Fear Not
31 May 2009 6 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: back pain, Bronlynn Spindler, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, depression, fear, fibromyalgia, headaches, hopekeepers, invisible illness, rest ministries, trials and chronically ill, trust, worry
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7 KJV).
I have struggled with fear for most of my life. I have been fearful about finances, my children’s lives, and the health of loved ones to name a few. Now I fear my future – how severe and debilitating my health problems will become and how I will keep up with the daily tasks of life. I have had to face this weakness for what it is – a real sin in my life and a way the enemy has of attacking me and my trust and faith in God.
God’s word says he has given me power, love, and a sound mind. I have the same power that raised Christ from the dead – resurrection power – flowing through me at every moment, capable of helping me face any circumstances.
The love I possess encompasses God’s love for me as well as my love for him. Scripture says if God loved me so much that he sent his Son, he will surely give me everything else I need (Romans 8:32). His Word also says that if I love God, I will obey his commandments (I John 5:3), which include totally trusting him and his decisions regarding my life.
The last part of this verse is most significant to me. I particularly like this translation of “a sound mind”. When I am in the throes of panic, fear, and worry, my mind is not sound. I am believing every lie Satan throws at me. I am thinking about vain imaginings – things that may or may not happen. I am taking on the problems of others and making them my own when they may not be what God has intended for my life.
God has specific plans for each of us. He knows exactly what is best and will bring those things to pass in his own way and time. To doubt that is to deny his sovereignty and his love. When fears assail us, we can claim these mighty gifts of love, power, and a sound mind as our own. We are new creatures in Christ, and we can have a new way of thinking as well.
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember you have given me the ability to demolish the stronghold of fear in my life. Give me that victory today and every day, as I take every thought captive to make it obedient to you (II Corinthians 10:5). Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. She struggles with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. She works part-time for a pediatric office and participates on her church worship team only by the grace of God.
Guard Your Mind and Heart
30 May 2009 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: fibromyalgia, heart problems, invisible illness, margie scott, Parkinson, spinal stenosis
“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Most of us work and sometimes struggle daily to take care of our bodies. We are back and forth to the doctors and endless test to watch, diagnose, and heal the many things that invade us physically. We try to eat the best we can, and rest the best we can. All these things to stay healthy and/or battle against something that has invaded our bodies.
But what of our hearts and minds? They are as much or more of us than just the physical body. Can we separate the two? Of course not. But do we focus and work and guard those areas of our being?
Paul uses the word “guard” in this scripture in Phillipians in a military term. Implying that our minds are a battle zone. In a wartime situation this would be to prevent an invasion. We also need to do the same with hearts and minds. The peace of God works in the same way in guarding our minds. God’s peace protects our mind from bad influences or bad thoughts that bring us down. God’s peace in us will keep us focused on Him and not the world. It will center us where we belong and not on ourselves.
God’s word tells us to meditate on what is good and pure and noble. We need to evaluate it, think on it all through our day. And God’s peace will renew our minds, guard our minds, against the world. Giving us a healthy heart and mind. A strong spirit and Christ-like life. We will have new bodies one day. But today we can renew the mind and heart through Christ Jesus. We need only to ask Him into our heart and believe in Him.
Heavenly Father, Come into our hearts and minds and renew us. Guard us against all invasions that are not of you. We give you thanks for all things, for your love and peace and grace. Amen
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Margie Scott lives in Arizona. She strives daily to trust God’s grace will always provide, as challenges arise due to heart problems, Parkinson, fibromyalgia, and spinal stenosis. mscott123@cox.net
The Cycle of Sharing
29 May 2009 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic illness, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, invisible illness, nerve condition, pain, patricia armstrong, rest ministries
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2 NIV
As my husband I were pruning our shrubs (actually cutting away quite a bit), I became somewhat anxious about whether they would come back and be healthy. But as I remembered in past years, it seems the shrubs were prettier and healthier than ever when they grew back. I was thinking that if the shrubs could talk, they would certainly object to going through such a process as being cut back and yet the pruning was for their benefit in the long run.
When was the last time you felt pruned? Those of us coping with chronic pain and illness may often feel that we have been pruned so severely that we begin to feel recovery is hopeless. Perhaps we have intense pain, illness, depression or financial worries.
