Find Strength in the Bible, Not the Gym

^{I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.} 

^{Philippians 4:12-13}

Contrary to allowing depression to overshadow our thoughts we must attain the peace given to us from Christ. This tranquility can be found by being intrigued by the Word and following Paul's example by staying in prayer continually. Being engulfed with the Scripture with an open heart, and living life how the Bible wants you to live.

Remove the Crown of Gold

Perishable verses imperishable. 

Observing the physical realm we see that all matter is simply perishable, but there is something that withstands this decaying state. This gift is bestowed to each of us by our God, the gift of hope in heaven which is from the Lord Jesus Christ’s death on the cross.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 says, "Don't you realize that everyone who runs in a race runs to win, but only one runner gets the prize? Run like them, so that you can win. Everyone who enters an athletic contest goes into strict training. They do it to win a temporary crown, but we do it to win one that will be permanent."

Therefore, you and I should have our eyes not placed on the monotonous crowns of the deteriorating world, but onto an everlasting heavenly crown attained in heaven.

One Way Flight

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything be in prayer." Phillipians 4:6 

Being riveted in a disagreeable state leaves us in a distasteful mood. We need to find a place that brings us joy. It’s not running a triathlon or going to a facility where you spend an abundance of money for attire or jewelry. It is contrary to temporary physical happiness, it's a task you are able to do at any place or any time.  

To obtain this true peace you must relinquish all the desire "to go big or go home" in this world. Rather you must grasp the concept of faith by conveying your thoughts and feelings to our heavenly Father in prayer. 

Don’t be trapped in this melancholy world by being obsessed by your own thoughts. Merely send them on a plane to our Lord in Heaven. 

I wonder how much that would be, a plane to heaven. It is free to the believers, just accepting Jesus and you’ve purchased your ticket to heaven. Awful pricey... hard to believe we can afford it. Since He has welcomed us to heaven, of course it just makes sense God wants to speak with us down here in prayer.

"In my distress I called out to the Lord;

I cried to my God for help.

From his temple He heard my voice;

my cry came before Him, into His ears."

Psalm 18:6

Put on New Clothes

Instead of expressing every hint of rage, follow the Lord’s advice; walk at His pace step by step.

Colossians 3:7-10 says “You used to behave like them as you lived among them. But now you must also get rid of anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene speech, and all such sins. Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old nature with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new nature, which is being renewed in full knowledge, consistent with the image of the one who created it."

People will notice that you are different, that your life stays aligned with Scripture.  When you put on the new clothing from Christ, your spirit is changed. It takes time and practice to break away from our old nature, however, with the Lord’s help we can accomplish the goal.

Pray to Jesus for help with flares of anger or any other sins, and He will lovingly assist you. 

Take Off the Cone of Shame

Do not roam down the road of the World, instead trust in God.

Proverbs 29:25 says, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." The definition of snare is a trap for catching birds or animals.* The world can entrap you with fear and angst, where no contentment is found.

Being afraid of this fragile realm is fruitless for God is in control.  

If you continue to live in anxiety of the outcomes of elections, health issues, or money, you will never find true joy. The only course towards happiness is found in God. 

So don't put on the cone of shame and only see the fear of the World, rather trust in the Lord. 

*http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snare

Storm Clouds

http://all-free-download.com/free-photos/download/storm_cloud_sky_240628_download.html

Contrary to endlessly complaining about how it's cloud out with a bounty of thunder, simply remember it is short term.

There is a single investment in life for you to reap the benefits from, merely put your faith and trust in our God to see the results. Proverbs 29:25 says, "fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." Therefore, trusting in our ever powerful Lord will surpass this intermittent world, for God will not cease to exist.

This quite beneficial thought was delivered by the ever brilliant Pastor Mike Buford's teaching. It is odd for we are like two peas in a pod, we both jest and get along and are way too similar...far from ornery and mischievous. 

P&P: Prayer & Pie

Care for some pie?

A path to roam to avoid all these full cabinets of depression is to consume yourself in prayer. 

While chatting, eating pie, and jesting with others are good for the soul, you should also occupy your time with praying to the Lord. For there is nothing more pleasing to the heart than a conversation with our Abba Father.

Doing this helps breakthrough the bounty of things that weigh us down, seeing that the Lord (as our Heavenly Father) merely aspires the best for you and I.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11