“The Greatest Weapon”
Category: VICTORY OVER DEPRESSION
How to receive it, and keep it!
Quote: William James: “The Greatest Weapon”
“The Greatest Weapon”
The Slide Show: John Michael Montgomery’s “The Little Girl”
Recently, we featured the song “The Little Girl,” written by Harley Allen, and sung by John Michael Montgomery, from his album “Brand New Me,” which was released in August, 2000.
I wrote how I had wanted to do a “slide show” of this song, but never got around to it. Years later, I had never forgotten the song, or wanting to feature it, in some format, some day.
Here’s a link to that post:
“The Little Girl:” John Michael Montgomery
I found a “slide show” done to the song, and feature it now.
I will admit, readily, that, frankly, I went “back and forth, back and forth” about sharing this. Yes, I received notes like “That’s the saddest song I’ve ever heard.”
When I featured the song, I wrote:
I think about how blessed I’ve been, how fortunate I’ve been, and, I think of this verse:
“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.”
Psalm 27:10
I thought … and thought … about sharing this slide show. It does have some disturbing images.
But … Not all of them are.
However … it is about life … which can, for so many … carry “disturbing images.”
But … Not all of them are.
However … I then realized that … it’s not about the beginning … it’s about the ending …
Now, that’s a familiar theme …
Now, I’m reminded of this verse:
“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.”
Ecclesiastes 7:8
That was written by King Solomon, considered to be the wisest man who ever lived.
The beginning of this story does carry some disturbing images.
The beginning of many of our lives carry some disturbing images.
I thought, “Our only goal, our Mission Statement here, is
“To bless, inspire, and encourage.”
Well … this story “ends well.” In fact, it blesses, inspires, and encourages me.
My heart breaks at the beginning … and … guess what?
When I went in and watched this, just now … for “the hundredth time” … those were real tears I was wiping away …
Why do I feel “it’s the right thing to do” to feature this?
Because those tears came at the end of the slide show … not the beginning …
Disturbing images?
Maybe … just maybe … I need to be disturbed … I need to “feel as He feels,” heart breaking, as He sees choices made, and “at what cost.” Maybe I do need to be reminded to care more … to pray more … to do more … Maybe I do need to be “disturbed” …
Plus … I really love the ending … It “gets me every time.” The fact that it features the Police and Military, two groups I respect and admire … and, then … there is Jesus … He died for me, too … He loves me, too … He cares for me, too …
It’s not about the beginning …
In my research, I found this profound statement on the website, Greater Grace World Outreach,” in a commentary on the verse from Ecclesiastes:
“We are not able to know how something will end by the way it started.”
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Victory Over Depression-Part Three
Hi Friends:
I’d like to offer some encouragement to help during times when we are feeling depressed, or perhaps what we experience more often, when we are feeling the depression of others. How often we have worked with people, or just run into people, who are so negative in their attitudes. They just always seem to be in a bad mood, and if we’re not careful … we’ll “get some on us.” It is so important who we “hang with,” who our friends are. We should make every attempt to surround ourselves with positive people. Yes, just like negative thinking and negative speaking, positive thinking and positive speaking is contagious. Make every attempt to surround yourself with people who create an atmosphere of victory with their attitude and words.
I think that what affects me negatively the most, is when I spend more time thinking-really “dwelling on” how I’ve failed … things I should have done, things I should have said …
What I should be doing is “dwelling on” Who dwells (lives, resides) in me. Instead of dwelling on my failures … I should be dwelling on what God has already done for me, how He has blessed me … How He has never, ever failed me … I believe that often, depression is the result of our anger turned toward ourselves, because of our faults and mistakes.
How different would our attitudes be if we spent more time thinking about what He’s done … instead of what I’ve done, or not done.
I need to think about Him.
Not about me.
Think about his goodness.
Not my badness.
Think about His good.
Not my bad.
Etc.
