Imagine the cessationists of the boy Samuel’s time. They would have pointed to the relative absence of the supernatural, and said “Clearly God has stopped talking.” How wrong they would have been. We see though, that even in Bible times there were seasons when “the word of the LORD was rare.” How much less should we be surprised that over the centuries there are periods when it seems God is intervening in our world less, and others when he is... Read more
Reading 1 Sam 2 it struck me that if we will exult in The Lord there are a number of great results: He will give you strength We can be confident over our enemies We will be full of joy in God He will be a rock to us Proud and arrogant speech will be far from our lips God will raise us up out of the dust God will guard us Read more
Later this week in the UK, Ligonier Ministries, the teaching fellowship of Dr. R.C. Sproul, will be holding two free one-day conferences entitled “Preaching with Power and Precision” with Dr. Steven Lawson, pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church and a Ligonier Teaching Fellow. Dr. Lawson will be teaching on the importance and power of expository preaching, and how to better equip leaders and laity to place first importance on biblical preaching. Here is what Dr. Lawson has to say about... Read more
One goal I have had in this series is to help us all understand that in many ways people with mental illness are just like us. The Bible has much to say to them, but everything it says to them it also says to us. This is because our gracious and eternal father knows our feeble frame. He knows our frailty and our weaknesses. HE is God and you are not! What batter place to conclude this series on mental... Read more
These verses are perhaps especially relevant for thos with Bipolar Disorder and other illnesses, but they are surely relevant for all of us.. God intends us to have a controlled mind. He wants us to be disciplined in our thinking, not allowing fleeting thoughts to capture us and lead us astray. “ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV) How do... Read more
We continue today to look at Bible verses that address certain specific symptoms people with Bipolar Disorder may exhibit. As said before, people should ask their doctor for advice about medical treatment, these verses are no substitute for that. When manic patients may commit impulsive acts that they would never normally undertake. One of the challenges for family members is that these do not always look like illness to those who do not know the patient. One of the challenges for... Read more
I am continuing to share verses for people with Bipolar Disorder (see also this post for more information about Bipolar Disorder diagnosis). Today we turn to a specific set of symptoms people with Bipolar Disorder may suffer from. While people are manic it is common for them to exhibit excessive self assurance, over-confidence and increased rate of speech. This can be very disturbing to those around them. While these verses are unlikely to help the individual in the middle of a manic... Read more
I must stress at the outset that in every case I have encountered Bipolar Disorder has behaved very much like a biological condition. It responds in most cases very well to medications, but it does not seem to respond well to any other methods of treatment unless medication is also used. If you suspect you have Bipolar Disorder go to visit your doctor. If you still have symptoms despite taking treatment ask your doctor if you need a higher dose... Read more
I do want to stress at the outset of this article that suicidal thoughts should not be ignored. Nor should anyone think they can simply treat them by Bible meditation alone. If you or someone you love is suicidal then you should treat it as a medical emergency and get the professional help and assessment you need. Contact The Samaritans or your local equivalent for more help For anyone who has lost someone to suicide I refer them to... Read more
I have previously written on depression as a mental illness, and how because of the “Four Pillar Approach to Mental Health” we can all be helped by these verses on depression whether we are diagnosed as depressed or not. Nothing I say here should be taken as discouraging seeking professional help, as to my mind there is no reason why people cannot simultaneously be helped by promises from God’s word and the wisdom of doctors who were created by God.... Read more
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