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An amazing part of our Christian life is knowing the Lord and reading His Word. When you come to Christ you still need to deal with the issues of life. But now you are not on your own --- Your life is in the hands of the Lord. May these one page Bible topic guides help you as you grow in the Lord and live in the integrity as a follower of Jesus. Click on the article title you are interested in reading.
Table Of Contents:
Why Do We Fear?
- We do not put our whole trust in the Lord.
- We do not acknowledge Jesus for who He is.
- We have placed our trust in things other then God who is our Creator.
- By judging others we have taken the place of God. We are made in God's image; We are not God.
How Do We Put Our Trust In The Lord?
- By acknowledging Him in what He is doing in our lives.
- By thanking Him for what He has done for us in times past and letting this encourage our faith.
- By looking at our circumstances in the eyes of God and not the eyes of man.
- Focus on the steadfastness of Jesus. He is our rock and our refuge.
How To Break Through The Fear Barrier:
- Commit your plans to the Lord. He has plans to prosper you.
- Be "God aware" in your life. Don't life to please your flesh, but live for the Lord.
- Pray and ask the Lord for His will for your life. See James 1:5-8
- Acknowledge before the Lord your short comings. His grace is sufficient for you.
- Ask for healing from past hurts so you may move on with your life. Living in fear is living in bondage.
Passages Of Scripture To Back You Up, Believe In And Stand On
- Psalm 27:1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident." (NASB)
- Psalm 111:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever." (NASB)
- James 1:5-8 "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (NASB)
- Isaiah 35:4 "Say to those with anxious heart, 'Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come, But He will save you.'" (NASB)
- 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (NASB)
Reasons To Forgive:
- To be in right standing with God
- To feel better physically
- To be released from the burden and hurt of situation needing forgiveness
- To have grace with the other members in the body of Christ and to show Jesus to those who need Him
- We are able to forgive because Jesus forgave us and asked us to do the same for others
- Forgiveness releases people from the traps of Satan while living in unforgiveness --- Bitterness, anger, jealousy, etc.
- Forgiveness allows others the grace to mature in Jesus
- Jesus made the playing field even. We are all able to be forgiven because of the cross
Bible Passages On Forgiveness:
- Dealing with the life style that leads to unforgiveness will help you to forgive those who have hurt you: Ephesians 4:25-32
- When you gave your life to Christ you were set free and forgiven of the sins you committed: Colossians 2:8-15
- Forgiveness is found in Jesus and we need to place Him first in life and acknowledge Him by forgiving others: Colossians 1:9-23
- Forgive those who have hurt you in your community so as a community you may move forward: 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
Prayer Of Forgiveness:
- Share the hurt with Jesus. Tell Him the situation you are facing.
- Share the feelings with Jesus you have experienced. Example : The disappointment, anger, bitterness, frustration, etc. the situation has brought to you
- In Jesus name forgive the person who hurt you. "Jesus I forgive __________"
- Pray for restoration. Forgiveness restores. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead the restoration process. Do not allow a situation to destroy a friendship
- In love and gentleness share with the person the hurt so he or she may understand what you experienced and how you felt. Do this in the love of the Lord as the Holy Spirit leads you and not in a way that will accuse the person.
In Times Of Stress
- Don't become over focused on yourself --- Continue to acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and rely on Him for strength
- Tend to your bodies needs of exercise, proper nutrition and rest
- Share what is going on with your close brothers and sisters in the Lord. Not everyone needs to know your problems; those who are close to you are able to be an encouragement and prayer support to you
- Pray. Share with the Lord what is going on. Take time to be at His feet to be refreshed
What To Watch For And Learn From In Your Situation
- That the Lord may mature you as a Christian --- your reaction to stress doesn't have to be sinful, but one that embraces Jesus as your Lord and Saviour
- Jesus is interested in your day to day life. Are you inviting Him into your circumstance?
- While people are God's hands, voice and feet extended don't automatically run to people. Instead let the Holy Spirit lead you to those who are able to be a support and encouragement to you while continuing to have Jesus as your source of hope and strength during this time in your life.
Bible Passages To Encourage And Strengthen You While Facing The Stress Of Life:
- Psalm 42
- Mary and being at the feet of Jesus : Luke 10:38-42
Prayers To Pray:
- Jesus thank you for being faithful to me.
