Oct 23, 2009

The Deception of Suicide:

The Deception of Suicide

Email me at: Shannongilmour@protonmail.com 

 
• For every person suicide directly effects, up to 100 persons or more are affected.
• As of 2007, more than an estimated 5000 people a year die due to suicide. It is also estimated that 50,000 people a year have at least attempted.
• For every suicide that has a follow through, 8-10 people kept their lives at a price. Most become permanently debilitated in some way such as brain damage, paralysis not to mention excruciating physical pain.( As well as the mental torment suicide bombards the person with)
• Everyone has the right to die, and to choose when and how, but it is legally, morally and ethically wrong for someone who is contemplating suicide to ask for assistance.
• The motivating factors to suicide is a deep and complex issue and some factors are linked to depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and even some types of medication have adverse effects.
• Dealing with life’s challenges can be overwhelming and finding and discovering coping skills and goal setting can be very beneficial to the healing process.
• Everyone deals with life issues differently, and everyone has the right to be believed and heard and no one is beyond help.
• Talking is often therapeutic and if one cannot find a person of trust, writing feelings on paper helps to release internalized emotions.

Oct 21, 2009

Suicide and the bible: A believer's freedom: Part four

This truly explains the relationship between husband and wife is not just purely “Physical” it is called “knowing” because a woman knows her husband like Christ knows his church, and the church knows Christ.

Most women can say they know their husbands and it is more than just anticipating their thought or every move. I myself finish my husband’s sentences, and have shocked him to actually say what he was thinking before he even spoke!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 NIV.

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV

The above scripture speaks towards Jesus knowing us on a very intimate level, he knows our thoughts, our intents, and as a bride of Christ, believers become more ‘suited’ to him by yielding and submitting to His ways.

Suicide and the bible: A believer's freedom: Part three



“For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” John 6:55-58 NIV
The light bulb just went on for me… the desert wanderers did not believe and literally died. They died physically and spiritually for their unbelief. They were not satisfied with manna, and were given quail because of their grumbling and unbelief. They gave into their hunger and ate and scripture says that while the meat was still between their teeth, the Lord’s anger burned against the people. They were struck down with plagues and died. See Numbers chapter 11.

Manna typified Christ and Christ refers to it for a reason. To allow sin to separate us from God is to condemn ourselves to death! The only way is through Jesus truthfully- even if it is Jesus through other means, He himself says it is “another Jesus.”

There is a mystery to life- and many people have asked what the meaning of life really is all about. Believers have the answers to the mystery but as Paul suggests that it is a mystery that only comes from God and can only be for believers. Anyone else will not understand it, nor accept it.

“ …of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 NIV

Suicide and the bible: A believer's freedom: part two

So now, we have a bit of understanding that there is a supernatural occurrence in the blood. Blood is our life, without our blood that is NEPHESH; we would just be an inert mass.

The blood cannot exist without all of its qualities and some of these qualities cannot be seen with the human eye. We can only view some of the important qualities of blood through microscopic means. However, the most important quality of blood is not seen, but through faith we know it is there- because it is given to us by God Himself.

“This is the one who came by water and blood- Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.” 1 John 5:6-8 NIV

“ … Unless he is born of water and the spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to spirit.” John 3:5-6 NIV

This speaks about natural birth and of a spiritual birth that can be brought about by God and him alone (Genesis 2:7) and this does not speak about water baptism.

In natural childbirth, there is water that surrounds the baby, and during labor, the water flows out of the body by way of the birthing canal, the baby is born sometime later.

The birthing process was the same for Jesus, however he had no earthly father- His blood ( Nephesh) came from some other means and differs in characteristics than our own Nephesh (Given by God) because his actually is the deity- God. Adam was created in God’s own image- while we think “image” to be physicality, it cannot because again, God is spirit. We were created in His own likeness and that likeness is our blood- Nephesh.

Given this understanding, we can now know that Jesus Is God! He is Lord of all, we knew that already, but His blood confirms it!

“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own, Rather it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me what I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me…”
John 14:10-11 NIV


Wow, what a powerful message! This concept is very new to me, and I am understanding it even deeper as I research and write out this commentary! I pray that you are coming to a deeper meaning of Jesus as well!

