Anxiety Addressed Biblically & Christian Movie Recommendation

Anxiety Addressed Biblically

There is a teaching video I watched recently which gave some Biblical ways to address anxiety.  With all of the seeming chaos going on in the world, it is so easy to wallow in anxiety instead of focusing on God and His Word and trusting in His sovereignty. Another thing to remember is that the second death is something the Christian doesn't have to face, as Christ faced the worst on our behalf.   We don't control what goes on in this world in the way that we may think we do.  I think I too often am like the disciples in the boat thinking I'm about to drown with Jesus right there instead of like Polycarp who had courage to say that the fire would last no longer than an hour...less than the eternal fire the person having him executed would face from God.

Safe in the Storm: Biblical Strategies for Overcoming Anxiety (Phil Moser)

Christian Movie Recommendation: Play the Flute

Our family recently rewatched a movie that I got for one of them in the past.  It is about a guy who is planning to be a pastor, but he decides to lead a youth group first.  Yeah, I know, some of you may be against youth groups, but his focus was Scripture and even memorization of Scripture.  He faced a lot of challenges with seemingly only one Christian in the group.  If you are interested to watch it, it is called Play the Flute.

Play The Flute - Trailer from Play the Flute movie on Vimeo.

TMSDay Highlights, Anxious Christians, Nightingale Music

#TMSDay Highlights

On October 10th, The Master's Seminary had an online event where people could watch classes, a Q & A, Chapel, etc. (live-streaming).
I loved it!
I shared about it in a previous post.
The Q & A had Nathan Busenitz asking questions of John MacArthur that people had posted online.
Well, you can actually watch that, the chapel, & the faculty discussion by going HERE.

For The Anxious Christian

Do you have a tendency to be anxious?
I do.
My family heard some messages by Don Green the past couple of Sundays, and he explains how Jesus dealt with anxiety.
We probably need to hear them again.
Don Green reminds us of a part of God's character that some of us need to remind ourselves of over and over.
I recommend listening to or watching these!

Why Are You So Worried?

From Anxiety to Rest

Music To Enjoy

Christmas, Indifference & Anxiety

There are three things done by John MacArthur I am sharing today that I found interesting and helpful.

 

• The first is about the real meaning of Christmas and what it isn't about as well.

           You can find it by clicking here.

• The next one is about "The People Who Missed Christmas."  Click here.

• Anxiety and panic are things that I struggle with myself.  I know God is in control,but still I battle and fight unreasonable fears at times.  Even when it seems reasonable to be nervous, I have to continually remind myself that God is trustworthy and to cast my anxiety on the Lord.

Insight Into Paul Washer (Interview), Replacing Worry, Supreme Court Judging Marriage, Believing the Worst

Earlier this month I heard an interview with Paul Washer that Tim Challies shared on his blog.
It will give you some insight into Paul Washer that you may not have heard before.

 John MacArthur had a blog post not long ago that is convicting about replacing worry.  I do struggle with anxiety and worry too often, and I keep reminding myself to give things and situations to God.  There have been times where I have felt peace though, and lately when I've been floundering I am frustrated with myself.
http://www.gty.org/Blog/B121126

Recently the Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases regarding homosexuals and marriage.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/12/10/supreme-court-agrees-to-hear-two-same-sex-marriage-cases/

I just read a post today by Tim Challies that I really can identify with.   I have jumped to wrong conclusions about people before, and I have been hurt or angry without first asking questions.
I've also been on the other end where I have felt condemned and judged for my imperfections when I make mistakes or people have rejected me. 
I'm not saying that there aren't cases to confront people.  There are. 
When I care about someone, I should not automatically assume the worst, but sadly I do at times. 
I would hope that people will forgive me for that.  That doesn't mean I'm always wrong in my assumptions or feelings.  I need to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger though!
Below is a link to Challies' blog post:

http://www.challies.com/christian-living/believing-the-worst-of-those-who-love-me-most

Feeling Overwhelmed?

Do you ever feel like you want to crawl under a blanket and shut everything out?
When stress gets high and the world is sinking down, my only hope and Rock of refuge is Jesus.
There are times when I need to pull back for awhile when I am feeling overwhelmed.  I need to refocus on God, and cast my anxieties on Him.  He is my refuge and strength.  I am thankful for His promises.  He is faithful and will not let me go. 

Psalm 91:2
Psalm 56:3-4
Psalm 55:22
1 Peter 5:7
Psalm 61:1-4

This video sums up how I feel at times...whether it's stress dealing with people, situations, pain, or because the weather is cold!  ☺   Still, I must remember God's promises and press on after praying and being reminded of His promises.  He will never leave me or forsake me.

God Is Faithful In The Shadowland

Have you ever noticed that in the Bible you often see people going over and reminding themselves about what God has already done for them and for Israel in the past?

I believe that is a great example for me.  When I struggle with anxiety and lack of faith in God's taking care of me when I get stressed, I find it's helpful to remember that God has always taken care of me in the past as well.

Having grown up in a home where my Dad  was doing a ministry for many years, we sometimes were in the position where we didn't know where the money would come from to support us and the ministry.  Then God would provide for us ... sometimes from unexpected sources.

One time we were feeling the need to move from a house that had a mold issue in it that my parents were renting.  We prayed as a family one night and during the prayer time a phone call came from a man telling us about a house for rent!

There are just so many situations that God has helped me through.  Sometimes I have felt I couldn't stand pain or more recently dizziness and head ringing any longer.  I know that God knows more what I can stand better than I do ... which is often more than I think I can.  There are so many people out there suffering.  I know that God has a purpose in trials for me.  My desire is to have joy and faith in God during the trial.  I want to please God even in the shadowland.  He is faithful.

Sometimes the best way to go forward in faith is to remember God's role in the past.
I hope you can enjoy this lighthearted song by Josh Wilson which is another good reminder of God's faithfulness and sovereignty.