20 Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

20 Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

We have been living through a pandemic for a whole year.  For almost 13 months, we've seen news updates about the pandemic which always spark debates because this thing has everyone in a tizzy.  The politics surrounding the pandemic is unbelievable and opinions stretch as far right and as far left as you can possibly get. There aren't a whole lot of people like me in the middle just trying to do the right thing.  There are a lot of other things in the news these days that also might add to our anxious thoughts.  If the COVID-19 pandemic or anything else going on in your life has you feeling anxious, let me encourage you to turn off the TV, get off of social media, set some time aside, and turn to the only One who can ease your anxiety.  I know you're busy.  Everybody is busy doing something but resolve to set aside some time, whether it be 15 minutes or 2 hours.  Just unplug, take a deep breath, and open up your Bible.  Take a few minutes to consider the following Bible verses to combat anxiety.  Read them.  Study them.  Meditate on them.  Underline them in your Bible or highlight them with your favorite color highlighter.  Come back to them again and again and again.  God is the only real source of relief and peace during turbulent times.  Turn your eyes, your heart, and your mind to Him and to Him alone so that you can leave your anxious thoughts at the feet of Jesus and find true peace over your situations.

Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

1. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. - Psalm 94:19

2. Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. - Proverbs 12:25

3. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. - Psalm 34:17

4. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:7-8

5. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7

6. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

7. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1

8. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27

9. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

10. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. - Psalm 55:22

11. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

12. Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. - Luke 12:22

13. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4

14. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

15. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

16. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30

17. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. - 2 Thessalonians 3:16

18. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

19. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

20. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. - Jeremiah 29:11

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20 Bible Verses to Combat Anxiety

How to Love Generous Living

How to Love Generous Living

We have been talking a lot lately about generous living.  Today at church, we are talking about learning to love living generously.  Our focal passage for today is in 1 Timothy.

For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

¹¹ But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ I direct you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, ¹⁴ that you keep the commandment without fault or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

¹⁷ Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. - 1 Timothy 6:10-17

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here. 

How to Love Generous Living

Loving generosity will protect you from the love of money, which causes people to wander away from their faith.  

A generous person will be prosperous,
And one who gives others plenty of water will himself be given plenty. - Proverbs 11:25

One who is generous will be blessed,
Because he gives some of his food to the poor. - Proverbs 22:9

Generosity invites God's blessings into your life. It is more about what God wants for you than what He wants from you.  

The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever. - 1 John 2:17

How to Love Generous Living

1.  We need a spiritual understanding.  

Money is temporary.  It is not permanent.  

As he came naked from his mother’s womb, so he will return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand. This also is a sickening evil: exactly as a person is born, so will he die. What then is the advantage for him who labors for the wind? - Ecclesiastes 5:15-16

When you set your eyes on it, it is gone.
For wealth certainly makes itself wings
Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. - Proverbs 23:5

Money is not certain.  Only God and His Word are absolute. 

Money is not satisfying.  When we have a little money, we tend to want more.

The love of money will never cure the greed in a person's heart.

2.  We need a personal understanding.

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. - 1 Timothy 6:17

God wants you to enjoy what He has given you.

God wants us to share with others.

 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. - 1 Timothy 6:18

Tithing is Biblical.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and put Me to the test now in this,” says the Lord of armies, “if I do not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. - Malachi 3:10

This wall decal is available here.

Tithing is more than a law.  It's about love.  Tithing is not commanded in the New Testament.  In the Old Testament, it was law.  In the New Testament, it's about grace and loving others.

Tithing is the best way to love generous living.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:21

Trusting God repositions your heart.

How to Love Generous Living

How to Not Ruin Your Life (Ephesians Series)

How to Not Ruin Your Life

This post is written from my personal Bible study notes taken during my pastor's sermon.  

We are still in our Ephesians series at my church.  Today's message gives advice about how to not ruin your life.  Our scripture passage for today is Ephesians 5:15-21.  We learn today that if we do not want to ruin our lives, we should not act foolishly.  We should choose friends wisely.  We shouldn't be lazy.  We absolutely do not deny the existence of God.

You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here. 

 

 

First, let's read Ephesians 5:15-21.

So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of your time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; ²⁰ always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; ²¹ and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ. - Ephesians 5:15-21

Walk carefully because you will influence those who walk behind you.

 

How to Not Ruin Your Life

 

1.  Don't be a fool.  

Fools are full of pride, but wise people are humble.  

