Category: Addictions

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If You Think You Are Perfect, Try Walking on Water.

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There will be a huge and exciting announcement about our bookstore in about three weeks. Why am I telling you so far ahead of time? (You will have to wait to even find that out!)

For now we have one book in the store that is a must read for those you know that may be suffering from anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.

The book is called, “Signs of Hope: Ways to survive in an Unfriendly World.” Check it out, but clicking on the “Bookstore,” tab at the top of this page.

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I have an excerpt from the book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” The topic is about fear, one of the afflictions I mentioned above.

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Chapter 66

 

If You Think You’re Perfect, Try Walking on Water

 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

Isaiah 43:2

 

While visitingHawaii, a group of us decided to go snorkeling. (You need to know that I am not a very good swimmer and even use a floatation device to help me stay on top of the water.) We got to the bay where we were planning to snorkel and proceeded to put on our gear; then we went to the edge of the water, put on our flippers and goggles; and slid down into the water from some rocky ledges. I was enjoying the beautiful fish and even saw a sea turtle! I was a little way out from the rocky ledge when I realized I hadn’t put on my floatation device! I was having a close encounter with God!

I tried to relax so I could still look at the fish below me, but the water was 40 feet deep where I was! I felt I needed to head for the rocks and get out in order to be on the safe side. I started kicking and headed for the shore when I got a huge cramp in my left leg. It was so bad I couldn’t kick with that leg anymore!

I struggled to stay on top of the water. But the people on the shore didn’t seem to be worried; in fact, I don’t think they even noticed me. I was scrambling to get up on the rocks—and they just kept on walking! The waves beat me against the rocks, which were cutting up my knees. I was washed out a couple more times before I finally got a grip on the rocks and pulled myself out of the water. I was exhausted, and in just a couple more minutes I would have drowned. I had been left alone, and I really felt I was going to drown. I had made the mistake of not having a floatation device with me. I would have been fine had I put it on.

I consider that similar to thinking I can make it on my own without God. When we try to live without God, we eventually find ourselves thrashing in the water of life and getting pretty banged up.

We may have friends who are going through trials. They think that they are well off—doing OK—almost to the point they think they can walk on water. Or like a duck, they may look serene floating on the surface, but underneath, they’re paddling furiously. They may actually be struggling to keep above water and have many things dragging them down.

We need to check on them from time to time to see how they’re doing and look for signals that will let us know when they’re in trouble. They need our reassurance that the Lord will help them through troubled times. We can pray with them and let them know we’re there when they need us. That will be very comforting for them. They’ll know they won’t be out in the deep water with no one to help them climb the slippery rocks to safety.

Think of how strong Peter was in his faith, and yet when Jesus told him to walk on water, he got very fearful and started to sink. We probably have less faith than Peter did, so we must hold on to Jesus and let Him keep us on top of the water.

 

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked;

 for the Lord will be your confidence.

Proverbs3:25-26

 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

 

Further Adventures

  1. Call several of your closest friends, and just check in with them. You can probably sense what’s going on with them by the tone of their voice, or they may just go right to the problem and let you know without your asking. Help them know that you are there for them, and remind them that the Lord is with them always.
  2. Check your own family members and make sure they are on the right path of good health—physically, emotionally and spiritually. They aren’t always going to run to you with their problems. When I was a teacher, I lost a couple of students to suicide and the parents didn’t even know their child was depressed. Make contact with your family daily, and make sure they are in the right frame of mind.

 

Something to Ponder

Isn’t it funny how we sometimes test the depth of water with both feet and sink?

 

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If You’re Living Like There is no God, You Better be Right

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There will be a special promotion in our bookstore in about two weeks. Check back often to see what that is.

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I have a special chapter from the book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to survive in an Unfriendly World.” This chapter doesn’t pull any punches. It talks about people that mock God, and the consequences for doing that.

I realize that I am very strong here, but I want people to read and understand.

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Chapter 65

 

If You’re Living Like There Is No God, You Better Be Right

 

The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law.

Psalm 119:51

 

The car sports what looks like the symbolic fish of the Christian faith, but in the middle of it is the wordDarwin, and the fish has legs. I have seen this on cars everywhere.

Then there is the mocking bumper sticker that says, “Jesus was my co-pilot, but we had a crash and I had to eat him.”