- Jesus I invite you into my situation and I crown you King over my heart so I may react how you would have me react.
- Lord I leave my burdens at the cross. Bring your resolution to what I am going through.
- Thank you for growing me and maturing me as a Christian and your child.
- Lord I place my life in your hands. Do what only you are able to do.
- I ask you for your peace and I commit the situation into your hands. Be Lord God in it.
Being A Christian Means:
- Placing Jesus first in life
- Having a regular devotional time
- Acknowledging your faith before others
When Conflict Arrives:
- Pray - Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and insight
- Surrender to Jesus - This will help your decision making process
- Focus on what is best in the big picture - This will take your eyes off of petty issues
- Communicate - Listen and see where people are coming from
- Admit when you are wrong - Own up to your actions so you will grow and mature as a Christian
- Seek Godly counsel and not gossip - Let those who are mature in the Lord advise you and help you in the situation
- Maintain your integrity as a Christian - Don't forsake your values as a Christian in times of conflict
- Express your anger, disappointment, hurt and resentment to Jesus - Let Him as your Saviour heal the hurts the conflict has caused you
- Forgive those who have hurt you - You are not whole in Christ while living in unforgiveness
Bible Passages On Handling Conflict:
- Matthew 18
Prayer Check List During Conflict:
- Acknowledge to Jesus that He is your Lord and you endure to live for Him
- Ask the Holy Spirit for help, guidance, wisdom and insight into the situation
- In prayer submit your emotions to the Lord
- Forgive those who have hurt you
Keys To Financial Responsibility:
- Worship Jesus as the Creator and the center of your life
- Prepare a budget with the guidance of the Holy Spirit honestly reflecting your cost of living
- Be a pleaser of God and not of men
- Make God the source of your financial provision
- Let Jesus be the motivator in your life --- Don't be driven by dollars and cents
- Tithe --- place God first in your finances
- Don't be satisfied with the things of the world; let your heart and mind reflect on the things of Heaven
- What are you feeding yourself with? The things of God or the things of the world?
- React to the hurt with prayer and Christian fellowship
- Oppression is broke off by reading the Word of God
Passages Of Scripture:
- Placing the Kingdom of God first in your life and from this relationship with Jesus seeing your earthly needs met: Matthew 6:19-34
- There is no shame or condemnation for those who belong to Jesus: Romans 8:1-11
Prayers To Pray:
- Repent for mis-use of money in your life
- Confess "It's all about you Jesus"
- Pray "I surrender"
- In prayer place other life stresses into the hands of God
- Prayer exposes the traps of the enemy. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to where money has become a void and a trap in your life
How Do We Know Jesus?
- Through reading the Bible
- By praying
- By having fellowship with other believers and sharing what He is doing in each of your lives
- By attending a Bible believing church
- By accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour and declaring your dependence on Him
- Through worship and singing songs of praise to Him
- Acknowledging Him in your life
- By doing His works on the earth
- Realising you are His child
What Happens When You Become A Christian?
- You become a new creation. Instead of living for your flesh your hope is placed in what is of eternal value.
- You acknowledge you are a child of God. Your identity switches from being who you have created yourself to be to being based on Jesus.
- You have an eternal home in Heaven in store for you when this life ends.
- You have victory over sin.
- There is hope for this life.
- There is God's peace in this life.
How Do Matters Of The Heart Arise?
- By living independent of God and choosing your own way.
- By not yielding yourself to the Holy Spirit.
- By not spending time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study.
- By following the desires of your flesh.
The Good News
- Jesus loves you unconditionally.
- There is protection from life's storms --- God watches out for His children.
- Your hope and trust in the Lord grows and matures as you move forward in your Christian life.
- Grace is found at the cross. Jesus forgives and releases you from the consequences of sin because He paid the price by His death and overcoming death.
- As you spend time with Him you take on the mind of Christ and the life you lived before knowing Jesus as your Lord ends.
Prayers To Pray:
- Jesus I confess you Lord of my being ... my heart, my mind and my soul.
- Have your way in my life.
- Search me out Lord. Show me the ways in my life that aren't of you.
- Jesus draw me close.
- Help me to know your voice Lord and follow the leading of your Holy Spirit.
