Christian Archives - Christina Cook Lee Contact Me → Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer Christina Cook Lee Media Producer - Author - Blogger - Songwriter Home Services Image Development Artist Photography Media Production Products Children’s Music Books Blogs New Strength Blog Photography Blog About Contact Christian The mask of pride March 3, 2020 By Christina Cook Lee Leave a Comment Topic: Humility Focus: The mask of pride Micah 6:8 (NKJV) He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Physical problems often accompany depression. Eventual health issues are practically guaranteed to the person who continues in addiction. When sickness and disease are prolonged—the person with the plague is easy prey for the spirit of depression. Disease, depression, and dependency all take their toll on your mind, your will, and your emotions. An ongoing cycle of struggle can be so typical in these areas—if a serious effort isn’t made to break the chains of bondage. Each of us has to take the responsibility of keeping the Word of God in a place of priority in our daily life. If we don’t keep ourselves immersed in it—we will start to live life by our feelings. Feelings usually tell us to do the opposite of God’s principles. When we aren’t frequently reminded of how the Lord wants us to live—we start to get numb. Sin gets easier. In fact, it might not even seem like sin anymore. Doing what is good and right doesn’t come naturally to us as humans. Living a life that demonstrates a love for showing mercy and the ability to walk humbly, requires constant self-examination and help from God. Let’s take a look at the story of a man called Naaman in the Old Testament. The meaning of “Naaman” is good looking and well-formed. These characteristics had most likely helped Naaman gain his position as commander of the army to the King of Syria. Although Naaman was highly regarded and known for his courage and success—he wasn’t immuned to the dreaded disease of leprosy, for which there was no cure. This awful affliction attacked the internal organs, tissues, and skin. Victims usually had to be isolated and were forced to call out, “Unclean” if anyone unknowingly approached. They were required to wear hooded black clothing so everyone would know they had the disease. From a lack of circulation of the blood—people who had leprosy ended up losing all sensation in their fingers and toes. In time, parts of their extremities would fall off. Death came slowly as the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs shut down in the later stages. (Read more below) NOW, YOU CAN LISTEN AND/OR READ! Link to New Strength Audio Version New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day In the Bible, leprosy is used to typify sin. Leprosy, like sin, is a slow, progressive disease that kills. Naaman’s wife had a young servant girl who had been taken captive from the country of Israel. The obedient child recommended that her master seek out the prophet Elisha from her native land. She was confident Elisha would be able to call on God to heal Naaman’s condition. Naaman was desperate. He obtained all of the necessary documents and prepared a large amount of silver, gold, and fine clothing to present to the prophet for his services. He made the journey with his chariot and horses. When Naaman stood at the door of the prophet—Elisha sent a messenger who proceeded to pass on Elisha’s instructions for Naaman to submerge himself seven times in the Jordan River. The Jordan was known for its disgusting, dirty water. None of Naaman’s gifts were accepted and the prophet Elisha never even greeted Naaman personally. Naaman was indignant. He went away mad. He was about to return to his own country—but his servants encouraged him to do as he was told. This was not easy for Naaman. He thought he should be able to wash in some of the clear rivers in Syria instead of the dirty, smelly Jordan River. The thought of lowering himself into that body of water required a great amount of humility for Naaman. God was working to show Naaman that money and power couldn’t heal him. If Naaman wanted to be set free—he was going to have to lay down his pride and trust God through the word of the prophet Elisha. When Naaman came up out of the water after the first dip—nothing had changed. He continued to plunge under the water five more times with no results. But, after the seventh time, his skin was like that of a little child. He was healed and whole. Naaman went back to Elisha and said, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And Elisha told Naaman to go in peace. God used Naaman’s infirmity to not only reveal his healing power-but to teach Naaman the importance of a humble heart. It’s really hard to have to do things that are humiliating. It’s not easy to admit we’ve been wrong or have a weakness…but that admission is often the key that unlocks the door to freedom…just like admitting we are powerless is pivotal to progress in recovery. Declaration: I will find new strength by recognizing my need to be humble. I will stop trying to hide behind the mask of pride. I will be honest about my shortcomings and let God be made strong in my weakness. IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY. For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1 All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog. Filed Under: Humility, New Strength Tagged With: AA, about, addiction, battle, Bible, blog, book, celebrate recovery, Christian, Christina Cook