Loneliness and the Single Parent - Free Kindle August 2, 3, & 4

An excerpt from my new book: How To Pray Through Depression & Loneliness

Pause to ponder on the word of God

Isaiah 54:5-8  “ For your Maker is your husband the Lord Almighty is his name-the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. The Lord will call you back as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit-a wife who married young, only to be rejected,” says your God. For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. In a surge of anger I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord your Redeemer.

1 Timothy 5:5 “She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,”

1 Thessalonians 4:4 “That each one of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honor,” 

1 Thessalonians 4:3 “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;”

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Stop and read 

Being a single parent brings loneliness to the soul in more ways than one. Often times, the Church, where you are supposed to be accepted, and love become your biggest obstacles. It feels as though you are in a hospital where they do not accept patients in any shape or form. It could be so discouraging to continue your walk with God along with trying very hard not to be discouraged. To make matters worse, you still have to deal with the loneliness of the reality that has become your life and you have to face those long periods of times where you are alone in the house. You have lots of questions about what the future holds for you and whether or not you will ever find someone to journey with. 

In order to cope with life you need to first let go of the finger pointing, the judgement, gossip and lack of acceptance you find in your Church. If you try to be better acquainted with what your future is going to look like, you are in for a major depression, anxieties and, before you know it, sadness will be your companion. Since being a single parent is already hard, this is the last thing you need. Learn to take things one day at the time. Join groups where you can interact with other people in similar situations. Don’t focus on your loneliness, but focus on God’s plan for your life while you put your energy into living for Him and your children. 

As you learn to focus on your God and your children, it will help you to let go of guilt and shame that you might be experiencing. Find all your strength in Him because, as you do, you will realize even though you are alone, you are not lonely. If you have a good Church where you are accepted, please enjoy the fellowship with your brothers and sisters. But, if you are not accepted, know that, for sure, God might have bigger and better things waiting for you in heaven than those who are judging you. So, do not let anyone use your situation against you to affect your walk with Him. Remember that He came not for those who are well, but for those who need Him-and that includes you.  

Pray to God  

Father God it is so hard to be a single parent in the Church and in the world today. I am plagued by all kinds of fear. I am lonely, tempted, misunderstood, irritated, and impatient and the list goes on. You know me better than I know myself, then I know there is no need to hide the resentment, bitterness and hurt that I am experiencing in my heart. I can’t seem to shake the self pity of this hopeless situation of my life right now. I am also angry because so much is expected of me I do not even have time for myself. I confess that sometimes I don’t have the will to live.

Father I pray for a special dose of grace to help me through. I pray that you would become all that I need through this lonely journey. I pray you would heal my heart and guard me from succumbing to temptations. Father, I am not sure how I am going to survive without a partner, I am torn between honouring you and my sexual desires that are constantly with me. You do not want sin to reign in my body because I am your temple. Father, I truly believe you created those sexual desires as a gift to us, but right now, I do not quite know how to handle mine without sinning against you. No amount of counselling, self-control and willingness not to sin can help me with this one father. I don’t know how to abstain from sexual gratification if you do not help me God. I failed you today (or yesterday, or this week) I know that I have done wrong and sinned against you. I pray for your forgiveness and the restoration of my fellowship with you. Father until I can find someone to marry, I pray you would give me the gift of self-control like Paul, so that I can dedicate my body to you alone. 

Father, I have to raise my children without the support of a spouse. I pray that you would give me the strength, ability and grace required to raise them in the knowledge of you and they would grow up being people after your heart. I pray for your protection upon them. I pray you would fill them up with the spirit and put your arms around them when they are in need of their mother or father. 

Father, help me arrange my schedule to find time to be with you. You are my spouse, my provider, the lover of my soul and you are my dad. I don’t want to miss out on you. Sustain me, stay by my side heal my heart. Lord, I can’t afford to be fragmented, please make me whole and help me remain in your will for my life. Help me live an obedient life full of love for you. Help me be totally committed to you, for your glory.

Free Kindle on  August 2, 3, & 4, 2013

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How To Pray through Depression & Loneliness! - Free Kindle on August 2, 3, & 4

WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT?

