God’s Biblical instructions for the decisions we must make in our lives that will help us to navigate life’s challenges and live in a way that honors God.
God’s provides Biblical instructions and guidance for our well-being. The Holy Spirit helps us to navigate life’s concerns and challenges and live in a way that honors God. The Holy Spirit works to transform individual’s hearts and minds, leading us to a more Christ-like character and way of living.
Topic: The Bible and Marijuana/cannabis usage
Studies show like alcohol, marijuana can impact the individual’s cognitive function and the ability to complete tasks, irritability, sleep disruptions, nervousness, decreased appetite, food cravings, depressed mood, anxiety, restlessness, physical discomfort, digestive issues, increased cardiovascular problems, head and neck cancers. Studies also indicate a link between marijuana use and mental health issues like psychosis. Research shows that regular users of marijuana are at risk for serious conditions, including strokes, heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart. Now an increased risk of dementia can be added to the list, according to a large study of more than 6 million people published April 14 in the journal JAMA Neurology. Dr. Robert Page II states that, “People with cannabis use disorder are unable to stop using even though they encounter health or social problems from use.” An increasing body of research points to this – this chronic weed use. In many cases the purpose of smoking marijuana is to get high. Some studies show that for Marijuana a much lower dosage creates a state of intoxication.
God’s instructions in the Bible:
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in strife and envying.
Romans 13:13
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
1 Corinthians 6:12
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober putting on the breastplate of faith and love: and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Psalm 139:14
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Topic: Mental Wellness/Spiritual well-being involves transforming one’s thinking and perspective to align with God’s will and truth.
Mental wellness in God’s Holy Bible (Scripture) is so much more than the mind; it encompasses our heart, mind, and soul (our soul is our mind, will, and emotions).
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God
(Romans 12:2).
There are times in life where individuals may be faced with difficult emotions, mental health disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, excessive worry, fear, or unusual thoughts, anxiety, depression and other struggles. Mental health is important, as it affects our whole being; “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).”
The world as it is now is in a fallen state (Genesis 3). Sin does separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2). Sin’s effects on this world causes tremendous sufferings. The fall of mankind has had physical ramifications for our body and spiritual effects on our soul (Romans 8:21-22). Like our body, our mind can get sick or injured also. It is important to know that God can renew our mind (Romans 12:2). God also restores our soul (Psalm 23:3). We have Jesus’ promise of peace (John 14:27). It is extremely important to also approach mental health conditions and concerns based on Scripture with biblical counseling. Not only secular therapeutic assessment and counseling standards to address the root issues, causes of psychiatric diagnoses. Every “mental illness” has a spiritual origin (Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 1:20-24). And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)
What is the definition of sin? Sin is described in God’s Bible as transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7). For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). The good news is: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9): Also see (Romans 10:9-10).
We must prepare for “Spiritual Warfare”
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood. But against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). When facing a seemingly impossible challenge, believers can trust in God’s power and sovereignty. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57). For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace (Romans 6:14).
God’s instructions for what God informs us is to come
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come (2 Timothy 3:1). The term “perilous times” is derived from the Apostle Paul’s writings, specifically in his second epistle to Timothy. It refers to periods of significant moral and spiritual decline, characterized by widespread ungodliness and societal upheaval. These times are marked by challenges of the faith and the endurance of believers. It is also to important read
(2 Timothy 3:2-7).
What are some of the ways that God instructs us to prepare for these times?
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11) It is very important to also read (Ephesians 6:12-24).
Jesus said unto him, Thou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). God does have an ultimate plan for his creation (John 3:16, Revelation 21).
Topic: The Bible and Suffering:
Following Jesus Christ doesn’t mean we are free from trials. When we experience suffering we get to know Jesus more completely. Peter told us to not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings, of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed but praise God (1 Peter 4:12-16)
Peter says we are called to suffer, that if you suffer doing good and endure it, this is commendable to God. To this you were called to because Jesus suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:20-21). Suffering in the life of a Christian is to be used to learn virtue, work piety (the quality of being reverent) and to receive holiness. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all (Psalm 34:19). Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous, nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11). Stephen looked into heaven as they were stoning him and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Stephen asked the Lord to forgive them for stoning him to death (Acts 7:54-70). The Bible emphasizes the need for us to repent for our sins and God’s forgiveness of sin. Jesus knew suffering, accepted it obediently, and defeated the power of death. Jesus came as our refuge; if you come to him there is grace and mercy. Jesus was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification (Romans 4:24-25). Paul makes it clear in his epistles that those who believe in Jesus will also be resurrected both spiritually and physically (John 11:23-26). We can know Jesus more completely when we likewise know suffering in our lives. God gets the glory when we witness to others and we testify of how faithful God has been through it all. Suffering affects all of humanity. But we as Christians have hope through Jesus Christ. God is in control of our trials, and God is right with us through them. And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience, and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Marriage feast in Galilee
The Holy Bible informs us that Jesus didn’t turn water into alcoholic wine. The wine that Jesus made was non-alcoholic grape juice.
At the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee recorded in John 2:11 Jesus turned water into wine. Did Jesus make an alcoholic intoxicating wine? The answer is no. The “wine” being used in the bible is in reference to unfermented grape juice. Joel 1:10 refers to grapes dried up in the fields which could not be intoxicating. Isaiah 65:8 the Lord lists the new wine is found in the cluster and that a blessing is in it. Juice of the grape is in a cluster not alcoholic wine. Jeremiah 48:33 means that wine is fresh squeezed grapes coming out of the winepress. John 2:1-11 lists that several well drunk or drunk freely. If they consumed the six waterpots that Jesus had the servants fill with water and contained 2 or 3 firkins a piece they would have consumed between 106 to 162 gallons of alcoholic wine. In John 2:10 lists that the wine that Jesus made was the good wine. The scriptures support that this was grape juice. Intoxicating wine is like the poison of serpents, the cruel venom of asps (Deuteronomy 32:33).
Proverbs 23:31-32 “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. The miracle of Cana was that Jesus surpassed or transcended the normal amount of time and the natural process that it had taken to produce and harvest grape juice. That which normally takes months, took Jesus but a moment. Non alcoholic wine (grape Juice) is referred to in many of the Bible contexts (Deuteronomy 7:13, Psalm 104:15, Nehemiah 10:37, Isaiah 65:8, Jeremiah 40:10, Proverbs 23:19-20, Proverbs 4:17) In these bible verses it is clear that Jesus’ wine was non-alcoholic. In all of these bible verses it is the consumption of alcoholic wine that is condemned not just the amount. It is not suggested that God’s people never drank wine it is claimed that drinking alcoholic wine is never condoned. Alcohol intoxicates your brain. The bible commands us to be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, 1 Peter 1:13). It is unbelievable that Jesus made an abundance of alcoholic beverage for the marriage feast. Intoxicating wine is never used in a good sense in Scripture. The death penalty was imposed upon the priests and prophets who erred in judgement and vision because of alcoholic wine (Isaiah 28:7). It is statistically proven that alcohol is one of the root causes of crimes such as rapes, murders, road accidents, cause of broken homes, poverty, divorces, and brings misery and shame to all who are addicted to it. Jesus Christ is sinless and the perfect example for us to follow.
See NIAAA, Alcoholhelp.com, NIH, www.who.int , www.niaaa.nih.gov , www.cdc.gov
This information is not meant for legal or medical advice.