April 22, 2012 journal, CBS News reports on American 2.4 million prison population. America "The land of the free" has the largest prison population of any country on earth. Psalm 26, A Psalm of David, "Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide. 2-Examine me, O lord, and prove me: try my reins and my heart. 3-For thy loving kindness is before my eyes: and I have walked in thy truth. 4-I have not set with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissembl-ers. 5-I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked. 6-I will wash my hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O lord: 7-That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of thy wonders works. 8-Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. 9-Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: 10-In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of brides. 11-But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. 12-My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the lord". Lord please make our hearts hungry for scripture. A sermon on controlling anxiety, basic Christian living worth remembering- "Healing Damaged Emotions (Part 1) - Victory Over Anxiety-By Dr. Charles Stanley Key Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7 I-Introduction: Emotions greatly influence how we live our lives. They are a gift from God, provided so we can enjoy life and relate to others, but how we express them determines whether they are beneficial or detrimental. Either we control them, or they control us. Anxiety is the most prominent emotion people are exper-iencing today. It's important to realize that feeling anxious is not a sin, but the Lord does not want us to live in a continual state of dread because of life's uncertainties. It's import-ant to understand what we should do with anxiety and how long we let it control us. II. What is anxiety? A-In the New Testament, the word anxiety means, "to be distracted or pulled apart." This is the opposite of peace, which means, "to be bound together." B. It can also be defined as "dread, apprehension, and uncertainty" and can be caused by past events, a present situation, or future possibilities. C. Sometimes, anxiety is a fear of not being in control or of feeling vulnerable. III-What are the sources of anxiety? First of all, know that God is not the creator of anxiety and that worry doesn't fit our identity as followers of Christ. Instead, we should trust God (Matt. 6:25-26). It's important to know there are: A-Legitimate causes. Some things are just naturally going to create anxiety. For example, if you didn't study for an exam, you have reason to be nervous. B-Inappropriate reasons. At other times, our worries are caused when we feel we might not get what we want. It could be some possession or a relationship we want, even if we know it's not right. C-Unacknowledged issues. When we don't deal with the cause of our anxiety, it takes up long-term residence within us, causing all sorts of emotional and physical problems. This is not the way God wants His children to live. IV-Why should we avoid anxiety? A-It isn't scriptural. In one passage alone, Jesus said, "Do not be anxious" 3 times (Matt. 6:25-34). He explained that it is unnecessary because the Father will provide what we need. We simply can't accept a lifestyle of anxiety when Jesus is our Prince of Peace. B. Anxiety has a negative effect on every area of our lives because it: 1. Divides our minds. Apprehension pulls us in two different directions, making it hard to focus on important matters. 2-Slows down our productivity. Because we are distracted with worry, we can not give anything else our best efforts. 3-Affects our personal relationships with others. It's hard to keep our anxieties to ourselves. When we are filled with fear, we burden those around us. 4-Leads to unwise decisions. Those who are overly concerned about the future are prone to make hasty decisions to stop feeling uncertain. 5-Steals our joy and peace. It's impossible for us to be fretful and peaceful at the same time. 6-Proves to be a terrible waste of time and energy. Uncertainty, frustration, and worry are exhaust-ing and achieve nothing and can even have a devastating effect on our health. V. What is the correct way to deal with anxiety? With so much at stake, it's foolish to give in to anxiety or seek quick, temporary relief. Instead of worrying, you should: A-Bring your worries to God. Whatever is troubling you is a matter for prayer. The first step to freedom is confessing your fears to the Lord rather than let them rule you (Acts 18:9-10).B-Come to the Lord with an attitude of thanksgiving. In the midst of your apprehension, you may not feel grateful, but when you think about God's loving involvement in your life, you can't help but praise Him (Phil: 4:6-7). C-Come with a threefold conviction. Remember the Lord loves you unconditionally and wants the best for you. Also, He has the desire and power to help, so you can expect Him to do just that. D-Recognize that anxiety is a faith battle. We must believe that God will replace our anxieties. If we surrender our concerns into His hands, we can have His amazing peace-even if all hell breaks loose around us. VI. Conclusion: As great as all these promises are, they will not be yours if you give Christ your worries with one hand and take them back with the other. True freedom is only possible when we finally admit that a burden is too heavy to carry. Remember, no one has to live in anxiety; it's a choice. Freedom and peace await those who give their worries to God and leave them in His hands." Question is how to be saved, where there be prophecies they shall fail but not God's Word. The above images are not perfect and should not be taken for the gospel, only the Word of God and even then be careful that man has not translated the truth out of it. Believe on Christ the Messiah and be saved but it may take living your life as a Christian. I believe we must see ourselves first as a sinner. God gave man the right to choose the world or heaven. I urge everyone to choose Heaven. It is like the difference in night and day. Living a worldly life is choosing Hell for eternity. "He that endureth to the end the same shall be saved". Yield yourself to the Holy Spirit of God for His wisdom and knowledge. I am not saved by my art or my good works but by faith in God & faithful service. John 3-16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life". 17-For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world: but that the world through Him might be saved. 18-He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19-And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. 20-For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21-But he that doeth truth cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God". The blood of Christ is the only way to heaven, believe that Christ Yesu is the Son of God Yahweh. When you pray, pray "Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven". "Repent and be saved!"