Today I want to talk about finding joy even when we’re facing chronic pain. As someone who has dealt with chronic pain myself, I know how challenging it can be to stay positive and find joy in our daily lives. But trust me, it’s possible.
One of the ways that I’ve found helpful is through meditation and yoga. These practices have been shown to not only improve our physical health, but also our mental wellbeing. They help us to center ourselves, breathe deeply, and focus on the present moment – all things that can help to ease our pain and lift our mood.
Another way to find joy when dealing with chronic pain is through positive thought imagery. This involves visualizing positive outcomes and focusing on the good in our lives, even when things feel difficult. Reading a Bible or other holy book can also help to provide comfort and inspire hope during tough times.
In addition to the practices I mentioned, a great way to cope with chronic pain is through therapy, such as tapping. Tapping helps to alleviate physical and emotional stress, and can quickly reduce the intensity of pain and negative emotions. While it’s not a “cure” for chronic pain, it can definitely help to manage it.
Finally, no matter how hard things may seem, never forget that joy and happiness are within your grasp. The scriptures from the New Testament below remind us to be strong in the face of adversity:
Philippians 4:4-7 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Romans 15:13 – “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
So, keep these scriptures and words of encouragement in mind as you continue your journey with chronic pain. With mindful practices, a positive attitude, and faith, you can-find joy even in the darkest of moments.
I need to get outta here !! Have you ever thought that? Either because we feel discouraged about our job, marriage or the way our life is going or not going.
At some point in our lives, we all feel the need to escape from stressful situations. It could be a difficult job, a relationship, or any other challenge that seems overwhelming. We often believe that we cannot handle the stress and decide to walk away from it all.
You are not alone at some point in our lives, we all experience feelings of distress. When daily stress becomes too much to bear, we may feel the urge to escape from our jobs, relationships, or other challenging situations. However, the Bible provides guidance on how we should respond when our natural instinct is to run away.
God’s truth is that we do not handle stress by fighting against it. Instead, we are called to find rest in Him. The psalmist teaches us to be still and know God, while Peter reminds us to cast our anxiety on Him because He cares for us. Jesus also encourages us to find peace by spending time with Him and learning from Him.
Most importantly, God wants us to know Him and trust in His sovereignty and goodness. By doing so, we can walk through difficult circumstances with inner peace and confidence.
As God’s children, we have the privilege of finding rest in Him and not giving in to the temptation to run away from stress. With a firm belief in His care and a deep understanding of His character, we can face any challenge with peace and confidence.
However, God has a powerful truth for us to hear. The best way to handle stress is not to fight against it but to be at peace. The psalmist found rest in being still and knowing God, while Jesus promised peace to those who learn from him. Instead of trying to escape, we should draw near to God and absorb the truths of Scripture.
Most importantly, we need to know who God is. Believing in His sovereignty, goodness, and love for us can help us grow in trust. With an accurate understanding of our heavenly Father, we can face any circumstance with inner peace and confidence. This is our privilege as God’s children, and we need not let stress become distress.
The concept of the devil or Satan is a concept that has been around for centuries, and there are different beliefs and interpretations regarding this entity. While some people may question the existence of God, others believe that the devil is real, and his goal is to lure people away from the path of righteousness.
According to the Bible, the devil is a fallen angel who was cast out of heaven due to his pride and rebellion against God. He is known as the adversary, tempter, deceiver, and many other names. His primary goal is to lead people astray from God’s path by luring them into sin through deception and temptation.
In many cultures, the devil is depicted as an evil and frightening figure, often associated with fire, darkness, and death. Conversely, some religions portray him as a seductive and charming figure, who uses flattery and promises to gain followers.
It is essential to note that while the devil may seem powerful, he is not all-knowing or all-powerful like God. He operates within certain limitations and cannot affect someone who is not willing to be influenced by him.
Talking about the devil is necessary because it reminds us of the forces of evil that exist in the world. By recognizing the devil’s existence, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from his negative influence. It also helps us to appreciate the power of good and recognize the importance of living righteously.
