HSP and the Christian

August 14, 2023 by bonlou

About a month ago I came across a website that talked about a trait about 15 to 20 percent of people have which is called a “highly sensitive person” or HSP. On this website hsperson.com there is a test to see if you are that kind of person. So, of course, I took the test, and wouldn’t you know it indicates I am an HSP. I looked into this trait more and for me it explains a lot of things about myself I didn’t know. Being an HSP is not a bad thing. It means our brains are wired so we perceive the world differently. In fact, it is a gift from God.

I learned a highly sensitive person has a rich inner life. What does that mean? We are attuned to others and take in so much information and emotion we need time for our brains to process it all. A rich inner life is great! We love and enjoy nature. We might sit by a stream and daydream as the water ripples by. We admire God’s handiwork all around us and are thrilled by a special bird sighting. We enjoy a beautiful sunset and admire God’s signature on a wonderful day. We meditate on God’s word and roll it around in our minds. We have good imaginations. We are curious about everything and do lots of research. We see the bright side of situations and are not Debby Downers.

What does it mean if you are a Christian and an HSP? It means God has gifted us in a special way.

God created the world and everything in it including us. It is amazing to look at nature and admire God’s creations. He made birds but just look at all the varieties. They are not all alike. People are not all alike either. There are many colors, sizes, and variations.

God created each of us for His purpose. We are custom made! He chose us before the foundation of the world. He knows us through and through. If you find you are a HSP you can rejoice that God has gifted you in a special way. Being sensitive to spiritual things helps us have a rich Christian life. I think it best to view HCP from a Christian perspective.

How can we use our unique traits to help the cause of Christ? Let’s think about some of the gifts God has given Christians. Every Christian has been given at least one Spiritual gift and most have more than one. In the Bible many of the Spiritual gifts are found in Romans 12:6-8 and I Corinthians 12:8-11. Here are a few. I’m sure there are more.

  • Mercy: Romans 12:15 We serve others. We have empathy for others and notice their needs and feel their emotions. We are great listeners and make others feel comfortable to share. This is a great help both in church and outside of church.
  • Teachers: As we do Bible study it helps that we are deep thinkers. Therefore we can be discerning and be aware of false teaching. We might make good Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, or counselors.
  • Exhortation: By being good listeners we encourage and guide others. We are peacemakers as we don’t like conflict. Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
  • Leadership and Administration: We are problem solvers which is always needed in the church. We can lead others in many different areas of the church.
  • Wisdom & Knowledge: We can apply the knowledge we learn from the Bible in a wise and caring way.
  • Faith: We are sensitive and have lots of faith because we believe God’s word and apply it to our everyday lives. We believe God is there and will take care of us. We pray for and with others. We make good prayer warriors.

If you are a HSP thank and praise God for the wonderful way He has created you. Enjoy your special traits and see how you can use them to help the cause of Christ.

There are a few cons to being a HSP as well. If we are aware of them, we need to guard ourselves.

  • People pleasers: For instance, we are empathetic toward others and feel their pain. We may begin to “people please” and put their needs ahead of our own. This can get us in trouble if we allow others to take advantage of us in this area. That can happen. I must be careful in this area myself. It is easy to feel sorry for someone and end up taking on their burdens.
  • Hurt feelings: We tend to get our feelings hurt easily. I’ve found that to be true. But, by knowing this we can pray for the one who hurt us and let it go. We don’t have to let it fester in our minds.
  • Afraid to say “no”: We use a lot of energy being a HSP and need time to be by ourselves to decompress and reflect. Others don’t always understand when we don’t want to go somewhere or do something. If we know ourselves, we don’t have to feel guilty for saying no. It’s OK to say no! We have our limitations and should not try to keep up with others.
  • Overstimulation: We get overstimulated when things are too intense. I was in a church recently and the beautiful music and blend of voices overwhelmed me. I became very emotional. It was too much. Afterward I felt wiped out and needed to be home by myself for the rest of the day to unwind my brain. In reflecting on this I remember this reaction happening several times in the past. I didn’t realize why. Now I know. I not comfortable in large groups of people, concerts, and even violent movies They all wear on me.

The more we realize why we feel the way we do the more control we have over our lives. Knowledge is powerful.

I’m sure there are many other pros and cons to being a HSP. It has been enlightening to me and now I truly understand myself better. God made me just the way I am, and it is wonderful to accept that.

