SUICIDE ? ANTIDOTES TO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND ATTEMPTS

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death or deliberately killing one’s self. Research shows that approximately 90% of people who have died by suicide were suffering from a mental illness at the time. The most common mental illness reported is depression. Also, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness. In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, and so on), discrimination or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Intense sadness and/or hopelessness; not caring about activities that used to matter; withdrawal from family, friends, sports and social activities; substance (drug, alcohol) abuse are some of the common signs of suicide .

 THESE ARE BIBLICAL VIEW OF SUICIDE

The Bible views suicide as equal to murder (self-murder). God is the only one who is to decide when and how a person should die. We should say with the Psalmist, “My times are in thy hand…” (Psalm 31:15). God is the giver of life. He gives, and He takes away (Job 1:21). The Bible mentions six specific people who committed suicide: Abimelech (Judges 9:54), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4), Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4-6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings.16:18) and Judas (Matthew 27:5).

Suicide,is the taking of one’s own life, is ungodly because it rejects God’s gift of life. No one should presume to take God’s authority upon them to end his or her own life. Some people in Scripture felt deep despair in life. Solomon, in his pursuit of pleasure, reached the point where he “hated life” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Elijah was fearful and depressed and yearned for death (1 Kings.19:4). Jonah was so angry at God that he wished to die (John.4:8). Even the apostle Paul and his missionary companions at one point were under great pressure that resulted in despair (2 Corinthians 1:8).

However, none of these men committed suicide. Solomon learned to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Elijah was comforted by an angel, allowed to rest, and given a new commission (1 Kings.19:5,15). Jonah received admonition and rebuke from God (John.4:1-3,8-11). Paul learned that, although the pressure he faced was beyond his ability to endure, the Lord can bear all things (2 Corinthians 1:9).

ANTIDOTES TO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS/ATTEMPTS

According to the Bible, suicide is a sin (Ex.20:13). Therefore, if you or anyone around you expresses suicidal thoughts or exhibits self-harming behaviours, seek pastoral and professional help. In addition, the following steps may help to rescue anyone having suicidal thoughts.

Take a few moments to consider letting God prove His love to you (Romans 5:5).

Know that Jesus identifies with you in your time of rejection and humiliation (Isaiah 53:2-6).

Jesus Christ endured suffering and shame so that you might have all your sins forgiven and your weight of guilt removed (Romans 5:7-8; Romans 8:32).

Know that Jesus will forgive and repair your brokenness and restore your joy if you humbly receive Him as your Saviour (Isaiah 1:18; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Be assured that Jesus will always come to your rescue whenever you are in trouble if only you cry to or call upon Him (Psalm 61:1-2; Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 50:15).

According to the Bible, suicide is a sin (Exodus 20:13). Therefore, if you or anyone around you expresses suicidal thoughts or exhibits self-harming behaviours, seek pastoral and professional help. In addition, the following steps may help to rescue anyone having suicidal thoughts.

Take a few moments to consider letting God prove His love to you (Romans 5:5).

Know that Jesus identifies with you in your time of rejection and humiliation (Isaiah 53:2-6).

Know that Jesus will forgive you and repair your brokenness and restore your joy if you humbly receive Him as your Saviour (Isaiah 1:18; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIALIZATION

Christian can not live in isolation in this present world. However, we must know when and how to draw the line between worldly and acceptable socializations. To socialise simply means" to talk to and do things with other people in friendly way." There are various ways to socializing, ranging from relating with people in the immediate environment, to getting involved in governance and community development activities, Christiansocialisation cuts across recreation, social interaction, cultural activities and political issues. While there way may be diverse opinion on the extent of the involvement of Christians in social issues . it should be noted that moderation should be the watch word. WORLDLY PERSPECTIVES VERSUS BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE OF SOCIALISATION. All Christian must know when and how to draw the line between worldly and and acceptable socializations. For instance, Christian are expected to recreate ,but visiting idol place for recreation should be avoided. Christian should avoid participating or feasting at occasions where idols are celebrated. Modernised carnivals with satanic undertones and other places where Christian integrity is questionable should also be avoided . watching of immoral videos, listening to ungodly music and wearing seductive apparels in the name of socialisation are also ungodly things Christians must avoid when socialite. When getting involved in secular activities , Christians should watch out and abstain from things that can make them compromise their faith. BIBLICAL INSTANCE OF SOCIALISATION Jesus Christ and his disciples attended a wedding ceremony at cana of Galilee. He dined with Zaccheaus in his house. Jesus was also a friend to the family of Lazarus, Jesus paid Mary and Martha a condolence visit. He and his disciples also participated in the feast of Passover. Apostle Paul interacted with diverse classes of people for the sake of the Gospel in order to win soul. Daniel was involved in the political administration of land in his days ( Daniel 1:18-21). Remember, whatsoever we do to socialite should be to the glory of God and edification of the saints. Christian are to show moderation in social interaction. No comments: Post a Comment ‹ › Home View web version

ESSENCES OF MARRIAGE

ESSENCE OF MARRIAGE

  Marriage is honourable institution that believers must prayerfully and watchfully enter into.