There are several ways people can recognize when they are being influenced by the devil. One way is to pay attention to their thoughts and behaviors; if something feels wrong or goes against their values, it could be a sign of negative influence. Other signs include feeling a sense of hopelessness or despair, experiencing bouts of anger or aggression, or engaging in harmful activities.
To protect themselves from the devil’s negative influence, people can take several steps. One is to stay connected to their faith and practice the teachings of their religion. This includes reading religious texts, attending services, and praying regularly. Additionally, people can surround themselves with positive influences, such as friends and family who share their values.
Some may also benefit from seeking professional help if they’re struggling with mental health issues or addiction. Therapy and support groups can provide guidance and tools for overcoming negative patterns and staying on a righteous path.
There are many sources people can turn to in order to learn about the forces of evil and how to recognize them. Religious texts such as the Bible, Quran, or other significant religious texts often provide guidance on protecting yourself from negative influences.
Additionally, seeking guidance from spiritual leaders or experts in the field of demonology can be helpful. It’s important to approach these sources with an open mind, seeking knowledge and wisdom rather than blindly accepting everything you hear.
One must also be cautious of misinformation and false teachings, as the devil is known for deceiving and leading astray. It’s essential to seek reliable sources and do your research to ensure that you are learning from trustworthy and informed individuals.
By being diligent in your pursuit of knowledge and staying true to your faith, you can protect yourself from the devil’s influence and live a fulfilling life.
There are a few ways to determine if a source is reliable when it comes to learning about protecting yourself from negative influences.
First, check the credentials of the source. Are they a respected figure in their field or community? Do they have experience in dealing with spiritual matters or have they studied extensively on the topic?
Secondly, look for consistency in their teachings. Do their teachings align with what you have learned from other reliable sources? Or do they contradict well-established beliefs and principles?
Thirdly, pay attention to how they present their teachings. Are they being respectful and mindful of cultural differences? Are they promoting love, compassion, and peaceful coexistence? Or are they spreading fear, hate, and division?
Lastly, trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to your gut and seek guidance from a trusted spiritual leader or community member. Remember, protecting yourself from negative influences requires being diligent and committed to living a faith-based life.
Our idea of what the devil looks like But remember he is a master of disguise.
Ultimately, protecting oneself from the devil’s influence requires vigilance and commitment to living a faith-based life. By doing so, individuals can lead fulfilling lives and resist the temptations that may lead them astray.
Numbers is the fourth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It is a historical account of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness from Mount Sinai to the edge of the Promised Land. The book gets its name from the numerous censuses taken of the Israelite people throughout their journey.
At the beginning of Numbers, the Israelites are preparing to leave Mount Sinai and begin their journey to the Promised Land. God commands Moses to take a census of all the male Israelites who are over the age of 20 and able to fight in battle. The census numbers over 600,000, which is significant because it shows the size of the Israelite community and their potential military power.
The book contains several other censuses, including a second count of the Israelites in chapter 26. In this second census, the number of Israelites has decreased significantly due to a plague that God sent as punishment for their disobedience.
Throughout their journey, the Israelites face numerous challenges and struggles. They grumble against God and Moses when they face difficulties and express doubts about the Promised Land. This disobedience angers God, leading to punishment and consequences for their actions.
One of the most important events in Numbers is the rebellion of Korah in chapter 16. Korah, a Levite, questions the leadership of Moses and Aaron and is subsequently swallowed up by the earth, along with his followers. This event demonstrates the importance of respecting leadership and authority.
Another significant event in Numbers is the sin of Moses and Aaron in chapter 20. Moses strikes a rock, rather than speaking to it as God instructed, and as a result, he and Aaron are forbidden from entering the Promised Land. This incident emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands.
Numbers also includes important laws and regulations related to the Israelites’ relationship with God. These include instructions for worship, offerings, and feasts. The book also includes the story of Balaam, a prophet who is hired to curse the Israelites but ends up blessing them instead.
Numbers is an important book in the Bible that provides insight into the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness and their relationship with God. It contains historical accounts of censuses and significant events, as well as laws and regulations related to worship and obedience. While some of the content may seem outdated or irrelevant to modern readers, the book provides valuable insights into the Israelites’ understanding of God and their efforts to maintain a relationship with Him.
