February 18, 2009

An Added Note: I forgot to say this in my post below and didn't want it to be left unsaid. I know that God does not always heal on this earth but sometimes chooses to bestow the ultimate healing in Heaven. If you've followed my blog for awhile, you know I've lost 2 dear friends to breast cancer within the space of a year and a half. So I have wrestled this thing out with God--what do I pray and how do I pray for others? I believe what I've gleaned is that God is very able to heal, and willing to heal, and I should pray for His healing in every circumstance believing that if He doesn't heal according to my prayer, I can still trust Him with the outcome. He knows so much more about the person and the situation and His plan and what He's accomplishing. God is not evil. There is no darkness in Him at all, as the Bible tells us. God is love. And His mercy endures forever!




I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.


I quoted the above and the rest of Psalm 121 to my mother Monday night as she was trying to go to sleep for the night. She’d been in the hospital for 2 weeks. A week ago, she had had a liter of fluid removed from the lining around her right lung, had been put on a salt-restricted diet, and had her medication changed. Three or four days later her kidneys went into shock, and we were told she was in kidney failure. Both the heart specialist and the kidney specialist agreed if her kidneys didn’t improve, she would need dialysis. Then Monday morning she had to have another liter of fluid removed, and a renal scan was scheduled for Tuesday.

Monday night, after quoting Psalm 121, I gently explained to Mother that the psalm meant that no matter what she had to face in this life, God would be with her and would never leave her. He would see her through. Then I read several verses about overcoming fear and anxiety and trusting in the Lord. These are the same verses I’ve posted in this blog. I keep them in my purse, and I pulled them out to try and help my mother (as well as myself) release pent-up stress. Then we both settled down to sleep—I was spending the night with her in the hospital room—but I as I lay there, I felt a strong compulsion that we needed to pray. I had not prayed with Mother since she had been admitted into the hospital, although my pastor, minister of music, and a few deacons had done so while visiting with her.

Now, I was reluctant to ask Mother to let me pray for her because (a) I didn’t want her fragile faith to fail if the renal scan showed she needed dialysis, (b) I did not know what I was going to say because I was upset myself, and (c) I did not know how my offer to pray might be received. Mother had been snippy with me earlier—a result of her age (84) and being in the hospital and being poked and prodded for 2 weeks. I guess what I’m trying to say here is that the spiritual atmosphere just didn’t seem conducive to prayer.

Still the compulsion to pray was weighing heavy on me and I had to have relief, so I asked her to pray with me like this: “Mother, I just can’t go to sleep without praying. I have to pray.” To my surprise, she said, “okay”, and I grabbed her hand and just prayed from my heart to my loving Father who always welcomes me. I cannot even tell you what I said, except I remember mentioning His throne of grace and asking that He would heal Mother's kidneys, but whatever happened, we knew we could trust Him because His perfect will is always in our best interest. I wiped the tears from my eyes and my mother said, “Now I’m going to say the prayer I say every night.” And she closed her eyes and prayed silently. And we both went to sleep, only to be awakened at 1 a.m. for her breathing treatment.

The next morning they came and took her for the renal scan. Later that day, the kidney specialist came in the room. He said the renal scan did not show any abnormality regarding her kidneys. Then he looked at me and said, “Remember I mentioned dialysis?” And I nodded and said, “Yes.” He smiled at me and said,” I believe her kidneys will continue to improve.” He then told us he wanted to see her in a few weeks after she left the hospital. And when he left the room, my mother burst out in tears. I called my dad who had come down with the flu the week before and was not allowed in her room, and we both gave God the glory for our great news! We brought Mother home yesterday afternoon.

Psalm 40:1-3

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name!

All hail the power of Jesus' name,
Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!

(pg. 202, The Baptist Hymnal)

Experiencing a personal victory this morning and had to share my praise to the King. All night long and into this morning I have leaned into this Word of Truth: The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. This is from Proverbs (18, I think)--not sure of the address in the Word.

"The Word of God is living and active...."(Hebrews 4:12) and when we wield it as our Sword of the Spirit in truth and humility and in the name of Jesus, the enemy must run! It's "sharper than any double-edged sword, and it penetrates, dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." If there's an ungodly thought or attitude, it exposes it, penetrating deep, and that thought or attitude is taken out. And peace flows in...Glory to God!