Colossians 3: 2 puts it this way: “Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Here’s the bottom line, and I hope this helps:
We don’t need to “dwell on.”
We need to “dwell in.”
The word “dwell” means to “live as a resident, to remain, to keep the attention directed, to exist, to abide, stay, to remain.”
Just this morning, I was greatly encouraged, and reminded of these great truths from 2 Chronicles: It’s ok not to know what to do at the moment, what the next step is … what is important is to know where to turn to find out: “… neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (20:12). Our battles, whatever we are struggling with, has already ended in victory, so we are to “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (20:15). Just believe! “Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper” (20:20). If you really believe this … if you really believe this … your natural response should be-regardless of the situation around you-to praise God for what He has done, and for what you know He is going to do: “And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the enemy … and they were smitten (defeated)” (20:22). Looking for peace? So was Jehoshaphat, back in 2 Chronicles, chapter 20. He trusted in God, and here’s how it worked out: “So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about” (20:23). Man! That 2 Chronicles, chapter 20 is something!
Something else I feel is important: Take one victory at a time. Enjoy each victory … just remember “from whence it came.” And … one more time … Read your Bible … If God did it for them … He will do it for you. God hasn’t changed: This means that, still, today, there is nothing He can’t do … and, still, today, there is nothing too hard for Him …
An oldie, but still a goodie:
No Jesus.
No peace.
Know Jesus.
Know peace.
I’d like to share a couple of verses from the book of 1 Samuel which will encourage us to remember that if God did it for someone else, then He can-and will-do it for me. When David was facing Goliath (and how many of us are, right now, facing “Goliaths” in our lives?), here is what David said: “The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine” (17:37). How many of us are facing a possible promotion, or job change? First … know that “they” are not your provider … God is. This is what Samuel said: “It is the LORD that advanced (raised up) Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt” (12:6). Yes, it is the Lord who promotes!
So … be encouraged! As Samuel said, “For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people” (1 Samuel 12:22).
We’ll close with the very next verse … as a reminder to us all to pray for others … remember that God “turned the captivity of Job” when Job prayed for his friends? Here’s verse 23: “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you.”
Please pray for us.
Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.
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Victory Over Depression-Part Two
Hi Friends:
Please allow me to reiterate that, in-or out-of ministry, you will never look into the eyes of someone who has not suffered great pain. And, we all get depressed sometimes. I am constantly reminded of what a Pastor once told me: “You would be surprised to learn how many Pastors suffer from depression.” Yes, we would be surprised … yet … don’t we sometimes forget that Pastors … that all church leaders … are “people,” too.
In our business, we are honored to serve many Pastors, and other church leaders, with personalized plaques. One thing that the Lord revealed to me about the poem “Why, Pastor, Why,” or any plaque we send to honor a specific Pastor or church leader: We never know where they may be, with their relationship with God, or their congregation. I was reminded of the importance of “honoring those who honor Him.” We never know what that particular person may be going through. And, that the plaque we are sending to them may be the difference … may be just the “spark” they need to make a difference in how they view their calling … and, their flock … We try to pray over every plaque we send … to pray for the person being honored … and, for the person-or group-which are honoring them.
These same thoughts carry the same weight in dealing with those who aren’t in church leadership. Let us never forget that those around us, whether they are showing it or not, are going through their own battles. And, yes, a small percentage of those people may, at some point, come to us for advice. I pray every day that people will see Jesus in me. Every day. To me, that’s the most important thing about what I may or may not do, in a given day. And, especially when someone comes to me with a personal problem, something they are having trouble with (and, let’s face it, often the problem is with “someone” they are having trouble with), I want to be sure the Spirit gives me exactly the right thing to say. And, here goes … If I can’t say the right thing, Lord … please help me to not say anything!
