Do any of you have to deal with recurring depression? I know I do. I'm not talking about the kind that requires lots of counselling and doctor prescribed medication (clinical depression) although, I have had counselling and have taken medication from time to time. I'm talking about a mental and emotional pull towards sadness. A hundred years ago it was called "melancholy". Some of the greatest Christian thinkers and pastors had ... melancholia. They, like us, just had to deal with it.
I've done a little study on this and have heard (and I somewhat believe) that some depression is genetic ...that genetics has a significant role in our "happiness quotient". Pshchologists say that maybe 40% of our sense of happiness or sadness is determined by our gene pool. These same experts also say that the remaining 60% has much to do with our own determination and understanding.
My father, my deceased brother, myself and one of my daughters all struggle (stryggled) with depression but I don't consider myself sad or depressed and it is mainly because I work on it ...I fight it. I usually get through the rough spots in a day or two.
One of the greatest exercises I do on a regular basis ...2 or 3 times a year is to read through the book of Ecclesiastes ...non-stop in one sitting. To take bits and pieces from this strange book is counter-productive to combating dark feelings and sadness but to read it straight through is one of the most encouraging things I've learned to do.
Here's what I'd like those of you who are relating to this post to do. Next time you are having feelings of "woe is me" or "I wish I had" or "if only ..." read Ecclesiastes ...all of it. Write down what Solomon said was the greatest source of inner peace and joy. It's better than Zanax. Try it.
Other may want to watch "Happy" on NETFLIX. Watching or reading something that is not necessarily based on God's Word contains both truth and error. I liken learning from these sources to eating fish. I love fish but I spit out the bones. Happy has a few bones in it but it has a lot of meat too. It will definitely get the mental juices flowing.
IF YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW ...
Friday, January 11, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
DO YOU "FEAR" GOD?
Prov 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
As I read the entire chapter of Proverbs 7, verse 7 seems to be the defining verse. How easy it is to isolate this powerful verse and come up with a legalistic, rules dominated religion.
As I read the Bible I see various attitudes, life-styles and belief systems that are totally at odds with God's character and will. The Bible mentions things that God "hates" and practices that are an "abomination" to Him. For a new believer these things may appear arbitrary ... because these aspects of fallen humanity have become "mainstream". Everybody's doing it, or at least, everybody's accepting this as "okay". The dilemma is the immutability of God ...He doesn't change because truth doesn't change. Either He is always truthful or He is not. We must answer that in our response to His Word. Proverbs 1:7 teaches me that the fear of the Lord is the "beginning of knowledge". It is not the end of knowledge.
As you read the entire seventh chapter of Proverbs, can you see the love behind the warning? There is a "fear" that leads to legalism and doubt and alienation and there is a "fear" that leads to a peace and ease and a closeness in our relationship. Check out verse 33.
Some of us have experienced religion and have mistakenly put an angry face on God because we haven't taken the time to try to know Him. There are reasons why He says "No" to certain ideas and these reasons don't have to do with Him being arbitrary ...they have everything to do with our experiencing His grace. Let me end with a true story of a man who held to a misconception until he discovered the real truth surrounding this misconception.
Bill, a pastor friend, told our church about a horrible incident that happened when he was in the 3rd or 4th grade. He was going home from school one winter on a schoolbus and travelling on a snowy country gravel road. A beautiful dog appeared out of nowhere and was standing in the middle of the road about 100 feet ahead of the bus. To Bill horror, the bus driver never put on the brakes or attempted, in any way, to avoid this dog. He ran right over it and kept right on going. Bill said he hated that bus driver for that. 15 years later, after he was married, he took his new wife to his old home town and was showing her around his old stomping grounds. Then it happened ...he realized he was travelling on the very same road he travelled that day on the bus when the driver ran over the dog. It suddenly became clear to him what had happened that awful afternoon. The road was very narrow and had no shoulder with five foot drops on either side. He realized that the driver, in order to maintain control and therefore the safety of the 30 children ...he could only do what he did. Any other manuever would have ended in disaster ...even for Bill ...the very one who developed a hatred for the bus driver. His lack of experience and understanding of life and of a caring adult looking out for his safety blinded him to the real motives of the bus driver.
Proverbs 7 teaches us about that kind of love God has for us. God's motives are always good and His ways are designed to help us ...not hurt us ...even when He seems harsh an unbending.
Friday, December 28, 2012
ACCOUNTABILITY ANYONE?