If you can relate to any of this, I would love for you to share that in the comments.

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Corvid 19 – Are You Ready?

April 2, 2020 by bonlou

I’ve been listening to the news which is non-stop lately about the Cornavirus.  To be truthful it is scary.  I hear a lot from the scientists and our leaders both at the national level, state and county level.  They have news conferences one after another. But, I find something very important missing.

What about the spiritual side of this?

I’ve read that some think this is brought about by some kind of conspiracy.  I’ve heard some say it is part of a long standing plan to take over the world and control people.

I’ve been thinking is this from God as a judgement on our wicked world?  Or is this from the devil who is trying to mess everyone up and be in control of us completely?  That brings me to this:  No matter what it is, or who caused it, the fact remains that we are in this situation and what we each do is of the utmost importance. We must listen to the authorities and take their advice about social distancing so that the virus may not spread as much. We must take it seriously!

How do we handle this time?

Do we worry and fret about what is going on? Or do we put our trust in God who we all know is ultimately in control of everything.  You see, for a Christian, we can look at this differently than those who don’t know God.  We have an edge.  I’d like to leave you with a couple of scriptures to help during this difficult time.

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

We should be concerned and take the steps we need to keep us and our families safe, but we should not be terribly full of fear.  God is still in control and we know of his power and love which we have in us. A sound mind means a disciplined mind.  Discipline is very important especially now. We need to control our minds.

2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

According to this scripture we do not need to imagine the worst all the time. It says to bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”  That shows us that we can control our thoughts.  If you take something captive you are in control of it not the other way around.  Think of soldiers when they are captured, who controls them? The one who captured them.  So it is with our thoughts, we can control them.  If it were not true God would not have said this.

What to think about

Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, 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.

God loves us so much He even teaches us what to think about.  Look over this list.  Judge your thoughts at this time by these things: are they true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtuous, praiseworthy?  If you are worried pray and ask the Lord to help you think on these things instead of the fearful ones.

The most important thing!

Know matter what happens during this unprecedented time the most important thing is to know that you are ready to meet your maker.  What is your spiritual relationship to God? Have you ever admitted that you are a sinner and need to repent which means turn from your sins? Have you ever gone to God and admitted that and asked him to forgive you? He sent His only Son to die on the cross for your and my sins.  God is holy and we can only approach Him through the blood of Christ shed on the cross.  Now is the time to really seriously think about these things.  My friend, there are only two outcomes for everyone in the end. We all die at some point and when we do we either go to Heaven or Hell. And, that is a true fact.  (Think about what is true.)

If you are already a Christian which means Christ follower, then you know whatever happens you will eventually go to Heaven and be blessed beyond belief.  But, if you are not a believer in Christ than your destination is Hell where you will be tormented forever and ever.  Which will you choose?  Today may be the last opportunity you will have.

Click here to read my little booklet  The True Gospel Message

May God bless each and every one who reads this post.

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Your Friend, Jesus!

March 26, 2020 by bonlou

We are going through a time like none that I’ve ever seen in my 76 years of life. That doesn’t mean that I should be anxious and worried and full of fear or start having panic attacks again. I don’t know how this is affecting you, but I’m thinking more and more about the Word of God and all the precious promises He has given to comfort us.

Some of you might be working from home and the children are out of school for a period of time. Bills are piling up, and things look very uncertain.  Every day we hear new statistics that are alarming. It is hard. For me I am alone at this time as my husband passed away a few weeks ago. I’m of the “higher risk” group so I’m staying home and hunkering down. But, I’m not actually alone because I have Christ in my heart. I went for a walk today and was reminded of the old hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

What a Friend we have in Jesus,  All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Have we trials and temptations?  Is there trouble anywhere?

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful  Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?

Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

Precious Savior, still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  Take it to the Lord in prayer
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou will find a solace there.

Heb. 13:5 … I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 

God is good!  He has promised us that He will never ever leave us nor forsake us.  Isn’t that wonderful?  If you are a Christian it is true.  He didn’t promise this to those who don’t believe.  If you are a non-believer here is a link to my little booklet The True Gospel Message.  God bless everyone!

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Coronavirus: Anxiety & Fear

March 20, 2020 by bonlou

 

Dear Friends,

I have not been able to write any articles on here for a long time due to my husband’s health and my own.  I feel at this extraordinary time with the Coronavirus in our world I wanted to do something to help and felt the desire to give some comfort to my friends.

