Pressure Points - Biblical Advice for 20 of Life's Biggest Challenges
By Hayes Press
()
About this ebook
CHAPTER ONE: BECOMING MORALLY DESENSITIZED?
CHAPTER TWO: INUNDATED WITH INFORMATION?
CHAPTER THREE: IMPACTED BY ILL HEALTH?
CHAPTER FOUR: STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET?
CHAPTER FIVE: DROWNING IN DEBT AND MATERIALISTIC ATTITUDES?
CHAPTER SIX: TROUBLED BY THE THEFT OF TIME?
CHAPTER SEVEN: UNSETTLED BY UNEMPLOYMENT?
CHAPTER EIGHT: FIGHTING FEAR?
CHAPTER NINE: BROUGHT DOWN BY DEPRESSION?
CHAPTER TEN: DESTABILIZED BY DOUBT?
CHAPTER ELEVEN: STRUCK DOWN BY SUFFERING?
CHAPTER TWELVE: ABUSING ALCOHOL?
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: SUCCUMBING TO SEXUAL TEMPTATION?
CHAPTER FOURTEEN: MISMANAGING MONEY?
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: DEALING WITH DEMENTIA?
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: AFFECTED BY AUTISM?
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: HANDLING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES?
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: COPING WITH CHILDCARE?
CHAPTER NINETEEN: PROBLEMS WITH PARKINSONS?
CHAPTER TWENTY: STUDENTS LEAVING HOME?
Read more from Hayes Press
The Hidden Christ Volume 1: Types and Shadows in the Old Testament Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBuilders for God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAn Introduction to the Book of Hebrews Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHeavenly Meanings - The Parables of Jesus Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLessons from Ezra and Nehemiah Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAn Introduction to Bible Covenants Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsExploring The Psalms: Volume 1 - Thoughts on Key Themes Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBaptism - Its Meaning and Teaching Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Hidden Christ - Volume 3: Types and Shadows in Genesis Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPossessing the Land: Spiritual Lessons from Joshua Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsStudies on the Resurrection of Christ Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCalled to Serve: Lessons from the Levites Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsProfiles of the Prophets Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Message of the Minor Prophets Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKnowing God: His Names and Nature Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Hidden Christ - Volumes 1-4 Box Set Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSpiritual Warfare: Satan and His Kingdom: Spiritual Warfare Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Bible - Its Inspiration and Authority Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsExploring The Psalms: Volumes 1-4 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKeys to Church Growth Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAn Introduction to the Holy Spirit Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPrayer in the New Testament Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Collected Writings On ... Exploring Biblical Joy Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsExploring the Psalms: Volume 3 - Surveying Key Sections Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Faith: Outlines of Scripture Doctrine Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCollected Writings On ... Exploring Biblical Fellowship Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Psalms: Volume 4 - Savouring Choice Selections Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhat is the Kingdom of God? Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCollected Writings On ... Exploring Biblical Holiness Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Little Book About Being Christlike Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to Pressure Points - Biblical Advice for 20 of Life's Biggest Challenges
Related ebooks
The ‘business’ of Running a Business Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTrump and the Benghazi Story Versus the Empty Pant Suit Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Pressure Points Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Bulletproof Your Business Now Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLegacy: Taking care of the most important people in your life when you are no longer there Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBeyond Fundraising: New Strategies for Nonprofit Innovation and Investment Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFundamental Four: How you can elevate your mindset and boost performance in life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBeliefonomics: Realise the true value of your brand story Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAn Unspeakable Hope: Brutality, Forgiveness, and Building a Better Future for My Son Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFinancial Fresh Start: Your Five-Step Plan for Adapting and Prospering in the New Economy Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBrand Yourself Royally in 8 Simple Steps Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Truth about Confident Presenting: All You Need to Know to Make Winning Presentations, Fearlessly and Painlessly Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBack Pain: Natural Drug Free Remedies to Alleviate Chronic Back Pain Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGrandma's Little Black Book 2: Guide to Making Money on eBay and the Internet Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsStrive With Me Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWasting Time Constructively: A Guide to a Balanced Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsO As In Circle - And Other Stupid Things Heard While Filing Claims Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMake Yourself Great Again Part 3: Mindset Stacking Guides, #3 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWomen, Motorcycles and the Road to Empowerment Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFundraising with The Raiser's Edge: A Non-Technical Guide Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHistory’s Most Daring Rogues and Villains: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSmall Business Employment Law For Dummies Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDonald Trump: Outspoken Personality and President Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Sordid Hypocrisy of to Protect and to Serve: Police Brutality, Corruption and Oppression in America Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Epic of Gilgamish Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSuffer Well: Endure Necessary Suffering in Order to Avoid Unnecessary Suffering Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWesley Learns About Insurance: Featuring NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Davis Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsCan Stress Heal?: Converting A Major Health Hazard Into A Surprising Health Benefit Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBe Your Own Best Publicist: How to Use PR Techniques to Get Noticed, Hired, and Rewarded at Work Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Christianity For You
Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Screwtape Letters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Mere Christianity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Grief Observed Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind... Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Boundaries with Kids: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Children Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Less Fret, More Faith: An 11-Week Action Plan to Overcome Anxiety Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Related categories
Reviews for Pressure Points - Biblical Advice for 20 of Life's Biggest Challenges
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Pressure Points - Biblical Advice for 20 of Life's Biggest Challenges - Hayes Press
CHAPTER ONE: BECOMING MORALLY DESENSITIZED? (JOHN ARCHIBALD)
It is wise for us to regularly review the effect on our spiritual lives of the worldly entertainment we allow ourselves. In particular, regularly watching popular entertainment on TV can be spiritually damaging.