So, we all face depression of one degree or another. It’s just part of being a human being. But, it’s how we deal with these negative feelings that makes the difference. Yes, I get depressed, sometimes. We all do. It’s just “part of it.” The difference is how we allow these negative feelings to affect us. So, I’d like to help you with a couple of thoughts about what to do when these “feelings” try to take over. The phrase “take over” is critical here. If we allow any thought or feeling to take over our mind … that’s just what it will do. It will “take over” every part of our thoughts … leading to taking over every part of our actions.
First … Please … Please … Please …
Talk to Jesus.
Period.
If you don’t do this … and, I hate to tell you this, but I must:
If you don’t “tell it to Jesus,” don’t go to Him first … you are already on losing ground. I know that’s hard, but it’s true. The key over everything-and certainly including depression-is … your relationship with Jesus. And, I’ll say it again … How can you have a relationship with someone you don’t talk to? And … how can you trust someone you don’t know? And, again, how important is it for you to start each day with Prayer and Bible study? So, first talk to Jesus.
One of my favorite verses is always “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Just knowing that we can go directly to God’s throne should be a major comfort to us:
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
How about this one: “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear …” (Hebrews 13:6). So, go to Jesus first.
Should I talk to others about my issues? Now … that’s a loaded question. There is the old saying that “misery loves company.” The reason that’s an old saying is because it is still true. Be careful who you go to for advice. Period. You should, and it is Scriptural, seek counsel: “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5). Notice how early this verse comes in “the book of Wisdom.” In fact, how about this: “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Please ask God to lead you to the right person to speak to, and God will make that happen. Please, though, and we’ve all done this … Please don’t pick someone out to talk to, just because they will agree with you … Go to someone who will tell you the truth … even if it hurts to hear what you may have to do … If God sends you to someone, there is a reason … so, hear this verse from Proverbs 12:15: “he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
Just be sure of the source! Again, please be careful who you speak with! God is not the only one who is capable of sending someone to speak with/influence you! That had to be said!
Solomon is considered the wisest man who ever lived. We’ve all read his words. Yet … here we are, some 3,000 years later, and we are still struggling with the exact same things, the same questions, which he had. Remember that Solomon changed over time … Why? How? One of the main reasons Solomon changed was because of who he allowed to influence him: His friends, his associates, yes, his wives-and his wives’ families … So, I just can’t say enough how important it is … who you “hang with” … who your friends are … who you allow to influence you …
It’s all about relationships, isn’t it? If it’s one thing that has “gotten me down” over the years, it has been relationships, and especially who I allowed to influence me. On the other hand … and I write this to encourage you … it there’s one thing that has changed my way of thinking … helped me “come out of it” over the years, it has been those positive influences in my life …
I’m going to say this, and it’s a tough, tough, thing, but it is true and tested:
You just can’t have enough positive influences in your life. And, not just people. Read … expose yourself to positive stories … stories which will encourage and inspire you …
On the other hand (here’s the tough, but must be said part):
It can take only one “bad” influence to bring all of the dominoes down.
So, put your relationship with Jesus at the top of the list.
He will supply the rest of the list for you.
One more verse which helps me so much:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
There is another verse which I feel led to share with you … a verse I shout over … which encourages me so much … It is from Isaiah … Wait! Let’s read this one first:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am they God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10). Now, here’s the verse which takes so much fear away: “In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee” (Isaiah 54:14). Yes! That says that even “terror shall not come near me!”
God’s Word is so good! So true! And … so necessary!
Hope this helps!
Blessings to you, and your family,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.
PS: Here’s the link to our first entry on “Victory Over Depression”
Victory Over Depression
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Victory Over Depression: Part One
During a session of Ministry training, I’ll never forget these words from the instructor:
“You’ll never look into the eyes of someone who has not experienced great pain and sorrow.”
Recently, God has placed on my heart to write about this, to offer hope and encouragement, and hopefully instruction on how to deal with what has become such a problem in our society. Maybe it’s because I have encountered, first-hand, people we know and love who have been having a real battle with depression. Whether it’s been friends who have come to us just to talk, or Carol and I recently praying with someone in their driveway, this matter of depression has really come into focus for us.