Lee, dependency, depression, devotional, disease, encouragement, everyday life, find, freedom, from, God, guidance, heath issues, help, Hillsong, Holy Spirit, hope, humbly, humility, inspiration, Jesus, joy, leprosy, loss, March 3., meditation, meditations, mental health, Micah 6:8, mind, Naaman, need, New Strength, pride, prolonged, recovery, scripture, self improvement, sickness, Spirit, spiritual, strength, substance abuse, suicide, The Power of Your Love, trials, trusting God, verse, verses Disappointment March 3, 2020 By Christina Cook Lee Leave a Comment Topic: Hope Focus: Disappointment 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV) But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard; nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” When disappointment takes you down, it shows. You have suffered some losses and you feel the weight of it, don’t you? It’s like your shoulders aren’t as straight as they usually are and you have to remind yourself to straighten your back—because you just feel this load pressing down on you—and it’s heavy. You’ve had to put on a happy face to please those who either don’t know—or don’t care. And you wonder how you can keep going when it hurts so bad. All of the victories you’ve experienced—the progress you’ve made—just doesn’t seem like much to you at the moment. Because you’ve had this hard hit. You know all of the classic things you should say to yourself to get through. Any words you might say, you’ve already heard so many times, it seems. And yet nothing you’ve heard or could say seems like enough to cover the void. You can’t imagine how anything good could come out of such pain. How could it? Disappointment like this is a melancholy kind of pain. It makes you as vulnerable as a little child again. Misunderstood, misjudged, and mistaken. It’s a sad song kind of feeling. A measure of introspection and contemplation is good. Any loss this big is worth the time spent going over the details and the memories. You need to do some of that. It’s part of grieving. You can’t get around it—and you wouldn’t want to. Take your time. Savor the sweetness. (Read more below) NOW, YOU CAN LISTEN AND/OR READ! Link to New Strength Audio Version New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day As you can, try to remember how deeply God cherishes you. He doesn’t like to see you hurting so much—but He loves the person you are becoming. He is so proud of the feelings you have and the pain you are able to feel. There was a time when you didn’t have the capacity to love like you are able to now. Your ability to care has increased by amazing proportions. Although heartbreaking, this loss is deepening your character even more. You can hold that thought in your mind and know that certain kinds of growth are only made possible by loss. God knows you want to grow. He wants to help you become the person you desire to be. It takes a broad spectrum of experiences to forge His impression on us—and some of that forging is being accomplished in you today. You have that to be confident of and grateful for. You have learned to trust the One who made you and is continuing to shape you. He doesn’t enjoy seeing you suffer—but He appreciates how you have given yourself to Him so unreservedly—to do with as He pleases. Don’t underestimate His compassion for you at this moment. His heart breaks with yours. He is One with you. He wants you to draw all you can from this experience and learn all you can learn. You shouldn’t miss one moment of quiet reflection. His hand is in yours. He waits with you in your sorrow. He shares the knowledge of what this means to you. He is there. Lean on Him. Rest in Him. Experience His concern and comfort. He is not taking this lightly, either. He has chosen you for special things. He has a purpose for you that is completely unique. No one else has the exact calling you have. No one else can do what He has in mind for you to do. He has great plans. Plans you can’t possibly perceive. In a time of disappointment, it’s easy to lower your level of expectation. It’s easy to assume that maybe you weren’t meant for greatness after all…because you feel so low. In moments like these, your mind can play tricks on you and the enemy of your soul can whisper words that would make you think it wouldn’t be so bad if you just took a little break and maybe stepped off the path temporarily. Don’t fall for that line. Don’t give him back one inch of the progress you’ve made. He doesn’t deserve it. You keep moving forward. You keep pressing on. Keep knowing there is more light just ahead. This darkness is not going to last. In fact, you are on the verge of a great discovery. You are just around the corner from new revelation and new victory that will carry you the rest of the way. It is so much more than you ever thought. Your mind’s eye has not even begun to see what God sees when He looks at you. Every positive word that has ever been said about you doesn’t begin to compare with what He, Himself has to say. You might have thought you knew what He was doing—but in your wildest dreams you can’t imagine what He is about to do. So, stand fast. Hold your head high. You are His and He is yours. Nothing can change that. Nothing. Declaration: I will find new strength as I share my suffering with the One who knows me better than anyone. I will continue to put my trust in God who has made me tender and willing to be shaped into His image. I will keep my eyes, ears, and heart trained on Him with great expectation of the wonders