- Jesus I surrender all and I choose to follow you.
- I pray you would strengthen and encourage me Lord.
- I repent for the works of the flesh in my life. Thank you for your grace and mercy Lord.
Passages Of Scripture To Reflect On:
- Romans 6 to 8
- Colossians
- Philippians
- Hebrews
- 1 John
Steps To Having The Mind Of Christ
- Having a relationship with Jesus
- Asking His help when choosing what activities you will be involved in
- Praying and asking the Holy Spirit to guide you in your financial decisions
- Denying the lustful desires of your flesh by memorizing scripture, praying and having an accountability partner
- Praying before making major life decisions such as where you will live and who you will marry
- Being active in a Bible believing church
- Acknowledging God in the little things - He will trust you in more as you are faithful in the little things
- Praying through your generational curses
- Setting goals for your life the Lord is able to help you achieve
- Standing on the word of God as truth and authority in your life
- Trusting in God's promises to you
- Acknowledging the love of Jesus is your life by sharing your faith with others
Fruit Of Having The Mind Of Christ
- Moving in the gifts of the Spirit
- Having emotional stability in the storms of life
- Being a brother or sister to those who are starting out in their Christian lives
- Not making impulsive choices but instead making well thought out and prayed for decisions
- Being able to set healthy boundaries and know when to say "No"
Bible Passages On Having The Mind Of Christ
- Not being double minded : James 1:5-8
- Having a renewed mind in Christ : 2 Corinthians 5:11-19
Keys To Moving Through Your Season Of Grief
- Acknowledge the hurt before a brother or sister in the Lord
- Forgive the hurts the person who has died caused you
- Let the Word of God strengthen and sustain you
- Allow the Holy Spirit to be your comforter
- Pray for the peace of the Spirit to reign in your heart and mind
- Celebrate the times you shared together
- Thank God for the relationship He granted you --- even in difficult circumstances
How To Handle The Intense Feelings Of Loss, Sorrow And Grief
- Cry
- Share with those who are able to support you the pain you are in
- Draw your feelings
- Write poetry
- Write a song
- Talk a walk in nature
- Attend a Christ centered support group
- Ask friends to check up on you both regularly and on the dates of special occasions you experienced with the person who has died
- Keep a journal where you are able to express your feelings. Review it after a number of months and see how you have grown
- Have a night to celebrate the life of the close friend you lost. Invite your friends to gather to let you share, allow them to ask questions about your friend who has died, and spend time praying letting the Holy Spirit work through those who have gathered to support you.
- Maintain a few key relationships of people you may call on when you need support and no one is around. Don't let these people replace Jesus; Instead share and pray with them
Prayers For The Season Of Grief
A Prayer Of Peace:
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Father God my life is in your hands. Lord in the midst of my grief I ask you for peace. Lord may I sense your presence and strength sustaining me. In Jesus' name. Amen
A Prayer Of Protection:
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Lord I'm scared. Jesus when you died you took my anger and fear to the cross with you. I come to you now to ask you to protect me and keep me safe. Thank you for your faithfulness in my life. I pray this in your name Jesus. Amen.