Those of you who have known me for just a short time know that my involvement in IRON MEN accountability groups has been an essential part of my life for over 25 years now. It's based upon some very simple principles: 1) mutual accountability 2) transparancy 3) confidentiality
I'd like to throw out a 3 month challenge for those of you who would like to be somewhat accountable for getting into God's Word on a daily basis. The plan is simply this: Starting January 1, 2013 read Proverbs 1. That's it. Jan. 2 read Proverbs 2. Jan. 3 read Proverbs 3 and continue on for the entire month and start again. 3 months and 3 times through one of the greatest (if not the greatest) sources of God's wisdom ...period.
For those of you who would really like to launch out into the deep water with God ...get a little notebook and write the following acrostic down the page:
S
O
A
P
Let's say I was reading the first proverb (Scripture)
S: Proverbs 1
Then, as I read and thought about what I was reading ... and asking God to speak, I might write an Observation:
O: Verses 1-7 shows that wisdom and knowledge from God in not something anyone is born with. All wisdom and knowledge from God is available to us but we must desire it and seek it. God gladly provides us with wisdom and knowledge but all people find it the same way ...by trusting God's Word and digging in.
Then, I will write down briefly, or in detail, what I sense how God is leading me to Apply the truth I have observed:
A: I want to arrange my daily schedule to that I may be able to take 15 minutes for my SOAP process when I am not tired and prone to make excuses. I will ask someone (specific name) to hold me accountable for this. When asked, I will be totally honest about my progess.
Then I will write down a Prayer that I have already prayed or will pray about what God has shown me today
P: God, please help me to follow through on this and show me everyday how blessed I am by making this decision. Give me the stength to get up 15 minutes earlier when I will feel like staying in bed. Help me to honor you by not only hearing your word but by also applying it to my life.
I'd love to know who's taking up this adventure with me. If you would like to respond personally, I will be encouraged and maybe can help you be encouraged. My e-mail is:
jmitcham@live.com
Would you like me to help you with accountability in this? Let me know and I'll unexpectedly send out a simple question: Did you read your Proverb today? How about yesterday?
It's not an Iron Man's group but it's something and ladies are just as welcome as men to take this challenge,
I'd like to throw out a 3 month challenge for those of you who would like to be somewhat accountable for getting into God's Word on a daily basis. The plan is simply this: Starting January 1, 2013 read Proverbs 1. That's it. Jan. 2 read Proverbs 2. Jan. 3 read Proverbs 3 and continue on for the entire month and start again. 3 months and 3 times through one of the greatest (if not the greatest) sources of God's wisdom ...period.
For those of you who would really like to launch out into the deep water with God ...get a little notebook and write the following acrostic down the page:
S
O
A
P
Let's say I was reading the first proverb (Scripture)
S: Proverbs 1
Then, as I read and thought about what I was reading ... and asking God to speak, I might write an Observation:
O: Verses 1-7 shows that wisdom and knowledge from God in not something anyone is born with. All wisdom and knowledge from God is available to us but we must desire it and seek it. God gladly provides us with wisdom and knowledge but all people find it the same way ...by trusting God's Word and digging in.
Then, I will write down briefly, or in detail, what I sense how God is leading me to Apply the truth I have observed:
A: I want to arrange my daily schedule to that I may be able to take 15 minutes for my SOAP process when I am not tired and prone to make excuses. I will ask someone (specific name) to hold me accountable for this. When asked, I will be totally honest about my progess.
Then I will write down a Prayer that I have already prayed or will pray about what God has shown me today
P: God, please help me to follow through on this and show me everyday how blessed I am by making this decision. Give me the stength to get up 15 minutes earlier when I will feel like staying in bed. Help me to honor you by not only hearing your word but by also applying it to my life.
I'd love to know who's taking up this adventure with me. If you would like to respond personally, I will be encouraged and maybe can help you be encouraged. My e-mail is:
jmitcham@live.com
Would you like me to help you with accountability in this? Let me know and I'll unexpectedly send out a simple question: Did you read your Proverb today? How about yesterday?
It's not an Iron Man's group but it's something and ladies are just as welcome as men to take this challenge,
Friday, December 14, 2012
WHAT WE HEAR AND WHAT WE PROCLAIM
This is a devotional ... my first one so cut me some slack. I want to share with you a Christmas thought I received during my Iron Man meditation time.
