The words of Jesus are in red text.

I am grateful for each email I have received. I am thankful for those who conveyed the spiritual benefits they received from the lessons. And I am blessed when I am able to assist those who are struggling in their faith or have specific questions. The following content is a compilation of five emails from those who are going through trials and tribulations, and had questions related to their spirituality. I consider each email as a communication from the sender’s heart and soul. As such, I would pray, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, and wrote each response as I felt led and compelled. I thought it would be beneficial for others to read some of these communications because we all can relate to the heart-felt desires of each person, and may benefit from each response. To insure privacy I summarized each email request. In addition, I changed the names. For example, I used “Linda” for a female and “Joe” for a male. #1 Email Request Summary: Living in darkness, has little hope, and seeking God. Email Response: Thank you for reaching out to me—which can be difficult—especially if you surrounded by darkness and have a feeling of hopelessness. God desires our hope, belief, faith and trust—which occurs when we are no longer able to have hope, belief, faith and trust in ourselves. When we are stripped of our self-centered pride; when we are unable to rely upon our intellect and skills to get us through life’s challenges; when that what we possess is no longer able to support our needs; and when everything we have depended upon has failed us—is when we have no option but to let go and place our hope, belief, faith and trust in God…and let Him take control…which is what He desires. God loves us more than we are able to comprehend. You know He is watching over you. When I look back in time when I was living in sin and darkness, I also knew He was watching over me. I can spiritually see the influence of God as He kept me from completely destroying my life. Over the years I have learned to continually depend upon Him for everything and during every moment—for He has changed the desires of my heart to love Him and to do those things that please Him. Your insightful awareness and your change of pathway is because the Holy Spirit is working within your heart and soul. Praise God in that you are searching for truth, and have a desire to overcome the lies you were living. For these changes in your life are not driven by your flesh (which opposes God). Jesus said regarding the Holy Spirit, “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.” John 15:26. Simply stated, sin separates us from God. However, God provided us with a way that we can be eternally forgiven for our past, present and future sins through the sacrificial death of His Son, who declared: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Luke 4:18 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 To receive Jesus and eternal forgiveness, pray from your heart the following simple prayer of salvation. Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. Thank You, Jesus, for dying for my sins so that I may be forgiven. Jesus, I give my life to You. I ask You to change me from within and make me into the person You want me to be. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. Holy God, in the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, I lift up Linda to You in prayer. Thank You for working in Linda’s life. Thank You Lord that you have kept Linda in the “palm of Your hand,” and are leading Linda out of darkness and into Your light. Thank You for opening Linda’s spiritual eyes to see a glimpse of Your truth as You continue to guide her closer to You. I also ask Lord that You bless Linda with peace and joy within her heart as she breaks free from the bondage of sin. In the name of Jesus I pray…amen. #2 Email Request Summary: Struggling with their spiritual life. Email Response: Your words reveal to me that you are chosen and blessed by God. For your desire to be stronger in your faith and study the Bible did not occur on your own—but by the influence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus declared, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.” John 15:16 For example, compare your desires, thoughts and behavior before you knew Jesus…against your desires, thoughts and behaviors after you placed your faith in Jesus. We will never be perfect. Jesus died on the cross because of our imperfections. And like an infant that falls down and hurts themselves when they learn how to walk—we will also spiritually “fall down” and experience the undesirable pain and consequences of sin. What's more, we begin to hate our sin; we realize sin is based upon lies; we realize we are forgiven because of God’s grace through our faith in His Son; we decide to ask for forgiveness, and we stand back up and continue our walk towards Him. It is because of our faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven and forgotten. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 Meanwhile, although we may not realize it, over time and through all of our experiences (good and bad)…we become more like Him and less like ourselves—as we increasingly reflect the righteousness of Jesus in what we say and do. It is also important to remember…we do not save persons…for this is done by the Holy Spirit. However, what we can do is willingly make ourselves available to be used (and led) by the Holy Spirit—which is indicated by a deep empathy, compassion, grace and love within our hearts to help someone who is living in darkness and lost. Holy God, in the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, I lift up Joe to you in prayer. I thank You God for his hunger and thirst for Your righteousness. I pray Holy Spirit that you fill Joe with spiritual wisdom and strength to overcome the challenges in his life—all for the glory of God—as he grows closer to You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. #3 Email Request Summary: Struggling with porn. Email Response: It is very important to understand that