June 2015
What a wonderful privilege to be able to speak into your life. With so much sadness in the world, my purpose is to bring you a message of gladness, because of what the Lord has done. His word for you is,
“...Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” 1
Contact Charles...
Many of you write praise reports to me as a result of coming to the site. It makes my day to hear that you are blessed by what you read. Your response is the only way I hear of the results, such as this one from Jamie, writing,
"I have begun reading your books, "Will You Die For Me?" and "Manson's Right-Hand Man Speaks Out!" I just felt that I had to write you. I have so many questions about who you are now and have so much to say. Your books are both very well written and informative. Truth be told I can hardly put them down.
Apart from reading your books, I went to the abounding love ministries website and read your Q&A. When describing your typical day, you mentioned you wake up at 5 a.m. am I the first thing to do is read. What do you read Mike bucks, scriptures, etc.? I read a lot, so if you have any book recommendations, I would love to hear them.
I also was excited to find out that we both have December birthdays, and I was a vegetarian for 12 years; you still are today. You received your BS in Business Management, correct? How many degrees have you earned and is there anything you would like to study? I am currently a sophomore in college, double majoring. So I think it is cool you achieved that goal.
I suffer from depression and so some days are harder than others. Is there any uplifting advice or quotes that you could share with me? I am very proud of the person you have become. I know that you receive a great sum of mail, however, I do hope to hear back from you. Best wishes!"
Guard Your Heart...
God's Word offers the best advice for conquering depression. I know this is too easy of a solution to be true for many of you, but listen to Solomon, the wisest person who ever lived,
“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” 2
Your heart determines the course of your life. The heart is made up of spirit at the core and full, which are not the same. When you are born - again, your spirit becomes one with God's Spirit, who empowers your soul [ thoughts, choices and feelings] to be changed. As a result, your sadness turns into gladness as you respond in faith to God's grace [or choose God's thoughts or promises], which is the way to guard your heart.
For me, my life choices left me guilt ridden, since I didn't realize Christ took my guilt and shame at the cross. I was overcome with fear and anger that caused the depression and addiction.
Confront Your Thoughts…
Your thoughts are to line up with what God says about you in light of the finished work of Christ. To line up your thoughts, I’m offering a brochure called “Confession of the Word” that can be printed or read from the site. It works best when you confess the word out loud, confronting your thoughts daily until they line up with the truth. That's what Jesus did, Who said,
"You are truly my disciple if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." 3
There are three voices: yours, the demonic and God's voice. Moment by moment you determine whose voice you come into agreement with throughout the day. There is an unseen battle raging against your mind to bring depression. As you take authority over your thoughts through confessing God's Word, depression will leave and freedom will come. Whose voice you trust will determine the course of your life, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." 4
Again, you are to line up your voice with God's voice, regardless of what anyone else says about you. God's Word determines what is the truth for you and who you are. Your responsibility is to always be,
" ...casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 5
Just because a bird flies over your head, you don't have to allow it to build a nest in your hair. Same goes for demonic thoughts from others or self -- agree with God.
Watch Your Words...
Remember, Solomon said, "My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words." If you spend time daily in God's Word, you'll have the needed weapons to fight demonic thoughts. God's Word is the sword of the Spirit. In battle, you'll need to have scripture memorized so you can quickly pull your sword to cast down that thought.
No wonder the world is spinning out of control as depression runs rampant. Listen to the words being spoken by those around you and you'll know what is in their hearts, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." 6
Although, your heart is what matters for conquering depression. I'm not offering professional advice that you may need to seek. What I'm offering as a way to renew your mind with God's word for healing - Spirit, soul and body. Throughout this site, you'll be pointed to Jesus Christ for help in applying His promises.
"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." 7
A Prayer For You...
Father, today I choose to believe the truth. You sent Jesus into this world, and He became my sin. He took my punishment. He went to hell in my place. He came out of the grave and conquered my sin. In Him I have the gift of righteousness. I thank you that I am righteous apart from my performance. Today, I acknowledge that You have never hurt me. You are not judging me. You are not the source of pain in my life. My own sin and unbelief have brought me pain. I will never again believe that You are hurting me. I will abide in Your love and peace because I am right as in Jesus! You love me, You accept me, You are with me. You have made me accepted in the beloved! Thank You!
Scripture References (NLT):
1) Neh. 8:10c
2) Pro. 4:20-23
3) John 8:31,32
4) Pro. 23:7 NKJ
5) 2 Cor. 10:5,6 NKJ
6) Matt. 12:34a NKJ
7) Heb. 4:16
Suggested Bible: The Life Recovery Bible (NLT) ISBN-13: 978-1-4143-0961-3