yet to be revealed. IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY. For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1 All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog. Filed Under: Hope, New Strength Tagged With: 1 Corinthians 2:9, AA, about, addiction, battle, Bible, blog, book, celebrate recovery, Christian, Christina Cook Lee, dependency, depression, devotional, disappointment, encouragement, everyday life, find, freedom, from, God, guidance, help, Hillsong, Holy Spirit, hope, inspiration, Jesus, joy, loss, March 2, meditation, meditations, mental health, mind, need, New Strength, No Eye Has Seen, Paul Baloche & Rita Baloche, recovery, scripture, self improvement, Spirit, spiritual, strength, substance abuse, suffering, suicide, trials, trusting God, verse, verses Being honest with God March 3, 2020 By Christina Cook Lee Leave a Comment Topic: Honesty Focus: Being honest with God 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJV) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. A great example of how easy it is to be tested in the area of depression is found in the story of Elijah the prophet. You can read the whole story of Elijah in the Bible, beginning in 1 Kings, chapter 17. Elijah was an unusual man of God. He did many miracles and is recognized as the major prophet of Israel in the eighth century before Christ. Through Elijah, God spoke to His people, healed the sick, and raised the dead. By Elijah’s words it didn’t rain for three and a half years—which caused a famine. During that time of hardship, God miraculously sent a raven to feed Elijah. One day during the famine, Elijah asked a widow to prepare some food for him. She and her son had only enough oil and flour for one more meal, yet when she obediently prepared a loaf of bread and fed Elijah first—her provisions never ran out. Elijah called down fire from heaven—as proof that his God was more powerful than the Canaanite’s false god, Baal.You would think someone who operated in that kind of power and authority—would be far above ever being touched by depression. Yet, after his greatest victory of faith—Elijah ran for his life from the wicked Queen Jezebel. He went into a wilderness and crawled under a bush. He told God he had had enough and that he wanted to die. If you’ve ever felt your struggle with discouragement and depression are a sign of weakness—that could be true. However, the story of Elijah shows us that no one is immune to becoming tired of the fight in this life. Elijah was a great man of God and demonstrated his faith in great boldness over and over. But, a day came when he lost his vision and the will to carry on. Elijah was sick of it all. He was exhausted, hungry, and afraid.It is especially precious how God responded to Elijah in the wilderness. In his hour of desperation, Elijah poured out his heart and said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” Elijah was feeling as though he was going to die one way or another. He believed he was the only prophet left because of the wickedness of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. (Read more below) NOW, YOU CAN LISTEN AND/OR READ! Link to New Strength Audio Version New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day The Bible tells us the Angel of the Lord touched Elijah and told him to get up and eat. When Elijah looked around, he saw fresh baked bread on hot coals and a jar of water for him to drink. After he ate and drank, Elijah went to sleep. After a while, the Angel woke him and told him to eat. Elijah obeyed and ate again. He received so much strength—he was able to travel for 40 days and nights without anything else to eat or drink. He was led to the mountain of the Lord and it was there that God visited him. The Lord spoke encouragement to Elijah in an intimate whisper letting Elijah know he had not been forgotten and that he was not alone. God told Elijah He was not finished with him and gave him some assignments. One of the things he revealed to Elijah was that he was giving him a young man named Elisha to mentor. Elisha would become Elijah’s replacement as prophet. Elijah wasn’t threatened by the idea that his successor had been chosen. He didn’t go further into depression because now he saw the end of his ministry coming. He found strength and encouragement to move forward—knowing God had trusted him to prepare someone else to carry on His work. Elijah delighted in the fact that he was going to have a partner to work with and that God was giving him the opportunity to finish with dignity rather than defeat. This story is a beautiful example of how we can approach God with honesty when the battle has become too hard for us. In ‘well doing’—Elijah had become ‘worn out’. When he told God exactly how he felt—God was compassionate. The Lord did practical things to strengthen Elijah and drew him into a place of closer fellowship with Him. He provided Elijah with a successor. Elijah didn’t have a son or a family of his own that we know of. But, God furnished him with an ‘heir’ in Elisha…which gave Elijah the reason he needed to press on. Never forget the way God loves those who are of a broken and contrite spirit. Keep remembering how His heart is moved toward those who have no power of their own. A person who is ‘empty’—is someone who is capable of being ‘filled’ by the Holy Spirit. Anyone who still has some strength of their own can’t be completely empowered by God to ‘maximum capacity’. So, empty and weak are good—in God’s sight. If you’re