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The eBook will automatically download this Thursday, November 1, 2018

Why I Wrote this Book

This all began when I was doing a devotional Bible reading that took me to 1 Peter 3. As I read it I came upon a verse and sensed the Holy Spirit was highlighting it to me and found myself thinking, "This is the antidote to suicide!" I continued to read and realized that the Lord was saying something profound to me. This began the journey to write a book around that very statement. Please note that the title does not say, THE antidote to suicide but rather simply, "Antidote to Suicide: What to do When All Hope Seems Lost." The reason is that this book is not the antidote to suicide but the Word of God along with a relationship with Him is the Antidote to suicidal thinking and any temptation to give up. 

1 Peter 3:18-20 tells us,

     "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit..."

In this account, we discuss reasons why people think suicidal thoughts and even attempt to commit it while others actually succeed at it. This book is a journey through the despair that leads people to choose this route and the way out of the thought process that leads them there. 

What's the Antidote Described in the Book?

The crucial part of the book focusing on the antidote for suicide takes us to 1 Peter 1, where we see the epitome of hope, Jesus Christ, even though He suffered in this life, came through it gloriously and how we can, too. It beautifully and meticulously walks us through the plan of God for our redemption through Christ. He is our Model of victory over temporary suffering. This Scripture always encourages us to endure informing us of the rich rewards awaiting those who triumph in obedience to God. 

Personally, I have never had this struggle and prayerfully I never will and neither will anyone within my family, friends and reach of this or any other Christ-centered publication that leads to Him. However, chances are, as depression is on the rise, someone your or I know has struggled with it. This is a very real problem outside and increasingly so inside the Church of Jesus Christ. 

There is no sin in a genuine struggle, nor even shame, but we are not to allow either of those things to be our undoing. 

A Few Comments from Readers of the Manuscript:

"What a blessing your words will be too many in need of them. God bless you, my sister!"

"First, this is excellent! On a personal note, I found it so practical for not just suicide prevention, but for walking with the Lord in a much deeper way! And I especially love the parts that deal with time vs. eternity and the physical body vs. the spirit and soul. I will use your perspective in my Bible classes." 

"And I can't lie -- I love how you so skillfully dismantled the "best life now" doctrine."

"I do particularly like your writing style -- it is very upbeat and hopeful, just like you!"

"Your heart shines through your writing!!"

** Notice, at $2.99, I have priced the book as low as Amazon would allow, so please go ahead and get it and tell your friends about it **

I pray you find your way to Hope and Peace in Christ as you read. And please, always ask the Holy Spirit or reveal Christ, the Reason for our hope and our Prince of peace, to you as you read. Finally, and most importantly, always read His Word, Who is the Author of your life. May He fill you up to overflowing with His joy and strengthen you for the days ahead. 

God bless you!

PLEASE NOTE: This is a biblical and not a psychological perspective. This is about prevention of certain thought patterns that lead to destructive behavior and not about dealing with the behaviors themselves. It is not a comprehensive treatise by any means. I am not a clinical psychologist, neither do I claim to be an expert in that area. I am a minister of the Gospel sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with anyone who would be so inclined to listen and receive from Him.

Mary and Martha - Part 1: Worry and Distractions vs. Choosing the Better Thing

Perhaps by now you know I like to revisit bible accounts and see how they apply to our lives today. What is God teaching us that if we choose to apply the lessons would vastly improve our lives, placing us on another trajectory of success? Yes, that's a mouthful so let's visit Martha and Mary's house during Jesus' visit with them.

The Scripture tells us in Luke 10: 

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary,who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”     

What we are seeing here is that Martha invited Jesus to her home and immediately began doing what she thought was required of her. Yet, she did not take the time to inquire what He wanted. Martha had taken charge, this was her home after all. Therefore, she assumed her role was to prepare a meal for Him. That's what she did for her guests, so that is what she focused on. She did not stop to find out what would best serve Him. Yes, people have to eat but it's not every day the Son of God comes to your house -- IN PERSON!