First, I don’t discount the fact that I know that this is, in reality, a real “battle.” The very definition of the word “battle” sums it up pretty well: “A hostile encounter or engagement between opposing forces; participation in such hostile encounters or engagements; a fight; any conflict or struggle; to work very hard or struggle; to strive.” How about this for a definition: “A battle is a prolonged and general conflict pursued to a definite decision.” That one really speaks to me, as it envisions something that isn’t “gotten over” or won quickly … that it is, even in itself, a continuing process … plus, it has the word “pursue” and the phrase “definite decision.” This tells me that a battle, which this is, can be won, but it may take time … and a continual decision to “beat it.”
Here is one example of this “process:”
A person who turns away from their faith: That person just doesn’t wake up one morning and decide to backslide, and then turn their back on God. That person has been “gotten to” by the enemy, and chances are … it’s something they have been thinking about for a long time … the enemy is there, taking every opportunity to work on the mind of that person … until that person is no longer under their own control … but, has succumbed to the wiles of the enemy ….
Please keep in mind that I have been in the situation where I have physically taken the gun out of someone’s hand … and I have been in the situation where I got there too late.
If we are a Christian, other people will know it. And, they will seek us out when they are going through a struggle or battle with something. Sometimes, the best thing we can do, especially when someone first approaches us, is, simply, just keep our mouth shut … and listen. The compassion we show by just listening, quietly, will carry much weight, and will often lead to other witnessing and opportunities, which may be the whole reason that they were led to you in the first place. The best example I can think of is when someone is grieving over the loss of a loved one. Just the fact that you are there … the fact that you cared enough to just listen to them … this makes an impression they will never forget.
So, every day, I pray that God will help me to think the right thing, do the right thing, and speak the right thing. Depression can be as much a thought process as positive thinking. They both work, pretty much, the same way. What we think about comes about. If there is one area where our enemy seeks his greatest control, it is in our mind … our thoughts. If Satan can control our thoughts, he can control our actions. Period. If we allow Satan in, he will take every opportunity to gain control. Slowly at first, and then … if left unchecked … he’s got you!
That said, victory can be ours … and in exactly the same way: If we allow Jesus, through the Holy Spirit to control our thoughts … the Holy Spirit can control our actions … and, if we will allow Him, Jesus will take every opportunity … He will give us every opportunity … to allow Him to have control in our lives …
There seems to be many, many verses I can use … all making the same point … that we are, every day, in a battle, a real war, between our flesh and the Spirit … I can paraphrase this battle by saying that, every moment of every day, Satan is trying to gain control of our mind … meaning to gain control of our actions … while, at the exact same moment, the Holy Spirit is trying to lead us in the other direction … make no mistake … this is a real, all-out war, and “to the victor goes the spoils.” That may sound over-simple, but, that’s really all it amounts to. Who will win? Who will we let win? The spoils of this war are our very souls.
Satan is a jerk, and he is a liar. His only mission is to “kill, steal, and destroy.” He doesn’t want your car! He doesn’t want your job! He wants your joy! Why??? Because … that’s where your strength is!!! The joy of the Lord is our strength … if he can take that away … to a certain degree, he has already won! If he can take your mind … he has already taken you. If he can steal your joy … he can destroy. I hate that that
rhymes …
Why do you think one of Satan’s greatest weapons is depression? He knows that if he can begin to sap your strength … it’s only a matter of time (and-he is willing to wait it out!) before you will start doubting … doubting what you know to be true … because, if he can begin to control your mind … he can begin to replace what you know to be the truth … with a lie … then, he’s got you! You will start believing a lie, then another lie … and then, you’ll have him believing that you will believe anything he tells you … especially about yourself … and, as a kicker … about what others say about you … in particular, what you are worth …
Satan is the master of what I call “the domino effect.” One thing leads to another … he knocks down one barrier … then another … then another … until you can’t control it … because you have allowed yourself to be controlled … then, it all comes tumbling down, and you can’t stop it, because your “line of dominoes” have piled so heavily upon each other …
And, it’s not just you he wants … here’s the real “killer” to the domino effect: If he can make you fall … think of all those whom your life affects and effects … if he can get you to fall … perhaps that can start a whole row …
I didn’t plan on writing this way, and, in fact, I haven’t looked at my notes yet …
However, I am reminded that to win a war … we must first know the enemy …
What Paul called “the wiles of the devil.”