at the end of your rope—let go. As you’re free-falling, God will catch you and give you everything you need to finish well. Declaration: I will find new strength in the precious Word of God. I will learn from the examples written long ago—that God loves me and will always meet my needs. He will make a way for me to finish well—if I am honest with Him. IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY. For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1 All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog. Filed Under: Honesty, New Strength Tagged With: 33 Miles, AA, about, addiction, battle, Being honest with God, Bible, blog, book, celebrate recovery, Christian, Christina Cook Lee, dependency, depression, devotional, Elijah, encouragement, everyday life, failure, find, freedom, from, frustration, God, guidance, help, Hillsong, Holy Spirit, honesty, hope, human, inspiration, Jesus, joy, loss, March 1, meditation, meditations, mental health, mind, need, New Strength, recovery, scripture, self improvement, Spirit, spiritual, strength, substance abuse, suicide, trials, trusting God, Underneath, verse, verses The mask of pride March 3, 2020 By Christina Cook Lee Leave a Comment Topic: Humility Focus: The mask of pride Micah 6:8 (NKJV) He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Physical problems often accompany depression. Eventual health issues are practically guaranteed to the person who continues in addiction. When sickness and disease are prolonged—the person with the plague is easy prey for the spirit of depression. Disease, depression, and dependency all take their toll on your mind, your will, and your emotions. An ongoing cycle of struggle can be so typical in these areas—if a serious effort isn’t made to break the chains of bondage. Each of us has to take the responsibility of keeping the Word of God in a place of priority in our daily life. If we don’t keep ourselves immersed in it—we will start to live life by our feelings. Feelings usually tell us to do the opposite of God’s principles. When we aren’t frequently reminded of how the Lord wants us to live—we start to get numb. Sin gets easier. In fact, it might not even seem like sin anymore. Doing what is good and right doesn’t come naturally to us as humans. Living a life that demonstrates a love for showing mercy and the ability to walk humbly, requires constant self-examination and help from God. Let’s take a look at the story of a man called Naaman in the Old Testament. The meaning of “Naaman” is good looking and well-formed. These characteristics had most likely helped Naaman gain his position as commander of the army to the King of Syria. Although Naaman was highly regarded and known for his courage and success—he wasn’t immuned to the dreaded disease of leprosy, for which there was no cure. This awful affliction attacked the internal organs, tissues, and skin. Victims usually had to be isolated and were forced to call out, “Unclean” if anyone unknowingly approached. They were required to wear hooded black clothing so everyone would know they had the disease. From a lack of circulation of the blood—people who had leprosy ended up losing all sensation in their fingers and toes. In time, parts of their extremities would fall off. Death came slowly as the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs shut down in the later stages. (Read more below) NOW, YOU CAN LISTEN AND/OR READ! Link to New Strength Audio Version New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day In the Bible, leprosy is used to typify sin. Leprosy, like sin, is a slow, progressive disease that kills. Naaman’s wife had a young servant girl who had been taken captive from the country of Israel. The obedient child recommended that her master seek out the prophet Elisha from her native land. She was confident Elisha would be able to call on God to heal Naaman’s condition. Naaman was desperate. He obtained all of the necessary documents and prepared a large amount of silver, gold, and fine clothing to present to the prophet for his services. He made the journey with his chariot and horses. When Naaman stood at the door of the prophet—Elisha sent a messenger who proceeded to pass on Elisha’s instructions for Naaman to submerge himself seven times in the Jordan River. The Jordan was known for its disgusting, dirty water. None of Naaman’s gifts were accepted and the prophet Elisha never even greeted Naaman personally. Naaman was indignant. He went away mad. He was about to return to his own country—but his servants encouraged him to do as he was told. This was not easy for Naaman. He thought he should be able to wash in some of the clear rivers in Syria instead of the dirty, smelly Jordan River. The thought of lowering himself into that body of water required a great amount of humility for Naaman. God was working to show Naaman that money and power couldn’t heal him. If Naaman wanted to be set free—he was going to have to lay down his pride and trust God through the word of the prophet Elisha. When Naaman came up out of the water after the first dip—nothing had changed. He continued to plunge under the water five more times with no results. But, after the seventh time, his skin was like that of a little child. He was healed and whole. Naaman went back to Elisha and said, “Indeed, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And Elisha told Naaman to go in peace. God used Naaman’s infirmity to not only reveal his healing power-but to teach Naaman the importance of a humble