Another thing we see is that the first thing that Mary did was sit at Jesus' feet to listen to what he said. Wow! I'm already impressed with this woman. In all fairness, Martha did what 90% of women would have done. After all, I have invited this very important Person to my house and I must serve him well. But Mary, from most accounts was being lazy and just chilling with the Guest. But this account has already assessed Martha's agenda as a distraction, saying she was "distracted by all the preparations." Mary chose to sit, listen, and observe. Who was the wiser one? Who better assessed the opportunity at hand? Well, let's keep going, because Jesus lays it out without mincing words.

She [Martha] came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Martha was not happy just going about her preparations, really distractions, on her own; she wanted help. Does that sound familiar? She figured, "why should Mary be hanging out with the Guest while I'm working my fingers to the bone to serve our Guest AND Mary?"  No, she was not having it. She marched right out of the kitchen into the area where Jesus and Mary were sitting and proceeded to tell the Lord the situation,(as if he hadn't noticed) and what He should do. She wasn't too presumptuous, right? That makes me realize the degree to which Jesus had allowed people to get close to Him? He clearly did not lord it over people even though He WAS and IS Lord. 

So, yes, Martha was focusing on something; but was it the right thing? We find that according to Jesus, the answer is "no."

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” 

Two short sentences, 4 crucial lessons to Marthas:

1. Jesus chastised her for being worried and upset. He does to like that especially when He is IN THE HOUSE. 

2. At any given time, we don't have to be running around trying to accomplish everything. Jesus said few, no only ONE thing was needed at that time and it was being with Him in His presence not the running around we often kid ourselves or accept pressure from others, that this and that is necessary. Jesus said, just the one thing is necessary and Mary had chosen to do it.

3. Mary, the lazy and perhaps seen as the clueless one not correctly assessing the situation, had chosen the right thing to do. The childlike thing to the world but the wise thing to Jesus. How worldly we can be when we think that the activity is the thing that gets notice from heaven. No, the one who humbly, listening and attending to whatever the Master was saying, had chosen to do the right thing.

4. Those who are flowing according to God's desires will not be cut of from doing the best thing. He simply will not be pressured by the distracted to deny the ones doing the right thing. Many are doing good things and engaging in good work but it is not the best because Christ has not approved it. They have presumed that God wants all this activity and endless projects, but in the end these things make them look good. Heaven is not impressed by man-focused activity even when claims are made that they will glorify God. God is not mocked by these claims. We need to assess our motives for the activities we do.

WHY WAS MARTHA SO FOCUSED ON THE PREPARATIONS WHEN JESUS WAS  IN SUCH CLOSE PROXIMITY AND SO VERY ACCESSIBLE?

My thoughts from her actions and words are, Martha was:

1.  worldly

2.  a perfectionist

3.  focused on man's opinion

4.  concerned about her reputation

5.  presuming she knew what Jesus wanted

Here is why Martha was wrong and why we can learn so well from her mistake. It's found in Philippians 4:6, Paul's later writing so that we do do not make the same mistake. Thank God it's not a writing she would have had access to - yet Truth was in her home.Truth had already said in John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God believe also in Me." Here is the Holy Spirit's mandate through Paul in Philippians 4:6-7.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The first thing Martha did wrong was being anxious and worried, although we understand the honored Guest she had in her home; but this was not just any Guest. Once He left, there was no guarantee He would be back -- at least not in that way. 

The second thing she did wrong was in failing to ask Him what He wanted. She presumed that the transaction had to be one way, her serving and giving to Him, while all the time it was she who needed to receive from Him.

The third thing was, at least we do not see it, she did not take the time to appreciate and enjoy the fact that the Lord was in her house! THE LORD WAS IN HER HOUSE!! She could have chosen to receive a wealth by sitting at His feet and really asking for anything. The God of Phil 4:6 was in her house and she was missing out big time! (Again she would not have needed Paul's writings to know the right thing to do. Her sister Mary already knew and did it.)

