Tag: hopeforthesoul

Stress

Got Stress?

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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.  

Trust God

What Can You Handle?

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Matt Hardy on Pexels.com

1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (NKJV)

Some people interpret this verse to say God will not give more than you can bear. That He won’t put you in a situation that is so overwhelming that you just can’t go through it. Others will say this verse is being taken out of context, that, that’s not what it means, that it pertains only to being tempted.

The Greek word for temptation; peirasmos: an experiment, a trial, temptation, can also mean test and tested. Well, I agree and kinda disagree. I may be splitting hairs here, but bear with me. Did God give Job more than he could handle? Did God give Mary and Joseph more they they could handle? Did God give Jesus more than He could handle? Job, “A man who so feared God and fled from evil at all costs. When he was 70 years old, God allowed terrible temptations brought by the devil to fall upon him.” Job was tempted, his fear in God and seeking to flee from evil at al costs, was Job’s way out. Joseph wanted to secretly divorce Mary, – Matthew 1:19, but he didn’t, God provided an angel to encourage Joseph to remain with Mary. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan. The night before His crucifixion and angle ministered to Jesus, -Luke 22:41-43. They all could have given into temptation at any time. But God provided a way out. Ok so Jesus being an example, He was fully God and fully human here on earth, so… He had a bigger advantage, none the less, He could have in His humanity not go to the cross.

In the midst of temptations and the trials in our lives we are tempted to take matters in our own hands, by either manipulating others or a situation in order to get out of it or get our way in order to just get through it or get what we want. We can be tempted to walk away from God or our faith because it just doesn’t seem to be working.

BUT GOD, is faithful! “The more than we can handle” in a trial or a bad season isn’t the season itself as some interpret. I tend to agree with that. I think “the more than we can handle” is the temptation to sin in that hard season. No one wants to go through hard times. I know I don’t and it’s so easy for me to complain and whine and get angry. And it gets me no where. I am learning to ask myself – what does God want me to learn from this? I still wrestle with God and that’s ok, because it can be an intimate way to get closer to Him. God is faithful. He will provide a way out, search Him, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life!

Coloring Page

June 27, 2022 – John 5:1

The Kedge Anchor

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.

june-27-2022-2Download

Stress

What is Your Relationship with Food?

The Kedge Anchor

Photo by Olya Kobruseva on Pexels.com

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

May 30, 2022 – 2 Corinthians 3:17

The Kedge Anchor

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.

memorial-day-2022Download

Coloring Page

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.

May2322

Uncategorized

Judgement Day

The Kedge Anchor

Photo by Ray Bilcliff on Pexels.com

“And on that day when we will pay for all the deeds we have done, Good and bad they’ll all be had to see by everyone” – Amy Grant, My Father’s Eyes.

There will come a day when we will stand before God, whether or not you believe in Him or not, we all will stand before Him and have to give an account for everything we have done, the good, the bad, the ugly, all of it.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 – “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (NIV).

2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”  This has to happen before God can create the new Heaven and new earth.

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 – “For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.”  

The Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial brought this to mind. The entire world is hearing and seeing all the bad in their relationship. The accusations toward each other, the emotional and physical abuse, all the dirt is just out there for us all to see. I can’t imagine the stress and judgement of the world they must be feeling on just these chapters of their lives. Pray for all those involved. And one day that’s how it will be for us, standing before God and everyone to see the good and bad we have done. It won’t be just a few things, it will be everything!

But unlike what Johnny and Amber are experiencing, we have a God who has provided a way out of God’s judgment. (and if they are willing to repent and ask for God’s forgiveness, He will forgive them) When we stand before God on Judgement Day if we have Jesus in our hearts, as our Lord and Savior, His blood covering us, that’s all God will see, His Son’s blood and we will have eternity with Him. As we live our lives day to day we are writing the story of our lives. We all have the opportunity while we are living here today to repent an ask for God’s forgiveness. Then God will wipe out all the bad and only remember the good things we have done. Hebrews 10:17 – “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 

It’ll be too late on judgement day to ask for forgiveness. The time is now, today is the day. Why wait? God isn’t trying to keep from having fun. He is offering you freedom and eternity now.

If God doesn’t love us, why would He provide a way out for us. It’s God’s desire that all come to Him, 1 Timothy 2:3-4 – “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,  who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (emphasis mine).

Where do you want to be on that day? The time is now to ask for forgiveness.

scripture

May 16, 2022 Deuteronomy 5:16

The Kedge Anchor

It’s still May, let’s celebrate our mom’s all month long!!!

May-16-2022Download

Please remember to like and share, thank you.

healing, Uncategorized

Letting God’s Love Shine Though Our Brokenness

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Lucas Meneses on Pexels.com

God can use your brokenness to heal others. Your story can become the hope for others. God can use anything for His glory, even our pain and suffering. God does and will heal us. Sometimes we have the scars to remind us of what we have been through, be it physical or emotional, we all have scars. And that’s ok. Jesus understands scars. He has a few. And it’s by His stripes we are healed Isaiah 53:5. NLT says, “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” He was whipped. Through those wounds He poured out His blood to save us from hell so that we could spend eternity with Him in heaven. Jesus is our Hope, His wounds heal.

What does letting God’s love shine through our brokenness look like? What does that look like for us? Is it like getting a cut and letting the blood cleanse the wound? What are we doing when we let God’s love shine through our wounds, our scars?

Is it sharing our story, our hurts or our current pain? Does it mean sometimes we have to open a wound to and start that healing process over again? Being brave and courageous enough to share our story can be hard, scary. We are afraid of judgement, rejection, or perhaps someone unfriending us. It’s a risk yes. And even though we may have to reopen that wound again to share our story, we can know we are still healed from it when we respond with love, grace, mercy and forgiveness to reopening that wound. When we no longer feel the resentment and hatred from it but feel God’s love we know we have been healed. It is possible and healing for everyone is different.

When we share our story we are bleeding hope into someone’s life. Jesus offers healing through that, there is healing in His wounds and in His wings.

Coloring Page

Happy Mother’s Day

The Kedge Anchor

May 7, 2022 – Proverbs 31:29

Happy Mother’s Day! Memorize Monday is posting a little early in honor of Mother’s Day! Give your mom the day to relax, pour her favorite tea, get her some colored pencils or markers and print out this coloring page or another one from Memorize Monday. Coloring is relaxing and can be meditative. Maybe print out a page for yourself and color with her.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s and soon to be mom’s. God bless!

Mothers Day 2022Download

If you enjoy these coloring pages please like and share, thank you!