Marriage is the oldest human institution. It is older than the church of any human government. Marriage has been ordained of the Lord for companionship and the procreation of the race. Marriage leads to the establishment of homes for children where happiness and joy can reign. Although we live in the days of low moral standards, when marriage vows are easily broken and divorce is considered common, God's law and and standard do not change. Any Christian who breaks his marriage vows is therefore playing with fire.

  WHO SHOULD WE MARRY?

There are several reasons we should marry if we feel led by our standard and by God to do so.

These are some reasons why we should marry.

1. To obey the command of God.

2. For fellowship.

3. For the propagation of the human race

4. To satisfy the sexual and emotional desires that are good, holy, and legitimate, which can only be satisfied in marriage.

5. For partnership, it takes two to make one flesh..

          WHO SHOULD MARRY ?

Godly person should not marry the ungodly. In God's sight, it is unacceptable far a godly person and ungodly on to be united in holy matrimony to be a one flesh. How can the be one when one serve God , in holiness and righteousness, while the other serves idols ?.

1. God command: be ye not unequivocally yoked together with unbeliever.

2. Light has no communion with darkness.

3. Believers has no part with infidel.

4. Righteousness has no fellowship with unrighteousness.

5. Christ has no concord with Balial.

6. God's temple has no agreement with idols.

It is easy then to see that the question that naturally comes to mind is , how can this two set of people who are so different, form a true partnership and have joyful fellowship ? Think deeply of this.

Remember, marriage is an honourable institution that believers must prayerfully and watchfully enter into. It is more of a spiritual affair than just being partnership and have joyful fellowship. Think and  pray before going into that marriage. God will direct your your ways.

WHEN ALL THINGS FAILS , GOD IS IN CONTROL

 

WHEN ALL THINGS FAILS, GOD IS IN CONTROL.

As human we do experience one bad thing or the others but at any use or disposition God chooses to make of any part of His creation, His sovereign regn. God is accountable only to Himself. He does things in His own way, He is not required at any time to give to any person any explanation for anything He does. He is the almighty above all powers in every area of His creation.

We as human do not expect to understand fully the purpose for our trials until our Lord calls us home to be with Him. But we do know that He loves us too much and He care so much about us, and that He is far more concerned with our welfare than we are. God's choices are always right. He is capable of carrying out any project to a successful conclusion without the possibility of fault or failure. Nothing on earth happens by chance or accident. For every effect there is a cause. God "worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory" .

It was Wednesday, the Eighteen years of marriage of Mr and Ma Bobby without a child, They have try all their possible best looking for blessing of the womb, the doctor have try all what they can do so that Mrs Bobby can conceived but no good news. I waited expectantly in the corridor outside Mr Bobby's room. When the doctor appeared his remarks were brief and pointed.

The doctor say" We are making arrangements to position your wife for the next treatment.

He hesitated. I detected a bit of concern in his delayed reply. I was right. His words came slowly.

"There is nothing more that we can do medically for Mrs. Bobby." He placed his hand on my shoulder and patted it gently. "I'm sorry," he said, and he walked away.

I took her hand in mine. Then I assured her that there was nothing to fear because God was in control.

But did I really believe that God was in control? The mere thought of questioning the sovereignty of God scared me. But then, the government of the universe is a question with which most of us have grappled at some time. We Christians affirm our belief in the sovereignty of God, but our faith is challenged in times of natural upheaval, national disaster, or personal affliction. Pain and poverty, disease and death, sorrow and suffering all tend to cause us to think seriously about God as creator and controller of the world of which we are a part. It is not always easy to believe that God is in control.

I tell Mr and Mrs Bobby to believe in God and employed to follow God way , two of them accepted and we agreed to let God take control, Mr and Mr Bobby give their life to Christ and they begin prayer and fasting, I also help them in praying together, we do night vigil in their house and also in my house.

After strong prayer and fasting , Mr and Mrs Bobby surrender all to God and they let God take control of their childlessness. To God be the glory Mrs Bobby conceived after three months of fasting and prayer, it was a God doing and is marvelous in our eye.