Remembering

It just occurred to me afresh this afternoon that I survived panic. May I never forget that fact because being diagnosed with panic disorder turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. Although I prayed for 2 years to be free of panic, I will always be grateful for God allowing me to go through it. Because of panic, I began desperately seeking God with my whole heart, and I found Him. Hallelujah! I didn’t find religion, I didn’t find tradition—I found Him! Wonderful! Counselor! The Mighty God! The Everlasting Father! The Prince of Peace! Through prayer and indepth Bible study, He allowed me to grasp some understanding of His Person. He allowed me to sense His Presence in my life. By meditating on verses that spoke to my heart, I began feeding my spirit “good” food instead of the refuse I normally dined on—the world-view of life and how I couldn’t do enough, or be enough, or please enough people.

I will never forget the first time I was looking out the window and singing a song of praise to God when I realized I was smiling—after coming out of the depths of depression, I was actually smiling. I will never forget the days I spent in a state of joy—which was unheard of for me. My dominant personality trait is melancholy. When my husband first dated me he asked me several times why I didn’t smile more. I hadn’t a clue. Now I know it was because all day and all night I obsessed over every mistake I ever made or over every wrong that had been done to me. I relived my past over and over from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed. If I wasn’t thinking about what I should’ve or shouldn’t of done, I was thinking about what I needed to do. If I wasn’t worried about myself, I was worried about someone close to me.

How marvelous, how wonderful to finally be able to hand all my problems and concerns over to my Father in heaven. To focus my inner self on my God and my Saviour. To think about good things for a change. Things like love and forgiveness and heaven and power for living and the beauty and majesty of God’s Word.

And the blessings from being in God’s Word and in prayer! The peace that I’d heard so much about all my Christian life, but had never personally experienced. The unconditional love. The companionship of Jesus. Jesus in me. (Me! The screw-up. The scaredy-cat. The klutz. The prude.) It is still amazing to me—more than that, it’s mind-blowing--that the God of wonders, the compassionate and loving God who created the heavens above and the earth below, the eternal Father, the Savior of the world would want to take the time to reassure me. To erase my deepest insecurities with His love.

God knows our hearts. He knows the sorrows that are there. He knows the abuses and heartaches we’ve experienced. I had invited Him to come into my heart—to heal my hurts—to fill all the empty places. And He came. He came and He took over. He directs me through His Word, through His godly impressions on my heart and mind, through my circumstances, and through other people. I’ve learned that my ability to perceive His direction and presence is directly affected by my obedience to His Word. I must love God with all my heart, all my mind, all my soul, and all my strength, and I must love my neighbor as myself. I must keep my daily quiet time with Him. I must keep seeking His face and His perfect will for my life. That means putting down my own agenda, killing the selfish, fleshly desires in me and following Him daily. It isn’t easy. I still have the same human tendancies I had before to wander—to go my own way and do my own thing. To believe that I know what is best. However, looking back over my depression and panic days, there is no doubt in my mind that the rewards of staying in God’s perfect will for my life far outweigh any sacrifices I have to make. I am a panic survivor, and my Rock, my Champion is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 3:1

Intimacy with God

Job 42:5 "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you."

You can have faith in God and still not have an intimate knowledge of Him. That was me for many, many years. When I finally surrendered my life--panic attacks and all--to Jesus, and then began experiencing some real peace as I studied His Word, I wanted to get to know Him more. That's when I began seeking how to get closer. Beth Moore had said in the Breaking Free Bible study that during quiet time, after reading the selected passage a few times, we should pray that passage back to God. I began experiencing a wonderful closeness when I did that. Also, I began stopping in the middle of my day to just kneel or sit and wait quietly, just in case He had something He wanted to reveal to me. It was during those moments that I began sensing His Presence. And it was during those moments He gently brought up things that I needed to face and deal with--according to His Word. I truly felt like His child, and my love and desire to be with Him grew stronger.