1 John 1:5a This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim (declare) unto you ..."
My father always had a high cholesterol count in his blood. Consequently he also has high blood pressure. When he discovered he had prostate cancer he went to a "wholistic medicine" doctor. His cholesterol medication was interacting with something else and the "witch doctor" (as we both called him) recommended him getting off his high-powered cholesterol medication and to take a natural herb called red yeast rice. He did this and within one month his choleserol was within the normal range. I'll never forget my father telling me: "Son, if you ever have high cholesterol remember 'red yeast rice'" and he asked me to write it down.
Two years later Griselle's mom had a cholesterol level that was through the roof and her prescription meds were not doing it. I remembered my dad's advice. She started taking the r.y.r and within a month or two her blood work came back normal. A few years later a lady from the church I pastored experienced the same dramatic results. Since coming to Indianola my doctor wanted me to take cholesterol medication as mine was above normal and rising. I asked for a month to adjust my diet (which meant to me r.y.r.). The tests came back and the nurse said, "Whatever you're doing ...keep on doing it"). One of my closest friends ...right here in Indianola ...same dramatic results with the r.y.r. .
Here's what this illustration has taught me about what the apostle John said.
I heard my father say that r.y.r. helped him with his cholesterol. This was about the year 2000. That's when I heard it ...now I have not only heard about r.y.r. but I proclaim it. I declare it. I'm certain about it. It's something I have personally experienced in a dynamic way that has profoundly and positively influenced my life and several others. No one can tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm a believer and a proclaimer of r.y.r.!
The apostle John was getting pretty old but I'm sure he remembered when Jesus first told the disciples that He was God. Can you imagine John's faith and fervor of all those years of experiencing the truth of Jesus' words? How many lives did he see transformed because he lived to witness the truth of what he had first heard? How many miracles? Blessings?
Those of us who know Jesus Christ know what He has done for us ...personally for us and also through us. Can you imagine what would happen if all the church would truly proclaim what we know? What did John proclaim? " ...that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all."
Our culture, our world, is in desperate need for truth (light) and we who have been Christians for any length of time at all can truly proclaim the truth we have experienced. Sure, there will always be doubters but there will always be those whom Jesus is calling to Himself because of our personal, first-hand witness to His truth and reality in our lives. That's powerful.
1 John 1:5a This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim (declare) unto you ..."
My father always had a high cholesterol count in his blood. Consequently he also has high blood pressure. When he discovered he had prostate cancer he went to a "wholistic medicine" doctor. His cholesterol medication was interacting with something else and the "witch doctor" (as we both called him) recommended him getting off his high-powered cholesterol medication and to take a natural herb called red yeast rice. He did this and within one month his choleserol was within the normal range. I'll never forget my father telling me: "Son, if you ever have high cholesterol remember 'red yeast rice'" and he asked me to write it down.
Two years later Griselle's mom had a cholesterol level that was through the roof and her prescription meds were not doing it. I remembered my dad's advice. She started taking the r.y.r and within a month or two her blood work came back normal. A few years later a lady from the church I pastored experienced the same dramatic results. Since coming to Indianola my doctor wanted me to take cholesterol medication as mine was above normal and rising. I asked for a month to adjust my diet (which meant to me r.y.r.). The tests came back and the nurse said, "Whatever you're doing ...keep on doing it"). One of my closest friends ...right here in Indianola ...same dramatic results with the r.y.r. .
Here's what this illustration has taught me about what the apostle John said.
I heard my father say that r.y.r. helped him with his cholesterol. This was about the year 2000. That's when I heard it ...now I have not only heard about r.y.r. but I proclaim it. I declare it. I'm certain about it. It's something I have personally experienced in a dynamic way that has profoundly and positively influenced my life and several others. No one can tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. I'm a believer and a proclaimer of r.y.r.!
The apostle John was getting pretty old but I'm sure he remembered when Jesus first told the disciples that He was God. Can you imagine John's faith and fervor of all those years of experiencing the truth of Jesus' words? How many lives did he see transformed because he lived to witness the truth of what he had first heard? How many miracles? Blessings?
Those of us who know Jesus Christ know what He has done for us ...personally for us and also through us. Can you imagine what would happen if all the church would truly proclaim what we know? What did John proclaim? " ...that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all."
Our culture, our world, is in desperate need for truth (light) and we who have been Christians for any length of time at all can truly proclaim the truth we have experienced. Sure, there will always be doubters but there will always be those whom Jesus is calling to Himself because of our personal, first-hand witness to His truth and reality in our lives. That's powerful.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Relationships Are Fragile - One Way That Breaks Them
Most of us are dependant people ...whether we would like to admit it or not ...we need certain things to be in place for our sense of well-being and balance. One of these essentials is the need for healthy relationships. I know how much I value relationships and I know how fragile they are.