heart. It’s really hard to have to do things that are humiliating. It’s not easy to admit we’ve been wrong or have a weakness…but that admission is often the key that unlocks the door to freedom…just like admitting we are powerless is pivotal to progress in recovery. Declaration: I will find new strength by recognizing my need to be humble. I will stop trying to hide behind the mask of pride. I will be honest about my shortcomings and let God be made strong in my weakness. IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY. For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1 All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog. Filed Under: Humility, New Strength Tagged With: AA, about, addiction, battle, Bible, blog, book, celebrate recovery, Christian, Christina Cook Lee, dependency, depression, devotional, disease, encouragement, everyday life, find, freedom, from, God, guidance, heath issues, help, Hillsong, Holy Spirit, hope, humbly, humility, inspiration, Jesus, joy, leprosy, loss, March 3., meditation, meditations, mental health, Micah 6:8, mind, Naaman, need, New Strength, pride, prolonged, recovery, scripture, self improvement, sickness, Spirit, spiritual, strength, substance abuse, suicide, The Power of Your Love, trials, trusting God, verse, verses « Go toPrevious Page Go to page1 Go to page2 Go to page3 Go to page4 Interim pages omitted… Go to page13 Go toNext Page » Progress February 27, 2020 By Christina Cook Lee Leave a Comment Topic: Learning from our mistakes Focus: Progress 1 Timothy 4:15 (NIV) Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. You’ve had some pretty awful days, right? Can you imagine an awful day that never ended? When you are depressed and discouraged—you wonder how you will ever feel otherwise. It’s like having that awful day that doesn’t seem to end. You have trouble imagining the future and your mind often tends to be in the past. When God created the universe–He could have actually made it so that our days had no end—and they just went on and on and on. When He made the galaxies–He could have done it any way He wanted to. Have you ever stopped to consider the complex system of the planets, the suns, moons, and stars—which number in the millions? The detail of how the whole thing works can’t be comprehended and the order in which everything moves could not have been just a cosmic fluke. There is no way to explain a solar system as sophisticated as the one we live in—other than it occurred by an Intelligent design. For instance, where did the raw material come from in the first place? What caused the planets to rotate in order? What made the earth turn at a certain speed and distance from the sun that would create days, months, and seasons–and sustain human life? Considering theses things can give you hope if you are depressed. Think about the constant progression in the universe. Our earth keeps turning. Each rotation of the earth creates a morning, afternoon, evening, and night. Have you ever stopped to marvel at how our bodies were designed to cooperate with the same cycle? Humans were made with a need to be regenerated. We don’t just keep going forever without rest and recuperation. The harmony of daytime and nighttime—and the human need to use energy and receive rest is an amazing thing to contemplate. (Read more below) NOW, YOU CAN LISTEN AND/OR READ! Link to New Strength Audio Version New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day If you’re having a hard time facing the morning of another day—try thinking of morning in another way. When the sun comes up—it’s proof that yesterday is gone and it’s not coming back. You won’t have to fight that battle again. Today is not yesterday—and the mercies of God are new every morning. Whether you feel like it or not—you are moving forward. What doesn’t look like progress to you—really is. The minutes keep ticking by, the hours continue to pass, and one day turns into the next. You can find comfort in the fact that a bad day is always going to come to an end—and tomorrow will be another day…maybe not as bad. By looking at the way God planned our environment—we can see He not only wanted us to have a rest from our labor during the night—but to wake up with a chance to ‘start over’ every morning. Have you ever thought of God as a source of power? His power created the universe—He is a power generator. The power of God never runs out. The same source of power that keeps the world turning has more than enough power to get you through another 24 hours…as you live one day at a time. I haven’t always seen things this way. I know how hard it is to wake up and discover you’re still alive when what you really wanted was to die in your sleep. And I know how it feels when you think you’re not getting anywhere—that there is no progress and it seems like one day is just as bad as the day before. All I can tell you is if you will keep trusting God—you will get through this. The power of God promises progress. He can’t fail. He is the God who heals you. He will heal your heart and mind of all the pain, sorrow, rejection, loss, and hopelessness you feel right now. He is the strength of your life. So, don’t give up on yourself. God hasn’t. He has a great plan for you. He is your Redeemer. He will turn your trials into pure gold. You have come so far! You may not think so—but God knows you have. You can’t imagine right now the blessings that are just ahead. Soon, you will turn a corner and the way will become more manageable. The battles you have