Can you imaging ? What they have been looking for good eight year looking for worldly solutions was solve within just three months of God control. No matter what you are been going for days , months and years if you believe and move closer to God, He will take control and you problems , sadness will turn to joy.

He is God, and He knows what we want and what we needs, all He needed from you is your faithfulness and holiness, and believe that He is in Control.

Whatever you are going through, He is there for you, stop looking for worldly help but put all your trust and hope in Him, whatever that is above human solution in your life, remember , God is in control.

THE IMPORTANT OF PRAISING GOD

It is said that when scientist researchers break down the matter' that comprises our universe, it is actually contains some musical molecules. When the Pharisees tried to silence that who were singing and drumming to praise the Lord, perhaps that is why Jesus Christ said 'if you Pharisees stop these people from praising God, the stone will cry out and give praise.


The bible speaks of trees clapping there hands in praising and oceans and the mountains exalting God. All of the creation are designed to praise God.
And when you don't, there is a connection with God that is not made and emptiness within you that nothing else can fill. David said , let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hand and my heart as the evening sacrifice (Psalm 142:2).
Here the word "prayer" is an Hebrew language , which means" songs of praise" and the Bible us it not less than 72 time in this context. So you as a living thing and work of almighty God should start singing praise God.


The Ark of the Covenant represented three things: Victory, guidance and God's presence. And any time the Ark of Covenant is not with Israeli , they felt lost without it. But observe how they can bring the Ark back from their camp of the Philistine foes. Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing to almighty God with big and small harps and Psalteries and with tumbrels and all others type of music instruments.
You must notice the phrase, "with all their might" away with pale , pathetic praise!


Put all your heart and soul ,whenever you are to praise God and worship him, brings intimacy with God. When the people want to rebuild Jerusalem, the singer were as vital and useful to the success of the operation as the solders and builders.
So for you also to succeed and to be progressive in life, you need to praise God always. Praising God is best way to get grace and eye of God.
Always praise God, even when your are driving, because Gid and his angels like like to be in were there is praise, and by doing so the angel is on guard and source a person will always have a saver journey.

Gratitude is contagious

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, And forget not all His benefits. Psalm 103:2.


Although forgetfulness sometimes increases with age, its really common to us all. Even children have lapses of memory and excuse themselves by saying " I forgot" But there's one kind of forgetfulness that is inexcusable at any age- forgetting to be grateful to God. The psalmist David was determined not to fall this way, so he exhorted his soul, "forget not all His benefit (psalm 103:2).


David didn't keep his thanksgiving to God a secret. In psalm 35:2 he wrote "The humble shall hear of it and be glad, and who were the humble?
They were those who, like David were going through tough times. Why should they be glad to hear his praises? Because their own faith was strengthened when he testified about God,s help to him in times of fear , trouble, need, sorrow and affliction.
When was the last time you openly and unashamedly praised God for helping you in your difficulties? Someone has this to say: "If Christians praised God more, the world would doubt Him less. "Not only is it appropriate, therefore, to express your gratitude for all His benefits, but your example may also encourage others to move from doubt to faith as you praise Him. JEY.
Thank the Lord when trouble comes.

The God i serve

Many people do not believe in the power and miracle of God, they make gest of people who realy believed in God and his power and ability to do all thing. This story let us know how powerful is the name of God to those who believe in him. The Bible says " if you have faith as little as mustard seed, you will ask mountain to move and it shall move, says the bible. This story will show you powerful thing our God can do if you believed and have faith in Him.


A young man working in the army was always and constantly humiliated by his boss and other co-workers , because of his believed in God and his words. His boss who is a captain in army always humiliates him in front of the troops. The boss always called this young man a fool because of his strong believed in God.
One day the captain called on this young man and he said: Young man , take the key and go and park the jeep in front of the office to the car park. The young man replied: Sir I cannot drive!
The captain said: Then ask for assistance from your God! Show us that your God is really exists!
. The young man took the car key with faith and he walk to the vehicle, he prayed for sometimes and after some minutes he is able to drive and park the car to the car park PERFECTLY well as the captain instructed.


. As the young man came out of the car ,he saw his co-workers and the captain crying, and the all said together: We want to serve your God! The young soldier was astonished; he wanted to know why and what is going on?


The Captain also was crying, and he opened the hood of the jeep showing the young man that the car had no engine. Then the boy said: See? This is the God I serve. The God who gives life to what does not exist. You may there are things that are still impossible but with God all things are POSSIBLE.


Who do you serve?