Devotion: The Monster Who Prowls Around Us When We Are Ill

October 31, 2011 By Lisa Copen  Leave a Comment

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

As millions of people celebrate Halloween today, many of us will be quick to look away. We don’t like the monsters and we don’t want to “celebrate” death or evil.

However, today is a good day to remember just how aware we need to be of the many “monsters” around us, not just today–but every day. Satan is alive and thriving and attempting to conquer each of us.

It’s not a pretty story, but it is true. This evil force, described as a serpent, a dragon, (Revelation 12:7-9) is in our presence.

Job 1:7 tells us, “The Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the Lord, ‘From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.’

He is attempting to discourage each of us; he wants us to feel the pain of our illness and curse God for it; his desire is to claim us as his own.

I want to point something out to you. The pain that we experience in our bodies each day from our illness, could potentially be one of the greatest tools that Satan can use to try to turn us against God.

“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse You to Your face” (Job 2:4), Satan said to Jesus.

Satan was sure that even though Job did not curse God after suffering some of the greatest losses of a man’s life (like his children), that if he took away his health and covered his body with sores, that would make Job turn away from God.

Job did not curse God but he was quite discouraged. Have you ever felt this way?

“For sighing comes to me instead of food;
my groans pour out like water.
What I feared has come upon me;
what I dreaded has happened to me.
I have no peace, no quietness;
I have no rest, but only turmoil.” (Job 3:24-26)

Our sufferings for Christ can be one of the most amazing blessings we will receive when we see how God uses it in our lives. But that makes us susceptible to also having it be used as one of Satan’s greatest temptations to turn us away from God.

Stay in the Word. Surrender over your plans and dreams to God each day. Don’t allow your hear to harden or you will be even more at risk to this monster that prowls around looking for a way into your life.

Prayer: Lord, I don’t like reading or hearing about satan. I want to give all my thoughts to You. Yet, you know that he is very real and I must be alert and self-disciplined enough to read the Word and talk with You. I cannot live with daily pain and rely on my own strength or I will quickly become one of us victims.

About the Author:
Lisa Copen is an author, speaker, and the founder of Rest Ministries which serves the chronically ill. She lives in San Diego with her husband and 8-year-old son. She is currently writing a book for Christian moms who live with chronic illness. If you are interested in sharing your stories, feedback and confessions for the book, visit her Facebook page at http://MomWithIllness.com .

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ON-LINE BIBLE STUDY FOR CHRONIC PAIN IS STARTING OCT. 18 th

Come join us… if you have a webcam all the better. We can have face-to-face conversations and discussions. Starts at 1:00 p.m. for those of us who really can’t do mornings.

The book we will be using is Choices: Managing Chronic Pain. It will only cost $12 and I will absorbe the shipping and tax costs. If you click on the book to your right, you will find out more about the book we’ll be using. Please pay for the book through PayPal. You do not have to have an account there, just pay to: Jonnie Wright email: jonnie@jonniewright.com

 If you know someone who lives with chronic pain or if you are a caretaker, this study will be encouraging support as one’s painful condition keeps changing your life-style choices.

Please email me at jonnie@jonniewright.com subject line: on-line Choices.

You may want to visit my other sites: www.jonniewright.com and http://jwright.vpweb.com.

We don’t grow by doing a Bible study, we grow as we go through it.

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ON-LINE BIBLE STUDY FOR CHRONIC PAIN IS ON ITS WAY

Please let me know if an on-line study would be of interest to you. Choices: Managing Chronic Pain will be the text used. It will only cost $12 and I will absorbe the shipping costs. If you click on the book to your right, you will find out more about the book we’ll be using. I am going to try to schedule the study at 12:00 noon so that those who work can join in as well.

Feed-back at this time would be most useful so that I might determine if there is anyone interested. If you know someone who lives with chronic pain or if you are a caretaker, this study will be encouraging support as one’s painful condition keeps changing your life-style choices.

You may email me at jonnie@jonniewright.com subject line: on-line Bible study. Or you may want to visit my other sites: www.jonniewright.com and http://jwright.vpweb.com.

We don’t grow by doing a Bible study, we grow as we go through it.

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Is Jesus God?

Study by Jonnie Wright

Read Scripture Passage: John 8:48-59 NIV

1.   How did the Jewish leaders respond to Jesus’ claim of being God? (v. 59)

 2.   The Jewish leaders’ made three statements revealing their unbelief? State them in your own words. (v. 48, 53, 57)

 3.   What three statements did Jesus make about God and/or Himself? State these in your own words. (v. 51, 54, 58)

4.   Jesus drew a virtual line in the sand stating that He is God. If you believe His statement as truth, then you have eternal life.

5.   Many people pick and choose what they want to believe in the Bible. In John 14:6, Jesus states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Jesus drew a virtual line in the sand stating that He is God. If you believe His statement as truth, then you have eternal life. What happens if you disbelieve?

