but life has to be lived....and we are going to live as long as God chooses.
Still, what your doctor said, sort of confirmed what I always wonder ( against what the 'experts' say)....
of course, they also say....
well exercise has to be consistent...
so if it causes problems it because of being a 'weekend warrior'
( which by that, they do not mean, one must overdo only on the weekend....it could be any day in the week, we overdue....
and
have not faithfully exercised every single day.
But then, my dad, 'exercised' basically every single day ( either by his work, or hunting etc etc.)
And here I am basically a 'lazy bum', and he was a well exercised human...
and I am one year away from living as long as he?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 29, 2017 16:16:22 GMT -5
I "think' we finished Philippians....of course we always could do it again. :-)
But I will finish John 1 anyway.
I started John because I thought we were done with Colossians?
And I think it was during the time you were extremely busy, hurting etc. I didn't want to add to your busy by texting you as to want to study next....so I just thought to try John until you said what was really to be next :-)
John the Baptist Denies Being the Messiah
v. 19 "Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was".
I could ask myself who am I when depressed....am I a child of the darkness ( and depression) or am I a child of God and of the light.
v. 20 "He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”
Like John I can confess....but I will confess, I belong to the Lord and not to darkness, dreariness and depression.
v. 21 "They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”
He said, “I am not.”
“Are you the Prophet?”
He answered, “No.”
Like John, I can answer myself...No I am not a child of the enemy, of darkness, of depression.
v. 22 "Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
What do I say about myself? I belong to Jesus, to the light, to His kingdom, I am free and not a slave of sadness and depression anymore.
v. 23 "John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
Like John, I can be a voice proclaiming Jesus in the wilderness of this dark and steadily growing darkness of this world ( sometimes with words sometimes with my actions and loving spirit).
v. 24 "Now the Pharisees who had been sent"
v. 25 "questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
I need not feel badly even John was not the Messiah or a prophet but he was loved by God, as I am.
v. 26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know".
As in John's day, many many people do not know Jesus.
v. 27 "He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
That neither John nor I am 'worthy' to untie Jesus sandals, that is actually a joyful fact.....because Jesus IS worthy and He loves us...a fact to chase away the doldrums.
v. 28 "This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing".
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Post by Cindy on Nov 30, 2017 10:39:24 GMT -5
No Here am I!! But yeah, I am usually here a wee bit earlier.
I did not get up until after 9 ( I am usually up an hour or two before 9).
I was soooo interested in what you said this doctor told you.
How strange, I have always wonder about that.
All physical therapists I have ever seen, have absolutely vigorously insisted, that if one 'takes it easy' because they are hurting badly.....
they utterly and 'unquestionable' ( it is scientifically a proven FACT)....that you are damaging your body more!!!
Well, I have never been able to push to the extreme they would have me do....and I never quite believed their 'proven fact '
( one of their theories is,
if you don't exercise your muscles deteriorate....
I think that is probably or certainly true....
the theory goes on, tho, to say ,with weak muscles your back becomes more unstable.....maybe so
and you will hurt more and more as your muscles continue to weaken due to no exercise.
However, I have always felt, if I am in great pain....my body is telling me it needs down time to 'repair' ( as best it can)
and further
exercise in my way of thinking, can also cause damage.
You know I think of my adopted dad.
First off he was a contractor and builder ( that is a fairly 'physical...ie plenty of 'exercise' type of job....climbing, lifting, swinging a hammer etc etc.).
Not only that, people wrote about him in their books....he was a noted sportsman.
At age 50's, 60's etc. he could go hunting with much much younger men ( all day) and they would be huffing, puffing, wanting a ' sit down relax a minute break'....
whereas my dad, was truly unaffected by all the hiking up and down from before dawn to dusk......
But here's the thing, he was a fit man...and yet....he died at age 73 of cancer. One would think, all his healthy exercise, and eating really 'good' food all his life ( there wasn't much 'junk food in 1895 when he was born) would have guaranteed, he would have lived to a ripe old age of a 100...but no.
So while I can 'see' the weak muscles point,
I also think the body tries to tell us things....
like you need to rest ( even God told us to rest one day....and most people even Christians do not do that)
I think the body also needs us to rest so it can concentrate on healing as much as it can and exercise means it has to devote some energy, that might go into healing, instead, has to be diverted to doing.
of course, like you, I also baby sit, and clean ( not my home much) but the B & B....that way we have a little to be able to buy gifts, give to the poor, and Christian ministries,
and have an occasional treat ( some food or something)....or pay a bill!!!
So, I too push sometimes when I am still convicted it might not be the best....but life has to be lived....and we are going to live as long as God chooses.