I've often thanked God for those times--times when I was too weak to have a full schedule and needed breaks, so that I could experience Him in a way I never had before. Because I'm healthier I'm able to do more around my home, at my parents', and at church--which is as it should be...but I get busy and don't remember to take a break. I pretty much have a one-track mind. I'm praying this year that God will remind me to stop and to sit and center all my attention on Him--even if it's only 5 minutes every few hours--so my intimate knowledge of Him will grow stronger. I need that. I miss that. It's how I know that I know that He is God and that I belong to Him.

Stepping Into Sunshine

Sunday morning was the first time since I broke out with shingles that I was able to attend Sunday School and church. I received such a warm welcome, it was like stepping into sunshine. How I love to see my friends in the Lord--to have a place where I can talk about problems and concerns with friends who uplift, encourage, and support me with their love and hope and belief in Christ. I couldn't believe it'd been a month and a half since I'd attended. When I opened my mouth in the choir loft to sing God's praises, I couldn't stop the smile from spreading across my face. I was suddenly filled with such joy--I can't describe it. I recalled two of my favorite verses: "The Lord set my feet upon a Rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."

I'm still here! I'm still standing on a firm place--my Rock. The past several months have brought pain, mental anguish, and anxiety, but I'm still still clinging to my God and watching Him work all things out for my good--and the good of my family.

"Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your sins, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion;Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles!!!!!!!! (Ps. 103)

BIBLE VERSES FOR PANIC AND ANXIETY

I posted these May 1, 2007 and would like to post them again to keep them current and easy to find. These verses changed my thought-life, my prayer-life, my relationship with God, gave me courage, and helped me see that my panic, depression, and anxiety were not stronger than my God, even though I had previously thought so! The reason I began this blog was to share these verses with others who might need them. I used to read them daily and on anxious days I also read them just before bed. God's Word is alive and active and when spoken out loud--powerful. (Hebrews 4:12) After about 4 months, I prayed these verses out loud to God during a panic attack, and the panic left, and God's peace flooded in. It took about 20 minutes of praying these verses before the fear left. The next time I had an attack, it took about 10 minutes, and the next time it took all of one verse prayed out loud before the fear left! I could scarcely believe it and ran and told my husband who was in the bedroom getting ready for work.

Please don't think I am against medication for anxiety, panic, and depression. I am not. But I was medication-sensitive and couldn't tolerate the side effects of the SSRIs prescribed to me. I tried them all over a two-year period. I was desperate for relief! However, all I could tolerate was a low-dose sedative. And I took it as needed for about 3 years, and then, when things went from bad to worse, 3 times a day--until I realized, after being in God's Word daily for over a year and praying these Scriptures, I was skipping doses because I'd forget to take them. I'd forget to take them because I stopped experiencing the inner "vibrating" that signaled to me that the dose had worn off and it was time for another. I'd get busy and go my merry way and then realize suddenly that I'd missed the noon dose. I simply didn't need as much of the sedative.

These are the Bible studies by Beth Moore that helped increase my faith and my belief and helped me discover who my God really was and what He could do. To discover who Jesus really was and how to have a relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit:Believing God, Breaking Free, Living Beyond Yourself, To Live is Christ, The Beloved Disciple, The Patriarchs. I also took time out of every day to worship God and sit before Him in humility and silence. I surrendered my will to Him in everything--even panic.

Now that I've said all that, I have to say this: I've learned that when I don't meditate on these verses often, I default back into an "anxious" mode. Not as severe as before when I had panic attacks, but bad enough to make me uncomfortable and put me on my knees before the Lord. Not only is the answer to my panic and anxiety about my relationship with the Lord, it's also about speaking God's Word over my challenges--and my biggest challenges are fear of people, anxiety, and worry. I think my blog proves that! These verses breathe life and truth and God's peace into me. I hope they do that for others.

VERSES FROM ORIGINAL POST--


Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee, (your name): be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Isaiah 41:13 "For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Isaiah 43:1-4 "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour....Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee...."

Joshua 1:5-7,9 "As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage....Only be thou strong and very courageous..Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.".

Psalm 107:13-16 "Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder."

Phillipians 4:6-7 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Psalm 91: 1-2, 4-6 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday."

Psalm 91: 14-16 "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."

