Along the Way w/ Bro. Ryan

" Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD ."  - Jeremiah 17:7 Depression has become a widely experienced season of life for countless individuals.  Although it is still seen, by and large, as a taboo subject, depression is slowly becoming a more popular topic of public discussion with the rise of mental health awareness on a vast number of fronts. In the Christian world, many have expressed that the Church has not performed particularly well over recent decades in talking about and dealing with the depression issue.  For many, the belief has been that Christians should never become depressed, and if one finds his/herself in a depressed state, then his/her faith or spiritual condition is in question. Does the Bible have anything to say regarding depression?  Certainly it does!  God understands us, after all, Jesus walked among us.  He understands depression because He Himself walked in a season or two of it!  Depressi...

Psalm 88 is a somber contemplation of a man named Heman the Ezrahite. This Psalm was put to the music of a reed pipe and sung by the sons of Korah, the official musicians for the Temple in Jerusalem, in times of sadness. This Psalm is as real as it gets. It doesn't conclude with a happy ending. It is simply a cry out to God for mercy and for deliverance from life's ongoing struggles. It is quite possible that Heman suffered from leprosy since he notes, " You have put away my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up and I cannot get out....Loved one and friend You have put far from me, And my acquaintances into darkness " ( v. 8, 18 ). Whatever was troubling Heman, it was continuous and he apparently prayed to God about it often with no relief: " LORD, I have called daily upon You; I have stretched out my hands to You. Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You?......

“The men of David said to him, ‘This is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand’.......And he said to his men, ‘The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed....’” -1 Samuel 24:4, 6 Even a ‘sure thing’ or something that seems right or from God, must always be tested by the Word of God. God’s Word must be our filter, not hunches, inclinations, or perceived blessings from God. The Spirit will reveal what is right and true.

By now, you've likely seen or at least heard about the viral video of Botham John's younger brother offering forgiveness and a show of love to Botham's killer, police officer Amber Guyger.  Although there have been mixed reactions not only to his gesture, but also to the case itself, this act during the trial hearing is a beacon of light and a true example of the forgiveness that Jesus talks about.  Better yet, this show of grace and mercy is a beautiful display of what Christ offers us through His cross. I will not post any further than this, simply watch the below clip, if you haven't already, and be moved.  Christians, this is how we are all to be. https://www.facebook.com/724648964215277/posts/2851456618201157?sfns=mo