Pruning is painful but profitable. James tell us that trials are occasions for joy because they will test our faith and develop in perseverance and maturity. (James 1:2-4)
In John 15:1-2,4, Jesus speaks to all who profess to be believers. Fruitful branches, those who truly remain in Christ, will be pruned in order to bear more fruit or His glory.
As we deal with the trials of life, especially including our health concerns, let us ask God to use these difficulties to help us become closer to Him.
Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” Says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we ask your peace when we are coping with life’s trials. Help us to remember that You are always faithful and may we bear more fruit for Your glory.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patricia Armstrong lives in Va. Beach, Va., with her husband, Richard. She is a retired elementary school teacher who enjoys church activities, gardening, reading and especially helping others who are struggling find peace in the Lord. Patricia struggles with a painful nerve condition.
A One-Minute Vacation
28 May 2009 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: cancer, chronic pain, daily meditations, pat dittert, stints in heart
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
How busy is your life? Is it busy enough that you never seem to get any time just to enjoy for yourself?
Stop! Take a one minute vacation to smell a rose, pet a cat, pet a dog, but most of all talk to God. Keep focused on him. Shut out the rest of the world, turn off your radio, TV, Phone etc.
God is the one who even in a one minute vacation will give us the reset we need. He will reset our computer driven minds and give us a pause.
Jesus said “come unto me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
A one minute vacation is just that rest. God is faithful and will give us rest but it is up to us to seek it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pastor Pat Dittert lives in a berm home in Central Iowa with his lovely wife Nancy and 5 fur babies. Pat lives with Chronic Pain from a number of surgeries and injuries. Brain Tumor surgery left him disabled and unable to do most physical activities. He is also a survivor of Cancer and now has 4 stints in his heart. Pat has several Internet Ministries, and is a freelance writer with Christian newspapers, books, Internet, etc. His Devotional page is http://fibromyalgia help.homestead. com/RevPatsDevot ional.html Contact him at: rivpat77@msn. com
The Process of Pruning
28 May 2009 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic pain, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, hopekeepers, illness, invisible illness, nerve, pain, painful nerve condition, patricia armstrong, rest ministries
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2 NIV
As my husband I were pruning our shrubs (actually cutting away quite a bit), I became somewhat anxious about whether they would come back and be healthy. But as I remembered in past years, it seems the shrubs were prettier and healthier than ever when they grew back. I was thinking that if the shrubs could talk, they would certainly object to going through such a process as being cut back and yet the pruning was for their benefit in the long run.
When was the last time you felt pruned? Those of us coping with chronic pain and illness may often feel that we have been pruned so severely that we begin to feel recovery is hopeless. Perhaps we have intense pain, illness, depression or financial worries.
Pruning is painful but profitable. James tell us that trials are occasions for joy because they will test our faith and develop in perseverance and maturity. (James 1:2-4)
In John 15:1-2,4, Jesus speaks to all who profess to be believers. Fruitful branches, those who truly remain in Christ, will be pruned in order to bear more fruit or His glory.
As we deal with the trials of life, especially including our health concerns, let us ask God to use these difficulties to help us become closer to Him.
Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” Says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we ask your peace when we are coping with life’s trials. Help us to remember that You are always faithful and may we bear more fruit for Your glory.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patricia Armstrong lives in Va. Beach, Va., with her husband, Richard. She is a retired elementary school teacher who enjoys church activities, gardening, reading and especially helping others who are struggling find peace in the Lord. Patricia struggles with a painful nerve condition.
Expectations Of Other People
27 May 2009 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: back pain, chronic illness, chronic pain, cope, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, Fiona Burrows, hopekeepers, hurt, invisible illness, rest ministries
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3-4 NIV)
When you live with a chronic illness, it is sometimes all too easy to impose your expectations on other people around you.
Some days, it is hard enough just to cope with what you are going through, and you then feel that other people ought to help you by being, sympathetic, helpful, supportive, or whatever it is you feel you need at that time.
Other people have problems too and they could be having a lot to cope with themselves, that you don’t even know about. How selfish it is to think only of ourselves and yet what an easy trap to fall into when you hurt.
Recently I was reminded that I expect people, especially people from my church, to behave how I want them to. I have been critical about the level of support I have received from them in the past and this time when they tried to offer support, visits, etc, I preferred to just have them stay away and pray for me.
