How Can the Bible Help Me with all My Problems?

God knows that you have problems, sickness, and emotional unrest. In fact, Christ counseled each of us long ago about these very things: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

Your Heavenly Father cares for you in so many ways and has provided a way to help you have the abundant life promised in John 10:10. I am reminded of pastor’s sermon from Sunday May 13, in which he taught us how Christ removes these feelings of guilt, shame, low self-esteem, and anxiety that cause us distress. Christ’s work on the cross washes us, and gives us a fresh start each and every day. Christ can remove these feelings that seem to keep re-staining us. Christ also knows you need his physical touch, to calm your troubles, and he does with love, during Holy Communion. He also touches you through community with other Christians. The Holy Spirit was sent to guide, encourage and counsel you, so you can see how God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice can heal your everyday problems. Yes, these feelings are part of everyday life and it is important to realize that God’s Holy Word is the best counseling book every written!

 

 

 

You say:                God says:                    Verse:

"It’s impossible" All things are possible. Luke 18:27

"I’m too tired" I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28-30

"Nobody really loves me" I love you. John 3:16, 3:34

"I can’t go on" My grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ps 91:15

"I can’t figure things out" I will direct your steps. Proverbs 3:5-6

"I can’t do it" You can do all things through me. Philippians 4:13

"I’m not able" I am able. 2 Corinthians 9:8

"It’s not worth it" It will be worth it. Romans 8:28

"I can’t forgive myself" I forgive you. 1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1

"I can’t manage" I will supply all you needs. Philippians 4:19

"I’m afraid" I supply power, love, & self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

"I’m always worried &

frustrated" Cast all your cares on me. 1 Peter 5:7

"I’m not smart enough" I give you wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:30

"I feel alone" I will never leave or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

"I am troubled" I have overcome your troubles. John 16:33

"No one cares" I care. 1 Peter 7

" I am bitter & angry" I am slow to anger with you. Psalm 86:15

"No one wants me" I choose you. Ephesians 1:4

" I can’t forgive others" I forgive you. John 3:16

"I live with guilt" I took it away. Isaiah 6:7

"I feel shame" I took it away. Romans 9:33, Hebrews 12:2

"I have no hope" I am your hope. Jer. 29:11, 1 Timothy 4:10

"I can’t trust" I never lie. 1 Timothy 6:18

"I feel empty" I have filled you. Romans 15:13

"I am powerless" I am your power. Colossians 1:11

 

June 2007

Melanoma

 

 

 

 

 

Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. It usually starts in the skin when the pigment cells in your skin called melanocytes become cancerous. Melanoma may also show up in the eye, digestive tract, lymph nodes or other areas where melanocytes are found. The chance for getting melanoma increases with age however anyone can get it. It may show up on any skin surface. In men it is often found on the trunk of the body between the shoulders and hips or the head and neck. In women, it often shows up on the lower legs. But remember it can show up anywhere on your skin.

Melanoma will usually show up as a change in an existing mole. You will notice a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of an existing mole. Melanomas usually have a black or blue-black area. Melanoma can also appear as a new mole that is black or "ugly looking." The scary thing about melanoma is that it grows down into your skin and body instead of growing out and spreading. So even a small pencil eraser size spot can be deadly.

When checking at your moles or skin, think about your "ABCD’s." This is an easy way to determine if a mole is suspect and you should show your doctor.

• Asymmetry- The shape of one half does not match the other.
• Border- The edges are often ragged, notched, blurred, or irregular in outline; the pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.
• Color-The color is uneven. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, grey, red, pink, or blue may also be seen.
• Diameter- There is a change is size, usually and increase. Melanomas are usually larger than the eraser of a pencil (1/4 inch or 5 millimeters)

You are at increased risk for melanoma if you:

• Already have many moles.
• Have dysplastic nevi or atypical moles. Your doctor can tell you if you have these.
• Fair skin. This is skin that burns or freckles easily.
• Personal history of other types of skin cancer or melanoma.
• Family history of melanoma. Melanoma sometimes runs in families.
• Blistering sunburns. People who have had at least one severe, blistering sunburn as a child or teenager are at increase risk of melanoma.
• Ultraviolet radiation. The more time you spend in the sun the higher the risk. This is cumulative time that starts in childhood. Sun lamps and tanning booths also increase the risk.
• Weakened immune systems from drug therapy, organ transplantation or HIV.

Check your skin regularly. A good time to do a skin check is after a shower or bath. To check your skin, stand in front of a mirror and check everywhere from your scalp down to between your toes. Have a family member check your back. By checking your skin regularly, you will become familiar with your normal moles and be able to identify changes. Remember to use the ABCD system of looking at you moles. If you do find a mole you are concerned about make and appointment with your doctor. You will also want to discuss with your doctor the need to have an annual skin check from a dermatologist.