Consequently, she was worried and distracted instead of at peace in God's presence. Martha was missing out on the very therapy she needed for her worried soul. Had she been in a teachable more humble state of being, she would have been better off and Jesus would not have had to rebuke and refuse her as He did. 

Recap of Philippians 4:6 Mandate:

1. Don't worry about anything;

2. in every situation pray and petition the Lord;

3. be thankful (for every 1 thing we need, we have about 100 we can be thankful for);

4. Let God know in detail what you need (even though He already knows); as this shows our humility in not being able to provide for ourselves

Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

In other words, Martha, "no. I will not tell Mary to come and help you. You sit down and do the better thing that Mary has already chosen to do from the beginning by sitting with me."[Paraphrasing of course but in the spirit of what Jesus was saying.]

May we all choose the better thing, sitting in His presence getting His heart on matters, seeking what He wants us to say and do instead of presuming or listening to someone else who is also distracted worrier. Doing puts us in control when we have not been given a mandate from Him.This takes us further out of touch with God and keeps us in an unhealthy cycle of doing rather than being. 

There is more and in Part II, we will talk about those who are today's Martha. Hint: They impress you with their "success."

TO BE CONTINUED ...

Spiritual Warfare Series: There's No Spiritual Warfare Where we are Seated in the Heavenly Places

This is a short video and blog post to introduce this installment of "Spiritual Warfare" series. Please watch the video and feel free to comment. Please note that the apostle Paul chooses to open our eyes to the glory, power, and majesty of God in relation to everything else. He clearly indicates that God sits above everything, including the fray of spiritual warfare. That He is unmatched in His power. Paul reminds us that were chosen even while we were still dead in our sins, and really enemies of God. So let's thank God for snatching us out of darkness. And now that we are in Christ, we are seated right there with Jesus next to almighty God - above the spiritual warfare that goes on in the second heaven.

Now that is great news!

Watch the video and be reminded and empowered to meet the challenges you face

with this heavenly perspective.

QUOTED SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 1:15-23 (esp. vv. 20-21)

Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

¹⁵ Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶ do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, ¹⁸ the eyes of your understanding^[c] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power ²⁰ which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

²² And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, ²³ which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 2:4-10 (esp. vs. 6)

 ⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast. ¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Prayer

Lord, please help us to get and maintain a heavenly perspective on spiritual warfare that it is not a time to be fearful but a time to rejoice that we sit in the position with Christ Jesus next to you in heavenly place, far above the fray of spiritual warfare. Thank you, Lord, that while we do have to "walk out' our victory, the end game is that we win hands down. Thank you, Lord for saving us, for sending Jesus to redeem us, and for your Holy Spirit Who enables us to live this life before you that Christ modeled for us. Praise Him Who made it possible and Him to sent us our Savior! Thank you, Lord! In Jesus name we pray! Amen and Amen!

Seeking Input from Blog Readers

Hello Friends,

I am seeking your help and input as readers of my blog posts, books, Facebook or Twitter posts.  I pray that they have been fresh insight from the Lord that has taught, informed, helped, healed, lead to Christ, delivered from fear of the unknown, demystified the walk with Christ, as well as the prophetic and walking in the Spirit, and much more. Our God is unlimited in how He chooses to bless people. Thankfully, we do not have to have a perfect walk or even a walk that has already reached the destination. Remember how the father of the prodigal son ran to him while the son was still quite a long way off. That is exactly how our Lord does it. He runs to the one coming to Him while still quite a long way off from the destination. 

Friends, it's coming to me. Isn't that exactly what God did in the form of HIs Son Jesus Christ by sending Him to earth 2000 plus years ago. God did not need us. He chose us. He chose to send His only Son while we were still lost in sin, far apart, and aliens to Him. He sent Jesus to reconcile His family. That is the heart of the Father; reconciliation at all cost, even the cost of His only begotten Son. I don't know about you, but that just about brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. I am overcome and undone by His goodness. Aren't you?

So I do not even want to pretend to know how He has used me in your life, but I humbly ask you to share in a comment or email to me. If you can do so in a comment, I believe it would help others as well. I am not seeking glory, I am just flesh and blood. Yet, He chooses to partner with us to do His will. Actually, partner is a pretty strong role. We are His vessels of honor when we choose to answer His call. Praise Him!