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The Fix-it for your Pain

by Jonnie Wright

Anyone who struggles with chronic pain has searched for the silver bullet—the magic elixir that will end the incessant suffering and return one’s life to normal. If we search for God’s prescription, however, we will soon discover that our silver bullet is not a medication, a therapy, an exercise regime, a seminar, a new mechanical manipulation, an operation, or even the latest, greatest cure-all potion offered by marketing enterprises. Instead, God’s prescription is a relationship with a person, Jesus Christ. Being called a “Christian” is to declare a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to be one of His peculiar people: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:13-14 KJV) Christians are distinctive and have hope where others would find none. The Silver Bullet is a devotional Bible study designed to increase spiritual hope in Jesus Christ despite one’s physical condition. So let’s not be fooled by the world’s promises of quick fixes and magic cures. Our endurance is in Jesus Christ, who gives us assurance of a spiritually fruitful life no matter what our circumstances may be. God does not waste anyone’s suffering, but rather uses it for His purposes: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish… so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55:10-11 NIV) Let’s use God’s antidote, Jesus Christ, as our sought after silver bullet. Over the next weeks I will be sharing with you the studies that are found in THE SILVER BULLET: GOD’S Rx FOR CHRONIC PAIN by Jonnie Wright. These lessons have been modified for blog format.  I encourage you to try out a few of these studies. They are short, comprehensive, and provide Scripture passages for easy reference. We Christians need to grow in integrity and understanding of who we are in Jesus Christ. Jesus is that silver bullet you seek to “fix” you.

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Study One: Who is Jesus?

by Jonnie Wright

“Jesus said unto them, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.’”  (John 8:58 KJV)

Jewish leaders in the synagogue were the base of power during the time of Jesus. These leaders were composed of: the scribes, who were considered the experts in Biblical interpretation; the Pharisees, who believed that Torah—the man-made oral and written interpretations of the law—was equal with the God-given Law of Moses; and the Sadducees, who scrupulously followed the letter of the law, but not its underlying principles. The synagogue was the focal point of daily Jewish living. Every Jewish man, woman, and child was impacted by the events occurring in the synagogue.

The Romans occupied and ruled the nation of Israel, but everything Roman was abhorred and shunned by the Jewish community. The Jewish leaders in power had to maneuver within the political confines of Roman occupation and still appear to scrupulously follow the laws and oral traditions of their religion and way of life.

When Jesus pronounced that He had the same name as God, the Jewish leaders of the day wanted to stone Him for blasphemy. Jesus called Himself, “I am,” which is the same name God used when speaking to Moses. If Jesus declared Himself to have the same name as God, then He was declaring that He was God. Angering the Jews further was the fact that Jesus put Himself before Abraham chronologically, making Himself more important than the Patriarch of Judaism. The synagogue leaders—who were the scribes, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees—could not grasp how Jesus, appearing as a man, could possibly be their expected Savior, the Messiah.

1.   Jesus declares that He and Father God are the same by using God’s name, I-AM. What does that scriptural claim mean to you?

2.   Easton’s Illustrated Dictionary clarifies the Biblical term of blasphemy: “In the sense of speaking evil of God this word is found in (Ps 74:18; Isa 52:5; Rom 2:24; Rev 13:1, 6; Rev 16:9, 11, 21). It denotes also any kind of calumny, or evil-speaking, or abuse (1Ki 21:10; Acts 13:45; Acts 18:6). Our Lord was accused of blasphemy when he claimed to be the Son of God (Mat 26:65; Compare Mat 9:3; Mark 2:7). They who deny his Messiahship blaspheme Jesus (Luke 22:65; John 10:36).” In Jesus’ day stoning was the capital punishment for blasphemy and was prescribed in the Law of Moses, Lev. 24:14‑16.

      What does blasphemy mean to you? Can you think of a time when you might have committed blasphemy? Who took your punishment so that you could ask for forgiveness and be unburdened of that sin?

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Hope for chronic illness cannot be found at the doctor’s office, the health food store, self-help books, or the local gym. I’ve tried for 25 years to find a way to manage my chronic illness. Dealing with Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Fatigue (CFS), Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), Irritable Bowel (IBS), Irritable Bladder, Interstitial Cystitis, (IC), jaw pain (TMJ/TMD), Burning Mouth Syndrome, and back pain has driven me to my knees. And on my knees, I have found a fuller intimacy with God than I ever would have known had I been healthier. Through my own personal growth, God has empowered me to accept the day, to apply Scripture to my situations, and to gladly seek His face.

You too can have chronic pain hope as you struggle with health issues that cannot be “fixed.” The effort you make towards having a daily concentration of time with God, be it five minutes or an hour, will carry you further than all the world’s strategies for healthy well-being.

These 2 Bible studies will encourage you towards your goal of personal growth even though you may suffer from the unpredictability of chronic pain.

