Category Archives: Discouragement

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

thinkingSpiritual warfare isn’t limited to the mission field. It takes place every single day in your life and in mine. The battleground is the mind. That’s why Paul says that we are to take captive “…every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

What we think about will have far reaching implications into each area of our lives including our health, our relationships with others, and our walk with God.

If we are constantly thinking about the people that have wronged us in the past then we will become bitter and become just like them in attitude – because we are continually being shaped to the object of our focus.

If we dwell on our circumstances and allow our mind to consider every possible negative outcome, we will become anxious and discouraged.

Paul provides us with a list of things to wrap our minds around in Philippians 4:8 – but what could he be talking about? There is an interesting correlation between Paul’s admonition and David’s description of the Word of God in Psalm 19:
Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction DISEASE get free levitra – This condition is caused by tight foreskin. But it is a fact that sildenafil 50mg tablets suicide is a temporary phenomenon that gets corrected automatically. A trial pack will help you firstly to confirm that on line viagra http://greyandgrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Maddox.pdf the pharmacy is legitimate and not a ponzi scheme. There are many different services that can be caused due to frequent drinking of http://greyandgrey.com/third-department-decisions-5-29-15/ cialis for sale online alcohol.
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:7-9).

Do you see the connection? God’s Word needs to be our focus. Reject those thoughts that the enemy brings to your mind that do not line up with the teachings of Scripture. Its Truth is like an anchor that keeps us steady during the changing circumstances and storms of life.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

Please consider sharing this posting on Facebook if you have found it to be helpful. “Like” the Home Life Ministries Facebook page to receive these daily updates in your Facebook News Feed. Check out our websites at www.hlm.org and www.CharacterJournal.com.

“… And the evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:5).

From the very beginning the Jewish day began at sundown – in the evening, not midnight. This would be especially noticeable if you were to visit Israel even today during their regular weekly Sabbath. All of the Jewish places of business would shut down on Friday evening before sunset as families made preparation to welcome and celebrate the new Sabbath.

This has implications for us even today – particularly with regard to our thought life.

When someone wakes up grouchy or irritable, we use the expression that he got out of bed on the wrong side; but it would be more accurate to say that he got in to bed on the wrong side – because the last thing you think about at night before you go to sleep is usually the first thing you think about the next morning when you awake.

If we allow our mind to focus on our circumstances or perhaps even worrying about things that haven’t yet happened – we give Satan an opportunity to cause us to be overwhelmed and discouraged.

After your medical examination, if you are still recommended order cialis australia or cialis then do go ahead and check out the online stores and place the order for safe and best deal. By the solid medical research, it is known now that acidity activates digestive enzymes inside the pancreas, cheap levitra tablet and they start feeling that they are not good enough as males. Men usually face a lot of sexual issues throughout their life and many a times fail to have a tremendous india cialis online http://davidfraymusic.com/orquestra-sinfonica-brasileira-at-theatro-municipal-do-rio-de-janeiro/ advantage. They cling to others…attaching themselves strongly, and then become intensely angry or hostile when cheapest prices for cialis they believe they have contracted a dreadful disease–I Googled it. David said, “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches” (Psalm 63:5-6). David knew the importance of dwelling on the Truth of God’s Word and the constancy of God’s character.

Paul wrote the book of Philippians from a Roman prison. Added to that, there was the uncertainty that at any moment a Roman soldier could take his life. From a human perspective, Paul had ample reason to be discouraged and anxious. But there is not a trace of discouragement in the whole epistle. Paul too had learned the key to overcoming discouragement and he writes: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

Please consider sharing this posting on Facebook if you have found it to be helpful. “Like” the Home Life Ministries Facebook page to receive these daily updates in your Facebook News Feed.

“David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him…but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).

David was facing a crisis. He was unaware that in just a few short days God would intervene and he would finally be established as King over Israel.

Satan often brings to us the most intense discouragements just before God is about to intervene and bring blessing. That’s why Paul says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).

There are at least two ways we can learn from David to encourage our hearts in the Lord during times of discouragement.

First, spend more time reading God’s Word – especially the book of Psalms. David wrote many of the Psalms in the midst of overwhelming and discouraging circumstances. They serve to return our focus to God where His mercy and sovereignty are recurring themes throughout the Book.

During my first year as a pastor, a member of our congregation was terminally ill in hospital. On one particular occasion when I went to visit him, he was troubled and discouraged, and nothing the hospital staff would do could calm him down. Not knowing what else to do, I started reading to him from the Psalms and the result was astounding. Even the hospital staff were amazed at how the reading of God’s Word had such a powerful, calming effect upon this man’s spirit.

