Category: self-doubt

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Suffering From Truth Decay? Brush up on the Bible

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We have sharing excerpts from my new book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World. ” This book reaches out to those who may suffer from anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.

The book is on sale right now, so check it out by clicking on the “Bookstore,” tab above.

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Today’s excerpt talks about finding all the truth we need, by reading the Bible.

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Chapter 60

 

Suffering from Truth Decay? Brush up on the Bible

 

From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy3:15-17

 

The way the world is going, it will not be long before all references to the Bible in any public places will be outlawed.

The Supreme Court’s interpretation of the law seems to be chipping away at our (so-called) rights, and the pace seems to be picking up.

At one time, the Bible was the most important book in a home and was kept in a prominent place for all to see. Now the most important books in the home are ones about wizards, weight, warriors and war.

Bookcases bulge with books on how to succeed, save, spend, sail and survive, but a Bible is nowhere in sight. Maybe there’s one in the hall closet or in one of the boxes in the garage—one of those boxes that hasn’t been opened since the family’s last move. Or it might be used to help junior sit higher in his chair. And a Bible is a nice gift to give when a child is dedicated, confirmed or baptized. But has it been opened recently? Probably not.

People have forgotten what book they can read to find happiness. They want to read books that make them a better person without having to give anything up. “Why should I read the Bible when I can have a happy life studying books on the stars and the horoscopes?” they would argue.

This may sound familiar to some of us. Do you have a Bible close at hand—one that you read every day? You don’t? Then you are suffering from truth decay!

All anyone needs to be happy is to read all the wonderful things that God has promised us in the Bible. We can read about what Jesus has done for us and what He has in store for believers. We can step into a world that is not a fairy tale and not about wizards or horoscopes.

What the Bible does not promise is success by stepping on someone else, which is the undercurrent of so many self-help/success books. What the Bible does promise is that we will have everything we need to live the lives God intends for us. The Bible does say that we will have eternal life if we accept His gift of salvation. It does say that we can have eternal joy, happiness, peace and love. I can’t seem to find any other book that can make (and keep) all those claims.

All in one book—the Bible, God’s Word. If we think the earth is a pretty nice place to hang out, try streets covered with gold. Try no more pain, no more death, and no more worries. How about the fact that we will be given new bodies?

Sound too good to be true? I have an assignment for you. (The former teacher in me is coming out!) Search all the books at your local bookstore and send me a list of the books—other than the Bible—that promise the above luxuries.

Now don’t flood me with book titles that don’t promise all the things God has for us. You may find some book that says, “If you follow the advice or formula in this book, you will have special powers, or you will be able to put a curse on someone. You will be able to … you will … you will!”

That is not from God! That is from Satan. That is from the prince of darkness. And there are many books like that one. They lead to eternal death. Eternal life alone trumps all of your dreams of power and lust.

I have read books by famous authors. They were very entertaining, had marvelous story plots, and kept me in suspense. I realized, however, that I was getting hooked on them. I couldn’t get enough. I read a couple of books every week. The problem was that I wasn’t growing as a Christian. I had put my Bible away; in fact, I didn’t have time for it. I was being entertained, but I was slipping away from my Christian standards and the way of the truth.

I still read a good mystery book once in awhile, but my first priority is reading Christian books (like this one) and the Bible. There are a lot of thrilling things in the Bible that can’t be found anywhere else.

Part of the issue is what we allow into our minds. In Philippians 4:8, Paul outlines the diet we should be feeding our minds: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

How would the following fare if held to that standard? Video games that let you destroy everything in sight. TV shows that have violence and sexual overtones in almost every scene. Novels and other books that glorify sensual themes or are just so much fluff to put into our minds.

The Bible—God’s holy Word—is the only thing I know that fulfills all the criteria Paul lists in Philippians 4:8. Everything else pales in comparison.

We need to stop and take a breath—to stop and think about the direction we’re going. If we’re going the wrong way, God allows U-turns. (I know, good bumper sticker. I use it in another chapter.) As long as we have breath, we still have time to get back into that Bible, and start learning about how to find true happiness.

There are many wonderful stories in the Bible. One is about a wall falling down just from the force of trumpets and people yelling. Another is about a giant who is killed by one little stone. There is a great story about the sea being separated and people walking on its instantly dry bed. That also happened with a river. Then there are the stories about voices coming from the strangest places—once from a bush that was on fire and once from a donkey. But the most unusual story is about a man who is crucified on a cross and then comes back to life three days later. This book is a must-read. It’ll knock your socks off!

