When it comes to stress, I am usually immune to worry. After being broke a few times in life, God has always provided in my time of need. Food, shelter and work have come to me in a variety of ways. However, 2019 has been one of the more trying years of my life occupationally speaking. Budget cuts, changing roles and the unknown has consumed me with stress, dragging me to my knees.
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad, Proverbs 12:25.
King Solomon writes a letter to impart wisdom to his children. As a man who married 700 woman and fathered children with an addition 300 concubines, Solomon understood the stress that parents face. The more you focus on your numerous responsibilities, anxiety can weigh on your heart. One of the ways Solomon urges people to overcome stress is by focusing on the positive, savoring encouraging words.
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved, Psalm 55:22.
When this advice doesn’t work, the Psalmist provides a more practical resolution. This reflective poem written by David urges stress filled individuals to cast burdens upon the Lord. During his earthly ministry, Jesus turned to a crowd, calling the stressed out to come to me and I will give you rest, Matthew 11:28-30. Therefore, whenever you can’t control, endure or handle the stress of a current situation, fall to your knees and lighten your burdens through prayer.
Whenever people hear accounts of curses, demons and evil spirits, there is a hesitancy to believe these stories. Perhaps, unrealistic movie scenes or television re-enactments have placed doubts into human minds. Unless you are an eyewitness to one of these supernatural events, demonic influences on mental health isn’t even considered. However, if curses, demons and evil spirits are real, their impact on mental health would explain many unsolved questions.
They came to the other side of the sea, to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, 3 and the man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with chains. 4 For he had often been bound with shackles [for the feet] and with chains, and he tore apart the chains and broke the shackles into pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue and tame him. 5 Night and day he was constantly screaming and shrieking among the tombs and on the mountains, and cutting himself with [sharp] stones, Mark 5:1-5.
An estimated 2 million Americans practice some form of self-injury. During my final year of teaching high school, I became aware of the practice of Self-Mutilation. According to an article on the Daily Dot, Emo music and it’s impact on teenagers has been overlooked in America’s growing mental health crisis. Apparently, this new age disco like music is playing a role in tempting depressed and lonely souls to continue cutting their bodies. If you take the passage above as a case study, it’s possible that demons are the force behind modern self-mutilation.
And the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you so angry? And why do you look annoyed? 7 If you do well [believing Me and doing what is acceptable and pleasing to Me], will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well [but ignore My instruction], sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you [to overpower you], but you must master it.” 8 Cain talked with Abel his brother [about what God had said]. And when they were [alone, working] in the field, Cain attacked Abel his brother and killed him, Genesis 4:6-8.
The passage above sheds light on what happens inside the human brain as individuals contemplate what they are going to do. In this case, God has a private conversation with Cain as he wrestles with jealousy within his heart. Cain is frustrated that his occupation as a farmer is much harder than Abel’s position as a shepherd. Subsequently, a spirit of hatred seizes this opportunity to consume Cain’s vulnerable heart. In the end, this evil spirit persuades Cain to do the unthinkable, murder his younger brother. While those who commit crimes today are usually imprisoned, demons and evil spirits flee the scene without blame or getting caught.
For such men are counterfeit apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 So it is no great surprise if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, but their end will correspond with their deeds, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
The apostle Paul throws another curveball into the discussion of demonic influences on mental health. As a fallen angel, Satan knows how to appear as an angel of light. Thus, you must know that this masquerade continues today, deceiving many Christians and non-believers. This is why Paul wrote a letter to the church at Thessalonica warning people the test everything that you hear with the word of God, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22. Abstinance from every form of evil must be practiced. If not, demonic influences will impact your mental health.
The sound of war was brought to life in a film written by Robert Rodat and directed by Steven Spielberg. Saving Private Ryan received notoriety for it’s opening 27 minutes, a reenactment of the Invasion of Normandy during World War II. At the time of it’s release, Saving Private Ryan portrayed the graphic nature of war and the harsh reality for a soldier storming Omaha Beach. This production helped those not alive during this time in history to experience and understand the violent nature and sound of war.
