First Aid Kit

Be Prepared

As long as we live in this world, following Jesus, we will suffer bumps, bruises and wounds of all sorts. Our ability to survive and recover depends, to a large degree, on how well we have prepared for battle. Making the basic elements of Christian living an integral part of our daily life is the key. Below, the components of a spiritual first aid kit are listed along with instructions for their use.

Prayer

The book of Hebrews tells us that we can go boldly to God's throne of grace to get help in times of trouble, but for many people, prayer is like that little red box on the wall that says, "In Case of Emergency Break Glass", it is ignored until a crisis arises. When we make prayer an integral part of our day-to-day lives, reaching out to God is a matter of habit rather than a last resort. A doctor told a patient's family, "We've done everything we can do, it's in God's hands now". Shouldn't we be bringing our needs and concerns to God in the first place rather than waiting until all our efforts have failed? As the time for Jesus' incomprehensible suffering approached, he prepared himself by spending time in intense prayer. He instructed his disciples to “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. Jesus knew the challenges that lay ahead for them and that prayer was the best way for them to prepare themselves. Rather than praying, they slept. When the time of testing came,IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT You need t have at least a couple of close, trusted, mature Christians friends who will pray with you and pray for your healing and restoration. One-on-one time with God is also vitally important. they failed. Let's learn from their mistake and prepare for battle by praying.

IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT
You need t have at least a couple of close, trusted, mature Christians friends who will pray with you and pray for your healing and rrestoration. 
One-on-one time with God is also vitally important. 

Praise & Worship

When we have been wounded emotionally and/or spiritually, we often build a wall around our hearts to protect ourselves, to keep from being hurt again. Unfortunately, the same wall that keeps out potential harm also keeps out the good, even God Himself. If we open our hearts to Him through worship, He puts all the pieces back together and bandages your broken heart. He comforts you when you mourn, and cares for you when you grieve — He bestow on you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. When God completes the healing process, you will be transformed, better than you were before. You will be called an oak of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. It may be difficult and seem shallow at first, but keep pressing in there, the presence of the Lord will bring healing. Peace, joy and wholeness will return.

IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT:Create a playlist of worship music that ushers you into God's presence. Choose songs that bring hope, encourage you and remind you of God's promises. Include songs that touch the very depths of your heart with God's unconditional love. 

Scripture

God's word is an essential part of your preparation to face adversity. First, it provides you with objective, eternal truth. When lies, doubts, fears and confusion try to sweep you away, you have a solid, immovable Rock you can hang onto. No matter what things look like or feel like, you can be sure of what is right and true. The Bible provides comfort, encouragement and wisdom when your world is turned upside down. Before the storms of life strike, read, study memorize and meditate on God's word. It should be integrated into your very soul. It should fill your heart and mind. Let it shape and forms your worldview. It should be your compass when you don't know which way to turn. It strengthens you when you feel like you can't take another step. It is a constant reminder of who you are in Christ. God's word lights your path as you make your way through a dark world. It takes you from where you are to where you need to be. It is your daily bread, nourishing your spirit and renewing your mind. It doesn't just provide information, it brings about transformation. Don't take another step without it.

IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT:
Put together a collection of scripture that speak to your heart, verses that comfort you, inspire you and revitalize you. Find portions of scripture that keep your life on the right track, ones that address the areas where you most often struggle. Keep them handy so that you can access them anytime, anywhere. A Topical Bibble will enable you to fing scripture on aa large variety of topice.

Fellowship

A powerful example of a Godly relationship is found in the book of 1 Samuel:  "... the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war." Jonathan's support was a major factor in David's success in battle and the advancement of his military career. Such friendships are rare and precious. Pray that God will bring a Jonathan into your life and that you can be a Jonathan to someone else. Life can get rough, even brutal at times, so never try to go it alone. We need each other. Each of us is a member of the body of Christ with a unique role to play. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Where you are lacking, another is strong and vice versa. Close friendships are a beautiful thing, but they can also be the means for survival. Lets be victorious together!
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IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT:
Have at hand the contact information for a few close, trusted friends who will be there for you even in the most desperate times. These should be mature believers whom you respect and look up to. 

Godly Counsel

Beyond the support and advice a trusted friend may provide, we sometimes need the help of someone with a higher degree of specialized education and experience. You may need the services a life coach, professional counselor or an attorney. There are several types and levels of professional counseling, so this article will only speak in more general terms. There may be some exceptions, but it is best to seek a professional who shares your Biblical worldview. This will shape the values, life principles and priorities upon which their advice is based. No matter what difficulties you may be working through, you must look to God for the answers. There is no limit to the means and people God can and will work through, but ultimately, your trust must be in Him. Secondly, you need someone with the appropriate qualifications and experience to get you through your crisis and get your life back on track. last. but not least, your counselor must be someone you trust and are comfortable enough to share your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly. It may be humbling to have to ask for help, but the truth is, we all have weaknesses and struggles and we all need help. There are times when you are the one giving help and there are times for you to be on the receiving end.

IIN YOUR FIRST AID KIT
Do some research, ask your pastor or other respected leaders to recommend a qualified person who could give you sound, Biblical counseling should you need it. Have this person's contact information readily available and easy to find if you need it.

The Great Physician

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,     to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:1-3

IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT:
Although we've mentioned several things you should have and do to bring about healing, never forget that it is all in God's hands. The other items in your first aid kit are there to facilitate God's healing work in your spirit and soul.