“I and the Father are one.” John 10:30 NIV

Hanging on the cross waiting for the prolonged torment to end, Jesus hung on the cross bearing the sin of the world as an open declaration for God’s love. When God turned his back on his own son, Jesus could feel it deep within in him.

Some people on their death bed, know when they are dying. I have had experience of it, when I gave birth to my fourth child. It is something that you know and can feel. It's deep with in you and you some how feel yourself succumbing to the grip of death. Through force or acceptance.

My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46 NIV

This is a pivotal point to understanding that Jesus did not die by any other means than through separation. Sin separates man from God, and Jesus stood in as our replacement, which we all know, but at the time of God’s separation from His Son, the blood or Nephesh began to separate –into blood and water. The deity of God and humanity were no longer united and were literally separated by sin! Jesus was speared in his side, and the evidence of that separation spewed onto the ground as foretold; blood and water.

Science has revealed that when a body is dead, the blood separates into blood and water.

Jesus did not give up his life, if he did, he would have been dead. For “the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23 NIV

Instead Jesus did something for us more remarkable than we can imagine, he gave us LIFE!
When we think of the cross, we think of death, but in actuality what Jesus did was for us, the opposite. His death gave us life!

“Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4 NIV

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, for we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way count your selves dead do sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:8-11 NIV

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood” 1 Corinthians 11:25 NIV

“Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom” Matthew 26:27-29 NIV ( See Fruit of the Spirit study also)

“I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood; you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up in the last day.” John 6:53-54 NIV

We can never be just a little bit into Christ. With God, it is all or nothing and without Him exclusively we have no life! (His nephesh)

“I am the bread of life. Your fore fathers ate the manna in the desert yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:48-51 NIV

Suicide and the bible: A believer's freedom:part one

The blood of life

“The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 NIV
“But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting.” Genesis 9:4 NIV
The Lord created us as both physical and spiritual. While the physical is quite obvious, we know we are spiritual because the breath of life that came from God has to be spiritual – an unseen force because God is spiritual.

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 NIV

This commentary is to help elucidate God’s mystery to the importance of blood that science itself has yet to discover. I stumbled on this information quite by accident, but I do believe it was at the leading of the Holy Spirit because once a believer understands the importance of blood; faith is strengthened to a higher degree!

Oct 19, 2009

Suicide and the Bible: A believer's lifestyle

(continued from spiritual fruit defined)

The goodness that comes out of our hearts is the fruit of the spirit and one characteristic of God’s love is that it covers all wrongs. It literally has a healing quality that when applied to one’s life, as matters of the heart are concerned, conflicts can be dealt with, handled, and defeated. Scripture tells us in both Testaments that we are to circumcise our hearts. This is setting aside, laying down the deceitful nature and characteristics, and allowing the fruit of God’s spirit, His love to enter in so that we may be more Christ like and walk in His ways. This…, has beneficial qualities to our lives personally, as it actually heals the wounds that the sinful nature has created.
(Excerpt from “A Whiter Shade of Love” author- Shannon Gilmour)

Scripture proves that there is a cure to suicide, but it is not easy to come by. The sinful nature and spiritual nature are in conflict with each other and I am convinced that the sinful nature is always dominant as it actually can sap the life from the spirit causing a withdrawal from Christ and the Cross altogether.

Suicide and the bible: Spiritual Fruit Defnined

“This is my command: LOVE each other.” John 15:17 NIV (capitals added)
“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, which he lay down his life for his friends.” You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business.” John 15:10-15 NIV

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6 NIV

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV



To understand the fruit of the spirit, we must first understand love- God’s love, not our definition of it. Let me allow scripture to explain.

Suicide and the Bible: Who are we? prt two

SPIRIT NATURE: AKA Spirit man
Along with a sinful nature, we are also spirit in nature. We are created in God’s image, and God is spirit. It is His spirit he breathed in Adam to give him life, and we too, have this same spirit.

“The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 NIV

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 NIV

Scripture concludes that when the sinful nature is allowed to continue, it remains dominant in a believer’s life, the spirit nature is then recessive and in fact complies with the will of sin. The way to conquer the sinful nature is what scripture calls dying to self.

This does NOT mean self-dying, rather self-denying, or to further illustrate the concept we are to do away with dependence on self. The only way that one can literally die to self is through water baptism and through Jesus and the Cross.

