Quote from Forum Archives on February 10, 2002, 8:32 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

As we begin another week, thinking about the things of God and
how they affect the things we think about, and ultimately about
the things we do, I'd like you to consider the message that
follows from Neil Anderson. Not only does it offer good advice,
it even includes part of the scripture passage that I mention so
often (from Philippians 4).

I can use this advice in my own life. I hope you can use it in
yours. I pray that God will use His Holy Spirit to bring
understanding and conviction from His Word today, and that each
of us will carefully examine ourselves, allowing the truth of the
Word to light up the shady, dark corners, illuminating them with
His truth.

I pray especially for those who are lonely and hurting today, and
for those who are lost and confused. The message today is for
each of you. Please know that you are deeply loved, fully
accepted, and completely forgiven - all because of the work of
Jesus Christ, who came and gave Himself, so that we may know God,
and so that we may be free of guilt and shame, at peace with God,
free to love and serve Him, just as He has given of Himself - as
a servant.

(Isn't that incredible - to think that the King and Creator of
all came here to SERVE? Completely counter to everything else we
know. Isn't it also incredible to think that when Jesus Christ
reappears. in all of His glory, that somehow, the unclean things
within us, the hidden (and sometimes exposed) ugliness within us
will be completely eradicated, once and for all, and that we will
actually SHARE with HIM in HIS glory? Wow! I sure don't deserve
that! But that's precisely what God's Word promises, so my hope
is in Him and in Him alone!)

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Reply-to: Neil Anderson <neilanderson@lists.crosswalk.com>
Subject: Neil Anderson Devotional for Saturday, February 9, 2002
Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2002 04:00:48 -0500

If you are looking to feed and challenge your faith, visit
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N E I L A N D E R S O N D A I L Y D E V O T I O N A L
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

February 9

LIMITING ANXIOUS FEELINGS

Cast all your anxiety on Him [God] because He cares for you (1
Peter 5:7 NIV).

Let's assume you have sought God's will for a certain direction,
and you believe that He has led you to make specific plans. The
problem is you are still worried about whether your plans will
come about as you have hoped. When I'm facing such situations, I
try to follow the six steps described below to limit my anxious
feelings.

First, state the problem. A problem well stated is half solved.
In anxious states of mind, people can't see the forest for the
trees. Put the problem in perspective. Will it matter for
eternity? The danger at this juncture is to seek ungodly counsel.
The world is glutted with magicians and sorcerers who will
promise incredible results. Their appearance may be striking.
Their personality may be charming. But they are bankrupt of
character. Avoid them (Psalm 1:1).

Second, separate the facts from the assumptions. Since we don't
know what's going to happen tomorrow, we make assumptions, and we
usually assume the worst. If the assumption is accepted as truth,
it will drive your mind to its anxiety limits. Therefore, you
must separate assumptions from facts.

Third, determine what you have the right or ability to control.
You are responsible for that which you can control, and you are
not responsible for that which you can't. Don't try to cast your
responsibility onto Christ; He will throw it back.

Fourth, list everything you can do which is related to the
situation that is under your responsibility. When people don't
assume their responsibility, they turn to temporary cures for
their anxiety, like eating, TV, sex or drugs.

Fifth, once you are sure you have fulfilled your responsibility,
see if there is any way you can help others. Turning your
attention away from your own self-absorption and onto helping
people around you is not only the loving thing to do, but it also
brings a special inner peace.

Sixth, the rest is God's responsibility, except for your prayer,
according to Philippians 4:6-8. So assume your responsibility,
but cast your anxiety on Christ.

Lord, help me recognize the difference between today's
responsibilities and anxieties, then put them in their proper
places.

-----------
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Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at
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CBD).
< shopping.crosswalk.com/bye/devo_na >

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< devotionals.crosswalk.com >.
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--
Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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