This sounds like a best-selling novel that was created in the mind of a great author. Well, that’s partially correct. The author is great. He is God. Unlike novels, where the characters are made up by the author, the stories in the Bible are true and about real people. I have read the book, and I must tell you that there are many wonderful stories that are there to point us to God.

 

Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

 

Further Adventures

Where are your Bibles? Look for them when you finish this chapter. Are they in places where you can see them? Do you ever open any of them? Try putting them in spots where not only you see them, but also where others who visit you can see them.

How about the coffee table in front of the couch? Do you have one there? Is there one on the bookshelf in the den? Do you keep one in your car? How about by your bed? As you can see, there are many places to put your Bibles. If you don’t have one, splurge and get one. It will be the greatest book you have ever read.

 

Something to Ponder

Isn’t it funny that even though not many people read the Bible, it has been one of the number one bestsellers in the entire world?

 

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We Never Know When God Has Planted an Idea in us

 Thanks to all of you who have been signing up for the RSS feed to this site. Over 190 of you have done that recently. This helps us go up in the Google Search Rankings. Please sign-up today if you haven’t already to help us climb up even farther. Just click on the icon right after the title to do that.

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 We have been sharing excerpts from my new book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” This book reaches out to those who may be suffering from anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.

The book is on sale right now for Easter, which is getting very close. Check the book out by clicking on the “Bookstore,” tab at the top of this page.

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Today’s excerpt is about listening to God who has many ideas for us that could change the lives of others as well as ourselves.

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                                                                              Chapter 58

 

It Is Time to Bless God

 

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you,

which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.

Psalm 31:19

 

The young couple had only been married a couple months. It was September, and the wife started to think about what she would get her husband for their first Christmas together.

She thought a long time and decided exactly what she was going to get him. It was perfect, and she knew he would like it. She went to the store and made a deal with the owner. She said she would leave it on layaway and pay a little each week.

She was very faithful and was there at the same time each week to make the payment. After the fifth payment, the owner said, “Why don’t you go ahead and take it home. I know you’ll finish paying for it.”

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

She was very excited and took the present home where she wrapped it immediately.

When her husband got home from work, she rushed to him and said, “I have a Christmas present for you, and I want to give it to you now!”

“It’s only the first of October,” he reminded her.

“I don’t care,” she countered. “I just can’t wait for you to open it.”

The husband opened it and thought it was perfect—just like she did.

At work the next day, her husband, a rookie policeman, pulled over a car on a routine speeding ticket. As the officer approached the car, the driver pulled out a pistol and shot him two times—point blank—in the chest. The officer fell to the ground as the driver sped away.

An officer came to the door of the couples’ home. He asked if she was the wife of the officer he named.

“Yes.”

When told that her husband had been shot, she replied, “I’m so relieved.” (Her husband had been wearing the bullet-proof vest she had given him the day before!)

We never know when God has planted an idea in us. We often do things without being sure why we did them. Remember: God is completely in control. He planted the thought of buying the vest in the mind of this young wife. She followed through on what she was thinking, and it saved her husband’s life.

Maybe what we do won’t be quite as dramatic, but when we can’t shake an idea—especially one that seems out of character for us—we should check and see if maybe it’s a nudge from God and follow through on His prompting.

We should take time to bless God. We always say, “God bless you.” Take time to bless Him for giving you all the wonderful blessings He has provided for you. Everything we have belongs to God anyway, and He shares it with us.

 

I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

Psalm 52:9

 

Further Adventures

This story was about a close encounter this young couple had with God. There are thousands of stories like this. God protects because He loves each of us. God had something in mind for this young family. Only time will tell.

What was your close encounter? Maybe you didn’t realize you had one. Many people do have them, but just pass them up as a “coincidence.” Think back to things that have happened to you that you have not been able to explain. Was that God working in your life?

 

Something to Ponder

Isn’t it funny that asking, “Where is God?” is like a fish asking, “Where is water?” or a bird asking, “Where is air?” (This thought is taken from Max Lucado.)

 

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I Child-Proofed my House-and They Still Get in

 A big thank you to those of you who have been signing up for our RSS feed. there have been over 190 of you doing that recently. This helps us mover up in the Google Search Rankings. Help us climb even higher by signing up today if you haven’t already. Just click on the icon right after the title to do that.

________________________________________________________

We have been sharing excerpts from my new books “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” This book is perfect for those on your Easter list that you have search for something encouraging to give them.

This book reaches out to those who may be suffering from anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.

