Comments on: Depression: Discussion

By: Mr. Crabby

Mr. Crabby — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:36:50 +0000

And an old song from the ’70′s…with one hand reach out to Jesus, and with the other…bring a friend. Peace out!

By: Kevin Maxwell

Kevin Maxwell — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:43:55 +0000

Oops, written by Greg Nelson and Phil McHugh.
Steve Green is the son of missionaries. It therefore seemed natural that this song written by Greg Nelson and Phil McHugh which pictures hungry, hurting people who are unaware of the Christian message, would resonate with him. However, Green had a life-changing experience when he realized he’d been living a fake and phoney life, where he’d been doing the right things but with the wrong motives. He’d therefore understood his “desperate need for a Saviour” and “ran to Jesus for what He alone can provide.”

By: Kevin Maxwell

Kevin Maxwell — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:36:26 +0000

Todd–when you said you frequently send people to the doctor to get checked out, I told you that most of the time I’m thinking I should be sending the depressed patient to the pastor (actually , the Lord). Last night was exactly why. 10% of the “depressed” patients I see will benefit from medication. 100% of my patients would benefit by that message. Thanks for the perspective on the Newton’s friend.
Thanks for being a fillable vessel in His hands.

Kevin

As Steven Green put it:

PEOPLE NEED THE LORD

Everyday they pass me by,
I can see it in their eyes.
Empty people filled with care,
Headed who knows where?

On they go through private pain,
Living fear to fear.
Laughter hides their silent cries,
Only Jesus hears.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize, people need the Lord?

We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right.
What could be too great a cost
For sharing Life with one who’s lost?

Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear.
They must hear the Words of Life
Only we can share.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For peo-ple need the Lord.

People need the Lord.

By: Mr. Crabby

Mr. Crabby — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:51:38 +0000

Todd – BTW – thank you for clarifying your statement, “I cannot make the subject out to be as simple as some on this thread have decided it is” (#42) in your teaching last night.

By: Mr. Crabby

Mr. Crabby — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:02:13 +0000

Todd – you mention in last night’s message (24th) that there are 4 books recommended to read but didn’t state what their titles. Would you post the titles?

Thank you.

By: Crabby Magnolia

Crabby Magnolia — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:06:34 +0000

Another helpful method of ingesting God’s Word is to listen to it on CD or tape. I was surprised at how much more I hear when I sit and just listen to it being read by someone else.

By: Mr. Crabby

Mr. Crabby — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:35:13 +0000

Doctor – thanks for your encouraging words.

By: Kevin Maxwell

Kevin Maxwell — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:20:28 +0000

I was being a little flippant with my last sentence. Joy, I know that you are sincere about going for this and I pray that the Lord meets you at your need as you spend time at His feet.

As far as publishing results from a challenge like this, let’s pray about whether that is a good idea. Obviously if 200 of 200 people had drastic illumination on their earthly plight, then word will get out. If only 199 of 200 do, then who do you think the enemy would focus on?

Anyway, I found writing the verses down word for word forced me to process it in my brain at some level, whereas, sometimes reading in the scan mode doesn’t allow for the memory function of the brain to kick in. Then once the 30 pages are written, its good for quick review and targets for memorization and meditation.

By: Joy

Joy — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:51:56 +0000

I,m in! I will take the challenge of a 6 week scan of the NT and Psalms & Proverbs. I ‘ll let you know how it goes. Do I let you know on this blog or is there another?

By: Kevin Maxwell

Kevin Maxwell — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:54:29 +0000

There are periods in my life when in the interest of teaching others, I neglect the Word in my own life. It’s easy to apply the Word in other’s lives and not see the log. Bible study for others is not the same as what Ed mentioned the other night in his personal devotions. Sometimes the indepth Bible study can be a mask for doing the real stuff related to what is God saying to me. Who cares if Methuselah was alive at the time of the flood–big whoop that I figured that out, but am struggling with important relationships.

The “Kevin Bible” was born out a season of anger at one sentence uttered by Cissy that I totally felt was contrary to being godly on her part. After 9 months of resentment (this was 25 years ago) I had thoughts that were incompatable with calling myself a follower of Jesus. When I realized how incongruous I had become, I finally asked the Lord for help.
He said, “how long since you’ve listened to me?” I realized that it had been 6 months since I learned from the Word for me.
Over the next 6 weeks I read for “what are You saying to me right now?” I would read for gathering anything that had to do with what God could be saying to me these days. I breezed through the “begats” in Matthew 1 and by the time i finished the Sermon on the Mount I had about 4 pages copied. I would go from 5-10 pages a day, depending on how much I had to write. The first day I was convicted about the “whoever is angry with his brother” part. By the time I got to the “cherishing your wife” part in Ephesians 5, I was already softened up for the Holy Spirit’s gentle kill on my flesh. I finished the project, listening with new ears and softer heart. I knew I had to confess my bad critical behavior and ask forgiveness and for a fresh start. The cleansing process of the washing of water with the Word (renewing mind) prepared me to see things His way and not to cast blame on her original statement. He opened my eyes to the truth behind her statement, that, while painful and I wish spoken differently, was necessary for me to correct something missing that God put back into our relationship. When she graciously forgave me for the critical spirit for 9 monnths and we agreed to drop Johnny Carson and Harlequin novels and get back to a good bedtime with Bible open, we were more in love than any other time previously. God healed it in 6 weeks of Bible reading and listening and 2 weeks of being together in His wholeness.

Over the years, I have seen many healed by the application of Scripture, but not too often with the one-line zingers we all try to throw out. The renewal of mind usually takes hard work and diligence and the conviction of the Teacher (Holy Spirit).

I have assigned the Kevin or Bob or Karen Bible at least 50 times in 20 years to believers and I’ve heard back from 5 who have actually done it. Depression lifted on those 5 of 5
(without meds). What happened to the rest? I can’t summarize. It doesn’t prove that meds are never necessary, just that God’s Word is very powerful. It seems though that about every believer who refocuses on “My sheep hear my voice” does better. I know, let’s do a study of the results of before and after a 6 week scan of NT and Psalms and Proverbs and see who can resist His tender persuasive love.