Living Free Everyday - July

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Today's Scripture
"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." Romans 10:17 NIV

Thoughts for Today
Millions of people suffer from clinical depression. Is depression affecting your life or the life of someone you love? This week we will be looking at scriptures that can give us new insights on overcoming depression.
Picture depression as a downward spiral with the potential to pull us deeper and deeper into despair. Then picture a ladder that will help us climb out of this deep hole. The first rung on that ladder is faith. Faith in God's love for you. Faith that Jesus is with you and will help you climb the ladder. Faith that God created you as a unique and special individual and that he has a purpose for your life. Faith that he will help you fulfill that purpose.

But how can you develop this kind of faith? By reading God's words in the Bible. By believing those words and acting on them. As you do this, you will begin to discover how much God loves you. His love for you is unconditional. Jesus died for you … and for me … and by turning to him, we can be forgiven for all our past misdeeds and get a fresh start.

Consider this…
If you haven't already done so, determine now to take this first step out of depression. The eighth chapter of Romans is a good place to start. Take time to read the entire chapter and meditate on it. God loves you. He is able to help you … and he wants to help you. He only asks you to trust him.

Prayer
Father, I need your help. I am willing to take the first step to begin climbing out of this deep hole where I find myself. I commit right now to reading and believing your Word. I ask for your guidance and help. And please help me learn more about how you see me and about your love for me. In Jesus' name …


These thoughts were drawn from…
Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.


Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships
Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare
Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer and mutual support
Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons
How to pray for healing and what to expect
Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ

Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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Today's Scripture
"Jesus said to the people who believed in him, 'You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Depression often distorts our feelings, especially feelings about ourselves. We tend to believe our negative feelings more than the positive truth of God's Word because what we are feeling seems so real. Do you identify with any of these thoughts?

Depression says: Nobody cares.
God says: I listen to you cry for help. I am concerned about you. Psalm 22:24, Exodus 4:31
Depression says: I feel so alone.
God says: I am with you. I will never abandon you. Psalm 9:10, Hebrews 13:5
Depression says: I am so worthless. I don't deserve anything good in my life.
God says: I consider you most valuable. I am pleased to make you my own. You are precious in my sight. Matthew 6:26, Psalm 139:13-18
Depression says: No one understands.
God says: I knew you before I made you in your mother's womb. I know you by name. I walk with you. I know your ways. Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:2
Depression says: There is no hope.
God says: I am your hope. I rescue you. Psalm 39:7, 9:9-11, 37:23-24.
Consider this…

God's promises are true. Meditate on them. Ask him to help you know and accept the truth instead of allowing your feelings to control you. Trust in his Word and his truth will set you free.

Prayer
Father, I know that I sometimes allow my emotions and feelings to control me instead of relying on your promises and trusting in you. Help me focus on your truth … I know that is the only way to true freedom. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.


Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships
Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare
Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer and mutual support
Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons
How to pray for healing and what to expect
Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ

Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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Today's Scripture
"The LORD is my light and my salvation” so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?" Psalm 27:1 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Depression almost always results in fear that our personal failures and inadequacies will be exposed and shame and humiliation will follow. This fear can cause us to isolate ourselves from others to avoid getting hurt.
As a step toward recovery from depression, we need to replace our self-imposed isolation with a willingness to share with others. This takes courage. It requires being honest with ourselves and other people. We might think, "I'm afraid they will reject me when they hear the truth." or "I've been protecting myself for so long by hiding the real me from others … I don't know if I can change."

It's not easy to tell someone we are hurting or afraid or angry. The good news is that we don't have to do this on our own. God loves us and wants to help us. If we turn to him, he will give us the courage we need. And he loves us unconditionally. Nothing will ever change that.

Consider this…
If fear has caused you to build a wall between yourself and others, be encouraged to take that first step out of isolation. Call someone you have been avoiding. Share something you are feeling with a person close to you. You don't have to do it all at once. Ask God to help you, and then take that first step. With him, you can do it.

Prayer
Lord, I've been so afraid to talk to anyone about my problems. Help me trust you enough to step beyond my fear and share my need with someone. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.


Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships
Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare
Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer and mutual support
Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons
How to pray for healing and what to expect
Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ

Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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Today's Scripture
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Climbing out of depression is a process, and it requires perseverance.
We must persist in believing God's truth instead of listening to our feelings. We may have thoughts like "I'm such a failure. I never do anything right. What's the use?" Instead of focusing on these negative feelings, we need to intentionally refocus on truths from the Bible: "I am special to God. God made me for a purpose. God loves me. He will never leave me. With God, there is always hope. I can do all things through Christ."