Isaiah 54:10 "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Proverbs 1:33 "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all you anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee."

Romans 8:6 "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

Isaiah 59:19 "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him."

Ephesians 2:14 "For he is our peace."

Isaiah 51:12-15 "I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor....But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.

Zephaniah 3:17 "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."

Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Proverbs 2:7-8 He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones. (New International Version)


Hebrews 13:5-6 God has said, "Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." (New International Version)

2 Peter 1:3-4 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises.... (New International Version)

Isaiah 30:18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him. (New International Version)

Psalm 34:4: "I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears." (New International Version)

I just found this one and decided to add it--

Romans 16:20: "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."

God's Unfailing Love

Just "a few" Scriptures on God's unfailing love for us:

1. Exodus 15:13
"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

2. Psalm 6:4
Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.

3. Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

4. Psalm 31:16
Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

5. Psalm 32:10
Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.

6. Psalm 33:5
The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

7. Psalm 33:18
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

8. Psalm 33:22
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

9. Psalm 36:7
How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

10. Psalm 44:26
Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love.

11. Psalm 48:9
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.

12. Psalm 51:1
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

13. Psalm 52:8
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.

14. Psalm 85:7
Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.

15. Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

16. Psalm 107:8
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men,

17. Psalm 107:15
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men,

18. Psalm 107:21
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

19. Psalm 107:31
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

20. Psalm 119:41
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;

21. Psalm 119:76
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

22. Psalm 130:7
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

23. Psalm 143:8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

24. Psalm 143:12
In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

25. Psalm 147:11
the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

26. Proverbs 19:22
What a man desires is unfailing love ; better to be poor than a liar.

27. Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

My Life's Purpose

During my quiet time today, I read in Ephesians. I discovered that my life's purpose was found in Eph. 3:19. I'm to continually pray to know the deep, deep love of Christ. This kind of knowing is the experiential kind--not head-knowledge. The more I can experience His love for me, the more filled to the measure I'll be with Him. I must have the power of the Holy Spirit in me in order to live successfully as a believer in Christ. Ephesians 3:16,20 tells me my goal is to grow continually in Christ's love and power so that He can work through me.

What does Jesus want to do through me? I found the answer in Ephesians 4:12-13--to build up the body of Christ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Why does God want this? Ephesians 4:14 says it's (a) so we'll no longer be deceived by every wind of false doctrine or by deceitful, scheming men and (b) so we, as Christians and lovers of Christ, will stick together--be unified in Christ's love--"until the redemption of those who are God's possession (Eph. 1:14)".

Ephesians 2:10 makes it clear that we each have a calling--specific works created in advance for us to do in order to build up the body of Christ into unity and maturity. That calling has to do with the reconciliation of unbelievers to Christ and with encouraging and supporting our fellow believers in Christ. That's pretty important stuff. So I wondered, how do I go about fulfilling my calling or knowing what works I am to do to accomplish what God wants? The answer goes back to Ephesians 3:16,20: I must continue to grow in Christ's love and power. The more I know Him, the more He will reveal to me what I am to do. The more I seek His filling, the more of His power I'll have working in me.

Thinking about doing works for Him, I remembered what Jesus said, "Apart from Me you can do nothing." Specifically, it reads in John 15:4-5: "Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing." (Amplified)

I certainly proved that apart from Jesus I can do nothing. I've screwed up more times than I can count. But it encourages me to know that God hasn't given up on me. That there are still those works that He wants me to do--that He has "called" me to do. The only way I'm going to know what they are, though, and how to do them is to (a) grow in my experiential knowledge of the love of Christ and (b) live in that love every day.

I'm beginning to see that Christ's love is everything! It is the key. And the pathway to this love is through reading His Word every day, taking time out of my day to kneel at His feet, to meditate on Scripture that tells of His deep love for me, and developing an attitude of listening for His voice. I so want His love and His power filling me "to the measure of all the fullness of God". I believe He wants that for each and every believer in Christ Jesus.

How To Have a Quiet Time by Rick Warren

This was recently in the Purpose-Driven Life email newsletter I receive, and I thought I'd post it in case others are struggling with how to have a quiet time.