There are many bumper stickers that ridicule and mock God. Everyone has a right to their own faith, or ideas about God, but why do they think it’s OK to ridicule other people’s beliefs? It seems rather senseless to attack any faith. I think the individuals who think they need to belittle others and their faith are the most misguided individuals on this earth. They all will have their close encounters with God later.

I have an important question for them: What if the Christians are right?

And some things for them to think about: Your mocking and ridicule are being noted, and you will know the consequences on judgment day. If you are living like there is no God, have a wonderful time. But your future is dim after you’ve drawn your last breath. You have no hope after that. That is the bottom line. No soft answers for this situation. You have no hope.

But as long as you’re alive, you can change your attitude and fall before God, asking Him to forgive your ways. You can follow Him the rest of your life, and then there is hope.

God loves you just the way you are. If you have cursed Him and think He must no longer love you, you are wrong. If you have committed a terrible sin, and you think there is no way God could forgive you, you are wrong again. God loves you just the way you are, but He doesn’t want you to stay that way. He wants you to come back to Him and receive more of His love. He wants you to feel the joy of knowing that someone loves you unconditionally.

I must tell you that Paul, the human author who wrote several parts of the Bible, at one time hated Christians. He even had many of them put to death. He mocked and ridiculed their faith. At one point (see Acts 9), though, he fell before God and became one of His most dynamic followers. He became a prominent leader in the early church before he was himself put to death for being a Christian. If Paul, in retrospect, could be one of God’s favorites—even after he had Christians put to death—there is room for you to do the same.

If you know people who spend their days poking fun at Christianity, help them realize there is a God. Share with them why you love God. We need to stay close to God and not let these lost souls sway us with their mockery.

Actually, I ask you to pray for them. Pray that each of them will see that the direction they are going is leading them down the wrong path. If you pray for others and try to lead them to God, you will be following in the footsteps of Paul.

 

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

Psalm 1:1

 

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Galatians 6:7

 

Further Adventures

Notice how many people put mocking stickers on their vehicles. There are millions of people who need to learn about God, but no one has even tried to talk to them. Start sharing with those around you how God has changed your life. Don’t just share with other Christians.

If you see people on the bus—or in a restaurant or at the library—who look like they are hurting, sit down next to them and slowly begin a conversation. Lead up to how God has changed your life. Even if they turn away from you, you have attempted to help them, and that is very pleasing to God. If they listen, you may have the joy of leading them into a relationship with Christ.

 

Something to Ponder

Isn’t it funny how God’s love never ceases? Never!

 

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God Saved me from Committing Suicide

Thank you to those who have been signing up for the RSS feed to this site. It helps us move up on the Google Search Rankings. I will be starting a book give away, starting today, just for you who sign-up in the future. Here is how it will work:

  • Sign-up for the RSS feed to his site. You click on the icon right after the title to do that.
  • When you sign-up, you will be placed on a list of subscribers who are eligible for a drawing for a free book.
  • There has to be a minimum of 10 people who sign-up before there is a drawing. When that or a deadline is reached, a random drawing will be taken from that list and they will be notified of their winning a book.
  • The first give away will start today and run through April 30th.

The first book to be given away is a real winner. It is called: “A Positive Life: Living with HIV as a Pastor, Husband, and Father.” By Shane Stanford

Here is an endorsement by one of the top Christian authors on the planet:

” The HIV/AIDS pandemic doesn’t just affect millions; it affects them one at a time. Shane’s story will stay in your mind and more in your heart.”

John Ortberg

You could own this book for free just by signing up for the RSS feed to this site.

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You can own a book that is full of hope, and inspiring words today, but ordering, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” from the bookstore on this site. It is on sale right now. It is selling for $19.99 in the bookstore, but on this site, it is only $15.99. The shipping has been cut in half as well. Just click on the “Bookstore,” tab at the top of this page to check it out.

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I can remember what it was like before I became a Christian. Talk about struggling in the muck and mire! I felt lost. I was full of fear, and didn’t want to face the world. I had an over whelming fear of failure. I even got to the point of feeling hopelessness, and was on the brink of committing suicide.

That is when God grabbed up in His arms and stopped me. It was like He was saying. “Come back to Me, I have always been here for you. Let Me carry you the rest of the way.”

I found that, “God Allows U-Turns.” (One of the chapter titles from my book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.”)

He never gives up on us. We give up on Him. If you feel alone even though you know God is there somewhere, guess who walked away.

Turn back to God and He will be waiting with open arms.

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

Above all: Never, ever, give up!