Have you heard of spiritual darkness?

Reading the Puritans can be difficult. In fact in today's world many of their sermons could be used for exercising the brain. The answer is to read them again and again.

Thomas Manton on Isaiah 50:10

Who is among you that fears the Lord, that obeys the voice of his servant, that walks in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.

—Isaiah 50:10 (kjv)

 “Sermon upon Isaiah 50:10” (The Complete Works of Thomas Manton, D.D. [London: James Nisbet, 1874], 18:51–61) gives great comfort to depressed and tried believers. Some editing has taken place, but nothing that would affect doctrine.

Thomas Manton's sermon

First, I will open this helpless and hopeless condition, which is here expressed by “walking in darkness,” and “seeing no light.”Isaiah 50:10

In the words there are three propositions:

   1. God’s people may sometimes be in such a condition as to walk in darkness and see no light.

   2. In the most sinking and dark times their great duty is to trust in the Lord.

   3. They that fear God and obey him are most encouraged to trust in him.

For the first point, that God’s people may sometimes be in such a condition as to walk in darkness and see no light.

First, I will open this helpless and hopeless condition, which is here expressed by “walking in darkness,” and “seeing no light.”

1. In the general, it notes great afflictions and dangers, which light upon the church and people of God; as Lam. 3:2. “He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light;” that is, into a very afflicted condition.

2. It notes the continuance and increase of affliction, when our night still grows darker, and all means of relief are utterly invisible to us: Isa. 59:9, “We wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.” It doth not only overtake them, but they had waited long for a change of condition.

3. When we are perplexed and embrangled in our troubles, and miss the true way of support under them. We are said to walk in darkness when we want either the light of direction or consolation.

[1.] The light of direction; and this with respect either to the understanding of our outward and common affairs, or with respect to our duty towards God under such afflictions.

(1.) As to the understanding or right management of our common affairs; being troubled and amazed, we are not able to take any good counsel and advice: Isa. 59:10, “We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes; we stumble at noon-day as in the night.” 

So Job 5:14, “They met with darkness in the day-time and grope in the noon-day as in the night.” It is a great judgment of God upon a people when counsel is perished from them, and they have not the judgment of ordinary men. It is threatened as a punishment on the disobedient:

 Deut. 28:29, “Thou shalt grope at noon-day as the blind gropes in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in they ways, and thou shalt only be oppressed and spoiled evermore, and none shall save thee.” Now thus it often befalls the people of God for their disobedience; they know now what course to take for their common safety.

For more of this sermon, please go to Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing It.  Appendix C.

Three Different Countries, Christians Homes and Lives Devastated

September 24,2018

What do we pray  for those who  are persecuted?
 First, you are to have them in your memory ,daily
  Second ,you are to feel the chains of torture and suffering hat your brothers and sisters  experience.
Third, you must pray for those, specifically, who are suffering. You can do this by going to  www.persecution.com




Sep. 20, 2018 | Eritrea

Their mistreatment.

Sep. 20, 2018 | India Faithful Families Lose Homes  Hindu activists burned the homes of seven Christian families in May 2018 after they ignored the group’s demands to stop meeting for prayer and worship. About 10 families have been meeting faithfully every week, since converting to Christianity several years ago. Local Hindu groups had warned them repeatedly to stop meeting, but the families ignored the warning. When the families planned a three-day prayer meeting in May, the Hindus again warned them not to meet. Although a few families stayed home, seven families attended the prayer meeting. On May 2 at 6 p.m., each of their homes was set on fire, and the families lost everything.  Police chose not to file a case because of political pressure. Now, some of the families are living under tarps, while a few are staying with relatives. As day laborers, the loss is very challenging for them, but they remain strong in faith. Please pray that these families will continue to grow in faith and remain strong in the Lord. S.Bloem

September 20, 2018 | Mexico

Nearly 30 Christians Forced from Homes and Farmland

Authorities in Chiapas have forced  Nearly 30 Christians out of their homes, and off their farmland, simply because they are Christians. The men and women, who are also losing most of their personal belongings, are being humiliated, beaten and detained for days at a time by local government authorities. A VOM partner is prepared to help with short-term housing and food, but long-term solutions are needed. Please pray that these brothers and sisters will continue to place their trust in Christ as their earthly possessions are taken away. Pray that they will find new housing and sources of income, and that their faith will be a light to those watching their mistreatment.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness MonthMore than 120 people are lost to suicide every day in the U.S. More than 90 percent of those who die from suicide have a  diagnosable mental illness. Peer support groups have been clinically shown to reduce the incidence of suicide, and enhance the quality of life for people ,who live with a range of mental health conditions. The understanding, and connection that comes from peer support is a critical part of many people's wellness, especially when developed in conjunction with medication, therapy, and personal wellness strategies.  DBSA

