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)
Each one-page study provides Scripture verse(s) taken from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. Questions challenge you to apply Biblical principles to your past, present, and future actions. Each chapter emphasizes a Biblical character whose life choices determined who he was, how his life changed because of his choices, and what relevance his choices have for us today. A journal topic with Scripture reference is found at the end of each one-page study for further insight.
Everywhere we turn we are encouraged to journal. From the food we eat, the health symptoms we endure, the exercise routine we schedule, even the number of daily steps we take, all require a record on paper of our thoughts and feelings. Effective journaling helps us stop and look at what we're doing, how we're feeling, and who we are at that moment. Whether we write two words or two pages, journaling encourages us to consider our challenges, our responses, our victories, and our self-promises. Journaling inspires us to record God's mini-miracles, His rescues, and His involvement in our life. Journaling records the today we may not remember tomorrow.
In order to receive the greatest benefit from this study, you must have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If Jesus is not Lord of your life, invite Him into your heart today to assure your Salvation and claim future intimacy with Him.
Father God, I know you love me and have a plan for my life. I acknowledge that I am a sinner and that I cannot solve my life's problems. I recognize that Jesus Christ died for my sins, and by doing so provided me with eternal life. Please Jesus, come into my heart and life, make me whole, and help me live in the truth of your saving grace. Thank you Jesus, that you've come into my life right now, you've forgiven my sins, and that you will be with me through all of my life's challenges. Amen.