Unlocking the Significance of Numbers: The Book’s Purpose Revealed
The Book of Numbers, though seemingly brimming with numerical data and genealogies, carries far more depth and meaning than its name suggests. This short post aims to shed light on why this biblical book is called Numbers and uncover the purpose it serves in the overall narrative.
The Naming of Numbers: As we delve into the book’s content, it becomes clear that the name “Numbers” stems from the numerous censuses conducted within its pages. These censuses reflect the meticulous organization and structure of the Israelite community as they journeyed through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. However, it is crucial to recognize that Numbers encompasses much more than mere mathematical figures.
The Purpose of Numbers: Numbers serves a multifaceted purpose, transcending its surface-level focus on counting and genealogy. Here are some of the key reasons why the book is named as such:
Order and Structure: The frequent censuses demonstrate God’s desire for order and structure within the Israelite community. By numbering the people and arranging them into tribes, families, and clans, God instills discipline and organization, establishing a well-structured society.
Historical Documentation: The book serves as a historical record, documenting the events and experiences of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It captures significant moments, such as the tabernacle’s construction, the appointment of leaders, and the rebellion and consequences the Israelites faced.
Spiritual Lessons: Beyond counting individuals, Numbers offers profound spiritual lessons. It explores themes of faith, obedience, God’s guidance, and the consequences of disobedience and unbelief. Through the Israelites’ journey, readers are reminded of the importance of trusting in God’s promises and remaining faithful even in challenging circumstances.
Transition and Preparation: Numbers signifies a transitional period for the Israelites. It marks their preparation to enter the Promised Land, including receiving laws and instructions from God, refining their identity as a nation, and learning to rely fully on God’s provision and guidance.
While the Book of Numbers may initially appear focused on numerical data, its significance goes beyond mere counting. Through orderly organization, historical documentation, spiritual lessons, and preparation for the Promised Land, Numbers provides valuable insights into God’s faithfulness, human nature, and the importance of trust and obedience.
“Women have been preaching the gospel for centuries, despite some churches and denominations continuing to deny them the opportunity to do so. This viewpoint is misguided, as demonstrated by the many strong, capable women mentioned in the Bible who played important roles in shaping the course of events.
Deborah, Esther, and Mary are just a few examples of the female leaders who contributed significantly to the Christian faith. To deny women the opportunity to preach is to ignore their valuable contributions and the lessons of the Bible.
Ultimately, it is up to individual churches to decide whether or not to allow women to preach, but it is important to recognize that women have always been an integral part of the Christian faith. The full diversity of Christian leadership should be embraced in order to fully live out the teachings of Christ and share his message of love and hope with the world.”
Let me tell you a story about a young boy named Arjun.
Arjun was born into a Hindu family but never really felt connected to his heritage or religion. He found the rituals and traditions boring and often scoffed at his family’s beliefs. However, everything changed when a devastating earthquake struck their city, and Arjun lost some of his family members in the disaster. Suddenly, he found himself only with a few surviving family members, and his world was turned upside down.
Feeling lost and alone, Arjun turned to his religion for solace. He began to read the sacred texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita, which gave him a newfound understanding and appreciation for his heritage. He started practicing yoga and meditation, finding peace and calm within himself.
As he delved deeper into his religion, he discovered the importance of compassion and service to others. Arjun began volunteering at local shelters and organizing fundraisers for the earthquake victims, which not only helped others but also gave him a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Through his struggles and newfound faith, Arjun realized the true value of his heritage and religion. He learned that they could be a source of strength and comfort in difficult times and a beacon of hope for a brighter future. And so, Arjun continued on his spiritual journey, embracing his heritage and sharing his newfound wisdom with those around him.
Jesus and Life are like a car wash. Just like a car goes into the wash all dirty and grimy, we too get into some real muddy jams in life, sometimes the people we come in contact with are just as messy as we are.
There are mud slingers all in this world one thing we all have in common we are all here with flaws and imperfections. However, just like the car wash is able to clean the car and make it shiny and new, the grace of God can change our lives and make us clean shined and new again.