At Heartfelt Counseling Ministries, we have CAMI  Support Groups.  CAMI stands for Christian's Afflicted with Mental Illness.  CAMI Leader Guides and Student Guides were co-authored by Robyn and Steve Bloem. If you are interested in starting a group and/or getting material, please call us at 561-909-9109

 

Hello, this month is a special month. I am a survivor of suicide, my sister Cyndi, who was two years older than I,,shot herself in her driveway, as her husband and children slept inside.

Heartfelt Counseling is a non profit agency with the IRS. I am trained in the detection of suicide.We have written sound support group material and it is not only being used in our church, but by many others, If you would like to start a group in your area, please call Heartfelt Counseling Ministries, 561.909.9109. Cyndi had read the book, Broken Minds and gave it to more than fifteen friends. The largest chapter in Broken Minds, Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing  It is about suicide, and why you should not kill yourself!

Broken MInds, http://heartfeltmin.org/join-us.html

Steve Bloem

"This is a candid and spirit affirming story of a family's personal struggle, not only with mental illness, but also in finding where they fit into the body of Christ and His ministry. Considering that 10% of the world's adult population suffer from some form of mental illness, this book could well be required reading for pastors, elders, and Christian counselors or for anyone who is called to minister with understanding and unbiased care. The book is solidly based on a scriptural foundation with ample clinical information to appeal to the lay person or anyone in a counseling capacity. Informative, honest and helpful, this work shatters the old stigmas and perceptions of mental illness and depression. It is well written with enough heart and hope to balance the seriousness of the subject. Interesting reading." (Sandra Thayer Author's Choice Reviews 2005-12-01)

Another book that I recently has published (Jude 2018)  is The Pastoral Handbook of Mental Illness: A Guide for Training and Reference. I hope you will by it, This book also has an an important piece on suicide. Please go to http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-pastoral-handbook-of-mental-illness.html

You can see our website, heartfeltmin.org.

Dialetical Behavior Therapy, Anxiety/Panic Disorder, and the Chrisitian.

Stream

Four years ago

Hi Steve: I am a believer, or am I?? I I feel that those who are close to me and are also believers continue to tell me to "Give it to God, let it go, have Faith" that God will take this from you, this disorder is not of God, etc.
.......

. if my heart was completely with God, then why do I still suffer from the debilitating systoms of BPD, Anxiety/Panic Disorder? I have attended DBT classes for two years and although I have gotten understanding of my emotional dysregulation, which helps, I feel strongly that I haven't gotten nor understand the prolonged Exosure Therapy that might help to heal from the anxiety/panic that enprisons me today and has for the last 40 plus years. Please reply. Anonn.The aswer is below.

Steve Bloem

Today

Hello Anon, I am sorry it took me a while to get back to you. I have been praying for you..  First of all, you seem to be shaken regarding your assurance of salvation, because of other Christians, who are discouraging you.,and they are urging you to give over your disorder, to  "let go and let God."

There are times that a Christian does take this advice. The  Lord told ."Moses; "Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord.

"Scripture tells us in Ephesians 6;" Finally, be strong in the Lord  and strength of His mighty ." Apostle Paul, uses the imagery of the battle armor, and putting it on themselves. It reminds me when i was a chaplain at a Home for the veterans in Grand Rapids MI. I was there when the World War 2 veterans were at the age of passing away. I remember being in a unit, where a man was decked out in full Scottish costume. I knew that he was a marine, and.  and  asked  him, "Did you see action at Iwo Jima? He said, with a tip of his hat: " I  dld not see action, I took action".

The apostle Paul says in Ephesians 6" put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."

Each piece of the armor must be put on by us. Trusting in God does not magically take things away from us. DBT has its limitations.
Exposure Therapy does not always work..In fact  DBT Exposure Therapy should not be done until one year of skills training and individual counseling has been done.

