Battling Despondency

Adapted from John Piper's book Battling Unbelief:

"What then is the root of despondency? Lloyd-Jones would agree that it is an oversimplification to say that the single root of despondency is unbelief. But it would be right to say, as Lloyd-Jones does say, "The ultimate cause of all spiritual depression is unbelief." For example, where did the kind of parenting come from that sanctions pouting? Did it come from a strong belief in the Word of God as the best book on parenting? And why do so many people pursue nighttime activities that guarantee fatigue which leads to despondency and irritability and moral vulnerability? Is it owing to a strong belief in God's counsel to get good rest (Psalm 127:2) and a firm trust in his power to work for those who wait for him (Isaiah 64:4; Psalm 37:5)?

And could it be that brain research is in such infancy that even though we know a little bit about how chemicals can produce emotional states, we know almost nothing about the ways emotional and spiritual states may produce healing chemicals? Could anyone disprove the possibility that being satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus has no physical effect on the body's production of natural antidepressants? Why should we not assume that the powerful affection of faith in future grace promotes even physical means of mental health? My own conviction is that when we get to heaven we will learn some astonishing things about the profound connection between sound faith and sound minds."

Desiring God

Perfect?

I Know It All: Why do some Christians think they are so perfect?

Christian: Christians don’t think they are perfect. Usually, when I get asked this question it is because you have some conviction regarding the not-so-perfect condition of your heart. Could that be true?

I Know It All: Well, maybe.

Christian: Do you have a problem with Christians working toward perfection as God commands us in Matthew 5:48 to “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect?”

I Know It All: I don’t know. I guess not.

Christian: I can’t go through a day without being convicted about something. As Christians, we are not effortlessly perfecting flawnesness because we have a sinful nature. Instead we are striving for righteousness and holiness as God commands us. We slip up too but the difference is what we do when we slip up. Do we immediately regret and repent or do we just throw it aside with an ‘I won’t do it again’ attitude. The difference is how we react to the sin. We are to have a persevering fight regarding the sin in our lives – and to the eyes of the world it may look like stuck-up perfection – when in reality it is a striving for complete perfection. We are to be conforming to the image of Christ who is perfect. Perfect in Greek means “completed” so we are working toward a completion in Christ.

I Know It All: Well, I guess that makes sense.

Christian: We call ourselves and others to repent not because we know it all but because we know what will happen if we don’t. It is our love and concern that drives us to strive for God’s holiness and compassionately wanting others to do the same. Have you ever told a lie? Stolen anything? Taken God’s name in vain? Been jealous of something someone else had? Then you have sinned against our holy God and you must repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ.

I Know It All: I've tried really hard to just stop doing some things that I know are wrong but it doesn't seem to be working.

Christian: You can't just think that by stopping your actions that you will be saved. We are saved by grace through our faith in Christ, not by our actions. When you put your trust in the Lord then he gives you the desire to want to begin changing. You will then begin to produce the fruit -- which is the righteousness of God -- in your life. If you are truly calling upon his name then he promises to save and deliver you.

Dangers of Postmodernism

Wow, even the writers of E.R. get it.

I don't know when this show aired but think it is a great example of the dangers of today's postmodern theology.

Prayer Advice

I was trying to think of something to say along with posting this clip. The subject of prayer has been on my heart quite a lot lately. I just came across this today.

Kiddie Quotes

Me: "Parker what are you doing?"

Parker: "Oh, just doing what kids do."


Me: (After Beth has been sick for two days). "You must be feeling better! You sure are giggly!"

Beth: "Mom, you know, you can laugh when you are sick!"

Loss of the True Gospel

Watch this clip (it's only 10 minutes -- don't skip over the videos; we all have a natural tendency to skip viewing the videos and reading bible context; I encourage you to take the time) by Paul Washer about the loss of the true gospel in American churches.



Paul Washer's Ministry: HeartCry Missionary

"I" Witness

As mentioned in State of Evangelism, I hope to share some of my witnessing encounters. Here is one that I had recently:

Today I was at the grocery store. I was hoping to run into Josh, 19, the grocery sacker that I had been speaking to for several weeks. When I arrived at the check out line there was Josh. He smiled and waved at me.

A few weeks ago I had given Josh a couple of tracts and briefly talked with him about his faith. I asked him if anyone had ever talked to him about it before. He said that his Mom was a Christian and that she had quite frequently. I was going to leave him my name but I couldn’t find one pen to write it down for him.

The following week I saw Josh again. I asked him if he had read the tracts. To my disappointment he said no. Then I asked him if he even still had them. He said that he did. This time I had a pen and gave him some contact information along with a note to read 1 John regarding true Christianity. Then, while he was loading my car with groceries I took Josh through the Law. He was a liar, thief, and he dishonored his parents. Josh is a very quiet person. He seemed very contemplative. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking but I knew he was listening.

Before I got in my car I told him to think about what we had talked about and to read the tracts. Then I said, “Josh, ten out of ten people die. I don’t want you to go to hell. Please think about what we discussed.” He said he would.

So today here I was with Josh again. I asked him if he had read the tracts hoping that our last conversation had provoked some thought.

“Yes.”

“You did read them? So, have you repented and put your trust in Christ?”

“Yes.”

“What was it that stood out to you?”

“That sinners go to hell.”

“Josh, do you realize that you have to turn from your sin and that it is not a sinner’s prayer that saves you?”

“Yes.”

Like I said, Josh is very quiet! I was silently rejoicing inside hoping that he was genuine.

As he loaded groceries into my car I asked Josh if he had a church home and a Bible. He said that he kind of jumped around churches so I told him to read his Bible for direction and that I would be praying for him.

Praise God!

Father, help me to remember that I am doing this out of obedience to you and not for myself.