2nd Edition, Revised Material

Scriptures On Spiritual Battles

"I had a visceral spiritual experience during my recovery from alcoholism and, for the first time in my life, came face-to-face with the difference between being spiritual and being religious."
~ Donald L. O’Dell

Exploring the Bible in prayer and self understanding.

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Personal Power From Contemplating Scripture

The Bible offers guidance on building resilience and faith through trusting in God's promises and strength. Several verses emphasize how faith helps in building resilience.

Hebrews 11:1
Defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, highlighting the importance of believing in God's promises, even when unseen.

Resilience through Faith

Mark 11:24
Encourages having faith in prayers, believing that what you pray for has been received, demonstrating trust in God's ability to provide.

2 Corinthians 5:7
Reinforces that Christians live by believing, not seeing, trusting in God's plan even when the path ahead is unclear.

Romans 10:17
Explains that faith is built through hearing the message of Christ, underscoring the importance of immersing in the Word of God to strengthen faith and resilience.

Bible study is less based in a systematic and more tethered to individual or collective experience(s).

Resilience in Adversity

Isaiah 41:10
Offers reassurance that God is with us in adversity, promising to strengthen, help, and uphold us, providing resilience to face any challenge.

Philippians 4:13
Reminds us that strength comes from Christ, enabling us to endure and overcome any adversity.

Joshua 1:9
Calls for strength and courage, reminding us that God is with us, enabling us to face adversity with confidence.

Psalm 46:1
Describes God as our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble, providing resilience to face challenges1.

John 16:33
Acknowledges trials but reminds us of Jesus' victory, giving us peace and resilience.

Resilience through God’s Strength

Isaiah 40:29
Reassures that God provides power and strength to those who are weak, enabling resilience even when feeling incapable.

Resilience using your relationship with God.

Psalm 28:7
Celebrates the Lord as our strength and shield; trusting Him fills us with joy and gratitude, reinforcing resilience by recognizing Him as our protector and helper.

Exodus 15:2
Acknowledges the Lord as the source of strength and victory, maintaining resilience by knowing He has secured our triumph.

2 Samuel 22:33
Depicts God as our strong fortress, providing safety and security. His guidance ensures our path is perfect, enabling resilience in adversity.

Nehemiah 8:10
Encourages finding joy in the Lord, as it is our source of strength. Celebrating God’s goodness and sharing with others reinforces resilience.

Last Four Blog Posts

I have made a case that our human nature has always had a strong desire for simplistic biblical beliefs and practices. We know this is really a desire to feel in control of the knowledge of good and evil and therefore to be absolutely certain about what it is God wants from us. It’s a desire to believe that you’re right, which quells doubts and, as such, is fear-based.

Searching for a spiritual identity – looking for that “something deep inside” that helps me define myself.

I am reminded, at this time of year, of a theme that strikes deep: Don’t Think So Much Sometimes … Just Do

AA has taught me that I always grow through pain.

How The Bible Became The Bible

The Bible chronicles people attempting to verbalize their experience of Spirit.