How to Have a Quiet Time (Part 4)
by Rick Warren
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
*** *** *** ***
Follow a simple plan
Someone has said, “If you aim at nothing, you are sure to hit it!” To have a meaningful quiet time, you will need a plan or some kind of general outline to follow.
The main rule is this: Keep your plan simple.
You will need the following three items for your planned quiet times:
• A Bible – a contemporary translation (not a paraphrase) with good print, preferably without notes.
• A notebook for writing down what the Lord shows you, and for making a prayer list.
• A hymnbook – sometimes you may want to sing in your praise time (see Colossians 3:16).
1. Wait on God (Relax). Be still for a minute; don’t come running into God’s presence and start talking immediately. Follow God’s admonition: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10; see also Isaiah 30:15; 40:31). Be quiet for a short while to put yourself into a reverent mood.
2. Pray briefly (Request). This is not your prayer time, but a short opening prayer to ask God to cleanse your heart and guide you into the time together. Two good passages of Scripture to memorize are:
• “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24; see also 1 John 1:9).
• “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law [the Word]” (Psalm 119:18; see also John 16:13).
You need to be in tune with the Author before you can understand his Book!
3. Read a section of the Scripture (Read). This is where your conversation with God begins. He speaks to you through his Word, and you speak with him in prayer. Read your Bible …
• Slowly. Don’t be in a hurry; don’t try to read too large an amount; don’t race through it.
• Repeatedly. Read a passage over and over until you start to picture it in your mind. The reason more people don’t get more out of their Bible reading is that they do not read the Scriptures repeatedly.
• Without stopping. Don’t stop in the middle of a sentence to go off on a tangent and do a doctrinal study. Just read that section for the pure joy of it, allowing God to speak to you. Remember that your goal here is not to gain information, but to feed on the Word and get to know Christ better.
• Aloud but quietly. Reading it aloud will improve your concentration, if you have that problem. It will also help you understand what you are reading better because you will be both seeing and hearing what you are reading. Read softly enough, however, so that you won’t disturb anyone.
• Systematically. Read through a book at a time in an orderly method. Do not use the “random dip” method – a passage here, a chapter there, what you like here, an interesting portion there. You’ll understand the Bible better if you read it as it was written – a book or letter at a time.
*** *** *** ***
This article was adapted from Dynamic Bible Study Methods (Chariot Victor Books) © Copyright 1989 by Rick Warren. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
All Scripture references are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, and 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishing House. All rights reserved.
You may use this study guide for yourself or share it with friends, but please keep the copyright information within the document, and please don’t sell it.
© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.

Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America's largest and best-known churches. In addition, Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church, which was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th Century. He is also founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for ministers.

Jesus in Song of Songs (Solomon)

I have always had a hard time seeing how Song of Songs fit in with the rest of the Word, but I found these comparisons in Daily Light From the Bible (by Samuel Bagster, Barbour Publishing) that opened my eyes, so I thought I'd share:

My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. (Psalm 104:34) As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my Beloved among the sons. I sat down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste. (SOS 2:3) Thy words were found and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart. (Jer. 15:16)

For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? (Ps. 89:6) My Beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. (SOS 5:10) A chief cornerstone, elect, precious....(1 Peter 2:6) One pearl of great price. (Mat.13:46) The Prince of the kings of the earth.(Rev.1:5)

His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. (SOS 5:11) The head over all things. (Eph. 1:22) He is the head of the body, the church. (Col. 1:18) It pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell. (Col. 1:19)

His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers.(SOS 5:13) He is altogether lovely. (SOS 5:16) Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips. (Ps. 45:2) The Word made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) He could not be hid. (Mark 7:24)

His lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.(SOS 5:13) Never man spake like this man. (John 7:46) All bare Him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. (Luke 4:22)

His countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.(SOS 5:1) Make thy face to shine upon thy servant. (Ps. 31:16) LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. (Ps. 4:6)

I am black, but comely. (SOS 1:5) I am a sinful man, O Lord. (Luke 5:8) I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing. (Romans 7:18) Be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. (Matt. 9:2) Ye are complete in Him. Perfect in Christ Jesus. (Col. 2:10; 1:28)