Suicide and the Bible: Who are we? prt one

Knowing who and what we are in Christ are integral parts of remaining steadfast in the reassurance and promises that the Cross of Christ freely gives every believer.

SIN NATURE: AKA fleshly man

We are born into sin. As hard as that is to believe, the proof exists for when we are young and infantile, we all have to be taught how to behave and tell the truth, etc. This shows us that sin is who we are. Sin has been passed down to each person because of the fall of Adam. Had they not sinned themselves, we would not have taken on such corruption. Moreover, it is this sin nature within that causes God’s creation to be separate from him.


Sin dominates any unbeliever, and sadly, most believers. Many have been falsely led into believing that if they claim victory they can win the battle of dominion of sin over their lives. Such is not the case; this is the reason why so many have stated in their conflicted minds of suicide, depression, lack of self-esteem etc, they often say “God has turned his back on me.” “I tried God, it doesn’t work, and he doesn’t love me.” The list of excuses is quite long, and we have all been there, tried, and failed because there is no way at defeating sin and its destructive ways other than through Jesus.

Sin destroys a person, and it can be defined many ways. One can say, “I’m struggling with suicide, not sin!” However, the fact of the matter is, it is the same. There is no difference.

If we break it down suicide is a negative, its effects literally lead to death, but that is not just what makes it sinful, the very nature of suicide is negative. It debilitates the person with negative thoughts of themselves, and others around them.

The wages of sin is death” Romans 7:24 NIV

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry (there are many forms) and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions, factions, and envy; drunkenness (and we know that alcohol is a depressant linked to suicide), orgies, and the like. I warn you… those that live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 NIV (Parenthesis added)

Some may further argue that they are suicidal because of what others think of them, or have done to them. I will argue back that Jesus himself was beaten to a bloody pulp, spat on, punched and verbally ridiculed and demeaned, and yet he chose to bear it in silence.

Suicide is sin in many forms, even though it may not be apparent, it is a means for revenge. It openly speaks of the torment of the person, and while they may have been unable to fight back in the form of standing up to bullies, co-workers, friends and family, suicide recognizes the defeat to sin we all have when we are not focusing on the cross and forms its own method of retribution.

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written:” It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Romans 12:19-20

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. “ Romans 12:21

The only way that suicide, depression and everything else that is defined as sin, can be dealt with is through the Cross of Christ. There is no other means! And again, I do not mean the cross itself, I mean the act of what Jesus did on the cross. He shed his blood to atone for all our sins!

“and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Romans 14:22 NIV

"But this man after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Hebrews10:12

It is absolutely impossible for a believer to overcome suicide or any other form of sin for that matter, without faith being fully and completely in Christ and the cross.

Without the power and workings of the Holy Spirit, no one can ever live for God. While a believer is saved while struggling with suicide, as discussed before, one can stifle the Holy Spirit and this is what sin sets out to do! This is the reason why most believers live their lives in constant struggle, failure, and defeat! Our very nature of sin does not have to have dominance over us if we focus our faith exclusively on the cross!

For a further study on the nature of sin, please refer to ROMANS chapter 6.

Oct 9, 2009

Suicide and the Bible: Justification and Sanctification

JUSTIFICATION - It's definition is simple, but to those that believe it is often confused by works. Many think that they will attain salvation by doing good or being equally as good. The reality of it is again the scripture " No one is worthy, not one." Romans 3:10 NIV

Once a person confesses with their mouth what they genuinely sincerely feel in their hearts- That Jesus is their Lord and savior, it is through this faith that justification becomes immediate.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is a gift from God-not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8 NIV

To be Justified by God means to be rendered or declared innocent. It is a decision, and judgment by him exclusively.

Oct 8, 2009

Suicide and the bible: The Cross: Part Two

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

The cross in a believer's life is detrimental to the foundation it rests upon, but it is, was and forever will be the means that God used to reconcile the world to Him, it was never intended to be anything but.


Many have been told to leave their troubles at the foot of the cross and through misunderstandings try very diligently to do so. Again, I can say I am guilty.


I took my place in prayer and envisioned the cross-empty- as Jesus is no longer there, and placed my burdens at the base of it and when my prayer was over, I envisioned myself walking away empty handed... How many of us do this, and some go further to envision Jesus still at the cross and lay their burdens at His feet!