The real problem is that with real depression, we will dwell on certain thoughts …
Dwell on certain thoughts … which will lead to certain actions …
Often, when I am speaking or preaching, I will, somewhere near the beginning, advise the audience that, while I’m there, I thought I would just go ahead and solve the whole world’s problems. I ask if they’d mind if I told them the solution to every problem in the world. I then ask them if they would be willing to repeat just four words … just four words that would solve the whole world’s problems. Here goes:
“The world needs Jesus.”
Repeat:
“The world needs Jesus.”
Now, repeat just these three words:
“I need Jesus.”
Repeat:
“I need Jesus.”
The real problem with the world today is that the world needs Jesus.
This victory over depression is a victory over your mind.
Who controls it?
I don’t have to ask about your actions.
Whoever controls the mind controls the actions.
When someone does not have the Indwelling Holy Spirit to fight this battle over the mind … over their mind … who is there who can fight the enemy? Without Jesus, the battle has already been won … it’s only a matter of time …
I pray that you will pray for those who don’t have this Help … that God will use you to get there in time … He can save them … He can help them … Please allow Him to lead you … to them … And, to lead them … to you …
Blessings,
Richard. Vincent. Rose.
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Fear Not: Verses to Encourage You
We are always so blessed and encouraged when someone sends us a Bible verse … the right verse just seems to show up at the right time …
Often, we’ll receive a particular verse as part of correspondence with friends and customers, and, so often, it is just what we needed to hear at just the right time. I am always seeing messages the Lord is sending my way, wherever I go. It may be a bumper sticker or automobile tag, a sign somewhere, and many times, it’ll be a poster someone has posted on their door or wall. God always uses whatever means are necessary to put the right words in front of us, or allows us to hear “just what we needed” from a friend or associate … often during just a “regular” conversation. How many times have we gotten “confirmation” from a simple conversation with someone we just happen to run into?
I remember once, being deep in thought over a particular problem I was confronting, stepping out of an elevator, and walking down the hall behind 2 men who were having a conversation. I only overheard a small part of what they were saying … but, it was exactly what I needed to hear to help and encourage me … at that exact moment.
There are just so many verses in Scripture which deal with fear … all written to help and encourage us. I can’t reinforce how strongly I feel that the most important way to start your day is with prayer and Bible study. Even just one verse … being allowed to sink into your mind and soul first thing in the morning … will stay with you the rest of the day. Many times, someone will send me a list of verses on a particular subject, and I may spend the entire week-or longer-using those verses for my morning study.
So, I’ll share this list with you, which I received from Gregory Dickow Ministries, which really helped me, and it can help you. I’ll provide a link for you to download these below.
My Pastor used to always remind us that courage does not mean that you are not scared … even “scared to death” … courage means that you act in spite of your fear.
I hear Joyce Meyer, in teaching about overcoming fear, that FEAR stands for
“False Evidence Appearing Real.”
I hear another Pastor give an example like this:
Fear knocked on my door.
I went to the door with Faith.
When I opened the door, there was no one there.
Enjoy these verses:
Scripture Verses for VICTORY OVER FEAR
BY PASTOR GREGORY DICKOW
II Timothy 1:7
God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a calm, well balanced mind.
Isaiah 12:2
I am not afraid because God is my salvation and I trust Him.
1 John 4:18
I am not tormented because all fear is cast out in God’s perfect love.
