Help!

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I hope and pray that you are finding joy in the midst of all that is going on in the world around us today.  It is real easy to get flustered and stressed out because of world events alone, which doesn't include our personal struggles at home.  I know that I get stressed out at times and a little depressed at others.  What do you do to alleviate these maladies?  How do you deal with your stress and anxieties?  This is important because these things can affect our health both physically and mentally.   I turn to prayer, especially quoting Scriptures a lot.  I also eat a lot(I know, I know, not good).  I like to watch an uplifting movie or listen to the Oldies(for me that is the 60s and early 70s).  I have heard that exercise, even just walking, is great for relieving stress and anxiety.  I have a membership at a gym.  I have had it for several years, but I am thinking about quitting because the gym must be broke.  I drive by it every now and then but it doesn't seem to help.  I know, I know, I have to actually go inside and use the equipment.  Just like it doesn't really help to just sit in church and not read the Bible, participate in ministries, pray, and put into practice what is preached.  It is not enough to just know ABOUT Jesus.  We have to believe in Him and that means doing what He said to do because we believe in Him.  John 14:15, "(Jesus said), If you love me you will obey my commands."  James 1:22, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says."

Please pray for me, the church, the world, and one another.  God loves you and so do I.

Pastor Bruce

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