In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15 He wrote in the letter, “Put Uriah in the front line of the heaviest fighting and leave him, so that he may be struck down and die,” 2 Samuel 11:14-15.
The Bible portrays the politics of war. The prophet Samuel provides a glimpse of ancient conquests when kings went to war each Spring to spread and strengthen their kingdoms. One solider is highlighted, Uriah the Hittite, who camped in an open field with his men. While away at war, King David has an affair with his lonely wife, leaving Bathsheba pregnant. To cover up this sin, Uriah was escorted back to his home to sleep with Bathsheba. When Uriah refused to celebrate his time away from battle, a plot was devised to make Uriah a casualty of war.
16 So it happened that as Joab was besieging the city, he assigned Uriah to the place where he knew the [enemy’s] valiant men were positioned. 17 And the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, and some of the people among the servants of David fell; Uriah the Hittite also died, 2 Samuel 11:16-17.
Over the weekend, deadly shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio brought the sound of war to local communities. Sadly, a local nightclub in Ohio and Walmart in Texas were turned into a battlefield. When the SOUND of gunshots began, innocent souls ran for their lives. According to the most recent update on the death toll, 31 individuals did not survive. The only thing worse than the sound of war are ambulance chasing politicians who are using this crisis to fund raise for their campaigns, demonize President Trump and blame guns instead of mental health. Until the heart of this matter is addressed, the sound of war will likely continue.
I visited a church last Sunday to meet up with a couple I hadn’t seen for a while. Upon entering the foyer, I recognized the greeters from Red Lion where I taught for a decade. As the music began to play at the traditional service, I felt like I was transported back to the 1970’s. I hadn’t heard or sung several of these hymns since I was young. Despite this odd encounter, I witnessed a faith within members of the congregation that has stood the test of time.
In the morning, as they were passing by, the disciples saw that the fig tree had withered away from the roots up. 21 And remembering, Peter said to Him, “Rabbi (Master), look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered!” – Mark 11:20-21
This faith was conceived during the first century from a motley crew of men who followed an impressive Jewish Rabbi. One of these disciples connected the dots quickly, amazed at the power Jesus possessed. One day Jesus cursed an unproductive fig tree and the next day it withered. As more and more miracles were seen daily, Peter was transformed from someone who denied Jesus publicly into a martyr willing to die for his faith.
Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly]. 23 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea!’ and does not doubt in his heart [in God’s unlimited power], but believes that what he says is going to take place, it will be done for him [in accordance with God’s will], Mark 11:22-23.
Faith in Christ is like the merging of belief and confidence. When these two forces join, the words mentioned above become reality as souls tap into God’s unlimited power. This process is hard to explain. but when you see individuals praying, singing and worshipping with such joy, faith shines through. While older Christians may cling to traditional hymns, inspired hearts often result in a faith that stands the test of time.
A decade old health poll revealed that 31% of Americans do not shower every day. The same study showed 65% bath and or shower daily with 4% showering more than once a day. Other cultures such as Europe find it socially acceptable to shower 3 to 4 times a week. The purpose of cleansing is to disinfect, freshen up and sanitize human bodies. The cooler than climate, the less this may be needed. However, depending upon your degree of perspiration, you may need to shower twice a day to avoid offending your family with a fowl body odor.
And God, who knows and understands the heart, testified to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; Acts 15:8.
The Bible refers to a spiritual cleansing. This isn’t accomplished by taking a private bath or shower. Rather, churches perform baptisms which demonstrate a public expression of an inner faith. According to the apostle Paul, God cleanses souls through the power of the Holy Spirit. After someone accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, Romans 10:9-10, first century Christians immediately participated in outdoor baptism ceremonies along a nearby body of water. Despite having clothes on at this time, Luke describes this process as hearts beings cleansed by faith.
And He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith [in Jesus], Acts 15:9.
The symbolism of baptism is God’s way of giving human beings a clean slate, a spiritual do over where souls set out on a life long journey as a new creation in Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, the sinful nature inside of us, referred to as the flesh by Paul makes it impossible to be perfect. In a letter to the church at Rome, Paul states on several occasions “there is no one righteous, not even one,” Romans 3. Thus, after experiencing a believer’s baptism, confession, prayer and fasting serve as means to receive another spiritual cleansing. May these spiritual disciplines become a daily habit to cleanse your heart by faith.
