Tag: hopeanchorforthesoul

Stress

Got Stress?

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Recently I have been reading in 2 Corinthians from The Modern Life Study Bible. In 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 Paul talks about dealing with stress. There is a little commentary in the margin that I had to reread a few times. Let me just preface this by saying I am not disagreeing with the following, there were just some things that made me go hmmmm.

“Tension, conflict, weariness and suffering are common place in our world but some hold out that God will bring life struggles to an end. They assume that a relationship of Christ ushers us into peace, even prosperity… as long as we live on this earth we will experience the unbreakable connection between trouble and hope. It may not be pleasant but it brings lasting benefits… James challenges us to find joy in our various trials because they produce patients which in the end makes us mature (James 1:2-4).  As long as we attempted to obey Christ we can count on having to deal with stress but whatever strain we feel today reaps riches to enjoy for eternity.”

The Modern Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson 2014

I agree with some of this, “Tension, conflict, weariness and suffering are common place in our world but some hold out that God will bring life struggles to an end.” Hmmm, well shouldn’t we hope that God will one day end all the strife in the world? Perhaps I am not reading that correctly. Maybe not this side of heaven but God will end all suffering when Jesus returns. I am looking forward to that day. Shouldn’t we hope that God will end our whatever current crisis we are enduring? Shouldn’t we hope that God will put an end to the chaos and craziness in our world? 

I also agree with, “They assume that a relationship of Christ ushers us into peace, even prosperity…” Regardless if we walk with or without God, if we are in a relationship with Him the rain, the stress falls on the just and the unjust. Being a believer, Christ follower, Child of God, a Christian doesn’t mean a life prosperity. So I’d rather have the stress with God then without Him which I believe there is a peace maybe not so much ease and prosperity but with God there is a peace, He is the Prince of Peace. John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Just because we have a relationship with God doesn’t mean we won’t encounter hardships here on earth. John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Even Jesus encountered some rough times. I can think of one very rough day. 

“…the unbreakable connection between trouble and hope.”

The Modern Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson 2014

Hmmm, not sure what is meant by that. The now and the not yet? That is a difficult place to be. But I believe there is always hope in any situation.

There are some benefits to following Christ.

Matthew 16:24,25 – If we lose our lives for His sake we will find them.

Hebrews 12:8-11 – We are God’s children and when He disciplines us that is evidence we belong to Him as His chlidren.

James 1:2-4 – James encourages us to find joy in our trials, for trials produce patience. We don’t need to ask for patience when we have enough trials in front of us to help us cultivate patience.

1 Peter 4:12,13 – Facing these trials can cause us to waiver in Christ. Trials in this life are pretty common but they can produce some great results. We can experience the suffering of Christ so that we can also experience His glory.

God never said it would be easy to follow Him, He never promised that. But He did promise that He would never leave us or forsake us. Deuteronomy 31:8 – “
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” He said in Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

The conflicts, tension, and weariness won’t come to a complete end until Jesus returns. There is always hope, Jesus is our only hope, He is  the only hope this world has. So if there is going to be conflict and stress in this world, I’d don’t want to take another step with out God by my side. After all He has overcome the world.  

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Ephesians 3:12 – July 11, 2022

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Happy Monday!!! Hope everyone enjoyed a great celebration this past Fourth of July! Our country may be going through some tough and turbulent times right now, but God is in control and we are still a free country. For that we can be truly thankful to God.

Some of you may have noticed that scripture memorization here happens in different translations. I don’t think God expects us to remember every translation or just one. For myself, different translations help me to better understand the original words of Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, etc.

For me the goal is to have the meaning in my heart and mind. The best I am going to do with my memory is have a general idea where the scripture lives, (numbers aren’t my jam) if I can recall the book, I’m good and even then those wires can cross. I hope these coloring pages help.

Please remember to like and share. Thank you.

July-11-22

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July 1, 2022 Galatians 5:1

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There have been many men and women who have given their lives for our freedom. Posting a little early for the holiday weekend. Take some time to make some space for creativity and relaxation, print this coloring page, pour yourself a cool glass of lemonade and relax. Remember that God is still in control, He sees what is going on in our world, it’s not a surprise to Him. We still live in a free country.

Happy 4th of July!

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June 27, 2022 – John 5:1

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Wow, this year is half over!! Where has 2022 taken you? Where is Jesus leading you? He is the light of this world and He will guide you where He wants you, you just need to be willing to let Him lead you.

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Trust God

Feeding Sheep

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It occurred to me the other day, I don’t remember what I was listening to at the time. I began to wonder what exactly am I doing to feed God’s sheep? This blog for example, I don’t have many followers and that’s ok. Sometimes it bothers me. I try to learn how I can increase views and watch videos on how to pump up the blog. Sometimes I get snagged into an hour long sales pitch of buy my course.

But I thought about it. Like Jesus I want organic followers. I want people to follow this blog because it’s pointing them to Jesus, because it’s making them think. I can spend money all day long to attract followers and there’s nothing wrong with that. But God is bigger than any algorithm, any hashtag, bigger than any I could possibly do. Sometimes I feel like what am I doing here? Then He reminds me, “for the one.” A good shepherd will leave the 99 (Matthew 18:10–14 and Luke 15:3–7) and seek the one lost sheep. So if this blog points one person to Jesus, then I am ok with that.