A Prayer To Ask God For Love:
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Father God I'm hurting. I need your help Lord. I feel so alone and lost. Jesus I ask you to embrace me now. Heal the hurt. Lord may I sense your love in a real and tangible way. Thank you for your faithfulness in my life Jesus. Amen
A Prayer To Ask God For Friendships In Your Life:
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Jesus I have lost a dear friend. Lord I need people to talk to in my life and go to when life is rough. Would you provide these for me? Thank you Jesus. Amen
A Prayer Of Forgiveness And Release:
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Jesus I hurt. Lord I have resentment in my heart and Lord I want to forgive. I want to release the hurt to the cross that held you Jesus. Jesus I now forgive __________ and Lord I commit myself into your care. Help me live out my Christian life. Thank you for being real to me. In your name I pray. Amen
A Prayer Of Encouragement
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Jesus would you send encouragement to me? I need it right now. Life is hurting. Thank you for your faithfulness to me and for providing for my needs. In your name I pray. Amen
A Prayer Of Thankfulness & Thanksgiving
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Jesus I just want to say "Thank you". Thank you for giving me a friend. Thank you for the friendship we had. Jesus fill the void that is my life. Help me to turn to you and to live for you. Amen
Bible Passages On Grief And Sorrow:
- Matthew 5:4
- Romans 12:15
Your Hope Is
- That Jesus is near by and His promise to never leave me nor forsake me
- What I do for Christ is of eternal value
- That I am a member of the body of Christ and that there is love and acceptance by others who know Jesus as their Lord
- That my material provision is taken care of by God as I place Him first in my life
- That I will see Jesus face to face on day and that I am already a citizen of Heaven because Jesus is my Saviour
- There is hope beyond the grave - I will see my friends and family who also knew Jesus as their Lord and Saviour
- Because of knowing Jesus there is comfort in the midst of life's storms
Bible Passages Of Hope For Your Life:
- God's comforting words of living without fear : Isaiah 41:10; Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
- Jesus' words on handling conflict in your life : Matthew 18:15-17
- God's promise of healing : Matthew 4:23; James 5:13-16
- God's promise of material provision : Matthew 6:19-34
- Your labour for the Kingdom of God is of eternal value : 1 Corinthians 15:58
A Prayer Acknowledging Jesus As Your Source Of Hope:
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Jesus I thank you that you are the rock and the foundation of my life. Lord I commit my plans to you. Jesus have your way in my life. Thank you for your steadfastness and the fact that you care about me. Watch out for me. I pray that you would keep me safe and free from harm. I love you Jesus. Amen
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Pray and commit the things you think about and wonder if they will be o.k. into the hands of Jesus such as your employment, finances, family, heal issues and friends. "Jesus I acknowledge you as my provider. Lord I trust you with my __________ and I pray in Jesus that this item would line up according to your Word and your will in my life. I thank you for you faithfulness and enduring the cross for me. Amen."
Reasons Why And When This Occurs:
- When there hasn't been a consistent devotional time with the Lord
- During times of growth when the Holy Spirit points out issues that He wants to deal with in your life
- When there is unconfessed sin in your life and your heart isn't set towards the Lord
- When you allow the pride of intellect to become more powerful then the Holy Spirit in your life
- During times of hurt and sorrow
- When Jesus has not become the foundation of your life
The Good News:
- Jesus remains faithful and is always there to turn to
- Jesus is with us through it all --- regardless of what we face and in our darkest hour
- Your salvation is based on what Jesus did at the cross and His rising again from the dead
- Jesus' plan for your life is to stick with you from start to finish. The speed bumps in life don't chase Him away from you
- Jesus is able to heal the pain in your life and meet the greatest need you will ever have in your life
The Solution:
- Faith is built by reading the Word of God. Spend time in the Word by yourself and in a group setting
- Ask the Lord for more of Him in your life
- In prayer surrender your heart to the Lord so He may minister to the deep needs of your life
- Honestly share your struggles with those who are mature in the Lord. Ask them to pray for you and pray with you for God to overcome and bring victory in the areas of your life you are dealing with
- Regularly attend a Bible believing church. Have attending church become more important then the social activities that are keeping you away from church so Jesus may increase in your life
- Ask your pastor and the elders of the church to meet with you so they may pray for you and give you counsel on the decisions you are facing
- Read passages of scripture you are able to identify with in your current situation. Use your Bible concordance to find these with
- Remember you are a three part person : Body, emotions and spirit. Keep all three areas in check with the Lord. Physical sickness, emotional hurts and not being in a right relationship with the Lord will cause you to become out of balance and challenge your faith.