When we become new Christians, our sins are washed away, and we are shiny and new in the eyes of God. We are given a new beginning, a fresh start to build our faith and grow closer to God. However, just like a car can get dirty again after leaving the car wash, we too can stumble and fall back into our old ways. That’s why it’s important to continue to build our faith by reading our Bible, attending church, and seeking out opportunities to help our community.
In today’s world, there are many things we can watch on television that would be considered church. We can listen to sermons online, participate in virtual Bible studies, and find ways to connect with others in our faith community. We can also help our community by volunteering our time, donating to charity, and being the best person we can be.
It’s important to remember that we are not perfect. We are all flawed and make mistakes. However, we don’t have to be too hard on ourselves. God loves us unconditionally, and His grace is always available to us. We just need to take steps to walk a bit closer to Him and allow His love and grace to change our lives.
Just like a car wash can transform a dirty car into a shiny and new one, the grace of God can transform our lives and make us new again. So, let us embrace the grace of God and allow Him to wash away our sins and make us shiny and new in His sight.
Would you like to be free from all your sins? Repeat this prayer asking Jesus in your life.
Dear Lord
I come to you today asking you to come into my heart, wash away my sins, and make me new again. I believe that you died on the cross for me, and I want to be born again. Please forgive me for my sins, and help me to live a life that pleases you. Thank you for your love and grace.
In your name I pray, Amen.
Music by Pink Floyd The Big Gig in The Sky
Remember:
When you come to Jesus, it’s like going through a car wash. You go in dirty and come out clean and forgiven. The process of coming to Jesus is one of repentance and renewal, a recognition of our own brokenness and a surrendering of ourselves to God’s grace.
Just as a car needs to go through the car wash to get rid of dirt and debris that accumulates over time, so too do we need to go through the process of repentance to cleanse ourselves of the sin that weighs us down. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge our wrongdoing; we also need to take action to turn away from our sinful ways and seek forgiveness.
Through the blood of Jesus, our sins are washed away, and we are made new. We emerge from the “car wash” of repentance with a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh start. However, just like a car that continues to accumulate dirt and grime over time, we must remain vigilant in our walk with God, continually seeking His grace and strength to resist the temptations of sin.
Coming to Jesus is not a one-time event, but rather a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. By embracing His forgiveness and following in His footsteps, we can experience true freedom and find lasting peace in our hearts. So let us all take the plunge, go through the “car wash” of repentance, and emerge clean and forgiven, ready to continue on our journey of faith.
Jane’s Life Changed After She Found Help at a Food Bank
Jane was just an ordinary person working at a local store until she started experiencing severe pain in her bones and joints. She was only 40 Eventually, she was diagnosed with a medical condition that prevented her from working and landed her on disability. Living on a fixed income was tough, and she could barely make ends meet. She dressed up every day as if she were going to work. Becoming disabled was hard for her to accept at first.
One day, Jane decided to visit a local food bank for help, and it changed her life. The people there were kind and welcoming, providing her with the food she needed and good conversations. As time went on, Jane became a regular visitor to the food bank. She enjoyed talking to the people at the food-bank..
However, after a few months of being a regular, Jane didn’t show up. The volunteers at the food bank began to worry and decided to check up on her. When they arrived at her home, they found her lying on the floor. It turned out that she had been there for days, and no one knew because her kids lived in another state, and she had no one else to rely on. Her cell phone flew across the room when she fell and also came apart.
She dislocated a hip and had to go to the hospital and she was there for several days and people at the food bank even came to visit her.
Fortunately, Jane survived, and her experience made her more grateful for the kindness shown to her by the food bank volunteers. In fact, she was so grateful that she decided to join a local church and found a new purpose Bd also helped at the food bank There, she met new friends and became more involved in her community.
Jane’s life changed for the better after finding help at a local food bank. It not only provided her with food but also with a sense of belonging and hope. Her story shows how important it is to have people in our lives who are willing to lend a helping hand, especially during difficult times.
As we wake up to a new day, we thank you for the gift of life, health, and strength. We are grateful for the opportunity to start afresh and make the most of every moment that you have given us.
We pray that you help us to be mindful of others today, and to be a blessing wherever we go. May we embrace each opportunity to share your love and kindness with those around us, and to make a positive impact on their lives.
