Exhortations for The Soul

Mental health is a subject, an issue, a phenomena that is often misunderstood within the Body of Christ.   Many people think mental health is the absence of mental illness. But it goes deeper than that.   Mental health is holistically a state of well-being in which a person can think clearly, manage emotions, relate to others, and cope with life’s challenges.   According to the World Health Organization, mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his or her community.”   Emotional health, a vital part of mental health, is the ability to be aware of and manage one’s emotions constructively, enhancing relationships and resilience. In biblical times, King Saul suffered from intense mood swings, rage, paranoia, and depression. After being anointed king, Saul disobeyed God, lost favour, and soon spiraled into torment...

Today begins another in our series of empowerment sessions where we learn and share and are empowered through everyday circumstances of life by the power of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are not immune to difficulties. The Word of God tells us, and we experience it ourselves, that once we want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus, we will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT). But that same Bible also reassures us in Psalm 34:19 (KJV) that although many are the afflictions of the righteous, the Lord delivers us out of them all. Glory to God. So today, we want to delve into a topic that may be a little daunting or scary for some. It may be an embarrassing subject for others. It may be happening to you or somebody you know, and you either are in denial or you don’t know how to handle it, or perhaps you have been dealing with it and would like to strengthen somebody else because of your experience.   I pray that God will cover us under His Blood as we continue...

The Christian life is often referred to as a race. But a sprint it is not! It is a marathon with a finish line that extends beyond this world.   Each day we live, each decision we make, is one more step on that journey toward eternity.   But what happens when we take our eyes off the finish line and lose sight of the prize?   We begin to live as if this world is all there is, making choices based on comfort, convenience, and temporary rewards instead of eternal impact. In 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul, nearing the end of his earthly race, writes: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”   Paul is one brother who had every reason to quit. He endured beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and betrayal. How many of us feel battered an...