Isaiah 41:10
I do not fear nor am I dismayed, because God is with me. God makes me strong and helps me and upholds me with His victorious and righteous right hand.
Isaiah 43:1
I do not fear, for God has redeemed me and called me by name – I am His.
Hebrews 13:6
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man can do to me.
Proverbs 29:25
I avoid snares because I do not fear man, but I place my trust in the Lord and therefore I am safe.
Deuteronomy 31:6
I am strong and courageous, delivered from fear, because the Lord my God goes with me. He will not fail me nor forsake me.
Deuteronomy 1:21
I will not fear nor be discouraged, for the Lord my God has set the land before me – I will go up and possess it.
Deuteronomy 3:22
I will not fear, for the Lord my God shall fight for me.
Luke 12:32
I do not fear, for it is my Father’s good pleasure to give me the kingdom.
Psalm 112:7
I am not afraid of bad news, for my heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.
Isaiah 12:2
I am strong and courageous, not fearful and dismayed for the Lord Jehovah is my strength, my song and my salvation.
John 14:27
I walk in the peace that Jesus has left for me, not peace as the world gives. My heart is not troubled neither is it afraid.
Here’s a direct link, if you’d like to download the Scriptures:
Gregory Dickow Ministries
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Carol Writes: God Still Heals-Even at the Hospital!
On Tuesday October 1, 2013 at our weekly ladies Bible study, the ladies had a divine appointment.
As we were having a discussion, a gentleman whose wife was in the hospital at this time came into our Bible study and wanted prayer for his wife. His wife was diagnosed with cancer of the lungs and also had COPD. The doctors, after testing, gave this lady two weeks to live. In desperation and with great faith, this Christian man walked into a ladies Bible study to ask the ladies to pray for his wife. Apparently, someone in the hospital told this man that there was a ladies Bible study on the first floor of the hospital. All the ladies were in agreement to pray for this man and his wife of 92 years of age. With obedience to God, every lady at the Bible study prayed for a complete healing of this very sick lady.
One of the ladies at the Bible study worked at the switchboard in the hospital. A week later, on October 8, this man and lady were leaving the hospital and stopped at the switchboard to talk to this particular lady that was at the Bible study and had prayed for this couple, and to give thanks to all the ladies that prayed for his wife. The man and wife told this lady that our Lord Jesus had healed his wife completely of the lung cancer. This lady, 92 years of age, was completely cancer free.
WOW!!!! Thank You Jesus!!!! God is so amazing!!! God cares about you no matter what age you are. There is power in prayer with great faith!
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
James 1:6
“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
2 Peter 1:3
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”
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Richard.Vincent.Rose.: Success: God’s Promises
First … Carol has regained something like 50% vision in her right eye! God had told her, from the start, that this would take some time, and guess what? He was right! Praise His Holy Name! Patient endurance wins again! /TP
The Bible is filled with God’s promises.
Some, unconditional: For instance, covenants, which are based on God’s actions, not man’s: Abrahamic, Davidic, Palestinian, and New covenants.
Many more promises, however, are conditional promises: If you will … then I will …
God can speak, personally, to us, to give us a promise. Most of the time, these are unconditional, like, “Because I love you, that’s why.”
Over the years, God has given me specific promises … promises which, especially during those tough, tough times, I have “held on to.”
When circumstances arise, I have “reminded” God of these/this promise … that a certain thing would happen … or would never happen again. The main point I am making is that it is ok to “remind” God of a specific promise that He’s made to you. Scripture is full of times, when, in times of trial, someone would “remind” God of a promise.
God has revealed this to me: It is ok to remind Him. And, here’s why: It’s not to remind Him … for He never forgets (the only thing God forgets is sin which we have repented of). Anyway, the reason it’s ok to remind God of a specific promise is not to remind Him … He wants us to “remind” Him … and here’s why: To let Him know that WE haven’t forgotten His promise! To let Him know that we believed His promise when He gave it, And that we believe His promise now.