Chronic pain makes me less rational sometimes and I know I sometimes forget that I am not the only person who hurts in the world.
God calls us each to do different things and it is not up to me to decide what I think God should tell someone else to do. Besides He knows much better than I do anyway. I should be far more concerned about being in tune with what God wants me to do. He knows that I hurt and He has promised to help me and to go through that hurt with me.
Prayer: Father, help me to know that you are in control of my life and please help me not to judge other people’s actions and words by my standards and expectations, but to leave it in your hands. Help me to remember too that other people have their own concerns and hurts and to never lose sight of how I can comfort others with your love. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She has had chronic back pain for over 20 years, and is learning to be grateful for the lessons God is teaching her through it.
A Firm Foundation
24 May 2009 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: back pain, Bronlynn Spindler, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, depression, fibromyalgia, guidance, headaches, hopekeepers, invisible illness, rest ministries, strength
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure” (Isaiah 33:6 NIV).
I have spent most of my years living in the south. I have seen numerous homes that are several hundred years old. In fact, in the early years of my marriage, we lived in a farmhouse that pre-dated the Civil War. Obviously these buildings must have solid foundations to have withstood the ravages of time.
We need firm foundations in our lives as well. If our foundations – where we place our trust and hope – are cracking or crumbling, our lives will eventually come tumbling down around us. This is even more true for those of us dealing with chronic health issues on a daily basis. How we need the strength and solidarity of the Lord to help us through our challenges!
As this verse states, the Lord is our source of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. As sinners, we are in great need of a Savior. Many times a day we may react in anger, fear, or faithlessness concerning our health struggles. We need His wisdom to give us guidance concerning medications, treatments, and activity levels. We need the knowledge of Him that Scripture gives, so that we may speak the truth to ourselves in times of trial.
The Biblical truths that God is good, loving, all-knowing, all-powerful, compassionate, and in total control of our lives will help us through our difficult days. Fearing the Lord is to trust Him, to be in reverent awe of Him, to give Him glory through all circumstances, and to yield our lives to Him, even when circumstances are not of our choosing.
I don’t want my foundation to be upon the sands of this life. I want my foundation resting on the mountainous rock of the Lord and His Word. Then when the rains come, I will still be standing (Matthew 7:25-27).
Prayer: O Lord, how firm a foundation is laid for me in your excellent word. You strengthen me, help me, and cause me to stand, upheld by your omnipotent hand. May I lean on you this day. Amen. (Hymn – How Firm A Foundation)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. She struggles with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. She works part-time for a pediatric office and participates on her church worship team only by the grace of God.
Remaining Positive in a Negative World
22 May 2009 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: absence seizures, brain turmor, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, hopekeepers, invisible illness, nancy dittert, neuropathy, rest ministries, Severe Fibromyalgia, trials and chronically ill
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”
(Proverbs 15:30 NIV) A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. Just like the “Domino Effect”.
Have you ever noticed when you are around a positive person that it rubs off.
Many times when I am running around in stores in my electric scooter I see people with frowns on their faces and many with disgusted looks.
That’s when I put my tulips to work. That’s 2 lips. I give them a bright shining smile and guess what? Most generally I get a smile back and sometimes even some conversation.
I’ts not an easy world we live in today. With economy like it is and other negative things going on in the country and in the world… we now need our Lord Jesus more than ever and He is always there for us, day and night. With all our pain, with all the world’s problems… we have a God to watch over us and to give us His shoulder to lean on.
Let us remain positive in a negative world. Let’s trust the One that helps us to be positive. He will never let us down.
The LORD bless you, and keep you: The LORD make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pastor Nancy Dittert (Founder & Overseer of Fibro/Chronic Pain Support Ministry) lives in a berm home in Rural Central Iowa with her husband & soul mate Patrick, 4 cats and a Lab/ Sharpei dog. Nancy & Patrick are both pastors, retiring early because of illness. Nancy lives with Severe Fibromyalgia, Absence Seizures and Neuropathy, and her husband had a brain tumor that left him disabled. They are still actively involved as Christian freelance writers and work full time in Chronic Pain Ministry through the Internet and local Cable TV. Write Nancy at nancierose@msn. com and visit her Chronic Pain Web Site at… http://Fibromyalgia help.homestead. com/index. html
I Will Sing
22 May 2009 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Atrial Fibrillation, Celiac Sprue, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, daily meditations, deni, hopekeepers, rest ministries, trials and chronically ill
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. (Psalm 27:6 NIV)
I used to think this verse did not really apply to me. I’m a pretty easy-going person. There are some that may not particularly like me, but enemies? Didn’t think so.