Although change takes time, as we persistently choose to believe God's truths instead of our feelings, those truths will become a part of us. Our thinking about ourselves will begin to change. Our relationship with God will grow stronger. And we will find it easier to build healthy relationships.

Consider this…
God gives us help for fighting depression: the truths of the Bible … the Holy Spirit to remind us of those truths … and the people of God to encourage us. We must persistently open our hearts and minds to all these wellsprings of help.
Don't give up. You can climb out of depression. As you persist in trusting God, he will show you the way, step by step. And he will give you strength for the climb. With Christ, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).

Prayer
Father, it took me a long time to sink into this level of depression, and I know climbing out of it will take time as well. Help me not to give up. Help me to focus on the truths of your Word. Please transform me into a new person by changing the way I think. In Jesus' name …

These thoughts were drawn from…
Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.


Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships
Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare
Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer and mutual support
Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons
How to pray for healing and what to expect
Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ

Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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Today's Scripture
"Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:8 NIV

Thoughts for Today
Are you in a tug of war between your own agenda and God's plan for you? This week we will be looking at some ways to escape life's distractions and grow closer to God.

Life can slowly separate us from intimacy with God. Today there seems to be more than ever to distract us from the pursuit of a close personal relationship with him. We often find ourselves torn between our agenda and his desires for us. Guarding the inner fire”the passion for Christ”is a great challenge of the twenty-first century.

Consider this…
Think about it. What are some things in your life that prevent you from drawing closer to God? All-consuming distractions like being overloaded with e-mails, cell phones and hours on the freeway? Pleasing bosses, shuttling kids, trying out new gadgets? Hours on the golf course or in front of the TV? Perhaps even serving in the church? There is nothing wrong with any of these activities unless we allow them to distract us from our personal relationship with God.

If you truly want to do things God's way and have a closer relationship with him, take an honest look at your priorities. Admit to God that you have allowed busyness or other distractions to take your eyes off him. Ask for his forgiveness and his help in making him first in your life.

Prayer
Father, I know I sometimes let the busyness of the day interfere with my relationship with you. Sometimes I find time for everything else except my quiet time with you. Sometimes I get so focused on other things throughout the day that I forget you are right there with me. Please forgive me. Please help me make you first in my life. In Jesus' name …

A Passionate Pursuit of God: Drawing Nearer to Him (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Dr. Mike Chapman. This study teaches participant how to move into God's inner circle, how to listen for the voice of God, how to enjoy the freedom of worship, and how to embrace the mission of worship. This 45-minute format will accommodate groups with limited meeting times. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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Today's Scripture
"One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." Luke 10:42 MSG

Thoughts for Today
In Luke 10:38-42 the Bible describes a woman who gave into distractions. Jesus was visiting the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Martha, wanting to be a good hostess, was working herself into a frenzy in the kitchen while Mary remained at Jesus' feet, absorbed in his teaching. When Martha complained to Jesus about her sister not helping her, he responded that Mary had chosen the essential time at the feet of Jesus.

Martha was doing good things, but she became so engrossed and stressed by those things, she neglected what was really most important.

Consider this…
Are you so busy doing good things, maybe even in ministry, that you are neglecting spending time with Jesus? Try to refocus on him. Don't let anything interfere with your regular time with Jesus his Word, in prayer and in worship.
Choose the main course.

Prayer
Lord, I know that I tend to be like Martha. I get so caught up in my "to-do's" that I sometimes neglect spending time with you. Help me to refocus choose the main course. In Jesus' name …

A Passionate Pursuit of God: Drawing Nearer to Him (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Dr. Mike Chapman. This study teaches participant how to move into God's inner circle, how to listen for the voice of God, how to enjoy the freedom of worship, and how to embrace the mission of worship. This 45-minute format will accommodate groups with limited meeting times. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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Today's Scripture
"That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration." John 4:23-24 MSG

Thoughts for Today
Overcoming distractions and focusing on God become easier when we make worshiping and praising him our highest priority.

How do we worship God? In song, in prayer and in action. People worship in different ways, but the essence of worship is in loving him, thanking him and adoring him. This adoration can be expressed in many ways. Some people honor him with words. Some sing. Some raise their hands or kneel before him. Some remain quiet before him, just basking in his presence. Some dance or play instruments.

Worship is the key to experiencing a deepening knowledge of God. It is the key to a closer personal relationship with him. Praise is a declaration of who God is. Worship is an encounter with who God is. God makes himself known to worshiping people. Learn to seek him and to worship him with passion.

Consider this…
Just as you express your love to your spouse or parents or children in many different ways, determine to discover the freedom of worshiping and loving God in different ways. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. There is no right or wrong method it is the love in your heart that counts.

