Bible reading and summary note

[IKTCA]

I have read several encouraging posts in Recovery forum. They seem to indicate that reading the Bible restored peace whether they were in depression or urge to cut (and any other unwanted act). I wonder if we can start reading a few verses of the Bible and write a quick summary here as self-help. What do you think?
Rupert

 

[IKTCA]

I will go first. I have been thinking about POWER.

POWER at work within us (Ephesians 3:20)
He gave POWER to become children of God (John 1:12)

It is of course the power of God. But the Bible clearly says that this power is in me. Since I cannot fly, it must not be superman-like power. How do I use this power? What for? Will someone comment?

Rupert

 

[Wildwood]

I think we use the power by choosing to trust in His power.

Eph 3:20 begins by saying "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," and then it goes on to say "according to the power that worketh in us."

By studying and meditating on God's Word, we become acquainted with Him and His promises, so that we have faith to choose to trust Him. And, the more we trust Him, and try Him, the more faith we have. But, we have to make that first choice--that small spark that ignites our faith.

Choosing to trust God may make the difference between going through a time of grief and sinking into depression.

God bless you, Rupert, for this thread. I'll agree with you in prayer that it will bless others.

 

[IKTCA]

Thank you, Sister W. I ask you to be with us here and write often to us.

God said to Moses, "Take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform signs." (Exodus 4:17)

This is the staff that became a snake, that brought disasters to Egypt, that struck a stone to give water to Israelites in the desert. God gave Moses the staff. What did God give to us? Or are we sent to this world bare hand?

I find God gave us, believers, the name of his Son Jesus. The name of Jesus is greater than Moses' staff. I don't read in the Bible that Moses healed anyone with the staff. But I read in the Bible that disciples healed the sick in the name of Jesus.

What a privilege to carry the name of Jesus!

Rupert

 

[Wildwood]

Some of the verses that come to mind are "they overcame [them/him?] by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony," from Rev. I believe. Also, "thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me," from the 23rd Psalm.

I recall you're correct that Moses didn't heal anyone with the staff. But, rather, that they were healed if they looked upon the staff with a serpent on it (symbolic it seems of Jesus' victory over Satan, the serpent)? (Perhaps you recall.) The medical symbol is derived from this.

I agree, God has given us power through Jesus victory. Paul cast out demons in the name of Jesus. "At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow." And, Jesus closing words in Mark that "In my name, shall they cast out devils,...."

So, God has given us the authority of a Believer in Jesus, and the Word. That was what Jesus used when he was tempted in the desert, was it not. "It is written...." And, as John wrote, "In the beginning was the Word...."

An edifying discussion. Thank you.

 

[IKTCA]

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me .....
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18)

Wow! This is the year of the Lord’s favor! That’s what the Bible says! That’s got to be true for the Bible says so!

Thank you, Father. This year is going to be the year of the Lord’s favor on me. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

I am a man with impure heart. If I remain impure, I will not be in the place of God where I can see God. I will be in the place where God is not. That place is not going to be heaven.

Jesus has the power to fulfill his words. If I yearn to be pure in heart, Jesus has the power to make my impure heart pure. All the promises of the Bible I receive by yearning to obey.

Lord Jesus,
Make my yeart pure, loving you with pure heart, caring for my brothers with pure will. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones;
for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. (matthew 18:10)

It's great to know that my angel is seeing God in the heaven. He will plead for me continually. I will not have to fear any, for my angel is always before the Father.

Thank you, Father.
I didn't know you have assigned an angel to look out for me continually. Thank you, Father. Amen.

 

[Wildwood]

Little One's Guardian Angels

When I was about three years old I fell out an open window on the first floor of a house--running head first. I remember playing the minute before, and I remember going through the window, but nothing after. My mother ran out immediately and found me sitting peacefully, without a scratch on me. I believe my guardian angel caught me.

 

[Wildwood]

John 21:15-17

In these verses Jesus asks Peter three times "lovest thou me"? (Perhaps three times because Peter had denied Jesus three times.) When Peter says "Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee," Jesus says, "Feed my lambs," tend my sheep," and "feed my sheep."

Remembering that taking care of Jesus sheep--serving others--is a way of showing Jesus that we love Him can be a motivation and an encouragement.