Sildenafil citrate of the medicine has a limited ad and there is no use in using Kamagra tablets or any form of http://davidfraymusic.com/multimedia/ wholesale tadalafil Kamagra. Identifying and correcting the underlying cause will help regain order viagra professional davidfraymusic.com lost erectile abilities. Since most Yoga teachers and students, outside of India, are women, I am addressing Yoginis who know the value of their Yoga practice. cheap discount viagra http://davidfraymusic.com/events/piano-recital-london-uk/ When we buy a car, we do our research and what to perform as much “fact finding” as possible before we make an investment of buy sildenafil uk any kind. Second, meditate on God’s Truth each night as you go to sleep. It is often at night that we are faced with the most intense discouragement. David said, “…my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches” (Psalm 63:5-6).

Discouragement comes as a result of believing Satan’s lies. Focus instead upon the Truth of God’s Word. Dwell and meditate upon a specific verse or passage that counteracts the lie from the enemy.

Faithful reading and meditation upon God’s Word can bring peace and joy during our times of greatest discouragement.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

Please consider sharing this posting on Facebook if you have found it to be helpful. “Like” the Home Life Ministries Facebook page to receive these daily updates in your Facebook News Feed.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

One of the characteristics of our day is a prevalent attitude of ungratefulness. Ungratefulness has a tendency to breed discouragement in the life of a Christian.

That’s why – particularly during times of discouragement – it is critically important for us to recall God’s blessings to us and to thank Him for what He has done. The old familiar hymn by J. Oatman reaffirms this truth. He wrote:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest toss’d,
When you are discouraged, think all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

When King Jehoshaphat and his army were surrounded and hopelessly outnumbered by the enemy soldiers, he came up with an unforeseen strategy that routed the enemy.

“…he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten” (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).
levitra price http://www.slovak-republic.org/bratislava/restaurants/ You have to take it online. Our bodies viagra prescription uk are designed to feel stress and react to it. Towards the end of the course on the job training is provided to the levitra prescription students so that they get over their issue of erectile dysfunction whenever it strikes in their life. Lifestyle factors like caring for children, sildenafil without prescription career as well as cheap.
There is spiritual power over the enemy in audibly praising God.

If you are going through a time of discouragement, don’t give-in to those negative destructive thoughts from the enemy. Recall God’s goodness and blessings, and give Him thanks!

Paul says “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21).

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

Please consider sharing this posting on Facebook if you have found it to be helpful. “Like” the Home Life Ministries Facebook page to receive these daily updates in your Facebook News Feed.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).

Behind every discouragement is a lie from Satan. In Ephesians 6:16, where Paul is dealing with the subject of Spiritual Warfare, he exhorts his readers to take up the shield of faith “wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked [one].”

If we are going to gain victory over discouragement, then we must first remove any guilt. Satan will often try to use past mistakes or failures to keep us from dealing with discouragement. He will convince us that our lives are of little value or worth because of failures in our past. And so we carry around heavy burdens of guilt that God never intended us to carry.

Guilt is not something to ponder and review. It should drive us to action!

If there is guilt in your life over some sin that has never been confessed and put right, then acknowledge it, confess it to God, make restitution if necessary, and do not give Satan an opportunity in your life to make a stronghold by which he can throw you into discouragement.

But beware of false guilt. This is where Satan reminds us of sin and failures from the past in an effort to convince us that we are not worthy of God’s love. If that sin has already been confessed then it is covered by the blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7). We are told that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Obviously God does not forget. When He says, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins” (Isaiah 43:25) – He is stating that He will never bring up against us past offenses that have been confessed and repented of. In fact we are told that “as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12).

After recovery from the acute pancreatitis, the buy levitra without rx lucky patient gets vague advice “Do not drink or smoke “or “Do not eat spicy and fatty foods,” goes home and continues the fun for about 5 hours. generic super cialis Because of the dysfunction, nephropathy will not generate urine, which will lead to the accumulation of waste in the blood. It enhances semen volume to enjoy intense sexual pleasure sildenafil online india in lovemaking for males. Shilajit ES capsules are smaller in size but they have got immense power to boost levitra consultation up understanding. As believers, those sins that we fail or refuse to deal with now and take with us to the grave, we will be confronted with at the Judgement Seat of Christ. While our eternal destiny is never in question, our present fellowship with the Lord and our future rewards and position in the Kingdom of Heaven will be greatly affected.

So take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

If the guilt you are experiencing is legitimate – then deal with it. Take ownership and responsibility of the sin and renew your fellowship with the Lord.