 

When pride comes, then comes dishonor; but with the humble there is wisdom. - Proverbs 11:2

2.  Choose friends wisely.

Fools are influenced by other fools, but wise people choose friends wisely.

One who walks with wise people will be wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm. - Proverbs 13:20

Proverbs 13:20 - This wall art is available here.

3.  Don't be lazy.  

Wise people work hard.  

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. - Proverbs 21:5

4.  Don't deny the existence of God.  

Are you being a fool?

 

Redeem your time.

As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years,
Or if due to strength, eighty years,
Yet their pride is only trouble and tragedy;
For it quickly passes, and we disappear.
¹¹ Who understands the power of Your anger
And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?
¹² So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:10-12

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The world is offended.  Seriously, some days I feel like everyone is offended over any given number of offenses.  Small offenses or bigger ones, it really doesn't matter.  All that seems to matter is everyone's opinions and everyone is right.  Everyone suddenly becomes an expert over any given number of topics and if anyone doesn't agree with them, then "anyone" is wrong.  But I have a confession to make.  I'm easily offended.  I'm not so much offended over differing opinions or views.  That's just life.  Everyone is unique with differing God-given skills and talents.  That's the way God created us.  I'm not offended over the uniqueness that God created in all of us.  I'm easily offended when someone criticizes ME or something I've said or done.  It has been often said that I can't take a joke.  Well, I can as long as the said joke doesn't criticize a person's character.  In my personal case, I'm easily offended when someone brings to my attention that I have acted in error or performed a task that doesn't measure up to my criticizer's standards.  I carry my heart on my sleeve.  I don't like criticism even if it is intended as constructive criticism.  This is a serious problem for me because this character flaw (one of many) causes me to react negatively instead of responding positively.  Sometimes my reactions cause rifts in my relationships with others, especially those closest to me who always endure the "privilege" of hearing my said reactions.

What does the Bible say about being easily offended.

As a result of my very recent reaction to the criticism of something I did, I did something I should have done a long time ago.  I went to God's Word to explore what the Bible says about being easily offended.  I know what God says about being easily offended in general, but I wanted a list of Bible verses to turn to when I become easily offended in the future.  It will happen again and "truth be told," it will happen to you too.  No one really likes to hear someone else bring to our attention a character flaw (we all have them) or criticize something we have said or done.  

I've been working on a prayer strategy like I learned about in the movie, War Room.  I will soon have a war room (part of a closet) in my home.  I also bought an ammo box that will become my battle box.  My prayer requests will be attached to my closet wall much like Clara's closet in War Room.  My battle box will be geared more toward my growth in my relationship with Jesus.  I've decided that these verses about being easily offended will be placed in my battle box.  Whenever I feel offended, I'll go to my battle box.  I'll go to war against Satan and his intention to destroy my relationship with my Lord and with the people around me.  

 Now, let's get to those verses.

What does the Bible say about being easily offended?

Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others. - Ecclesiastes 7:21-22                               (Wow, this one stepped on my toes.  How often have I been critical of others?  Probably more than I realize.)

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil. - 2 Timothy 2:24

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. - Exodus 14:14

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The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. - Proverbs - 22:16

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words. - Proverbs 23:9 (Let's not be fools and despise the wise words of others.) 

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. - Proverbs 29:11

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. - 1 John 2:16

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12:11

But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. - 1 Corinthians 8:9

You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes. - Job 5:21

A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. - Proverbs 27:3-6

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. - Proverbs 19:11

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. - James 1:19

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. - Proverbs 18:19

Now let's take this one step further.  When we are criticized by others, whether it was meant to be harmful or not, we have to learn to forgive others when they have committed an offense against us.  The said offense might have been words alone or perhaps the hurtful words were attached to a hurtful action.  Either way, forgiveness is a vital part of our spiritual growth.  Forgiveness is sometimes hard for me (another character flaw -  I have many), but the Bible has a lot to say about forgiveness.  Come back soon for a list of Bible verses about the topic of forgiveness.  In the meantime, consider checking out the following resources about forgiveness.

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What does the Bible say about being easily offended?

Psalm 15: Characteristics of the Believer in Jesus (Summer Playlist Series)

Characteristics of the Believer

Today, we continue our Summer Playlist Series in the Psalms as we read Psalm 15.  The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Have you ever had someone ask you a question and then immediately answer it before you do?  Have you ever done that yourself?  I'm guessing that we have all done that at some point in time.  This is what David did in Psalm 15. David asked a question in Psalm 15:1 and then answers it in Psalm 15:2-5.  