Prayer
Father, I do love you and adore you. I praise you for who you are and for all that you have done for me. You are my Father, Daddy, Savior and Deliverer. You are my Comfort, my Teacher, my Guide, my Protector. I praise you for your love, your power, your goodness and your grace. In Jesus' name …

A Passionate Pursuit of God: Drawing Nearer to Him (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Dr. Mike Chapman. This study teaches participant how to move into God's inner circle, how to listen for the voice of God, how to enjoy the freedom of worship, and how to embrace the mission of worship. This 45-minute format will accommodate groups with limited meeting times. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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Today's Scripture
"Joshua said to the Israelites, "Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God." Joshua 3:9 NLT


Thoughts for Today
Communication is a vital key to every relationship. And so it is with our relationship with Christ. Intimacy with God is not possible without communication.
When we pray, we talk to God. When we listen, God can talk to us. Unfortunately, most of us spend all our prayer time talking to him, never taking time to listen.
God speaks to us in various ways: Through the teaching of the Bible. Through Scripture "explosions." (This is when a verse literally jumps off the page and speaks to us.) He speaks through a "still, small voice" in our hearts and minds. And sometimes he speaks though other people or through circumstances in these cases, the message will usually be a confirmation of something he has already told us.

Consider this…
How do we know when we are hearing from God, not the enemy or even our own imagination? First, God comes openly with peace, never causing fear, anxiety or guilt. Second, his message will always line up with Scripture and will build faith. And third, his message will result in more love and more power in our lives not in confusion.
God loves you and wants to communicate with you. Learn to listen!

Prayer
Lord, teach me to hear your voice. Help me to talk less and listen more when I pray. Help me to hear clearly from you as I read the Bible. And throughout each day, help me to be more open to hearing you speak to me no matter what else I'm doing or where I am. Teach me to listen. In Jesus' name …

A Passionate Pursuit of God: Drawing Nearer to Him (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Dr. Mike Chapman. This study teaches participant how to move into God's inner circle, how to listen for the voice of God, how to enjoy the freedom of worship, and how to embrace the mission of worship. This 45-minute format will accommodate groups with limited meeting times. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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Today's Scripture
"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." Philippians 4:8 MSG

Thoughts for Today
Negative thinking can distract us from remembering God's goodness and from building an intimate relationship with him.

We live in a culture of complaining. We look for ways to get things off our chests. Talk shows are flooded with callers eager to share their displeasure about something. Complaining may seem harmless, sometimes even therapeutic. However, it causes impatience, which reinforces negative attitudes and can lead to a self-focused life.

We all go through difficult times, but God doesn't want us to focus on the negative. He knows that chronic complaining will never help us and will ultimately harm us. Instead, God calls us to rejoice! To focus our minds on the good, the positive, the praiseworthy. To give thanks in all circumstances and to focus on his love.

Consider this…
Joseph never complained when he was betrayed by his brothers, put into slavery and unjustly imprisoned. The apostle Paul maintained a good attitude when he was beaten and imprisoned. Both men had an intimate relationship with God and wanted more than anything to please him.

The next time you start to complain … take a deep breath and refocus on Jesus.

Prayer
Father, sometimes I get sidetracked and focus on the worst in me, in others and in my circumstances. Please forgive me and help me to refocus on the best in me, in others, in my circumstances. And most of all, help me to focus on your love and grace and on Jesus, my Savior. In his name …

A Passionate Pursuit of God: Drawing Nearer to Him (http://www.livingfree.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=17&Itemid=2) by Dr. Mike Chapman. This study teaches participant how to move into God's inner circle, how to listen for the voice of God, how to enjoy the freedom of worship, and how to embrace the mission of worship. This 45-minute format will accommodate groups with limited meeting times. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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Today's Scripture

"For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:20 NLT



Thoughts for Today

Today's Scripture gives us the words of Peter and John when the officials ordered them not to ever again speak or teach in the name of Jesus. They could not stop sharing the truth with others.

Are we eager to share God's Word with others? Peter and John could not stop!

We need to freely share the Word of God with others by the way we live and the words we say. By living the way God's Word teaches us to … and by sharing the truths of His Word with others. We need to pray for the kind of commitment and boldness demonstrated by Peter and John when they declared, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Consider this …

What does your life say to others? Does it reflect the character and love of Christ? The way we live speaks volumes to unbelievers. What picture of Christianity does your life give them?

The words we share are also important. How eager are you to share the gospel with others? To share the insights God has given you? Do you identify with the apostle's words, "We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard?"

Prayer

Father, help me apply your Word more fully to my life and live in a manner that reflects your love and goodness. Show me those things I need to change and give me the strength to make those changes. Give me more boldness to share your truth with others as the Holy Spirit leads. In Jesus' name …