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http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E5MRSWC

When you feel lonely and/or depressed, you are not alone in your struggle, and there is no reason to feel shame or fear talking about it. Being a Christian doesn't make you immune from feelings of hopelessness, depression and loneliness. As a result, whether you are struggling with depression; or you are feeling a deep sadness and completely empty inside, with a loss of interest in activities; or you are feeling lonely because of the loss of a loved one or lonely because you are a single parent, there is hope.

Those unhealthy, negative, and painful emotions that have hijacked your life and keep you in bondage do not have to be covered up, nor do you need to find excuses for them. They can be dealt with as you move to acknowledge them and understand them better.

The Bible has a lot to say about depression and loneliness to help us in our journey. This devotion book is meant to be a companion to help you pray, pause and ponder on the word of God, when you are at a loss for words, and you feel you are being swallowed up by this relentless black cloud. God defines us by our love for Him, our commitment and willingness to trust and obey Him, along with our attitude and honesty before Him. All these things reveal our true walk with Him. Therefore, even though we stumble, we sin, we fail Him over and over again, He does not define us by our failures. As you go through your illness, remember His love for you, and go to Him; don’t hold anything back from Him.

This depression and loneliness prayer book offers personal tried-and-true guidelines to help you overcome these feelings. It outlines Christ-centred guidelines to help you out in overcoming through God’s strength. Plenty of prayers and verses of the Bible have been included for you to gain insight in your spiritual battle. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who knows us better than we know ourselves, all things are possible.

 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 )

In His Agape Love,

M.J. Andre

 Free Kindle on  August 2, 3, & 4, 2013

Get it for you or a friend on Free Kindle Days

Faith

James Smith, 1860 excerpt from: Fruit From the Tree of Life

Food and Medicine for the Soul

Faith is a solemn assenting to what God says, and a cordial consenting to what Christ proposes. God says, "I have so loved the world, that I have given my only begotten Son, that whoever believes on him should not perish - but have everlasting life. My Son shall be the Savior, the only Savior, the Savior of sinners in all places, under all circumstances, for all time. He shall save sinners as sinners, not in their sins - but from them. He shall save you, if you are willing to be saved by him, and will venture your soul on him." "I agree to this. I assent to what God says, and I therefore commit my soul into the hands of Christ, to be saved by him."

This is faith. Faith is consenting to Christ's proposals. Christ proposes to be a perfect Savior, to take the sinner just as he is, and save him fully, freely, and for ever. He says, "I will pay all your debts, and give full satisfaction to Divine Justice for all your sins. I will provide you a righteousness, and procure your justification at the bar of God. I will answer all the claims that may be made upon you, and all the charges that may be brought against you. 

I will overcome your foes, clear your way, advocate your cause, supply your needs, deliver you from death, and raise you to immortal life and glory. You shall entrust yourself and your all to me, and I will answer for your salvation. I will be your Surety - to pay all you owe; your Substitute - to do all that law and justice requires of you; your Savior, to save you with an everlasting salvation. You shall trust me with all, trust me to do all, and commit yourself entirely into my hands; so doing, I answer for your salvation." This is Christ's proposal.

"I consent to take Christ to be my Surety, Substitute, and Savior - to do all for me, and all within me, to save me by his grace, and to have all the glory of my salvation." This is faith.

If I assent to what God says in the gospel, and consent to what Christ proposes, thereby taking him as God's gift to be my Savior - I am a believer; and as a believer I am justified, I have peace with God, and I am assured of everlasting life.

For me Jesus lived a life of obedience;

for me Jesus died to make an atonement for my sins, 

for me Jesus intercedes that I may be with him where he is, to behold his glory.

His life was given for my life, his person for my person - so that I am saved from wrath, through him. He represents me, answers for me, and will keep what I have committed unto him, against the great day.

Accepting his proposal, I leave myself in his hands, I am satisfied of my salvation, and only live to honor and glorify his dear name.

Reader, have you faith? Do you heartily assent unto God's plan of salvation, revealed in the gospel? Do you consent to Christ's proposal, take him to be your Savior, and commit yourself unreservedly into his hands? If so, you are safe, and the ruling desire of your soul will be to glorify God for his mercy, and to honor Jesus for his wondrous grace. To please God, will be your daily aim; and to do good to all around you for Christ's sake, will be your constant delight. You will live, not after the flesh - but after the Spirit. You will walk, as Jesus walked, who has left us an example, that we should follow in his steps. 