Also, I would really like to hear of any as yet uncovered subject matter in this blog or my books. What would you all would like to see me cover as the Lord provides insight? There are about to be some pretty significant changes in platform and methods of offering my content to make this more accessible to more people. So I really want to hear from you all. Even if it's just a sentence, the more the better of what God has done in your lives. And really, even if it's a testimony of God's greatness apart from my participation, please feel free to share. I am sure someone, if not many, will be encouraged and perhaps even substantively helped and transformed themselves. Your story is powerful! Use it to bring Him glory.

There is more on the horizon, folks! Stay tuned but please write a testimonial in the comments section with at least your first name. Recognizing that this blog is globally accessed, if you must remain anonymous please label your comment/testimonial as such. 

All the best for a fantastic rest of the year and life in our soon coming King Jesus, the Christ!!

Witnesses - Why Did Jesus Need Them Then and Still Do Now

WHY DID JESUS PERFORM SO THAT THERE WOULD BE WITNESSES

Mark 9 presents a very interesting series of events that would unnerve the average individual. Of all the things Jesus did in performing signs, wonders, and miracles, what happened on the "Mount of Transfiguration" as it is sometimes called, just takes my breath away. I can imagine on the way up the mountain the disciples were engaged in regular banter and perhaps were completely unaware of what they were about to witness. And to be honest, I do wonder why Jesus allowed them to witness His transfiguration, even knowing that their, well at least Peter's, would be inappropriate. 

Why did He want witnesses?

Here, friends, I believe the answer is quite simply so that they could be eyewitnesses to all that He did for the sharing of the Gospel about the Son of God becoming the Son of Man and doing the impossible ... to reconcile God's family!

They had to witness the miracles so that they could speak from first hand observation. 

In addition, their faith was increased to do what Jesus did once He left. They got to see, and experience the impossible, the supernatural. Yes, the disciples would have had all the stories from Moses telling of the history of the children of Israel. But with Jesus, they got to live it and walk in it themselves.

Jesus Transfigured on the Mount

² Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. ³ His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. ⁴ And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. ⁵ Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— ⁶ because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.

⁷ And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ⁸ Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.

.....................................................

The disciples not knowing how to react to what they just saw and the appropriate thing to say, said the wrong thing so that God Himself had to address it. Notice Jesus did not tell them they were wrong and wanting to build tabernacles to Elijah, Moses, AND Jesus. God said, those other two are not ME, but Jesus is the only true REPRESENTATION OF ME AND MY ONLY SON. Hear Him over any others. 

Notice that the Father usually says everything through the Son, and rarely speaks Himself. When He does speak, we need to take special note of when that is and what He is saying.

Friend, hear Jesus and no one else when they speak that which is out of line with the Bible and what He has said.

MODERN DAY WITNESSES

This call has not changed. We are called to be modern-day witnesses of the life to Jesus Christ. We are called to replicate what Jesus did. It is all about telling it AND demonstrating it that is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Such was Paul's encouragement in 1 Corinthians 2:

^"4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human^[b] wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, ⁵ that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

With the help of the Holy Spirit, we not only retell the life and works of Jesus, we are called and empowered to do them. That is the true Gospel!

Let's pray:

Father, help us to not only speak of you but to demonstrate your Kingdom work in and through us, Lord. Help us not to succumb to a spirit of fear or the fear of man but to yield only to Your Spirit that the work of Jesus Christ might continue through our "hands," oh God! Lord, we need you as these times grow more dim and you entrust more of your light and your glory to you sons of daughter who are led by Your Spirit. The glory of God will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea and we will see it! We praise you, because we do not respond in fear but in faith that the Son of God will soon make His appearance. May we be ready and may you find faith in us, Lord! In Jesus name, we pray and move and have our being. Amen.

Which are More Important, the Gifts or Fruit of the Spirit?