Sunday

It was wonderful to get back in my church Sunday. Somehow it made me feel that life could get back to normal now. God's Spirit was evident during the worship hour. There is nothing like being able to sing and praise God no matter what is going on in our lives. I felt so unburdened and free--lifted up and encouraged. I wasn't the only one. Several people in the sanctuary lifted up their hands as we sang, "All hail, King Jesus! All hail, Emmanuel! King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Bright Morning Star. And throughout eternity, I'm going to praise Him. And forevermore I will reign with Him." Let me tell you, seeing that many hands in the air was unusual for my church--Southern Baptist--and unbelievers would think it was most unusual for people who have just gone through a hurricane with damaged property and lives (or having relatives with damaged property and lives) singing praises to their King and Creator.

I was convinced once more that no matter what happens to us or around us, nothing can take away our joy and confidence in Christ Jesus. We may not understand all that He allows to take place, but we can be assured He is in control and is on our side. That He will listen to our cries and prayers and will help us. Hebrews says He ever lives to intercede for us. How I love Him!

I praise you, Lord! I am so grateful to You for Your love and support. Forgive me for not taking the time consistently to sit before you in praise and adoration, for not seeking Your wisdom and guidance before heading out and doing my own thing. For trusting in my own judgment and agenda and not waiting patiently to hear Your Voice speak to my heart. It's a lesson You've had to teach me over and over again. I'm sorry I'm such a slow learner!

Last Post for Awhile

Due to my parents' ill health, I'm shutting down my blog for awhile. I don't know for how long but I would appreciate your prayers for my parents. They are in their eighties and are needing me more and more which I do not mind at all. I love them both dearly and am so appreciative to God that I am available to care for them. I also request your prayers for my husband and children and me. I'll just end this by saying that the past few weeks have been the most stressful, the most difficult, but also the most glorious as I brought each and every situation under the protective umbrella of my Lord's good and perfect will. It seems the more stress I'm given, the more I'm compelled to lean on Him, and the more assurance He gives me of His Presence, and that if I will just let Him have control and have faith in Him and His Word, His perfect will (which is in our best interest) will be done. As I lay in bed last night and felt the old anxiousness building, God revealed to me that He was right there with me in my heart by reminding me of this Bible verse, "The kingdom of God is within you." I imagined Jesus sitting on His throne in my heart and I asked Him to reign fully in me and to bring my body under subjection to Him. As I prayed I felt my body beginning to relax. I hope I always remember that He truly is in all and in Him all things hold together--including me.

Comments on Consecrate Your Mind

Thank you all for taking the time to comment. Sheryl, God gave me a wonderful example of my relationship with Him yesterday. It just came to me. I remembered how in the first Superman movie, Superman took Lois on a flying lesson. At first, she was terrified and clung to his shoulder and arm and hid her eyes. Then as she saw he had her, she stopped hiding her eyes and began to enjoy herself. Then, she let go of his shoulder and just held onto his arm. A few minutes later she was enjoying her freedom so much, she let go of his arm and just held his hand. As her confidence grew even more, she let go of his hand until she was holding onto just a finger. Then she felt so confident and free that without realizing what she was doing, she let go of his finger--and plummeted to earth. But he was there to swoop down and catch her again. The parallel between that flight and my walk with Jesus was so illuminating to me. I had grown too confident. In my heart and mind, I had let my grip on Jesus relax until I was just holding His hand. And I didn't even realize it until the anxiety symptoms started coming back. Praise God for the way He cares for us and helps us fulfill our commitment to Him!

Jill, I prayed the same thing to God. I know myself and how easily influenced I am by the things I watch on television and the news. Somehow I have fallen into the habit of television again. I asked Him years ago to keep me from loosening my grip on Him, and I believe He did that Sunday.

Linda, (I sent you an email), thank you for your encouragement to keep blogging. Believe it or not, I had thought about shutting down this blog just moments before I read your comment. I wondered if I spent too much time writing (I'm a perfectionist and it takes me awhile to write and make sure it's something that glorifies God.) After reading your comment, I felt God had affirmed I should keep blogging until He tells me otherwise.