My pastor informs us that many Bible scholars believe that Psalm 15 was written to commemorate the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

David's first attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem failed because he failed to follow God's clear instructions.  Only the assigned Levites were to move the ark using poles carried on their shoulders.  Instead, the Ark was carried on a cart pulled by oxen.  When the oxen stumbled, a man named Uzzah reached to steady it.  Uzzah was immediately struck dead.  The fear of God caused David to postpone his trip to Jerusalem and he left the Ark in the home of Obed-Edom who was a Godly man.

While the Ark was in the home of Obed-Edom, God blessed him and his family.  When David made his second attempt to return the Ark to its rightful place in Jerusalem, he carefully followed Moses' instructions.

This is where David asks his critical question:

What sort of man qualifies for such a holy task to be admitted into the presence of Holy  God?

This prayer of David was a poem set to a song.  He and those with him may have sang this song as they moved the Ark back to Jerusalem.

Let's recap David's two questions.

1.  Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?

Today, we might consider the question this way.  Lord, who qualifies to even temporarily gather together with other worshipers to have fellowship with You? 

The word "abide," in this context, means to gather with others for a temporary time.  In this case, in the tabernacle which was constructed by Moses to the exact specifications given by God.  It represented the presence of the Holy God in the midst of His people.  As they moved from place to place in the wilderness, the Tabernacle went with them.  This symbolizes today's church, having no continuing city, sojourning on earth, preparing for our home in Heaven.

2.  Lord, who may dwell on Your holy hill?

In this question, David uses the word "dwelling."  In this context, the word "dwelling" means to reside or permanently stay in one place.  This could be literally or figuratively.  In this question, David is using the "holy hill" or Jerusalem where the Temple was built as a permanent place of worship.  

What do these questions mean for us?  Another way of asking these two questions might be:

Dear God, how can we qualify to even fellowship with You here on Earth temporarily, much less to enjoy eternal fellowship with you in Heaven?

That question is answered in Psalm 15 of God's Holy Word.  Let's read Psalm 15.

Lord, who may reside in Your tent?
Who may settle on Your holy hill?
² One who walks with integrity, practices righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart.
³ He does not slander with his tongue,
Nor do evil to his neighbor,
Nor bring shame on his friend;
⁴ A despicable person is despised in his eyes,
But he honors those who fear the Lord;
He takes an oath to his own detriment, and does not change;
⁵ He does not lend his money at interest,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
One who does these things will never be shaken. - Psalm 15

Psalm 15:2 summarizes the answer to these questions.   Psalm 15:2-5 illustrates what this looks like in the daily lives of Christ followers.

Verse 2 tells us three characteristics of one who qualifies to fellowship with God on Earth and in Heaven.

1.  One who walks in God's ways.

2.  One who works in God's ways.

3.  One who speaks in God's ways.

Let's ask a few other questions based on the three qualifications above.  

1.  Is there anyone who perfectly walks in God's ways?

2.  Is there anyone who perfectly works in God's ways?

3.  Is there anyone who perfectly speaks in God's ways?

The answer to all of those question is "No."  None of us, not even one of us, can qualify to have fellowship with God on our on strength.

There is only one man who perfectly qualified for fellowship with God.  That was and is Jesus Christ.  BUT, when a person comes to Jesus in humility and brokenness, turning away from sin and trusting Him as his or her Savior, he or she can enjoy fellowship with God.

What are the characteristics of someone who has fellowship with God?

Characteristics of the Believer in Jesus

1.  The Walk of the Believer

The believer in Jesus demonstrates a consistent walk in integrity, truthfulness, and sincerity.  The believer has a backbone of integrity, walking upright consistently.

Think of a tightrope walker.  The tightrope walker must walk directly upright, never leaning to the right or to the left.  The tightrope walker must keep his or her focus directly ahead.  Likewise, we must be consistently looking ahead to Jesus.  When we walk upright in Jesus, we will regard vile behavior as nasty and despicable.  We will want to turn away from such behavior.  We will stick to the Word in Truth even when it hurts.

2,  The Works of the Believer

The word "works" refers to the habitual works you practice from day to day.  These works are to be done in righteousness. God requires of believers what is right and just. 

The believer will not do evil to our neighbor.

The believer will not take up a reproach against our friend (such as gossip).

The believer will honor those who fear the Lord.

The believer will not take advantage of others through unreasonable interest on loans or receive bribes under the table.

3.  The Words of the Believer

The speech of the believer is consistently stable, trustworthy, courageous, and sensitive.