 But I am wondering in regards to your anxiety and panic, are you on an antidepressant? Many times people with Borderline Personality Disorder have what we call a co-morbid disease, and the general treatment by psychiatrists for panic is to put you on an
SS RIS such as Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa. Thee also use other type of medicines.

Remember, I John 2 tells us; “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

Our aim not to sin but we also have a Savior, who pleads our case before the Father Here is a link to another one of my blogs. http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.com/2011/06/christ-our-advocate-intercessor-and.html 

Have you read our book, Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing It? 

For the original copy of my first blog can be found, by clicking  on http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.com/2011/03/mtraining-with-marsha-linehan.html?showComment=1 99921135349#c8070355043501657357. 

Our new book isThe Pastoral HandbookMentalIllnesGuide for Training and Reference.

This book was not meant, only to be read by pastors. If you are a person, who is any kind of mental health professional you should get this book. 

Here is a blog about both of our books:. http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.com/2018/07/why-should-every-church-have-copy-of.html   

Steve is a Certified DBt therapy and was trained in Seattle Washington for a period of wo years. 
He also is an excellent counsleor and therapist when it comes to mental illness.  He and Robyn started a non-profit agency and the fees aredetermined by a sliding scale of your income.  
Rev. Steve Bloem, B.A. M.M., clinical emphasis, I ama certified DBT Therpist.

Listen to this hymn: if you are in trials this song witl be a blessing!

For All the Saints is one of my favorite hymns. It  has often 

encouraged me during the episodes of  major depression, and after 

 the loss of our daughter Lindsay,who was nineteen years old, when she went

to be with the Lord.

In 1985, after an internship, my wife Robyn and I moved to Scranton, 

PA. We did  this to get much needed familial  help ,when my depression 

had come on me suddenly, and for a period disabled me.

While attending my brother's church we sang it often. 

 I was especially

 drawn to the  fifth and sixth verses of the song below.

Here are the verses, and my running commentary.

5. And when the fight is fierce, ,
I was battling the fiercest  of foes.
and the warfare long,
 It seemed like forever to get the help I needed.
But then came a great reminder  from God.

Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
It was not a loud song.It was not boisterous. It 
stealed on the ear. It was like what happened 
to the British during the Boer/War. The discouraged, soldiers
had  been almost outflanked by the enemy . It was a terrifying situation. 
The British soldiers,heard the  distant sound of the bagpipes.
 This meant Scottish Re-enforcements were coming.

And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Their hearts were brave again.

Brave hearts spawn strong arms. The battle
must go on. The devil is  strong. But this fallen angel,
is no match for  our Champion, the Lorded Jesus Christ,
who is  omnipotent and will soon "crush Satan under 
your feet, Romans 16:20 (NASB)

6. But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of Glory passes on His way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

But that was not the end of my trials
Someday, the King of Glory, the Lord Jesus Christ
will break into  history not to die again for sin, but, He
will extinguish Satan and all that are evil. He will take
his soldiers to heaven, where they can rest from their labors

(Revelation 19:11-21 NASB). 

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their

eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall  be any more pain. For the former things are passed away.

                                           

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the song below.

For All the Saints Who from Their Labors Rest"

by William W. Howe, 1823-1897
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JAz0EUZqu0 

1. For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confess,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest,
Alleluia! Alleluia!

2. Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

3. Oh, may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old
And win with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

4. O blest communion, fellowship divine,
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

5. And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

6. But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of Glory passes on His way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

7. From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son,and Holy Ghost,
Alleluia! Alleluia!

8. The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon, to faithful warriors come rest.
Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Many times because my brain chemistry was not working I would began
to sob in front of the pew/ It was third verse which encouragement. An encouragement that is rarely realized in the deep darkness that depression brings/
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Heb. 12:1
Author: William W. How, 1864,

The Pastoral Handbook of Mental Illness

Steve has a new book, published by 

Kregel Publications of Grand Rapids, MI. 

The name of it is, The Pastoral Hand book

 of Mental illness a Guide for Training and Reference.

If you are a professor in a college or seminary, Kregel Publications will advise you on how to teach using this book as a curriculum. I also will be available for questions and advice..

From Julius

Book Review-This review is condensed

This book can be used by Pastors and Laity alike. This book isn't a hard read, matter of fact, its a book that I think will benefit the entire church, not just our pastors and pastoral counselors. 