The Kind of World We Live In
The situations and attitudes depicted in popular TV fiction inevitably reflect the values of the world, and we must pay attention to what God says about the world. Through James, we know that ‘the friendship of the world is enmity with God’ (Jas.4:4). Therefore we must expect that much of the thinking and attitude of worldly people is not acceptable to Him, and should not be shared by those who are His own.
Through John we know that ‘the whole world lieth in the evil one’ (1 Jn.5:19), drawing our attention to the fact that Satan’s malign power is directed at turning the minds of men and women away from everything that is precious to God. As the ‘god of this world’, Satan blinds the minds of the unbelieving to prevent the light of the gospel dawning upon them (2 Cor.4:4). Disciples of Christ are also his targets, where the objective is to distract from the service of the Lord and, if possible, corrupt their thinking and desires.
On the same subject we have the words of our Lord Jesus Himself about His disciples, ‘They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world’ (Jn.17:16). As His followers we must never forget that we have heavenly citizenship, and should have a set of ambitions and interests that are very different from those of worldly-minded people.
Damaging Consequences
The chief constable of one of England’s largest police forces once said that violent crime would continue to rise in the country because of the way such behaviour was portrayed in peak-time dramas which were meant to reflect real life. He said, Violent crime is steadily increasing. These increases are hardly surprising given the constant diet of aggression, undress, innuendo and dishonesty portrayed on television.
Another police chief said, I think we have seen a wider dumbing-down effect on television over the last few years. There is undoubtedly more violence and obscene language being shown as entertainment. When situations on television are portrayed as real life, it is difficult to detach oneself from what we are seeing.
If this is the perception of secular authorities, how much more concerned a disciple of the Lord should be about the effect of such programmes on his or her own spiritual state! It is true that we cannot be unaffected by what we see and hear, and the impact of impressively designed drama adds to the material presented and makes it more memorable.
The effects of this are twofold. Firstly, in the parable of the sower, the Lord spoke of seed that fell among thorns, ‘and the thorns grew with it, and choked it ... these are they that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection’ (Lk.8:7,14). Most of us would feel that we live fairly busy lives, and time given to worldly entertainment is therefore likely to be at the expense of time spent with the Lord in prayer and in His Word. This is true regardless of the content of the entertainment.
Secondly, constant exposure to the portrayal of ‘aggression, undress, innuendo, dishonesty and obscene language’ will undoubtedly erode the spiritual quality of our lives, combat the effect of the Word of God upon us, and grieve the Holy Spirit in us. Compare the guidance given through the apostle Paul, But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints; nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks
(Eph.5:3,4).
What Should We Do?
1. Do what our Lord Jesus would do. Model our behaviour and practice on Him. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof
(Rom.13:14). This implies organizing our time to avoid activities which we know are conducive to sin.
2. By spending time with the Lord in the Word and in prayer, condition our minds and our ways to serve and please Him rather than ourselves. Be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God
(Rom.12:2).
3. Follow the good example of David who was a man after God’s own heart. That means he cared about the things that God cared about, and he set the course of his life to please God. In the matter of entertainment we should adopt his resolve, I will set no base thing before mine eyes
(Ps.101:3).
A Far Higher Enjoyment
If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth
(Col.3:1,2). In his letters Paul says a lot about how we should direct our thoughts. He had found the delights of God’s presence, and his understanding of all that Christ had done and secured for him was a never-ending source of wonder and joy. This shines through despite all the difficulties and hardship of his daily life. We must learn to appreciate what it means to be raised up with Christ and made to sit with Him in the heavenly places. Then the pleasures of the world will lose their attraction for us, for we have so much more.
Not long ago I came across a suggestion that a framed text should be placed on top of the TV set so that it can be clearly seen by the watchers. A good choice of text would be, Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honourable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things
(Phil.4:8).
CHAPTER TWO: INUNDATED WITH INFORMATION? (GEOFF HYDON)
The Problem
Many of us grapple with numerous sources of information, trying to see which are useful. ‘Junk mail’ pours in; instruction manuals abound; ‘essential reading’ escalates; the internet is a seemingly unfathomable global repository of digital information (and misinformation). The challenge of assimilating it all is a source of stress in this ‘information age’. Intrusive 24-hour global and local news bombard