DEPRESSION
Being depressed is one of the most common problems people have today and it is a real money maker for the medical industry. Did God create us to need chemicals to avoid or recover from depression? Some escaping from depression are major contributors to the illegal drug industry and definitely many with depression financially help the industry of providers of alcoholic drinks. Jesus provides us with a solution for depression when He teaches how "YOU CAN HAVE THE SAME JOY I HAVE. I WANT YOUR JOY TO BE THE FULLEST JOY". Jesus teaches us that to have joy like His, "I HAVE OBEYED MY FATHER'S COMMANDS, AND I REMAIN IN HIS LOVE. IN THE SAME WAY, IF YOU OBEY MY COMMANDS, YOU WILL REMAIN IN MY LOVE". What commands does Jesus teach that could give us greater joy than popular antidepressants or chemical uppers? One teaching that gives joy is to "FORGIVE OTHERS". Recently a person was amazed how healing and refreshing it was to start with the earliest memory and praise God for all the good memories then forgive everyone involved in bad memories. Of course being forgiven of our sins also brings joy. Many other teachings from Jesus that relieve depression include "DON'T WORRY" and "DO FOR OTHER PEOPLE". The greatest Jesus teaching that will give joy is "LOVE YAHVEH YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH". When we love God with all we have we trust Him, we obey Him, we understand that He is worthy of our constant gratitude, praise and thanksgiving. Paul understood this when he wrote "Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ". Depression can be very serious. It can end in suicide. Do not ignore depression and let it grow. Many in the medical industry including the mental health field are clueless on how to help severe depression because they are not aware to the reality of God and the need for spiritual warfare. As followers of Jesus we have an advantage. Depression may need assertive action by exercising the "AUTHORITY" of the "NAME" of Jesus. If in doubt, cast it out. If you are so down you cannot think of any praises for God, read out loud Psalm 103 or another praise psalm or sing a praise song, which will jump start praising God. When depressed, focus on God and praise Him until you are smiling! Focusing on God and praising Him will crowd out Satan's presence as a side benefit. 1
1. Jn 15:10-11; Mt 6:14, 25-34; Lk 6:31 (IC); Mk 12:30 (ET); Eph 5:20 (IC); Lk 10:19; Mk 16:17 (NI)
note: click here for bible verse and translation abbreviations
A Psalm for reflection "Praise Yahveh, my soul, and do not forget how kind He is. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases." Ps 103:2-3 (ET)
Understanding the Teaching: What I share in the teaching is what I believe God wants me to share. All the direct quotes from God are highlighted in royal purple. Of course the words of Jesus are in red. Rather than follow some made up doctrine, remember that Jesus said that every thing He said (Jn 12:49) and everything He did (Jn 14:31) comes from God. All teachings and all opinions should be supported by what we learn from God or Jesus (see the scripture referred to in the footnote). For those who prefer not to take the time to look up a scripture, click on the underlined hyper link to read the scripture. Example, click here for a teaching about love.
MARRIAGE WORKSHOP MOMENT
Forgiveness All marriages have opportunities for forgiveness. Failure to forgive is like drinking poison to get even (you only hurt yourself). The psychologists, whose 30 years of research in developing our marriage workshop material, found that forgiveness is essential. This is strongly reinforced by the fact that the Son of God (Jesus) taught that forgiveness is essential 2,000 years ago (Mt 6:14-15). Saying "I'm sorry" is powerful and equally as important is saying, "I forgive you". Sometimes healing can come from just talking about the offense, especially in a safe conversation like in your weekly couples meeting (prior to your weekly date night) using the Speaker Listener Technique. Even major issues like adultery can be forgiven and many couples have gone on to have great marriages after major forgiveness. In society, people think that forgetting is a sign of brain problems like dementia. Jesus tells us in Mt 5:48 to be "perfect" like God. God says in Jer 31:34 (NI) I will remember their "sins no more". Some people will say they forgive but the memory and hurt of the offence is still present. If you will forgive them and "pray" for them every day as Jesus recommends in Mt 5:44, eventually the hurt will leave and the memory of the offense will be healed. If you want the last word in an argument then apologize.
The Better Half "When your partner won't support your efforts to make your marriage better" Without your spouse's support to improve your marriage, you can still pray daily for God's will to be done in each of your lives and your marriage ("all things are possible with God", Mk 10:27 NI). All marriages have opportunities for forgiveness. Failure to forgive is like drinking poison to get even (you only hurt yourself). Saying "I'm sorry" is powerful and equally as important is saying, "I forgive you". In society, people think that forgetting is a sign of brain problems like dementia. Jesus tells us in Mt 5:48 to be "perfect" like God. God says in Jer 31:34 (NI) I will remember their "sins no more". Some people will say they forgive but the memory and hurt is still present. If you will forgive them and "pray" for them every day as Jesus recommends in Mt 5:44, eventually the hurt will leave and the memory of the offense will be healed. If you want the last word in an argument then apologize.
When a spouse calls "time out", it is an opportunity for a couple to calm down before continuing the conversation at a later time (anywhere from an hour to no later than the next day) using the Speaker Listener Technique. Initially after calling time out it is an opportunity to take authority over the enemy and pray for the marriage. Example: "In the name of Jesus I command you demons to shut up and leave our marriage and not return" "Thank you God for helping our marriage be in Your will and guiding us in our relationship, in Jesus name, amen." When a spouse will not cooperate, you can still take authority over the enemy and pray for your marriage.
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