ARISE, SHINE

   Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.  For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.    Isaiah 60:1,2
  

Pre-existance--not scriptual

   I cringe when I hear someone talking about babies "returning" to the presence of God when they die or "a child is closer to God because they remember being in heaven before birth".   Its a feel-good untruth without any biblical support.   There is so much "stuff" creeping into our churches and our hearts.  Where does it come from?  Wherever its earthly source, it originates from "the father of lies."  I only pray that we will all be diligent in checking everything out with God's Holy Scriptures and not believe everything that comes down the pike.  
   Here is an article that explains it much better than I ever could:
      www.letusreason.org/LDS24.htm

I Am Weak But He is Strong

     Yes, Jesus loves me.   He has proven it over and over.  The last couple of weeks have been rough for me but Father God is faithful as always.  Overwhelmed by the heavy darkness of depression, my days seem without purpose.   It should not be for a child of God, should it?   Believing that, a thick layer of guilt is laid on top of it all.  
     I do have some prayer support, thankfully. Although I am isolated here, I am thankful for phone contacts.   My internet time has been greatly reduced but maybe that isn't altogether a bad thing because I think I was too dependant on "surfing" to fill the long hours of my days.
     The problem with depression is it tends to narrow my thinking to self.   It becomes hard to even pray, especially for others, yet praying for others is the best thing I can do.   In a lonely situation such as I am in, its too easy to focus inward.   With Father God's loving care, this too shall pass!  
    Father, help me to put You first in all areas of my life, obey You, and lean upon You always, allowing You to fight the battles.     amen