The politicalization of current events has made most cable news networks nearly impossible to watch for more than one segment. Instead of answering questions presented by a host, guests regularly dodge, evade and redirect conversation to add the latest political talking point. Meanwhile, as candidates compete for their parties presidential nomination, debating the issues has been replaced by name calling, personal attacks and smearing an opponents’ character. Perhaps, its time for all politicians to stop talking and start leading.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God, James 1:19-20.
Growing up in the shadow of his older brother, James couldn’t compete with Jesus. While its not mentioned in the Bible, I’m sure Mary challenged her younger son to be more like Jesus. Subsequently, a sibling rivalry began which blinded James from seeing that his brother was the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. Following Jesus’ resurrection, a convicted heart led James to write “be quick to hear and slow to speak.” A modern translation is simply shut up and listen.
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity, 1 Timothy 4:12.
The Greek language uses three terms which serve as modes of persuasion to convince an audience to follow what you believe. Ethos is the ethical means by which your actions make you a credible person who can be trusted. Pathos is a quality of an experience in life like a testimony which creates an emotional connection with an audience. Finally, logos relies on facts, logic and statistics to persuade individuals to come to your point of view. My advice to anyone seeking to pursue a political office, stop talking and start leading.
Eight teen years ago today, my wife and I welcomed our second child Daniel into this world. As time passed, it became clear that our oldest James would be the student and that Daniel would become the athlete. While James has been blessed with more God given talent, Daniel is more passionate about sports. Whether it was baseball, golf or ultimate frisbee, Daniel always stood out, eventually becoming the best. With one year left of high school, only God knows the chapters left to be written.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope, Jeremiah 29:11.
However, as Paul Harvey shared on the radio for years, the rest of the story reveals what could have been. At the height of his popularity, Daniel’s world came to a halt, almost losing his life to diabetes the summer before his freshman year of high school. There were subtle signs looking back, but I ignored these as needing to hydrate during a hot humid summer. The news of this diagnosis was shocking, especially for a young teenager. As a parent, there is a helpless feeling, unable to undo these events or heal my son to ease his pain. Despite the doctor’s visits, expensive treatments and uncertainty, I am thankful Daniel is alive and well today.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps, Proverbs 16:9.
Unless you are diabetic, you can’t relate to the daily shots of insulin needed to stay alive. As technology advances, perhaps someone will create a new device to help ease this burden. Nonetheless, you can’t dwell on what could have been. Rather, for now God is teaching me to focus on what has come to be, a man who is seeking to pursue higher education. Exactly where is still a question mark, but if things proceed as planned, hopefully golf is part of God’s plan. You see, Daniel’s middle name is Payne, in honor of my favorite golfer Payne Stewart. Like a wise king once wrote, “many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose previals.”
The Day of Pentecost is referenced in Acts 2:1-13. This event serves two purposes. First, to fulfill Jesus’ promise in John 14 to send a Holy Ghost as an advocate, counselor and helper of souls. Second, this spiritual power is designed to empower disciples to fulfill the Great Commission, Matthew 28:16-20. This initial day is celebrated every year in churches across the country and throughout the world. Yet, until recently, I overlooked the second Pentecost.
And Cornelius told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, saying, ‘Send word to Joppa and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; 14 he will bring a message to you by which you will be saved [and granted eternal life], you and all your household.’ 15 When I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as He did on us at the beginning [at Pentecost], Acts 11:13-15.
The second Pentecost is mentioned in Acts 10:34-48. Prior to this day, Peter received the same vision four different times. When this vision of unclean animals stood opposed to the Law of Moses, Peter rejected God’s initial message. According to Acts 10:13-15, this scene is repeated three more times before Peter finally changes his mind. When the Holy Spirit tells you to do something completely different from what you have been taught, changing your ways is hard. Yet, this spiritual tug of war between Peter and God set the stage for a second Pentecost.
Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’17 So, if God gave Gentiles the same gift [equally] as He gave us after we accepted and believed and trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ [as Savior], who was I to interfere or stand in God’s way?” – Acts 11:16-17
Peter uses a rhetorical question in the passage above which convinced him step aside to allow the Holy Spirit to move and work. Unfortunately, one of the reasons why the Holy Spirit is not as visible in the United States as third world nations is spiritual interference. Modern apostles and disciples are standing in God’s way, blocking the Holy Spirit from being unleashed. Traces of the sinful nature, stubborn hearts and rebellion from biblical practices are to blame. Yet, is it possible for a third Pentecost, a modern movement of the Holy Spirit. The only thing missing is concerts of prayer which fueled America’s last great awakening. May biblical history serve as a blue print to inspire believers to follow in the footsteps of the church at Antioch, Acts 11:19-21.
According to Luke, one of the sons of Zebedee becomes the first of Jesus’ disciples to die a martyr’s death. Apparently, the spread of Christianity threatened Agrippa I, the new king of the Jews. It’s unclear why James was targeted, but he was executed in public to send a message. When this act received praise from Jewish leaders, Agrippa I made plans to do the same thing with Peter. As news of Peter’s arrest and rumors of another execution reached the church, fear drew believers to fall to their knees to pray.
Now at that time Herod [Agrippa I] the king [of the Jews] arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to harm them. 2 And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword; Acts 12:1-2.
Based upon the passage below, the prayers lifted up to God were fervent and persistent. Following the Passover, Peter was scheduled to be executed in a similar manner as James. As this day drew near, prayers of the saints intensified. Individuals were begging and pleading with God to deal with, fix and resolve this emergency immediately. Based upon Acts 12:8-10, the Lord sent an angel to save Peter’s life, answering their prayers instantaneously.
When he had seized Peter, he put him in prison, turning him over to four squads of soldiers of four each to guard him [in rotation throughout the night], planning after the Passover to bring him out before the people [for execution]. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent and persistent prayer for him was being made to God by the church, Acts 12:4-5.
During Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the role of resolve in prayer is mentioned, Matthew 7:7-12. Step one is obvious, ask God for any requests on your heart or that come to mind. Step two begins when prayers aren’t answered, seek God to find out why. Finally, be fervent and persistent by keep knocking on God’s door. Don’t give up on prayer; resolved to keep praying until the Lord opens a door to reveal answers for your prayers. This is the role of resolve in prayer. May your prayer life begin to resemble first century Christians.
When I was a child, I rarely came to the dinner table the first time my mother called me. Distracted by what I was doing at the time, I ignored the first warning. The second call to come to the kitchen was louder, less pleasant and with a threatening tone. This usually got my attention, but if I was fixated on a game, I waited for the final warning. As soon as I heard my full name, I knew I was in trouble, running as fast as I could to avoid future punishment.
This happened three times, and then immediately the object was taken up into heaven.17 Now Peter was still perplexed and completely at a loss as to what his vision could mean when the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions to Simon’s house, arrived at the gate, Acts 10:16-17.
When God seeks to get your attention, the Lord tends to be more patient. Sometimes God will allow you to day dream about a specific act that He wants you to do. If overlooked, God may speak to you through a passage in the Bible to further motivate you to act. If this inspiration fades without any action, angels, visions or visitors may to sent to usher in acts of faith. In the account above and below, Peter was stubborn, clinging to his former beliefs. Like watching a rerun for the third time, Peter finally embraces God’s new message.
I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘Not at all, Lord; for nothing common (unholy) or [ceremonially] unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What God has cleansed and pronounced clean, no longer consider common (unholy).’ 10 This happened three times, and everything was drawn up again into heaven, Acts 11:7-10.
The apostle Paul writes about offering your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. When your heart and mind are fixated on Jesus, you won’t need to have God repeat himself over and over again. According to Paul, staying in tune with God is like being in a state of worship, staying on key. As individuals renew their minds through studying the Bible, ascertaining God’s will for your life become an obtainable goal. Thus, if you’re tired of being left in the dark spiritually, unsure of where to go or what to do, focus on godly values and ethical attitudes to guide your steps.
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