Lord, we also ask that you remind us to take time to nourish our souls by reading your word. We know that your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. May we find wisdom, encouragement, and strength as we meditate on your word, even if it’s just for five minutes.
For those who don’t have a Bible, we pray that you lead them to the resources they need to access your word. May they find free apps, websites, or other resources that enable them to read and study your word.
We thank you for the new day that you have given us, and we pray that we honor you in every way today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Are you one person when life is running smoothly, but a different one when you are visited by hardship and suffering? If yes read on. There is hope.
It’s easy to praise God in good times and easy times when everything is running smoothly.
But what about during struggle? School is a struggle, job loss, low bank account or no bank account, kids driving you crazy it seems. The older they get the more you worry, spouse left, illness or death in family , car broke down. So how do you talk to God then? Do you blame him? Or do you stay on the same path..
How do the circumstances you face impact your life? When you encounter difficult situations, pain, or disappointment, do you notice any changes in your behavior or demeanor? Are you the same person when things are going well as when you face hardship and suffering? It’s common to feel discouraged during tough times, but we must remember that our faith can help us stay strong. While trials can temporarily dampen our spirits, we can still find joy in our relationship with Christ and not let troubles steal it away.
The relationship between believers and Jesus Christ remains unchanging, regardless of the circumstances they face. This unshakable foundation is the source of joy in all situations. Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written while he was imprisoned, yet his words were filled with joy. Despite being uncertain about his future and enduring the hardships of prison, he encouraged others to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). While happiness is dependent on favorable circumstances, joy is rooted in a relationship. Christians have the privilege of experiencing joy in all circumstances because of their relationship with Christ, who sustains them. This joy is different from worldly happiness and is a God-given feeling. When we become children of God through salvation, the Holy Spirit seals us in this relationship. This knowledge empowers us to face difficulties with inner confidence, joy, and contentment even in the darkest valleys. Our circumstances should not dictate our disposition. Focusing on our problems instead of Christ can trap us in a cycle of despair. The apostle Paul had an unmovable foundation of joy in Christ, which allowed him to endure even the harshest conditions. He was imprisoned, unable to spread the gospel, and faced false accusations and an uncertain future. Despite all of this, he found joy in Christ and remained confident in his destiny to be with God, never once complaining or expressing sorrow over his confinement.
Paul’s joy came from his relationship with Jesus, a privilege that Christians share because Christ remains unchanged. Although it’s not natural to rejoice during tough times, Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit within them to grow during difficult circumstances. Instead of trying to control outcomes, Christians can trust that the Lord will provide for their needs and find joy in Him, which becomes an unshakable foundation.
This joy is a spiritual gift, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. Sin can hinder our experience of this joy by disobedience to the Spirit.
Joy is rooted in a relationship, whereas happiness is dependent on circumstances. While conditions can change daily, our relationship with Jesus remains unchanging and eternal. Paul’s relationship with Christ allowed him to transcend his difficult surroundings, and this is possible for us too. Even in times of hardship and suffering, God remains steadfastly with us, and joy can be a reality.
When we experience pain, we can still find joy because God walks through our struggles with us. He is in control of our circumstances and works to turn our trials into good. We are never separated from His love, so we can thank Him for what He’s doing in us.
To understand how to find joy in the midst of pain, we can look to 1 Peter 1:3-8, which reminds us that our faith is being refined through trials and will be honored at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Joy is more than a feeling; it’s a deep assurance and confidence that overflows from who we are. We forgot God Is Hope . We are given grace-mercy-bodily-confidentiality-love-cleansing-a new beginning.
Tonight before bed get on your knees and read
Psalms 139:1-6 TPT
Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid your hand on me! This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
We need to get on our knees to show reverence. I know many have physical limitations. But if you can get on your knees. It will transform your prayer life. And the only thing that will kneel is from doing this is PRIDE Pride will say I don’t need this he knows my hurts. If you have something you don’t want to surrender you won’t be able to do this. Because of Pride.
He is the righteous HOLY God and you are to be on bend knee you are acknowledging his holiness, his grace. Be as a small child and get on your knees and say that Bible verse. Do it daily or nightly
Joyful-Echoes 