  DEEPER INTIMACY WITH JESUS CHRIST    APPLICATION OF SCRIPTURE TO YOUR CHRONIC PAIN

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It has become quite clear to me that we Christians who hurt need spiritual power to overcome the dailyness of pain. These Holidays–Holy Days–can increase our pain when we allow stress to trump Jesus. Choices: Managing Chronic Pain is an ideal Bible study with which to start your day or a gift for a loved one with a chronic illness. Short lessons do not take a lot of time, are geared to those of us who hurt, and are encouragement for us to face the day the Lord has made.What a wonderful gift for a hurting loved one; or for that new Bible study starting in the new year. Peace of mind and spirit are what these Holy days are about, even if our bodies hurt. You are invited to read the Introduction below and visit www.jonniewright.com for further information. 

INTRODUCTION

Change is as inevitable as death and taxes. Our choices reflect the inescapability of what change asks of us. Chronic illness threatens our life-style, adds to our financial burdens, stresses our relationships, and interrupts our life. Often our choices alter our physical and emotional state so much that, in time, we become strangers to our former selves. Yet, we must live as victors not victims.

Thankfully, the Bible is more than just a first aid book for spiritual boo-boos. Through Scripture, we learn of the promised, unfathomable riches of God’s love, mercy and justice. We are inspired by the stories of men and women who failed as often as they succeeded, but whose faithfulness was rewarded. Because the Bible is the inerrant word of God, Scripture can help us through our struggles and difficult choices. But, do we allot enough time in Scripture study to realign our perspective with God’s will?

The good news is that we do not need to be Biblical scholars to discover the truths found in Scripture. Choices: Managing Chronic Pain offers short studies, minimum writing, and maximum application. The simplicity of the Choices format encourages we who are in chronic pain to consider whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—[to] think about such things. (Phil. 4:8)

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Hungering for personal growth?

Struggling with a chronic illness?

Searching for a dynamic study?

 Book orders before August 15st receive 15% discount and author’s autograph: jonnie@jonniewright.com

No matter how healthy or unhealthy we are at this moment, we know that just around the proverbial corner change crouches ready to pounce. And with any change comes unavoidable choices. As we assess our past, present, and future choices, we experience personal growth. When we apply God’s Scriptures to our daily situations and behaviors, we experience spiritual transformation. If we live our lives with knee-jerk reactions to our circumstances, the significance of our relationship with God diminishes through neglect. On the other hand, if we search for God’s truths, even while suffering constant pain, our spiritual choices become our lifeline. 

About the Author

While teaching elementary school for thirty years, author Jonnie Wright wrote innovative curriculum for both children and adults. She contributed to a national teachers’ magazine, received a grant in computer literature, and authored the Christian teachers’ workbook: Lord, What Do I Do With Sammy? Her daily struggles with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Irritable Bowel, Irritable Bladder, TMJ, and Burning Mouth Syndrome have led her to create the personal growth series: God’s Rx for Chronic Pain.Book One, The Silver Bullet ©2006, focuses on Jesus Christ being God’s prescription for the difficulties of chronic illness. Mrs. Wright provides supportive material for Bible study groups, called Good Tidings for Chronic Pain, across the U.S. She is retired and living in Rocklin, CA with her cat, Chatty.

Book orders before August 15st receive 15% discount and author’s autograph: jonnie@jonniewright.com

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For the next couple of weeks, I will be sharing with you material from my soon-to-be-published book, Choices: Managing Chronic Pain. It has become quite clear to me that we Christians with chronic illnesses need the spiritual power to overcome the dailyness of pain.

I hope this book will encourage you to become involved with other chronic pain sufferers so that, together, you will be empowered to use God’s Biblical words in stressful situations.  Support groups offer inspiration, boost endorphins, and provide empathy. “Good Tidings for Chronic Pain” is just such a network of believers, and  provides materials for anyone searching to enrich their lives by reaching out to others in pain.

INTRODUCTION to Choices: Managing Chronic Pain
Change is as inevitable as death and taxes. Our choices reflect the inescapability of change. Chronic illness threatens our life-style, adds financial burdens, stresses our relationships, and interrupts our life. Often our choices alter our physical and emotional state so much that, in time, we become strangers to our former selves. And yet, we want to live as victors, not victims.

Thankfully, the Bible is more than just a first aid book for spiritual boo-boos. Through Scripture, we learn of the promised, unfathomable riches of God’s love, mercy and justice. We are inspired by the stories of men and women who failed as often as they succeeded, but whose faithfulness was rewarded. Because the Bible is the inerrant word of God, Scripture can help us through our struggles and difficult choices. But, do we allot enough time in Scripture study to realign our perspective with God’s will?

The good news is that we do not need to be Biblical scholars to discover the truths found in Scripture. Choices: Managing Chronic Pain offers short studies, minimum writing, and maximum application. The simplicity of the Choices format encourages we who are in chronic pain to consider whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—[to] think about such things (Phil. 4:8).

See Choices: Managing Chronic Pain in the “Pages” column to the left for sample lesson.

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