I recently realized (through the help of a book study) that I do have enemies. I had just never seen them as such.
Bitterness, Resentment, Self-Pity, Pride, Fear. Whenever I give voice to them in my thoughts, they become my enemies. They “attack” me when I least expect it. I almost don’t realize it when they begin to voice their disgruntled murmurings. Yet, before long, I find myself in agreement with them.
“It’s not fair!” “Why me?” “What next?” And, of course, “Oh, poor me!”
I am so thankful I now realize those “voices” are there. I am learning to recognize them. I also now know how to defeat them! Even when surrounded by those emotions, I can sing (usually along with a CD), I can praise God. To God, they are sacrifices. He knows just how hard it is for me to do this – and yet – yet when I do begin to sing praises – my enemies scatter. It is as if it is simply impossible for them to co-exist with joy and praise.
There is a song by John and Cindy Berndt, “I Will Tell” that so encourages me.
Here are a portion of the words:
“Deliver me, O Lord, out of the hand of the wicked out of the hand of unrighteous men for you are my hope alone. In you I put my trust, you’ve upheld me since I was born, you took me out of my mothers womb and I will sing your praise
For you are my God, And I’ll sing of your praises Oh Holy one of Israel my heart will rejoice in You For you are my God My soul you’ve redeemed and I’ll speak (sing) of your righteousness for all my days.”
“Lord, give me the power to declare your works for the remainder of my days.”
Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic pain and chronic illness is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her multiple challenges (Celiac Sprue, Atrial Fibrillation, Ankylosing Spondylitis, to name a few) have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest prayer that some of her lessons might be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic illness. deni can be reached at denipath4change@yahoo.com. Her webpage is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com
I Will Sing
20 May 2009 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Atrial Fibrillation, bitterness, Celiac Sprue, daily chronic pain illness devotionals, deni weber, hopekeepers, invisible illness, rest ministries, thankfulness, trials and chronically ill
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. (Psalm 27:6 NIV)
I used to think this verse did not really apply to me. I’m a pretty easy-going person. There are some that may not particularly like me, but enemies? Didn’t think so.
I recently realized (through the help of a book study) that I do have enemies. I had just never seen them as such.
Bitterness, Resentment, Self-Pity, Pride, Fear. Whenever I give voice to them in my thoughts, they become my enemies. They “attack” me when I least expect it. I almost don’t realize it when they begin to voice their disgruntled murmurings. Yet, before long, I find myself in agreement with them.
“It’s not fair!” “Why me?” “What next?” And, of course, “Oh, poor me!”
I am so thankful I now realize those “voices” are there. I am learning to recognize them. I also now know how to defeat them! Even when surrounded by those emotions, I can sing (usually along with a CD), I can praise God. To God, they are sacrifices. He knows just how hard it is for me to do this – and yet – yet when I do begin to sing praises – my enemies scatter. It is as if it is simply impossible for them to co-exist with joy and praise.
There is a song by John and Cindy Berndt, “I Will Tell” that so encourages me.
Here are a portion of the words:
“Deliver me, O Lord, out of the hand of the wicked
out of the hand of unrighteous men for you are my hope alone.
In you I put my trust, you’ve upheld me since I was born,
you took me out of my mothers womb and I will sing your praise
For you are my God,
And I’ll sing of your praises
Oh Holy one of Israel my heart will rejoice in You
For you are my God
My soul you’ve redeemed and I’ll speak (sing) of your righteousness for all my days.”
“Lord, give me the power to declare your works for the remainder of my days.”
Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic pain and chronic illness is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her multiple challenges (Celiac Sprue, Atrial Fibrillation, Ankylosing Spondylitis, to name a few) have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest prayer that some of her lessons might be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic illness. deni can be reached at denipath4change@yahoo.com. Her webpage is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com
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