already fought have strengthened you in ways you can’t see. That strength will help you in the future. You will start to notice the difference as you are able to face a new day with God-given confidence like you’ve never had before. The world is turning right this minute—moving forward on its cycle. You are doing the same. Your purpose is being defined in this time of testing, as God is accomplishing His will in your life. He is watching your progress and writing a page for each day that tells the story of how you fought a good fight, finished your course, and kept your faith. Declaration: I will find new strength by contemplating the God of the universe who holds my life in His hands. I will draw from His unlimited supply of power and see progress with the dawning of each new day. IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY. For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1 All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog. Filed Under: Learning From Our Mistakes, New Strength Tagged With: AA, about, addiction, battle, Bible, blog, book, celebrate recovery, Christian, Christina Cook Lee, dependency, depression, devotional, encouragement, everyday life, February 27, find, freedom, from, God, guidance, help, Hillsong, Holy Spirit, hope, I know my Redeemer lives, inspiration, intelligent design, Jesus, joy, loss, meditation, meditations, mental health, mind, need, New Strength, Nicole C. Mullen, progress, recovery, scripture, self improvement, Spirit, spiritual, strength, substance abuse, suicide, trials, trusting God, verse, verses Defining yourself by the Word of God February 27, 2020 By Christina Cook Lee Leave a Comment Topic: Building your faith Focus: Defining yourself by the Word of God Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Today I was thinking about what Bible verses were the ‘most important’ to me. At first, I thought I would go for my ‘top 10 passages’. But, after I had written ten of them out on index cards—there were still a lot of other ones that kept popping into my head. I was thinking, “Well, maybe I should trade this one for that one”, to keep it to my top ten best. Then, it occurred to me that maybe I could write out my ‘top 31’ and have at least one favorite Bible passage for each day of the month. As a way of growing your faith—I’d like to encourage you to do the same thing. Maybe you know a lot of Bible verses and maybe you don’t. Either way, it’s okay. If you want to use some of mine—you’re welcome to do that. I use index cards for writing things down I want to remember. You could do that—or you could just copy and print the page you’re reading. If some of these are verses you’ve never memorized—work on doing that, too. Hide them in your heart. 1. 1 John 1:9 (KJV) If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 2. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new. 4. John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 5. Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. 6. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 7. 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV) Therefore, Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. 8. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. 9. Philippians 4:7 (NKJV) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 10. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. 11. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 12. Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV) Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. 13. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 14. Psalm 119:11 (NKJV) Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. 15. Luke 1:37 (NKJV) For with God nothing will be impossible. (Read more below) NOW, YOU CAN LISTEN AND/OR READ! Link to New Strength Audio Version New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day 16. Romans 8:37 (NKJV) Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 17. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 18. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV) For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. 19. Psalm 139:23-24 (NKJV) Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 20. Matthew 22:37-39 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 21. John 8:31-32 (NKJV) …If you continue in my Word you are truly my disciple. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 22. Galatians 6:7 (NKJV) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 23. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 24. Romans 8:39 (NKJV) Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 25. Revelation 21:4 (KJV) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 26. Revelation 12:11 (KJV) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 27. James 1:5 (KJV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 28. Philippians 4:4 (NKJV) Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 29. John 14:1-3 ((NKJV) Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 30. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 31. Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Declaration: I will define myself by the Word of God. I will find new strength by meditating on my favorite scriptures and contemplating why they give me hope and encouragement. IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY. For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1 All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog. 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