It’s important not just for Him to hear this, but for us to hear us saying it.
We must always remember that God’s promises will happen… in God’s time … not ours. That’s the most difficult part of the process. We want it now! It is the process which builds our patience, and our faith.
One of our favorite verses, in fact it is on our personalized mailing labels, is Hebrews 6:15: “And so, when he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”
God help us to have faithful endurance! That’s the real key. That, when we “wait upon the Lord,” yes, sometimes that means to actually “wait.” Wait with patience, building our faith each step of the way.
So, I encourage you to remind God of those specific promises, and remind Him often. Not for His benefit, but for yours. And, always praise Him for those promises, and HIS faithfulness!
Blessings,
Richard.Vincent.Rose.
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UPDATE/DIAGNOSIS ON CAROL
Hello All:
First, WOW! Thank you so much for your prayers and concern for Carol.
We have been so blessed to have heard from friends all over the globe … who have prayed for Carol, and for me!
An added blessing has been to have been honored to have heard from friends that we had lost contact with over the years … but, have contacted us in the last few days …
God is so good … still!
Carol is doing great: As you know, at “just the right time” (from an enemy point of view), Carol lost vision in her right eye. Because of her medical history, this was a major concern; not only because of this fact, but that it appeared that “an old medical enemy” was trying to make a comeback.
A few years ago, God healed Carol of a crippling disease. Yes, He did. He can do this because He can do anything. There is nothing too hard for Him. The potential is “always there” for the “condition” to try, attempt, to return a comeback. This was the concern here.
Here’s the situation with Carol: She has optic neuritis, which is an inflammation of the optic nerve. Because of this, the brain cannot receive the “information” from the optic nerve. There are limited treatments for this, but those that are available are potentially successful. The best procedure is to receive medication through an IV, known as an “IV Drip.” The solution is prednisone, which is a steroid. By taking the IV, the medication gets into her system much more quickly, and effectively, than if she took the prednisone by pill.
For months, we had planned a trip to Georgia, and, of course, this situation happened just before our trip. Today is Tuesday, and Carol had her first IV treatment today at the local hospital. The total process is about three hours. The doctors worked out a plan so that we could still take our trip, and they did it so fast! The MRI was done late yesterday, Monday … the doctor called with the results Monday evening, less than four hours later, which, as you know, is a miracle in itself.
We had the consultation today, got the first IV today … Carol will take a prednisone pill tomorrow (airport day) … and on Thursday and Friday, will get the IV treatment at a hospital in Georgia …
This will allow us to still make the trip, and still keep Carol on her medical schedule. She is such a “trooper!” I wish I could take all those needles for her. It is so hard watching the nurses try to find a vein … Today, it took three tries, and she is bruised up from all the previous testing, etc. All this time, with the enemy trying to creep in, her only thought was making this family trip to Georgia … she has been looking forward to this trip, and vacation, maybe more than me … just before the School year begins, only 2 days after we return …
Many of you who contacted us used the word “miracle.” Jesus is still in the saving business, and He is still in the healing business.
Because … He can still do both.
We can see God’s hand in this, every step of the way.
We’ll keep you posted. Earlier, I mentioned “the situation with Carol.”
Here’s “the situation” with Jesus:
Matthew 11:5: “…the blind receive their sight”
Matthew 9:27:30: “Believe ye that I am able to do this? … Yeah, Lord … Then touched he their eyes, saying, according to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened.”
Matthew 20:32-34: “What will ye that I shall do unto you? Lord, that our eyes may be opened … Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes, and immediately their eyes received sight.”
Mark 10:51-52: “What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said … Thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight.”
Here’s “one for the road”:
Matthew 17:20: “If ye have faith, nothing shall be impossible.”
“There is nothing too hard for God to do:”
Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27
Will close for now. Have some packing to do. Carol … well, she has been packed since Saturday … Lord, give me her faith!
Blessings, and thank you,
Ted
pastorappreciationblog.com 