God knows how important these relationships are and how easily they are broken. Proverbs, the book of wisdom, has much to say about how He feels towards the importance of friendships
The following is a direct quote from a portion of this devotional: .(http://www.eaf.net/pantinghart/2008/taking-up-an-offense/)
Sometimes — oftentimes, it seems — we humans take personally a wrong (real or imagined) done against another. Even though no harm has been done to us, we take personal offense. We may feel insulted, angry, hurt, bitter, and/or who knows what else. We may even enter into a conflict that is not our own at all.
I thought of that when I read verse 30 this morning:
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason —
when he has done you no harm. Proverbs 3:30
I have heard it said ... and have watched it being lived out the saying that goes something like:
An enemy of my friend is an enemy of mine.
I have seen potential relationships that never had a chance to develop because someone has taken up another person's offense. It looks something like this: I share with a close friend how Bill humiliated me in public. This makes my friend angry at Bill (who he hardly knows). Bill is unaware of any of the feelings that are being generated. My friend avoids Bill, even tells others who does not know Bill that Bill is arrogant and coldhearted and repeats the story that how Bill humiliated his close friend (me) in public. The offense grows and now at least 2 others are caught up in an event they did not experience and knows only the "cliff notes" version. Bill feels something is wrong with me and wants to know why I'm acting so distant. I tell him how much he offended me and how humiliated I felt when he said ".............". Bill realizes what he has done and genuinely apologizes to me for his actions. Our relationship, rather quickly, is restored. That's good news. The bad news? These 2 other friends don't like or trust Bill and have no way of a healthy relationship with Bill ...or Bill's wife or Bill's children. Bill and I are good now but my careless words to others have built up a wall that grieves the very heart of God.
What's my take away from all this? I must be carefu: 1) Not to cause someone else to take up my offense 2) Realize that I can take up an issue against someone I don't have the right to
Let me leave you with a scripture that helps me to keep negative issues at bay in my life:
Phil 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.
NKJV
God knows how important these relationships are and how easily they are broken. Proverbs, the book of wisdom, has much to say about how He feels towards the importance of friendships
The following is a direct quote from a portion of this devotional: .(http://www.eaf.net/pantinghart/2008/taking-up-an-offense/)
Sometimes — oftentimes, it seems — we humans take personally a wrong (real or imagined) done against another. Even though no harm has been done to us, we take personal offense. We may feel insulted, angry, hurt, bitter, and/or who knows what else. We may even enter into a conflict that is not our own at all.
I thought of that when I read verse 30 this morning:
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason —
when he has done you no harm. Proverbs 3:30
I have heard it said ... and have watched it being lived out the saying that goes something like:
An enemy of my friend is an enemy of mine.
I have seen potential relationships that never had a chance to develop because someone has taken up another person's offense. It looks something like this: I share with a close friend how Bill humiliated me in public. This makes my friend angry at Bill (who he hardly knows). Bill is unaware of any of the feelings that are being generated. My friend avoids Bill, even tells others who does not know Bill that Bill is arrogant and coldhearted and repeats the story that how Bill humiliated his close friend (me) in public. The offense grows and now at least 2 others are caught up in an event they did not experience and knows only the "cliff notes" version. Bill feels something is wrong with me and wants to know why I'm acting so distant. I tell him how much he offended me and how humiliated I felt when he said ".............". Bill realizes what he has done and genuinely apologizes to me for his actions. Our relationship, rather quickly, is restored. That's good news. The bad news? These 2 other friends don't like or trust Bill and have no way of a healthy relationship with Bill ...or Bill's wife or Bill's children. Bill and I are good now but my careless words to others have built up a wall that grieves the very heart of God.
What's my take away from all this? I must be carefu: 1) Not to cause someone else to take up my offense 2) Realize that I can take up an issue against someone I don't have the right to
Let me leave you with a scripture that helps me to keep negative issues at bay in my life:
Phil 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.
NKJV
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
So That's What It Feels Like!
If I heard him say it once ...I heard it 1,000 times: "I feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin" and then he would swallow what he called a "funny pill". That was my Dad. He was a bundle of nerves and I never really understood what he meant until just a few weeks ago. While I was alone and practicing the discipline of "being still" before the Lord, I realized just how much I am like my Dad was. I never realized what it felt like to be totally quiet and still until I determined I really needed to. This was to be a major part of my get-away. It was a directive from God and I meant to do what He asked.
