Today' devotional was adapted from the writings /studies in a series on "Soul care" by Pastor John Strain of First Baptist Toms River, NJ. I hope the questions and suggestions stimulate and challenge you to "go deeper" in you relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ as it has me. I will continue in this study on "soul care" and share with you what God has shared with me regarding the importance of "Soul Care". I confess I have neglected soul care in my walk in the recent past. Losing focus on His Truth about "Who I am in Christ" Who HE Made me by His Shed Blood. The lack of wisdom to be diligent and nguard put me at higher risk to get caught in the snare of lies by the deceiver. Although they were lies, in my weaken state of a healthy soul I became depressed and started believing I was being defeated. Well, that was a lie also. It's not about feelings. I learned a long time ago, while at Second Genesis a biblically sound concept: "Our feeling are real, but not always true". Our feelings can lie to us, but The Truth of God stands forever.
I have included below and in an attached document a tool I put together from several sources to help remind me of some very important truths about "Who I am...". There are times I have read them outloud to myself. It's a good focusing tool as well as faith builder 10:17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ.
If you wish to take a challenge to go deeper and learn about a healthy soul; I suggest acquiring two books by Peter Lord, a national speaker and Sr. Pastor of Park Avenue Baptist ,b Church, Titusville , Florida for over 30 years. The first is entitled "Hearing God" and The companion book is entitled "Soul Care". These books may be ordered through the publisher at a cost of $10 plus s&h ( I think) The address is: www.parkavenue.orgb or google "Peter Lord Soul Care"
"May The Lord bless you and keep you and May He shine His Face upon you", today;
and Remember ................................ Jesus Loves You!
In His LOVE and by HIS Love and because of HIS, (Thank you Jesus!),
Brother Matt Kresslein Jesus Loves Me ministries Lebanon, Ohio barnabas422004@yahoo.com www.jesuslovesme.org brothermatt@jesuslovesm.org (513) 282-6647 (Thank you Jesus!), Who I Am In Christ Jesus:
Psalm 23... Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…I am accepted, because;…
John 1:12 I am God's child.
John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, ... I am secure, because;… Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
Yea, though I walk though the valley of the shadow of death... I am significant, because.. John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
“The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!” quote by Rick Warren “Purpose Driven Life, Churches & “Celebrate Recovery “ Saddleback Church, CA In Christ we have... A love that can never be fathomed,
A life that can never die…
A righteousness that can never be tarnished… A peace that can never be understood…. A rest that can never be disturbed… A joy that can never be diminished… A hope that can never be disappointed… A glory that can never be clouded… A light that can never be darkened… A purity that can never be defiled… A beauty that can never be marred… A wisdom that can never be baffled… Resources that can never be exhausted… Thank YOU JESUS! HE RESTORES MY SOUL- ( Soul Care- part 1)
"He restores my soul." (Psalm 23:3)
I thinking about "soul care" I've tried to establish what soul care is and why we need it. One of the foundation verses for our consideration of "soul care" comes from The Book of Proverbs; "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23)
Let's take time over the next few weeks to think about how that "soul care" happens; think about four words: Hunger, Time, Discipline and Accountability."Soul care" begins with hunger. We have to come to a place where we know our souls aren't as healthy as they should be and not accept that condition. The more we read Scripture (especially the Psalms), the more we discover the reality of a healthy soul. In discovering the potential of a healthy soul, we gain a hunger for that reality.
The psalmist said, 41:1 + 41:2 41:1To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is he who considers the poor! The LORD delivers him in the day of trouble;
That brings us to our first hard question : Have we allowed God to awaken in us a hunger for His presence and work in our souls? "Soul care" begins by asking God to give us a hunger for the care only He can give our souls. An honest examination will tell us that our souls need care if we are to know God as intimately as He wants to know us.
Ask Abba Daddy "Heavenly Father, I confess that I've neglected my soul. I ask for soul hunger like that of thepsalmist. and help me learn to give my soul care. I yield to Your ongoing work in my life as I begin to watch over my soul. Amen"
"There are no shortcuts to holiness. There is no easy way to conquer the flesh. Christian character is a matter of growth, not of secrets or formulas. Growth takes time. It also takes the discipline of prayer, of study, of heart searching, of sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's pleading, and of consistent obedience. It must always begin with a renewed thankfulness for the never-ending grace of God, and a sense of being set free repeatedly to a life of holiness." -- John White
"Oh how many times have I broken your heart but You still forgive, if only I ask? b And how many times have You heard me pray draw near to me? Everything I need is You. My beginning, my forever. Everything I need is You..." Hillsong's All For Love
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