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil person out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. - Luke 6:45

 The believer doesn't slander others.  

The tongue is not steel, but it cuts, and its wounds are very hard to bear; its worst wounds are not with its edge to our face, but with its edge to our back when our head is turned . . . All slanderers are the devil's bellows to blow up contention, but those are the worst which blow at the back of the fire. - C.H. Spurgeon

In Psalm 15, David is stating that the person whose walk, works, and words consistently demonstrate this pattern will never be overthrown or drawn off course.  He or she will fellowship in Heaven with God eternally.

When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more,
But the righteous has an everlasting foundation. - Proverbs 10:25

The apostle John had a Heavenly vision as described in Revelation 21:1-4

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. ² And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, ⁴ and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. - Revelation 21:1-4

No one can achieve sinless perfection in his or her walk, works, and words but Jesus lived a perfect life and died on a cross as a substitute for us.  After He paid the ultimate price for our sins, He was buried and rose from the grave.  Jesus made it possible for any person who trusts in Him to experience fellowship with Him in this life and in eternal life to come.

Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior?  Learn more about how to do that here. 

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Characteristics of the Believer in Jesus, Psalm 15

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Confession:  Is there something you need to confess?

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Need to Confess?"  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Need To Confess | March 15, 2020 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

Confession:  Is there something you need to confess?

Why do people practice death bed confessions?  Perhaps it is because people don't want to die feeling guilty.  On the other hand, why do people want to live with guilt?  Truth be told, there are numerous reasons people live with a heavy heart filled with guilt, but what are the consequences of living with guilt?  Let's consider Psalm 32.

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered!
How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long. 

For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”;
And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.
Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you. 

Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart. - Psalm 32:1-6

No one is exempt from messing up.  David messed up.  He messed up big and tried to cover it up.  

Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio is available here.

3 Words for Disobedience

Transgression

Sin.  Sin means "to miss the mark."

Inequity.  Inequity means to twist and pervert.

When we disobey God, we commit a transgression.  We sin.  We rebel.  If David could mess up, then so can you and so can I.  Sin grows and spreads through secrecy.  Once you confess your sin, you are on your way to freedom.  No one is exempt.

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. - 1 John 1:8

The confession of bad works is the beginning of good works?  No one had to teach us how to cover up sin.  It's our default pattern.  After Adam and Eve committed the first sin, the first thing they did was try to cover it up.

But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out. - Numbers 32:23

When we have unconfessed sin in our lives, it will drain us.  Sin is a heavy load to carry.  Sin can affect us physically.  Have you ever read "The Tale Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe?  The weight of what he had done was too much for him.  

Whatever we cover up will eventually be found out.

Under these circumstances, after so many thousands of people had gathered together that they were stepping on one another, He began saying to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops. - Luke 12:1-3

David though he had gotten away with his sin, but he didn't.  God always knows.

When the time of mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house and she became his wife; then she bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the Lord. - 2 Samuel 11:27

David was confronted.  When we cover our sin, God will uncover it.  When we uncover it, God will cover it.

What if God is using COVID19 to get our attention?

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. - Proverbs 28:13

I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”;
And You forgave the guilt of my sin. - Psalm 32:5

God Never Gives Up on You by Max Lucado is available here.

Confession sets us free. 

But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:7-9

Confession brings freedom, but the consequences of our sin are not erased.  Still, God doesn't turn His back on us.  When we try to cover our sin, it is exhausting.  We can't cover all of it up all the time.  Walking in openness brings freedom.  What do you need to confess?

Do you need a relationship with God?  No matter what you have done, God can forgive it.  What are the guidelines for confessing?  Prayer

Confess to God.

Confess to the right person at the right time.  

If you have committed a public sin, confess publicly.  If you have committed a private sin, confess privately.

God makes no mistakes.  His timing is perfect.

Our current COVID19 crisis is giving us a lot of time to be with God.  This is a moment when He has our attention.

Bring your wounds to Jesus.

Use your scars for Jesus.

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Read all posts in my pastor's series on "Confession" here.

Love Where You Are (from the Love Where You Live Series)

Love Where You Are is the last installment in our Love Where You Live series.  In the Bible, Jesus tells us that we are to be His witnesses in areas all around us and beyond; even to the remotest parts of the earth.  God is clear about what He wants us to do.

Love Where You Are (from the Love Where You Live Series)

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Love Where You Are."  You are invited to watch, listen and worship with us here.

Love Where You Are | January 26, 2020 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

Wherever we live and work, God has placed us there.  We are to take the message of Jesus to dark places.  How do we do this?