The life you live in the flesh will be a life of faith in the Son of God; and a life of faith, is a life of holiness, a life of usefulness, and a life of happiness. In one word, if you are a believer, you will live not unto yourself - but unto him who died for you and rose again - and living in faith, you will die in faith, and so be forever with the Lord.

Faith is a solemn assenting to what God says, and a cordial consenting to what Christ proposes. God says, "I have so loved the world, that I have given my only begotten Son, that whoever believes on him should not perish - but have everlasting life. My Son shall be the Savior, the only Savior, the Savior of sinners in all places, under all circumstances, for all time. He shall save sinners as sinners, not in their sins - but from them. He shall save you, if you are willing to be saved by him, and will venture your soul on him." "I agree to this. I assent to what God says, and I therefore commit my soul into the hands of Christ, to be saved by him."

This is faith. Faith is consenting to Christ's proposals. Christ proposes to be a perfect Savior, to take the sinner just as he is, and save him fully, freely, and for ever. He says, "I will pay all your debts, and give full satisfaction to Divine Justice for all your sins. I will provide you a righteousness, and procure your justification at the bar of God. I will answer all the claims that may be made upon you, and all the charges that may be brought against you.

I will overcome your foes, clear your way, advocate your cause, supply your needs, deliver you from death, and raise you to immortal life and glory. You shall entrust yourself and your all to me, and I will answer for your salvation. I will be your Surety - to pay all you owe; your Substitute - to do all that law and justice requires of you; your Savior, to save you with an everlasting salvation.

You shall trust me with all, trust me to do all, and commit yourself entirely into my hands; so doing, I answer for your salvation." This is Christ's proposal.

"I consent to take Christ to be my Surety, Substitute, and Savior - to do all for me, and all within me, to save me by his grace, and to have all the glory of my salvation." This is faith.

If I assent to what God says in the gospel, and consent to what Christ proposes, thereby taking him as God's gift to be my Savior - I am a believer; and as a believer I am justified, I have peace with God, and I am assured of everlasting life.

For me Jesus lived a life of obedience;

for me Jesus died to make an atonement for my sins, 

for me Jesus intercedes that I may be with him where he is, to behold his glory.

His life was given for my life, his person for my person - so that I am saved from wrath, through him. He represents me, answers for me, and will keep what I have committed unto him, against the great day. Accepting his proposal, I leave myself in his hands, I am satisfied of my salvation, and only live to honor and glorify his dear name.

Reader, have you faith? Do you heartily assent unto God's plan of salvation, revealed in the gospel? Do you consent to Christ's proposal, take him to be your Savior, and commit yourself unreservedly into his hands? If so, you are safe, and the ruling desire of your soul will be to glorify God for his mercy, and to honor Jesus for his wondrous grace. To please God, will be your daily aim; and to do good to all around you for Christ's sake, will be your constant delight. 

You will live, not after the flesh - but after the Spirit. You will walk, as Jesus walked, who has left us an example, that we should follow in his steps. The life you live in the flesh will be a life of faith in the Son of God; and a life of faith, is a life of holiness, a life of usefulness, and a life of happiness. In one word, if you are a believer, you will live not unto yourself - but unto him who died for you and rose again - and living in faith, you will die in faith, and so be forever with the Lord.

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The Heart is not Right!

James Smith, 1860 Exerpt from: Fruit From the Tree of Life

Food and Medicine for the Soul

"Your heart is not right in the sight of God." Acts 8:21

So spoke Peter to Simon Magus, when he thought he could obtain power to confer the Holy Spirit for money. He had professed religion. He was a member of the church. He was a gifted man, and perhaps many thought he would be a useful man - but his heart was not right, and if the heart is wrong, then all is wrong. How many are in such a state now. 

Their creed is right. Their general conduct right. They pass muster among professors. But the heart is not right in the sight of God. Let us glance at a few of the many characters, by whom we are surrounded in the present day - whose hearts are not right; and may the Lord bless a few simple remarks, to the convincing of some, and the correcting of others.