Prayers During Faith Testing Times:
Prayer For Strength:
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Jesus my life is in your hands. I come as I am Lord. Father would you strengthen me? Lord thank you that my salvation is not based on how I feel. Lord I trust my body in your care. Thank you for being faithful and watching out for me. Thank you for never leaving me Jesus and taking care of me in needs in the past. I trust you that you will restore and strengthen me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen
Prayer Of Surrender
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Jesus I come as I am. I don't the path to take. I come to you for direction and help in life. Lord I surrender my life into your hands. Everything I am and everything I am not I give you. Lord thank you for the strengths in my life. Thank you for giving me these talents. Jesus work through my weaknesses. Lord I ask you for others help in my life. Help me learn these skills. Jesus I trust that your will for me good. Jesus guide me by your Holy Spirit so I will follow after you. I pray this in your name. Amen
Prayer For Healing And Health
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Jesus I surrender. I give my life into your hands. Lord would you restore me to health? Father may we have a special relationship. Help me to think upon the things of Heaven. Lord help me to know your voice. Would you be my comfort at this time. Guide me by the power of your spirit. Thank you for this gift of life. Thank you that I will be able to spend eternity with you. I pray this in your name. Amen
Prayer For Emotional Hurts
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Jesus life hurts. I read in the scriptures that when you died you took the hurt to the cross. Jesus I hold you to your word and I place my hurts into your hands. I ask you to help me to forgive those who have hurt me. Would you show me any sin or bitterness I have in my life so I may move forward in you. I need you Lord. I need your strength and the hope that comes from knowing you. Thank you for your faithfulness in my life Jesus. Amen
Prayer During Times Of Growth
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Father life hurts. It is interesting. I want more of you. Would you help me to know you at times like this? Thank you that you lead the way and all I need to do is surrender to you. Help me to make this step. I trust you in. Lead on oh King Eternal. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen
Bible Passages On Faith And Unbelief
- Mark 9:14-29
- Hebrews 12
How Do We Trust?
- By standing on the promises of God, His love and protection for us
- By loving each other --- love allows for grace in the lives of others
- By doing all the things in our life for God by placing Him first and being our reason for living.
How Is Our Trust Broken And We Get Hurt?
- By making idols of people and not keeping God in the #1 spot in our lives. Don't place people above God in your life.
- By asking people to do things they are not able to. Have an honest view of what you yourself are able to do and what you need help with. When needing help pray and ask God. When you approach people ask if they have the skills and time to do what you have asked of them. Don't expect people to do what they aren't able to.
How May I Be Healed When My Trust Has Been Broken?
- By acknowledging to Jesus the hurt you feel. Pray "Lord I give you the hurt from __________. Heal me Jesus." Know when He bled and died on the cross and rose from the dead that He took your sorrows and hurt with Him on the cross and gained victory over them.
- Ask someone to do something for you that you are needing help with. Build from there having grace with the people you ask for help. Don't be focused on the process of how someone else does the work. Instead look at the final results --- Did they accomplish what you asked them to do?
Prayers To Pray When Dealing With Trust Issues In Your Life
- Jesus I ask you for help in my day to day tasks.
- Lord what is required of me at work or in my studies I place in your hands and I ask you for your help and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- Thank you for this life Jesus.
- Thank you for your faithfulness to me Lord.
- Lord I surrender the hurt from past situations into your hands. Jesus would you heal me from when my trust has been broken?
- Thank you for never leaving or forsaking me.
- Help me to acknowledge when I need the help of others.
- Help me to approach people in your love and your grace when I am asking for help.
- Jesus come be Lord in my life.
Passages Of Scripture To Memorize Dealing With Trust:
- 1 Peter 4:8 "Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins." (NASB)
- Psalm 56:11 "In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (NASB)
- Proverbs 11:28 "He who trusts in riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf." (NASB)
- Psalm 4:4-5 "Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the Lord." (NASB)
Keys To Living A Worry Free Life:
- Accept and acknowledge the love of Jesus in your life
- Have an honest perspective of your abilities - both your strengths and weaknesses. Celebrate your strengths and ask for help so you will grow in your weaknesses. In this way they will no longer be a hindrance to you.
- Don't live a "one man" show in life. Don't make an idol of yourself or be a do-it-all-yourself person.
Things To Work On To Break Through The Worry Barrier:
- Past hurts which have paralysed you. Allow Jesus to be your healer.
- Being able to acknowledge there are times when you need help.
- Trust Jesus as your source and the reason why you life.
- Have a solid financial plan. Prepare your budget to accurately reflect your cost of living. Know where your money is going. Plan before making major purchases so you avoid the trap of credit card interest.
- Ask Jesus for help and acknowledge past weaknesses to Him. This is taking a step forward in life.
- Take time to receive from the Lord as well as pouring into the lives of others.
Verses Of Assurance And Trusting In The Lord:
- 1 John 4:7-21
- Matthew 6:19-3
- Philippians 4:4-7
- James 1:5-8
- Psalm 91
- Isaiah 41:5-16