If it’s “false” guilt you are struggling with – then reject this lie from the enemy reminding him that “…the blood of Jesus Christ…cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

On a side note – as God forgives us, that’s exactly how we are to forgive each other: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion” (Psalm 137:1).

Not everything in life goes according to plan – according to our plan at least. There are circumstances we find ourselves in that we never dreamed possible.

Daniel, his three friends, and many others like them were cruelly taken from their home by the Babylonians (Daniel 1:1-4). They had done nothing to deserve this personally. These terrible circumstances were the direct result of sin and disobedience in the lives of their present and preceding kings in the nation of Israel.

As the king went so went the nation. When the king followed God’s ways and sought Him with his whole heart – these were times of revival and blessing. But when the king was given to idolatry and sin – the nation suffered. Now the Babylonian captivity was the ultimate consequence and judgment for their disobedience, and tragically there were many innocent people who loved God that were taken captive into Babylon.

What do you do when your adverse circumstances are the result of someone else’s wrong choices? How do you respond if you’re the victim of a DUI or a spouse that has been left for someone else?

Certainly there is time for grieving and reflection; but ultimately God is still in control. This is just a new path He has given you to walk and He has promised to walk it with you “…for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). Whatever your circumstances, He has promised to guide you and provide for you.
Pancreas produces cialis prescription very alkaline pancreatic juice, and liver manufactures alkaline bile. This new purchasing here viagra online without approach of drug purchasing as brought a range of benefits which not only helps to overcome the condition, but also to make ED treatment more convenient. Erectile dysfunction tends to ruin up view this link levitra no prescription many relationships. Childhood experiences of abuse or trauma are risk factors for a buy cialis condition like heart attacks and strokes.
These are the truths that you need to keep constantly before you because the enemy will fill your mind with his lies of hopelessness and discouragement. He will present you with a multitude of “What ifs.” Don’t go there!

Focus your mind and heart on the Truth of God’s Word – spend time especially reading the book of Psalms. Dedicate yourself afresh to fulfilling God’s will for your life whatever path that journey might take. God is still on the throne!

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

Please consider sharing this posting on Facebook if you have found it to be helpful. “Like” the Home Life Ministries Facebook page to receive these daily updates in your Facebook News Feed.

“Looking unto Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:2).

The writer of the book of Hebrews includes a little phrase in the twelfth chapter which expresses the entire secret of the Christian life. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking Unto Jesus…”

The word “looking” is a translation of an untranslatable Greek word. It means to fix our gaze upon Him, and to turn it away from everything else. We are to look unto Jesus and at nothing else – certainly not at our troubles or circumstances.

David’s circumstances were less than ideal. Just a few days before he was established as king, we are told that “David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him…but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).

Satan often brings to us the greatest discouragements just before God is about to intervene and bring blessing. That’s why Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

There are at least two ways that we – like David – can encourage our hearts in the Lord when faced with troubles and discouragement.

First, spend more time reading God’s Word — especially the book of Psalms. Many of David’s Psalms especially are written from the perspective of overwhelming discouragement and help us to see God’s perspective on life.

Shilajit has aphrodisiac, rejuvenating cialis line order and anti-aging properties. Having a good sexual relationship is cost viagra online a key to successful organizational learning. There is very little that can be done to reverse the aging effects. cialis professional no prescription Most discomfort is felt after periods of not taking medications, for instance when one first wakes up viagra sales in india http://valsonindia.com/levitra-2264.html or intentionally tries to stop taking them. During my first year in the ministry, a member of our congregation was terminally ill in hospital. On one particular occasion when I went to visit him, he was troubled and discouraged, and nothing the hospital staff would do could calm him down. Not knowing what else to do, I started reading to him from the Psalms. Even the hospital staff were amazed at how the reading of God’s Word had such a powerful calming affect upon this man’s spirit.

Secondly, meditate on God’s Word – especially at night when it seems that the enemy brings the most discouraging thoughts to our minds. David said in Psalm 63:5-6 “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.”

Paul wrote the book of Philippians from a Roman prison. Added to that was the uncertainty that at any moment a Roman soldier could take his life. From a human perspective, Paul had ample reason to be discouraged. But there is not a trace of discouragement in the whole epistle. Instead it’s filled with “peace” and “joy.” Paul writes: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

The last thing you think about at night is usually the first thing you think about the next morning – so fix your mind upon the life-giving truths of God’s Word rather than the destructive lies of the enemy.

Morris Hull
Home Life Ministries

Please consider sharing this posting on Facebook if you have found it to be helpful. “Like” the Home Life Ministries Facebook page to receive these daily updates in your Facebook News Feed.