EXCERPTS FROM WALKING FAITH: A JOURNEY FROM THEN TO NOW THROUGH JAMES

Part 3

In the introduction of my book Walking Faith I discuss four major views of dealing with suffering.  Here is an excerpt from my book dealing with the third view.

“The third school of thought is called hedonism.  Hedonism means to disregard any and all forms of misery.  This is done by ignoring it through complete pleasure.  This pleasure is sought through a variety of outlets, such as alcohol, recreational use of illegal drugs, or illegitimate forms of sexual activity.  It can also appear through other forms of passing the time, both those that are considered socially acceptable and unacceptable.  The idea is simple:  don’t worry, be happy.”—Pg. xviii-xix

My question to you today is, what are you doing to relieve yourself of the issues at hand?  Are you using alcohol, sex or drugs?  Maybe you have a tendency to work into the night hoping to get a head financially?  Or you might watch more entertainment then what may be considered healthy?  Have you ever stopped to think that what you need is someone to walk with through the pain?  Take a moment, open your Bible and pray.  While it may not change the circumstances, it may change your perspective.  Please check out my book Walking Faith:  A Journey from Then to Now through James for helpful insights from God’s truth.  You can find my book at xulonpress.com or the kindle version at amazon.com.

His Servant,

Steven Swaim

President/Founder, Be Devoted Ministries

I can be reached at StevenSwaim@BeDevotedMinistries.com for speaking engagements or book signings.  Please place speaking engagement or book signing in the subject line.  In the body give the date, location, and a phone number to reach you.

EXCERPTS FROM WALKING FAITH: A JOURNEY FROM THEN TO NOW THROUGH JAMES

Part 2

In the introduction of my book Walking Faith I discuss four major views of dealing with suffering.  Here is an excerpt from my book dealing with the second view.

“The second school of thinking concerning suffering is that nothing can be done about it; therefore, we should not attempt to help those who are suffering.  This can be a form of nihilism.  Nihilism is a philosophy that is so negative that it encourages suicide if the situation appears to be inescapable…life and suffering are meaningless…The first school of thinking (socialism) is so outward focused that it ignores the inward condition of humanity, this thinking discounts any outward focus at all.  Some forms of Hinduism fall into this particular perspective.”—Pg. xviii

My question to you today is, are you allowing your situation run, and therefore ruin your life?  Where is your focus?  Are you focused on yourself and what you can do?  Or are you focused on the God of eternity who, through Jesus Christ will walk with you in your difficulties?  Please check out my book Walking Faith:  A Journey from Then to Now through James for helpful insights from God’s truth.  You can find my book at xulonpress.com or the kindle version at amazon.com.

His Servant,

Steven Swaim

President/Founder, Be Devoted Ministries

I can be reached at StevenSwaim@BeDevotedMinistries.com for speaking engagements or book signings.  Please place speaking engagement or book signing in the subject line.  In the body give the date, location, and a phone number to reach you.

EXCERPTS FROM WALKING FAITH: A JOURNEY FROM THEN TO NOW THROUGH JAMES

Part 1

In the introduction of my book Walking Faith I discuss four major views of dealing with suffering.  Here is an excerpt from my book dealing with one of those views.

"There are four schools that often permeate our culture regarding suffering.  The first is socialism, which seeks to end suffering.  Buddhism also teaches this perspective.  Socialism presents the idea that suffering can be – and eventually will be – eliminated.  The general conviction of socialism is that this will be accomplished in time through science, art, philosophy, politics, and human nature.  Socialists believe these things will meld together to erase the troubling problems of life.  Social programs are created within the idea of abolishing suffering…Though they may help good people, the do not truly equip the individual to properly deal with life’s issues.”—Pg. xvii-xviii

The question I have for you is what are you trusting in when you go through hardships?  God and His word, the Bible, gives us deep insights regarding our lives on Earth and in eternity.  Please check out my book Walking Faith:  A Journey from Then to Now through James for helpful insights from God’s truth.  You can find my book at xulonpress.com or the kindle version at amazon.com.

His Servant,

Steven Swaim

President/Founder, Be Devoted Ministries

I can be reached at StevenSwaim@BeDevotedMinistries.com for speaking engagements or book signings.  Please place speaking engagement or book signing in the subject line.  In the body give the date, location, and a phone number to reach you.