Are you worried?  Are you anxious?  It is no wonder with all the bad news we hear on the television and internet every day.  But, I’m here to tell you that we can overcome these feelings.

I have listed below a number of scriptures that help us in times of anxiety and fear.

Here are a couple of suggestions:

You can copy this list of scripture promises and put it somewhere handy. Then you can turn to it when you need to claim a promise from God’s word.

Copy the verses that are especially meaningful to you on 3 X 5 cards. Memorize them so that they become a part of you and you own them. Then you can call upon them whenever and wherever you need to.

Let God’s word become a part of you, to permeate your soul. The Word is your spiritual food and will enable you to grow into a strong Christian. The Word is also the sword of the Spirit and is valuable to fight your battles. Sometimes I sit quietly, go through my cards, and meditate on the meaning of each verse.

1.”…Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

2. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

3. “Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV)

4. “…greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.” I John 4:4 (KJV)

5. “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13 (KJV)

6. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 (NIV)

7. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 (NIV)

8. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

9. “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” II Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

10. “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

11. “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” II Peter 1:4 (NIV)

12. “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

13. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

14. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten,…” Joel 2:25 (KJV)

15. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

16. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” Romans 8:15 (NIV)

17. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7a (NIV)

18. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

19. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,…I John 4:18

20. “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (KJV)

21. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (KJV)

22. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9(NIV)

23. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

24. “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

25. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned…” Isaiah 43:1,2 (NIV)

26. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

27. “…whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:33 (NIV)

28. “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fail.” Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

29. “and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:15 (NIV)

30. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us.” Romans 8:31(KJV)

31. “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” Psalm 119:45 (NIV)

I pray these scripture verses will comfort you through these trying times.  I’m leaning on the Lord and His Word to get me through.  If you have any more favorite fear fighting scriptures or ideas to cope please share them in the comment section.

Blessings to all!

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Audio Sermons

February 26, 2019 by bonlou

proverbs16_20

We are making a few changes here at our Faith Bible Church site.  In the future if you would like to listen to our latest sermons you can click on the link below which will take you to Sermon Audio. There are over 400 of our sermons to choose from. We trust you will be a frequent visitor and enjoy growing in the Lord with us.

Audio Sermons

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As The Tissue Tumbles!

March 6, 2018 by bonlou

Not long ago I discovered the answer to one of the great mysteries of life that has plagued mankind for years.

My husband and I were enjoying the midday sun on the patio when our neighbor man stopped to visit. His wife, Marge, was in their backyard hanging up clothes. Suddenly, she sang out. “Somebody left a tissue in their clothes again!”

Jim answered, “Well, it wasn’t me!”                                           tissue-1427120

My husband said, “That’s funny. We have that same problem at our house too.”

Then it began to dawn upon me. I’ve been dealing with tissues showing up in my wash for years. I began an investigation into the matter. I grabbed a pad and wrote down all the places that I’d ever lived. Than I studied each one and remembered tissue in the wash in every location I was on to something, and it could be big.

How many times have I found tissue in my own washing machine and wondered where it came from? I was certain I had checked all the pockets, yet there it would be in a zillion pieces clinging to my clean clothes. I would invariably proclaim, “Someone left a tissue in their pocket again!”

Later that week I began a survey. I asked everyone I came in contact with if they had tissues show up in their laundry. The answer was a resounding “Yes!” Not one person I surveyed said they never had the problem.

After a little more in-depth interview I discovered something else they all had in common. Not in one instance would anyone admit they had been the one to leave the tissue in the pocket. Not one! I couldn’t get over it. There was a pattern here and things were looking mighty suspicious.

I decided for the good of my country I had to figure this mystery out. After all, this could be a left-wing conspiracy. Why were tissues showing up in the laundry and causing all this accusing and frustration? Was it a plot to spoil marriages and bring discord into the family unit?

Everyone knows evil things happen during the night, so I began sleeping days. I stayed awake at night and kept an eye on the laundry.

I parked a chair in the laundry room in a dark corner and waited. Nothing! I repeated this for the next three nights. Finally, on the night just before wash day something happened. I heard a little “Kachoo!” Again I heard it. “Kachoo!” Then, quick as a wink I thought I saw the hamper cover move. What was going on?

I sneaked over to the hamper, slowly lifted the lid and much to my shock and surprise I saw a little fairy. I grabbed him around the middle and held him up so I could take a good look. After the little fella calmed down, we had a long talk.