Recently, my path has crossed that of an individual who has caused me to think a lot., particularly on character. In fact, the Lord has used this person mightily in the short time we have known each other, to change my life forever. And I have been thinking and the Holy Spirit has been teaching me ... What if my focus has not be the right one up until now? What if the focus on the one would bring about greater impact and results on the other?

This is all started, where many of my posts and teachings start, at the kitchen sink. You'd be surprised what comes up during the washing of the dinner dishes and pots and pans. God will use anything and any quiet space to speak and teach us crucial life lessons.

We know that operating in both the gifts and fruit of the Spirit are important, but which is most important. I submit that it is more important and impacting to flow in the fruit of the Spirit that the gifts might bear more fruit in our lives and for the Kingdom. Why is that? Because the fruit are what we need every day and minute of our lives, while the gifts are used on occasion according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

Let's dig in. Shall we?

The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-26

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other

.......................................

Please note, these are the "fruit", singular, of the Spirit, not "fruits". One fruit with 9 different components. That means, if the have the fruit, then you have all 9 and it's not about "working on it," as I have mistakenly thought. It is automatic when I am being led and living out of my spirit as opposed to the fleshy part of my soul.


As I thought about my friend, I realized that through him, I tend to experience all of the fruit of the Spirit which seem to flow right out of him, seemingly without effort. And tonight, a question was posed to me, or I posed a question to myself; am not sure which it is. I believe it's both.

"Which is more important, the gifts of the Spirit or the fruit?"

As I paused and waited for the answer, the simplicity just about knocked me over. It has to be the fruit! Why do I say that? I say so because of the comparison of the uses. Compared to how many opportunities we have to exercise the fruit of the Spirit, the opportunities to exercise the gifts of the Spirit are "rare." I submit that the person whose life is the other way around is the exception to the rule. Why? Because we must use the fruit in every day life. Think about it!

Oh, let me back up and list the 9 fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23:
... Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these, there is no law.

Now do you see? As believers, we are obligated to operate in love at all times, to rejoice, be at peace, be patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and always exercise self-control. That is everyday life because there are so many opportunities to  operate in the opposite spirit against the Word of God.

The fruit of the Spirit is to be exercised by believers towards everyone.

Not so much with the ministry gifts of the Spirit.

The Gifts of the Spirit

The ministry gifts that are given for the building of the Body of Christ are only in operation when we minister. Of course, I am not saying that a person cannot be used mightily everyday in the ministration of the gifts, whether by praying for someone, offering words of knowledge and wisdom, and so on. 

The Scripture tells us in:

1 Corinthians 12:7-10

⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,^[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

.....................................

I don't know about you, although, I am a minister of the Gospel, I am a person living life all the time but I am not ministering in the gifts all the time. The ministering gifts are only used in our horizontal relationships one to another. When we relate to God, we do so through the same Holy Spirit but we do so in prayer, worship, even reasoning and wrestling at times. But the gifts are given for the edification of the Body for our development and maturity, often called perfection. 

So back to my friend, while he is clearly gifted, it is the fruit that flows out of his life that draws me to him: He is loving, joyful (even when having what he would call a challenging day. He still has the joy of the Lord in his voice, peace, patience (this is really crucial), kindness (in super abundance), goodness (almost angelic), faithfulness (in spades with extreme loyalty, gentleness (same as with the kindness, very concerned with the hearts of others). He is never harsh. This fruit is so evident it is invisible. It appears simply be a part of his personality but upon reflection and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I now know, it is not natural but supernatural. The Spirit of God is operating marvelously through his life.

Of course, no one is perfect, yet when I consider the whole person, I realize I have never met another human being like Mark. 

Now I know that while the gifts and the fruit are very important in the building up of the saints, the fruit of the Spirit is perhaps slightly more important than the gifts because they need to be in operation at all times to all people, while the gifts operate toward believers or those seeking Christ.

It is so important to note that Paul chooses to not only tell us why the gifts are important in 1 Corinthians 12, but he then goes on to tell us that the gifts are of no use without the first fruit of the Spirit, which is LOVE.