what I have written below…I do not stand in judgment…I only have a deep compassion and understanding. Thank you for speaking truth from your heart. Addiction (any addiction) can harden a person’s heart, poison the soul, and separate us from the joy and peace of living in God’s will. Joe…it is important for you to understand that you are chosen and blessed by God. The fact that you realize there is a problem and are reaching out for help…means the Holy Spirit is actively working in your life…and this is a good thing. We know God loves us…we know His will is best for us…and we know we are forgiven…but when we fail…it hurts deeply on the inside. Plus, being a pastor’s son adds a powerful “opposing” experience to your daily life…in that on the inside you know your struggles…but yet because of your love for your earthly father, your family and the church members…you hide the hypocritical truth…and this creates a deep conflict within you. A key indicator that the Holy Spirt working in our life is when we experience guilt, shame, remorse, “internal pain,” and removal of His peace and His presence when we sin…which is a means for the Holy Spirit to: • Chasten us (punishment). • “Write” His laws on our heart. “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:6-11 ‘“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,’ then He adds, ‘Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.’” Hebrews 10:16-17 Here are some additional things to consider: • Our sexuality (sexual desires) begin to increase during our teenage years…and peak during our twenties and begins to decline thereafter. This is how we are designed. As such, this is one reason why your flesh (body) is seeking gratification. However, when porn is introduced into a young man’s life…it is like pouring gasoline onto a fire. • Porn can become physically addictive (like heroin and other drugs). • Porn can influence how a man looks at a woman. For example, porn can cause a man to consider sexual thoughts when they are speaking to a woman…and not see that person for who they truly are. • Satan uses porn as a means to spiritually restrict a man’s relationship with God. • You must eliminate the possibility of an inappropriate image reaching your eyes. This takes a committed effort. You mentioned your computer/cell phone randomly shows unwanted pictures of women. This is likely because of past porn sites you have been to. There is possibly malware and most likely cookies on your device that is causing this. If you have access to Google or a web browser…then Google the following: “How do I stop porn pictures from showing up on my computer.” You will find different ways to limit what’s popping up. If your computer / cell phone continues to be a stumbling block…you will need to limit (and possibly eliminate) your access until you can “detoxify” from its control. • In addition, it is important to realize each time the desires of your flesh begin to increase…you will also begin to have thoughts that will rationalize that it is OK to watch porn. This is when you need to pray and repeat scripture that you have memorized…scripture that speaks directly to your heart and your desires to live for God. Here are suggested scriptures: o 1 Corinthians 10:13 o 1 John 2:16 o James 4:7 o Philippians 4:13 o Colossians 3:5 o 1 Peter 2:11 I also highly suggest reading “8 Steps to Spiritual Maturity” on the Unique Bible Studies website. This writing will give you greater insight into the power of God’s grace when we fail, and how He draws us into righteousness. Joe…you have God’s spirit living within you…which is represented by your increasing desire to please Him…rather than fulfilling the lusts of your flesh…and this is a good thing. Heavenly Father, I lift up Joe in prayer. Holy God, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, I ask that You give him spiritual wisdom and understanding. I also ask that You give Joe spiritual power to overcome his fleshly desires as he seeks more of You in his life. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for guiding us into His truth and thank You for chastening us when we sin. Thank You for Your grace, and for Your love, and for Your Son, Jesus Christ…because we are forgiven. I know sometime in the future…when you look back in time…you will “cringe” and shake your head in disgust when you think about your past weaknesses and failures…and will give praise to God for changing you from within. I know this to be true…because it often happens to me. God Bless You Joe #4 Email Request Summary: Facing significant challenges. Email Response: Hello Linda, my sister in Christ… Thank you for your trust in transparently sharing the challenges you and your family are experiencing. Sexual sins, alcoholism, spousal violence, and damaged marriages are all consequences of Satan’s lies…and indicate a stronghold and not a curse. But praise God in that you have the Holy Spirit in your life; you are blessed with His truth; and you are able to spiritually see what’s going on around you, and within you. For it is only by the light of Jesus are we able to see the darkness that exists. In addition, it is only by the Holy Spirit that we have a desire to seek God, as He changes our hearts to pray for those who are lost. Linda…my sister in Christ…you are blessed by God!!! Holy God, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, I lift up my sister Linda. I thank You Lord for Linda’s salvation. I thank You Holy Spirit for providing her with spiritual guidance, transforming her from within, her active desire to seek You, and the love she has for her family and her son. Holy God, your word says in Psalm 37:4 that You shall give to those who delight in You the desires of their heart. Lord Jesus, in Matthew 18:19-20, you also said that if two of us agree on earth it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. Holy God, we know the desires of our hearts and our prayers align with Your will, and we are in agreement. Therefore, in the name of Jesus, and through the power of the blood that He shed for both of us, we take authority over all demonic forces that are causing destruction within Linda’s family, we bind you and break your stronghold in the name of Jesus, and command that you leave and never return. Holy Spirit, we ask that You intervene in the lives and hearts of Linda’s family members, and in her son. For we agree with You that they should not perish, but come to repentance. In addition, Lord, we ask for a spirit filled and loving husband for Linda; and your guidance and assistance in helping her to overcome her fleshly desires. Thank You God for hearing and answering our prayers. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen. My wife and I prayed for you prior to sending you this email, and we will continue to pray for you, your family and your son…and your future husband. Linda…it is important for you to fully realize…YOU ARE CHOSEN AND BLESSED BY GOD!!! In addition, I felt compelled to ask you to read Romans chapter 8. #5 Email Request Summary: Explain the difference between our soul, heart, and mind. Email Response: Your question reveals you are using your God designed attributes of self-awareness and analytical thinking, with the intent of gaining a greater understanding of your spiritual being. I also share in your desire to understand what I do not know. As such, I will give you my best answer—which may be accurate or inaccurate—because we cannot see tangible evidence of the spiritual realm. Nor is the Bible specifically clear on how the heart, soul and mind interact. And in truth…no one is able to answer your question with 100% absolute accuracy. There are some questions we will not know the complete answer until we are with Him in Heaven. As such, to do our best we must combine biblical scripture with analytical thinking to arrive at logical human interpretations of how we function spiritually. As such, I pray my words assist in your understanding. Or at least provides you with possible answers to consider. Here are the beliefs I have formed during the past years while seeking answers to the same questions you have. 1 . Our soul is spiritual. • The components of our soul is comprised of our heart, mind, memories, and emotions. • The components of our soul are separate, interdependent and synergistic—but seem to operate as one entity. • Our soul is influenced by good and bad experiences we have throughout life. These experiences can have a positive or negative effect upon our heart, mind, and emotions. 2 . Our spiritual heart is the central “core” of our soul. • Our spiritual heart is not the physical heart that pumps blood throughout our physical body. • Our spiritual heart may be compared to a “traffic cop” because it directly influences (or may attempt to influence) what we think about in our mind, the words we speak, and our behavior. • God is most interested in the desires of our heart—for this is where transformation begins by the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord. • Scriptural references to the heart: Jer. 29:13; Prov. 3:5; Mat. 5:8, 28; Luke 12:34, 6:45 3 . Our mind is also part of our soul. Our mind: • Is where analytical and abstract thinking occurs. • Processes internal input from our heart, memories, emotions, etc. • Process external input that enters into our 5 senses. • Works in conjunction with our heart. • Is where Christians should seek to, “Bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5 As you and I both know…there are times when our thoughts are not obedient to Christ. For example, there has been situations when my emotion of anger immediately arises and my initial response is to seek revenge. However, the deep desire in my heart is to be a reflection of Jesus Christ. Plus my memories of past similar experiences (and the consequences of allowing my anger to take control—including shame and guilt) will flood my mind with thoughts that I should walk away and keep my mouth shut until I can pray and calm down on the inside—for God’s glory and not retribution. I suggest reading “Body, Soul, Heart and Spirit” on UniqueBibleStudies.com for more information. Thought Provoking Questions The purpose of the questions is to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Bible and ourselves. The questions may be answered by each reader, or used by a Bible study group leader, or church pastor. The questions should be answered or discussed after reading “EMAIL Requests & Responses.” In addition, the questions are designed to enhance learning via the determination of personal opinions and/or discovering how the lesson content relates to our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided. Questions #1 Living in darkness, has little hope, and seeking God Why is it difficult for someone to reach out for help when surrounded by darkness and hopeless? • Have you experienced this? • Click here to read Luke 15. o Does God allow someone to reach the “end of the rope” (unable to deal with problems)? o Why? • What would motivate someone deep within their heart and soul to reach out for help? #2 Struggling with their spiritual life • What is a good technique to identify the influence of the Holy Spirit within our lives? • Who does the spiritual “work” of saving persons? • What may occur within our heart and soul that indicates the Holy Spirit is leading us to share Jesus with someone? #3 Struggling with porn • Identify at least 3 “things” that persons can be addicted to. • Identify at least 3 consequences of addiction. #4 Facing significant challenges The response declared sexual sins, alcoholism, spousal violence, and damaged marriages are all consequences of Satan’s lies. Take time to think about this statement. • How can a lie cause someone to sin? • How can truth cause someone to not sin? Click here to read 1 John 1:7 #5 Difference between our heart, mind and soul • Do you agree or disagree with the interdependent and synergistic components of our heart, mind and soul explained in the response? Explain. • Why is God interested in the desires of our heart? • What can one do to facilitate the transition of their thoughts into the obedience of Christ? You may download a P DF version of the questions by clicking on this button.