After about 3 days of no TV, no radio, no company, no phone calls and total peace and quiet, I experienced a calmness I had never felt before. I began to understand what Dad meant when he was uptight but ...only as I became "unwound". I guess I have been "uptight" my whole life. It's hard to miss something you've never experienced, therefore I never missed being totally calm and relaxed. Nervous energy was what I called it but really it was deeper than that. I think I had some trust issues with God providing ALL of my needs.
I realized that my constant state of being wound tight has alienated some people because of a sense of unease and nervousness I may have projected. I regret that deeply but I can't undo the past and it certainly will not do anybody any good to live in remorse. Now what? I have made some major commitments and one of them is to slow down and enjoy the moments I have with my network of friends. Life is too short and meaningful times of connections that are lost are truly lost forever.
That's one thing. There are more.
After about 3 days of no TV, no radio, no company, no phone calls and total peace and quiet, I experienced a calmness I had never felt before. I began to understand what Dad meant when he was uptight but ...only as I became "unwound". I guess I have been "uptight" my whole life. It's hard to miss something you've never experienced, therefore I never missed being totally calm and relaxed. Nervous energy was what I called it but really it was deeper than that. I think I had some trust issues with God providing ALL of my needs.
I realized that my constant state of being wound tight has alienated some people because of a sense of unease and nervousness I may have projected. I regret that deeply but I can't undo the past and it certainly will not do anybody any good to live in remorse. Now what? I have made some major commitments and one of them is to slow down and enjoy the moments I have with my network of friends. Life is too short and meaningful times of connections that are lost are truly lost forever.
That's one thing. There are more.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
WE'RE BACK HOME
Griselle and I pulled into Milo at 4 PM today (Sunday). It's really good to be home again.
We drove 1,200 miles in 2 days (I say "we" but Griselle doesn't like to drive ...so she didn't). Griselle is a great co-pilot by handing me my Red Bulls and giving directions. We have always enjoyed long drives together.
I will most likely keep up this blog but I'm contemplating how to approach it. I was so surprised by the number of people looking in on this thing. I'm thankful that you did. Though I was far away I felt a connection with my church family and that was truly a blessing to me.
I had a lot of great times of Christian fellowship with some very close friends from my teenage years and met some great new friends. Griselle and I had an early Thanksgiving with our long-time friends Dwain and Pam Kitchens. Our families went to college, seminary and vacations together for over 25 years. Andrew Kitchens, like our son Johnny, is also a pastor.
God spoke to my heart about a few key aspects of my life. There was some great confirmations and a couple of difficult areas I needed to process. The "alone time" was the most essential need that my Sabbatical season fulfilled. I'm getting more confidence in shutting everything out for longer periods of time as I seek God's quiet but powerful voice.
I have spent many, many hours preparing for our Christmas message series: Christmas With Grace. I wish I could say the inspiration for the series was delivered to me personally by God ...but it was Andy Stanley who put it together. I'm adapting it for us but it is the best Christmas series I have ever heard. I think you, and whomever you might invite to come with you, will be blessed. This is one of the times I'm sensing a great outpouring of God's Christmas grace.
See you all Sunday.
We drove 1,200 miles in 2 days (I say "we" but Griselle doesn't like to drive ...so she didn't). Griselle is a great co-pilot by handing me my Red Bulls and giving directions. We have always enjoyed long drives together.
I will most likely keep up this blog but I'm contemplating how to approach it. I was so surprised by the number of people looking in on this thing. I'm thankful that you did. Though I was far away I felt a connection with my church family and that was truly a blessing to me.
I had a lot of great times of Christian fellowship with some very close friends from my teenage years and met some great new friends. Griselle and I had an early Thanksgiving with our long-time friends Dwain and Pam Kitchens. Our families went to college, seminary and vacations together for over 25 years. Andrew Kitchens, like our son Johnny, is also a pastor.
God spoke to my heart about a few key aspects of my life. There was some great confirmations and a couple of difficult areas I needed to process. The "alone time" was the most essential need that my Sabbatical season fulfilled. I'm getting more confidence in shutting everything out for longer periods of time as I seek God's quiet but powerful voice.
I have spent many, many hours preparing for our Christmas message series: Christmas With Grace. I wish I could say the inspiration for the series was delivered to me personally by God ...but it was Andy Stanley who put it together. I'm adapting it for us but it is the best Christmas series I have ever heard. I think you, and whomever you might invite to come with you, will be blessed. This is one of the times I'm sensing a great outpouring of God's Christmas grace.
See you all Sunday.
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