Undecided man, or woman - your heart is not right. You ought to be decided for God - or against him. You ought to be wholly with the church - or the world. With you religion should be everything - or nothing. While you halt between two opinions, while you linger between the world and the church - you are wrong.

Formal professor - your heart is not right. There is no life, no power, no love in your religion. You read your Bible, you repeat your prayers, you sing your hymns, and you attend religious ordinances - but all out of form, or from a sense of duty. The love of God has never been shed abroad in your heart. The blood of atonement has never been applied to your conscience. The power of the Holy Spirit has never been felt in your soul. You are wrong. I hope you may not find out your mistake too late.

Fearful one - I mean such as are more afraid of man than God - your heart is not right. You are afraid of losing man's approbation, or afraid of incurring man's frown - afraid of losing some situation, or some of your wordily business, if you were openly to profess Christ. Afraid of poverty, more than you are afraid of God's displeasure. Afraid of persecution from man, more than you are afraid of Hell! You are wrong  - altogether wrong.

The hypocrite, the man who wears a mask, who pretends to be what he knows he is not - his heart is not right in the sight of God. You know you were never born of God, you know you have no love to God, or living faith in Christ; and yet for some worldly advantage, or to please some superior, or from some other unworthy motive - you pretend to be religious. You are wrong!

The worldly-minded, who are more taken up with temporals, than spirituals; who think more of money, than grace; who give their hearts to the world, more than to God - these are wrong. For if we profess religion, we profess to be quickened from a death in sins, to a life of righteousness - we profess to be risen with Christ, and we are therefore to set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth. Our hopes, our desires, our affections should be in Heaven; and if they are not, our hearts are not right in the sight of God.

The presumptuous, whose conduct contradicts their creed, who claim the privileges of God's people without a title to them, and the promises of God without true faith - are all wrong. They know nothing about a broken heart for sin, repentance unto life, or tenderness of conscience; but are bold, daring, and unfeeling, their hearts are not right in the sight of God.

The lukewarm, who decry zeal, fervor, and whole-heartedness in others, and are neither cold nor hot themselves, are wrong. God requires devotion, dedication, the constant presentation of our bodies, souls, and spirits to his service; if therefore we are half-hearted, self-satisfied, and indifferent to God's glory - our hearts are not right in the sight of God.

The backslider, who did run well - but has been hindered, who was thorough but is so no longer - he is wrong. Yes, yes, my friend, if your prayer-closet is neglected, if your Bible is unread, if God's ordinances are no longer prized - depend upon it, your heart is not right in the sight of God.

But if such characters are wrong, what shall we say to the covetous, the liar, the dishonest, the sly drunkard, the unfeeling? And yet there are many such, who wear a cloak of religion, and wish to be considered the friends of God, and the disciples of Christ; but God will never own them, Christ will never bear them in his presence - but will ask, "Why do you call you me, Lord, Lord, and do not do the things that I say?" And he will also pronounce their doom, "Depart from me, you cursed ones, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels!"

But when is the heart right? When it has been . . .

quickened by the Holy Spirit, 

cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and 

is influenced by the love of God.

When its dependence is on Christ, and it is in union with Christ, and is ruled by the Word of Christ. When zealous for the Lord's glory, at home in the Lord's work - it beats in union with the Lord's will. Only, as the heart is . . .

inhabited by the Holy Spirit, 

consecrated to the Lord's service, and 

aiming supremely at the Lord's glory - is it right.

In the unregenerate, it is radically, entirely, and altogether wrong. Often, even in those who are born of God, is it partially, and for a season, wrong. 

Let us then bear in mind, that the Lord's eye is fixed on the heart, and that he searches the secret part of man. That though we may be deceived by our fellows, or even be for a time deceived by ourselves - yet God cannot be deceived. That the Lord will in his own time and way, show whose heart is right, and whose is not. Therefore, let us while we think of the awful and dangerous state of those, whose hearts are not right in the sight of God, be very concerned, that always, and under all circumstances, whatever else may happen, that our hearts may be right in the sight of God; for if the heart is right, everything else will be right in the end.

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