It turns out his name was “Kachoo,” and he was the tissue fairy. He suffered horribly with allergies and stole tissues to blow his nose. Then, not knowing what to do with them, and not wanting to be a litter bug, he would sneak into people’s homes in the night and leave them in sleeves and legs of things in their hampers.

Mystery solved. It was the tissue fairy all along. And that is why no one EVER admits that they were the one who left the tissue in their dirty clothes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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More Right Thinking

May 5, 2017 by bonlou

colossians3_1-2

Colossians 3:2 (NIV) “Set your minds on things above, not on
earthly things.”

God tells us to think about things above. To me that means to think
about Heaven and what it is going to be like for us someday. Those are
good thoughts. In Heaven there will be no more tears, sorrow, death,
sickness, panic attacks, fear, anxiety, or diseases. We will have strong, healthy,
brand new bodies.

God doesn’t want us to dwell on our feelings. Do you know that your feelings
can’t hurt you? When we dwell on them we increase the amount of adrenaline
that is released in our bodies and other uncomfortable feelings crop up. God
doesn’t want us to go over and over again in our minds how someone has hurt
us. He doesn’t want us to worry about tomorrow and the things we will have to
face. He doesn’t even want us to be consumed with getting material possessions.
God knows that these things are not healthy for us to constantly think about.
Setting our thoughts on things above also means to think about Jesus, what
he is like and all about his life while he was here on earth.

Many times in the past when I could not go to sleep, I’d make myself think
about Jesus instead of concentrating on the noises outside. I’d start with his birth
and try to remember all I could about him; how he taught and healed people,
how he died and rose again. I never got through his whole life because
somewhere along the line I’d fall asleep.

You see, that was far better for me to think about then to fret over the next
day, or about myself and my feelings. Isn’t it wonderful how God helps us to
know how we should think?

Posted in Abolish Anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, Bible Study, Christian Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Right Thinking

April 12, 2017 by bonlou

2corinthians10_5

II Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) “Casting down imaginations, and every
high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing
into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

I believe God wants us to be different from the world. We are different because
we are now his children, and we need to even think differently from those of
the world. As we read and study God’s word our thoughts line up more and
more with his. We learn what his will is and we become more like him. This is all
a part of our Christian growth. Our minds become renewed.

God loves us so much that he wants us to learn how to think his way.
Do you know what it means when it says “casting down imaginations?” I believe
in a practical sense that means not to daydream or fantasize about things. When
we do that we may get something in our lives that has a strong hold over us. Our
minds are very powerful. We can think up all kinds of things, not always good.
For example, if we watch certain T.V. shows (like the soaps) maybe we begin
to imagine ourselves playing out the part of the hero or heroine. What if it’s a hot,
steamy sex scene? Do you think God wants us watching that? No, he doesn’t.
When we do, we are conforming to this world.

Notice he says “and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of
Christ.” Isn’t it great to know that we can bring our thoughts into captivity? When
something is captive it is controllable. Our thoughts don’t have to rule us.
Do you know that our thoughts can cause all kinds of things to take place in
our bodies? They can lower or raise our blood pressure and temperatures.
Thoughts can cause us to perspire. All kinds of physical aliments are subject to
the way we think. Such as; headaches, heart problems, colitis, ulcers,
insomnia, irritable bowl syndrome, and more. Relationship problems also can be
affected by the way we think. For example; arguments, disagreements, and other
hurtful words affect us physically.

Do you know our thoughts can trigger panic attacks? Think about the “what
ifs.” As we think about “what if” this or that happens, physical changes actually
do take place in the body. Our adrenaline starts pumping and our hearts
start beating faster and harder. Our hands may break out in a sweat, and
we wonder, “what is happening to me?”

Take a step back then, and realize what you were thinking about.
Remember, God wants us to be able to control our thoughts. I confess I was once
totally controlled by my own thoughts. Now I’ve learned how to take that control
back. I believe with all my heart it is the reason I have not had a panic attack
in over seven years.

During those panic free years I’ve had some of the most challenging times of
my whole life, but I’ve not slipped back into having panic attacks again. Did I
have any panic symptoms? Yes, and when they started to come I was able to
prevent an attack from happening by praying and asking God for help, then
taking control of my thoughts.

Posted in Abolish Anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, Christian Living, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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