If utilized in both seminaries and Christian counseling programs, I think this book will make the Christian counselor understand that not everything is spiritual matter. Sometimes, you cant pray the sadness away or the anger away. But more than that, it gives our pastors a tool, a much needed tool to be able to confidently help someone who needs to be seen by a medical professional. 

How do I get  these books?
You can pay by check for The Pastoral Handbook of Mental Illness The price by check including shipping is $22.00
 The mailing address is,Heartfelt Counseling Ministries,12370 Sawgrass Court, Wellington, Florida 33414 .

If your mailing address is in Canada, you pay 24.00

 As soon as Steve receives the check, he will send the book  to your address,which should be  on your check.  . 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


If you wish to  buy Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You' Losing It. the price $19. including shipping.

If you live in Canada the price would be 

  $22.00 and that includes  shipping.

If you wish to pay by Pay pal, you must  go on-line http://heartfeltmin.org/join-us.html
 You  scroll down to the donation button, click on the donation button ,and put in the amount needed.The amounts are the same as paying by check.
If you wish to pay by credit card andnot online, you can call Heartfelt Counseling Ministry at 561-909-9109.
If you wish to purchase both  books, Use your payment  method and pay $43.00 and  that includes shipping.

i

Spurgeon, God does not send, "special messages"

 Our Lord'sPrayer for His people's Sarncification No. 1890 Sermon delivered March 77, 1886, by C.H. Spurgeon at the Mertropolitan Tabernacle, Newington   “Sanctify them through Your truth: Your word is truth.” John 17:17.

 But what is the truth? There is the point. Is the truth that which I imagine to be revealed to me by some private communication? Am I to fancy that I enjoy some special revelation, and am I to order my life by voices, dreams, and impressions?






Brethren, fall not into this common delusion. God’s Word to us is in Holy Scripture. All the truth that sanctifies men is in God’s word. Do not listen to those who cry, “Lo here!” and “Lo there!” I am plucked by the sleeve almost every day by crazy persons and pretenders who think that they have revelations. One man tells me that God has sent a message to me by him, and I reply, “No, sir, the Lord knows where I dwell, and He is so near to me that He would not need to send to me by you.”

Another man announces in God’s name a dogma which, on the face of it, is a lie against the Holy Spirit.. He says the Spirit of God told him so and so, but we know that the Holy Spirit never contradicts Himself. If your imaginary revelation is not according to this Word, it has no weight with us, and if it is according to this Word, it is no new thing.

 Brethren, this Bible is enough if the Lord does but use it, and quicken it by His Spirit in our hearts. Truth is neither your opinion, nor mine; your message, nor mine. Jesus says, “Your word is truth.” That which sanctifies men is not only truth, but it is the particular truth which is revealed in God’s Word—“Your word is truth.”

What a blessing it is that all the truth that is necessary to sanctify us is revealed in the Word of God, so that we have not to expend our energies upon discovering truth, but may, to our far greater profit, use revealed truth for its divine ends and purposes! There will be no more revelations; no more are needed.

 The Canon is fixed and complete, and he that adds to it shall have added to him the plagues that are written in this Book. What need of more when here is enough for every practical purpose? “Sanctify them through Your truth: Your word is truth.” This being so, the truth which it is necessary for us to receive is evidently fixed. You cannot change Holy Scripture. You may arrive more and more accurately at the original text, but for all practical purposes the text we have is correct enough, and our old Authorized Version is a sound one. Scripture itself cannot be broken; we cannot take from it nor add to it. The Lord has never re-written nor revised His Word, nor will He ever do so. Our teachings are full of errors, but the Spirit makes no mistakes.

 We have the “Retractations” of Augustine, but there are no retractions with prophets and apostles. The faith has been delivered once for all to the saints, and it stands fast forever. “Your word is truth.” The Scripture alone is absolute truth, essential truth, decisive truth, authoritative truth, undiluted truth, eternal, everlasting truth. Truth given us in the word of God is that which is to sanctify all believers to the end of time; God will use it to that end. Learn, then, my brothers, how earnestly you ought to search the Scriptures! See, my sisters, how studiously you should read this Book of God! If this is the truth, and the truth with which God sanctifies.

http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.com/2018/07/why-should-every-church-have-copy-of.html