Sometimes I can feel defeated, I know that’s the enemy. God is still bigger. I realized, that it’s not my job to help God spread His Gospel, it’s God’s job to help me spread His Gospel. It’s like a load was lifted. After all He chose me, He chose us to follow Him, (Matthew 4:19) and I willingly chose and accepted. So it’s only fitting that God is going to help me and provide what I need ( Philippians 4:19). Like Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen) said, “It’s not our job to feed the 5000, we just need to bring the loaves and fish.” (Actually it may have been his wife who said that). God does the rest. If I do what He says, He will provide what I need. Matthew 6:8 says that God knows what I need before I ask. He knows who needs to see this and He what this blog needs to reach others. Right now spending money isn’t in my budget, so I’m relying on God. I’m just doing, following His lead, the rest is up to Him.

So all I can ask of whoever is reading this, please like and share. It takes a second and won’t cost you a dime. Also you can follow on Facebook and Instagram and like and share there as well. I do hope this blog is an encouragement to whoever reads this. Happy Friday and thank you to all who follow, be blessed.

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May 13, 2022 _ Psalm 119:105

The Kedge Anchor

A day late and a dollar short, can’t emphasize the dollar short enough these days. Lol. Yesterday was such a busy day, totally forgot it was Monday. But ok so it’s Tuesday, giving myself some grace today and humbly posting Memorize Monday on Tuesday.

Psalm 119:105 is the only verse we all need to guide us through life. By that I mean God’s word, is what we need to get through this life. It’s all there. So if you are a Grad trying to figure out your next step, dig into God’s word. If your a dad trying to figure out your next step, it’s all there in God’s word.

Some extra white space was intentionally left for you to be creative. Please remember to like and share. Thank you.

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Stress

What is Your Relationship with Food?

The Kedge Anchor

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There are so many things that appear innocent that can be a sin that causes us to move away from God. Not having our priorities straight isn’t a sin per se. They can become sin when God isn’t our foremost priority. Then there are things that we use to fill a void or use as an escape. Things that are good and for our enjoyment.

God may remove things and situations from our lives that have demanded our time, love and attention, for whatever reason He has to grow us. Empty nesters for example, there is a valid, legitimate void in their lives. And it’s not to say they can’t take time for themselves or venture out in a new hobby or lifestyle. They should. But I think we need to realize that God is the only one Who can fill that void, that emptiness. The new hobby, the new lifestyle isn’t a sin but when that new thing becomes a priority over God that’s when we are walking on shaky ground.

If you’re like me, you enjoy food, friends, family and fellowship. Notice I listed food first over people. LOL. I enjoy food and eating and sharing a meal with friends and family. Sometimes for myself it can be an escape. It’s easy for me after a bad day or just out of boredom to turn to food. Stress can do that to some of us. Depression, stress, voids, frustration, boredom, grieving aren’t sin. It’s when we turn to other things other than God first can it become sin.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve lived in a perfect world, in paradise, walking and talking with God on a daily basis. Everything was perfect until Eve was tempted by Satan and ate a piece of fruit instructed by God not to eat. Food. Food is not a sin but it was used against Eve to sin. Eve fell to the lie that God was holding back something, thus she needed this piece of fruit to fill that void. She didn’t. It’s easy to abuse food. It’s subtle like out enemy. Some deal with stress by over eating. Some are insecure about their body weight and avoid it starving themselves becoming anorexic. Some become bulimic. Or society leads us to believe lies about ourselves so we turn to food, abuse it, or sometimes to fill a void.

In scripture we read of Jesus and His disciples at feasts, wedding feasts, eating enjoying food and celebrating. Then there’s the last supper. There was a time when Jesus fasted, Matthew 4:2. God gives us instruction on fasting, Matthew 6:16-18.
Food like anything else in our lives has a place. When God creates a void, only He can fill it. He wants to be the one to fill it. Yes He even creates that need sometimes so that we can turn to Him first. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God …” Matthew 6:33

But let me say this, if you’re stressed for whatever reason, you do need to take care of yourself. Eat responsibly and enjoy the junk food within reason. Food has it’s place in our lives. God created us to eat. Our enemy is subtle and will use anything to keep us apart from God. John 10:10 -“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Coloring Page

June 6, 2022 – Luke 6:40

The Kedge Anchor

I know this post is a little late today, some technical difficulties at the Kedge anchor today. Here’s to our Grads and dad this month!

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Please remember to like and share, thank you

Coloring Page

May 30, 2022 – 2 Corinthians 3:17

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HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Memorial Day is so much more than cook outs and a day off. Our soldiers who have fought and lost their lives, the soldiers who fought, lived and died, the soldiers who fought and live today are incredibly brave. Their families are brave for wondering day after day if they will see their loved ones again, brave for to do life without them, for keeping things goings while they are away.

So take time to say a pray for our military and their families as you celebrate our freedom with your friends and families today. Thank God for these brave men and women who choose to defend our country through the sacrifices they make.

 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Please remember to like and share this post.

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May 23, 2022 – Proverbs 31:10

The Kedge Anchor

The Proverbs 31 woman always made me depressed. I can never live up to her. But what Proverbs 31 is, is a mother explaining to her son the qualities he should look for in a wife. It’s just a guide not a command. Phew that takes a load off.

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