How to Love Where You Are

1.  Be present.

Wherever you are, be all there!  Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God. - Jim Elliot

This "Wherever You Are Be All There" print is available here.

Let's not be preoccupied or distant.  Be ready for whatever God wants you to do wherver you are right now.

As born again believers, we have the power of the Holy Spirit.

Some of His disciples then said to one another, “What is this thing He is telling us, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?” - John 16:17

When Jesus went up, the Holy Spirit came down.

Loving Others Well (Love Where You Live Series)

Our next installment in the Love Where You Live Series is called Loving Others Well."  This post is part of a series led by my church pastor.  Part of our 2020 focus is our B.L.E.S.S. acrostic.

B - Begin with prayer.
L - Listen to them.
E - Eat.  Have a meal with them.  Jesus was often coming from or going to a meal.
S - Serve them.
S - Share the gospel with them.

Today we are learning how to better use our influence and voice to point others to Jesus.

You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Loving Others Well | January 12, 2019 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

Influence is powerful.  We need to use it to the glory of God.

Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.  Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. - Colossians 4:1-6

This "Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt" Bible verse wall art print is available here.

Paul is telling us how to use our influence and our voice to reach others for God.  He is telling us how to love.  Some people are not easy to love.  In order to love difficult people, we need a relationship with Jesus first.  Someone once wrote:

To dwell in love with saints above
Oh that will be glory!
But to dwell below with saints we know
Ah!  That's a different story.  (Author Unknown)

Les Parrott III wrote a book titled High Maintenance Relationships.  We are going to cover a few profiles in the book.

Types of Relationships to Consider While Loving Others Well

1.  The Critic

The critic is always complaining and giving unwanted advice.  The critic nags and like to point out the mistakes of others.  

2.  The Martyr

The martyr is the forever victim.  The martyr is always filled with self-pity.  This type of person is always negative, often saying things like, "Nobody likes me." 

3.  The Wet Blanket

The wet blanket is pessimistic and automatically negative about just about everything.

4.  The Super Star

The super star must be the center of attention.  The spotlight must always be on the super star.  This person feels like he or she must outdo everyone else.

5.  The Steamroller

The steamroller feels like it is his or her calling to set you straight.  

6.  The Control Freak

The control freak is a micromanager.

7.  The Backstabber

The backstabber will agree with you in private, but then say just the opposite in the presence of others.

8.  The Green Eyed Monster

The green eyed monster is seething with envy.

9.  The Sponge

The sponge likes to receive but he or she never gives.  

Would anyone identify you as someone on this list?  The truth is that we are all difficult to love.  How do we love difficult people? 

How do we love others well?

1.  Be devoted.

Be devoted, diligent, and strong.  Whatever or Wherever you are devoted to is where your time and energy is spent.  

What are you devoted to today?

*Be devoted to prayer.  Pray with alertness.  We need to communicate with God.  Jesus prayed.  He was a prayer warrior.  Do you have a war room?


If we are going to reach people for Jesus, especially difficult people, we must begin with prayer. You don't need to wait for an ideal situation to pray.  Paul was in prison when he wrote the book of Colossians.  

Pray with thankfulness.

2.  Be wise.

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. - Colossians 4:5

By "outsiders," Paul is referring to people who do not have a relationship with Jesus.  There are people you work with or go to school with who do not have a relationship with Jesus.  We don't want to be a stumbling block for them.  We want to be wise.  Our lifestyle is a message.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. - James 3:17

Find points of agreement with people.  Be holy and different.  To make a difference, we must be different.  Make the most of every opportunity to love others and share Jesus with them.  

Some ideas people have shared are prayer jars, blessing bags, handwritten cards and notes, Christian music CDs, etc.

When God places people in your life, you are on assignment.  Wherever you live and work, you are a missionary.

3.  Be gracious.

Let's look at Colossians 4:6 again.

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. - Colossians 4:6

Be gracious with your words.  Are your words helpful or hurtful when you speak to others and when you post on social media? 

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. - Ephesians 4:29

Are your words healing?  

Salt has healing properties.  Let your words be "seasoned with salt." 

Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. - Proverbs 16:24

This item is available here.

 Who needs you to speak words of healing to them right now?

Are your words hopeful?

There are people who think they are too far gone, forever condemned.  They need you to speak words of healing and hope to them.  You have influence.  Use it wisely.  Don't make it about yourself.  Make it about Jesus.

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Loving Others Well

Read all other posts in the Love Where You Live series here.

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