Still, what your doctor said, sort of confirmed what I always wonder ( against what the 'experts' say)....
of course, they also say....
well exercise has to be consistent...
so if it causes problems it because of being a 'weekend warrior'
( which by that, they do not mean, one must overdo only on the weekend....it could be any day in the week, we overdue....
and
have not faithfully exercised every single day.
But then, my dad, 'exercised' basically every single day ( either by his work, or hunting etc etc.)
And here I am basically a 'lazy bum', and he was a well exercised human...
and I am one year away from living as long as he?
I was really hoping you'd get the book about Rheumatoid Disease that I told everyone about when it was free, and again when it was 80% off. I have a feeling that you'd learn a lot about your own problems from that book. It's not easy to read as it's written for doctors, but even us patients can learn a lot from it. If you ever decide you want to read it, let me know and I'll loan it to you.
I "think' we finished Philippians....of course we always could do it again. :-)
But I will finish John 1 anyway.
I started John because I thought we were done with Colossians?
And I think it was during the time you were extremely busy, hurting etc. I didn't want to add to your busy by texting you as to want to study next....so I just thought to try John until you said what was really to be next :-)
John the Baptist Denies Being the Messiah
v. 19 "Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was".
I could ask myself who am I when depressed....am I a child of the darkness ( and depression) or am I a child of God and of the light.
v. 20 "He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.”
Like John I can confess....but I will confess, I belong to the Lord and not to darkness, dreariness and depression.
v. 21 "They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”
He said, “I am not.”
“Are you the Prophet?”
He answered, “No.”
Like John, I can answer myself...No I am not a child of the enemy, of darkness, of depression.
v. 22 "Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
What do I say about myself? I belong to Jesus, to the light, to His kingdom, I am free and not a slave of sadness and depression anymore.
v. 23 "John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
Like John, I can be a voice proclaiming Jesus in the wilderness of this dark and steadily growing darkness of this world ( sometimes with words sometimes with my actions and loving spirit).
v. 24 "Now the Pharisees who had been sent"
v. 25 "questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
I need not feel badly even John was not the Messiah or a prophet but he was loved by God, as I am.
v. 26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know".
As in John's day, many many people do not know Jesus.
v. 27 "He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
That neither John nor I am 'worthy' to untie Jesus sandals, that is actually a joyful fact.....because Jesus IS worthy and He loves us...a fact to chase away the doldrums.
v. 28 "This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing".
But you're doing wonderfully well with how you're seeing what God has done for you to encourage you and give you Joy as your strength! I think you're going to be very, very strong in your faith and in your joy and therefore in God's strength!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 30, 2017 13:21:57 GMT -5
I knew some (but definitely not all) of what you told me
Like, I did not know why exactly John said he was not THE prophet.....meaning the one like Moses to be the Messiah,
Nor, did I get why he said no to Elijah....so thank you so much!
I did sort of know the Jews were expecting 2 Messiahs and wanted the 'conquering one, but I really like the way you said it so clearly!!!
Oh I will study more of John ch. 1.....but if you have another book to study in mind you kind of really wanted to do first, just let me know tomorrow, so I will study that over the weekend, instead of moving onto John ch. 2
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 3,778
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Post by fearnot on Nov 30, 2017 18:23:08 GMT -5
John Testifies About Jesus
v.29 "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world"!
This is something to remember when depressed about sins I still commit....Jesus has paid for them...He didn't have to....He choose to out of Divine love.
v. 30 "This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me".’
Only God can be born after a person and yet, be before the same person.
v.31 "I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
John says he did not know Jesus ( and nobody living today, know Jesus in the flesh), nevertheless, John had a purpose to reveal Jesus to Israel. I too have a purpose ( not to reveal Jesus to a whole country, but maybe to a few people in some way)....I can remind myself of that when I am feeling useless to God.
v.32 "Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him".
Further, I have the help of God the Holy Spirit.
v. 33 "And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit."
Another proof that Jesus Is God. I don't often reflect on this verse ( I am not even sure if I ever have even once) but I can, when depression hits or even when it is lurking somewhere in hiding, waiting to ambush me, and try to steal my joy.....but the dove landing on Jesus, is such a sweet and yet powerful image....
wild birds, don't make it a habit, to lit on a human...in fact, in 70 years I have never seen it happen once...clearly this is not the only proof of Jesus as God, but it is one to reflect on.
v.34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
And John and the Holy Spirit testified Jesus was the Chosen One to save those humans the Father gave to the Son.....instead of sadness, I can have great joy that I am one of the Lord's.
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I'll share some of what the Lord gave me about it after you're done.
The Lord knows your heart though dear, and He knows you'll get right back to your Bible! Bless you!