Just click on the “Bookstore,” tan above to check it out. It is also on a special sale.

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Today’s excerpt is about Father’s Day and the importance of loving your children.

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Chapter 56

 

I Child-Proofed My House—and They Still Get In

 

Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.

John 17:25–26

 

When Father’s Day nears, I’m glad I’m finally old enough to have all the neckties I need, so no one gives me one as a gift. Instead of another tie, I get to share time with my children and grandchildren. What could be a better present than that? The answer to my question is that the very best present I ever got on a Father’s Day was that my daughter DG was born on that day. Top that one!

Father’s Day is a time for men to think about their roles. Men, we are to be the leaders of our families (not in an “I’m the one in charge here” sort of way, mind you) and should play the role of hero to our children.

We as men sometimes think that on Father’s Day we should be treated to a day of watching sports or doing whatever we want—that would be the “manly” thing to do. I once thought that myself. Sports came first. I got irritated when I got disturbed by the rest of the family. God changed that for me, and I have a totally different outlook on Father’s Day.

On Father’s Day in 2003, my son, my granddaughter and I went to church together. I enjoyed the day very much. The sermon was based on John 17:25–26. It is about Jesus praying to God just before He was betrayed by Judas.

As I read verse 26, I could see that it was perfect for us as fathers. Just go through verse 26 along with me. It reads: “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Every father needs to say this prayer! We should be making God known to our children, just as Jesus made Him known to all of His children. Pastor Scott Nelson ofMorningstarCommunityChurchinSalem,Oregon, made this very true statement: “A father needs to live the Word of God, not just teach it.” We need to be the hero in our children’s lives.

We dads may often feel we have failed as a father. We didn’t play catch with our children as often as we should have when they were little. We didn’t take them to the park as often as we think we should have. And sometimes we’ve put material things ahead of our children. You’re not alone. There is not one father who has not felt some guilt in this situation.

But we can’t let this cause us to think we’re a failure as fathers! Satan loves to try to pull us down by causing confusion in our lives. As a matter of fact there is often a battle going on with the devil because of the circumstances God has allowed into our lives.

Yes, God allows things to happen to us. Why would He do this? Why wouldn’t He just protect us all the time?

I have learned that God uses these situations in an effort to teach me something. When I feel up against it, I really need to ask myself these questions: “What is God trying to teach me? What should I learn from this trial? What has God planned for me from this situation?”

Let me make something very clear: God wants us to depend on Him. He wants to flood our souls with His love. He wants us to seek adventures (often cleverly disguised as adversity) and let Him guide us. It may be difficult at the moment to see adversity as God breaking you and shaping you during a trial, but that is what He is doing.

I went through that in my life. I finally gave up and let God take over my life. I went through many trials and adversity before I finally let Him take charge and guide me.

There is a song that talks about God knowing my name and my every thought—and even about each of my tears that fall.

Realize that He is with you always! He even knows your name! Our children need to learn this truth from us. They need to know that they have not only an earthly father they also have a heavenly Father. They need to know they will always have someone to turn to.

My challenge to each of you is: What are you doing to make sure your children know God? Today is the first day of the rest of your life. If you feel you have had a battle going on in your life and you haven’t spent enough time teaching your children about God, start now! I don’t care if you just become a father and have a newborn, or you’re a grandparent. You are still the father of your children until you go to be with the Lord. Show them by example what it means to follow God. Talk to them about how God has blessed you. They will see the love you have for not only them, but for God.

 

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and

when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7

Further Adventures

June is Father’s Month. It is the month that we as fathers get a little press in our home. It should make you feel good and help you feel wanted. But that is not always the case. Are you a single dad who won’t even see your children on Father’s Day? Have you decided to abandon your children so you won’t ever see them again?

Sounds a little sad, doesn’t it? This is way too common in our society. The broken home rates are getting higher each year. It is much easier to leave a marriage than try to save it. Sounds simpler to just pack up and leave—that will make your life much easier. Not so. The first thing that you as a father need to do is think not only about your marriage, but also about your children. They are in the middle. Your leaving is certainly is not their fault, but they may think it is.

This next Father’s Day, think about where you are in your relationship with your family. Have you tried to reconcile with your wife? Have you done everything you can to have time with your children? Do you care about what happens to them? If you say no to any of these questions, it is time to do a U-turn! Put your family first! It may be a broken family, but do whatever you can to help your children live a happy and normal life. There is nothing more rewarding than that as far as your children go.

 

Something to Ponder

Isn’t it funny how often we get upset with our children, but love them so much?