This reminds me of a grave-site visit. One approaches the headstone of their loved one to place some remnant of themselves behind as if to say "I was here." thinking that this may appease the one in the ground. Sometimes one may engage in a one-sided conversation oblivious to the understanding that their loved one isn't there. At least not in spirit.

Jesus is no where near the cross. He isn't lingering and if one approaches their prayers in this way guaranteed there is a reason why God is not answering- He's not there!

Jesus Christ is alive and is in heaven sitting at the right hand of God. He is not at the cross, and he does not return to it pick up our woes. He can't!



Oct 7, 2009

Suicide and the Bible: The Cross: Part One

The air was thick with the smells of death. Every time the salty air would lap the seeping blood from the freshly made wounds, a twinge of pain would come over Him. Just when the pain would simmer to a slow sting, the whip came again. The echo of the whip as it slapped the raw skin permeated the crowd as some cried out in terror, while the majority cried out in blood lust. The Roman guards trained for this, and Satan fed their hatred, and not knowing why, they gave into those quickening desires. Using all the strength they had to force the whip harder as it churned the dust in the air and landed with a whap! The crowd feel momentarily silent as they awaited the wail of the tortured.

Jesus' body writhed in excruciating pain as He felt the numbing tendrils of the leather whip and the metal tearing open His back. Sweating blood the night before in shear dread could never have prepared Him for this moment. He could sense evil that day and what kept Him going was the will of the Father. This had to be completed in order to see Satan's defeat. There was no other way.

All of heaven witnessed the cruelty and the humiliation of its ruler and as God the Father watched on, Jesus called out in forgiveness. Out of pure and total love Jesus pleaded for his torturers that God would show them mercy. As the Roman soldiers pounded the metal stakes into His hands, as the pain surged like lighting up His arms, pain was pounded into His feet. His whole body rested on the narrow splintered wood and as they hastily and haphazardly hoisted the cross up to proper position, the shifting body weight would have caused more excruciating pain.

With outstretched arms, Jesus hung on the tree for all to see. Blood-crusted wounds tightened on His skin and as He tried to speak, His tongue stuck to the roof of His mouth and it was difficult forming the words with parched lips and a swollen face. His head was fuzzy as physical shock began to set in but He hung on, trying not to give into death too early.


(Condensed- Taken from the book Persistent Grace chapter 2 Grace in the form of the cross pgs 15-16 copyright shannon Gilmour 2009)

Oct 4, 2009

Suicide and the Bible: The Holy Spirit

" But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes he will guide you into all thruth." John 16:13

The garden of Gethsemane cast its darkened shadows upon the ground. The air was soft and silent causing its own shadows of the things yet to come.

Jesus took dreaded steps towards his followers and instructed them to pray. The time had come and he left the company of man to turn to his Father in fear and supplication. Scripture mentions that he must have been so grievous to the point of sweating his own blood.

Upon his return back to the group, Jesus found them asleep.


He was only gone for an hour.

The disciples had nothing to talk about, nothing pressing on their hearts that they had to remain awake for.
Was their inability to see the distress of their Lord as they walked up to the garden mere oversight or neglect? The hand picked men found it quite easy and comfortable to allow the breezes of the night lull them into a comfortable slumber.

Jesus abruptly woke them, tapping on the underside of sandals and shuffling his body about to wake each and every group member. One was even found silently resting underneath an olive tree.

"Simon, are you asleep?" His voice expressed his distain. "Could you not keep watch for ONE hour?" His finger pointed infront of Simon looking at him squarely in the eye. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." Everyone looked upon Jesus with groggy eyes, uneffected by his discourse. " The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." The men stood up but remained shortsighted as they neglected to see Jesus standing about in blood stained clothing.
Mark14:37-38 NIV

This scene holds many significances but the one that openly speaks out is how short of the glory of God the disciples, and we really are!

Jesus left the dicsiples on their own is a forshadowing of his departure from the world. During this hour we are shown how little they truly understood, how unwilling or unable they really were at following Jesus' direction.

Jesus turned around on his heel and left the disciples once more. When he left them they were quiet, but awake. When he returned again, they were asleep. The third and final time Jesus came back he awoke the ignorant and irreverent individuals. "Are you STILL sleeping and resting?" He asked as he looked on at them in wide eyed elevation.
His time had come and there was no more opportunity for him to explain or teach. Now they would know what it would be like to be defenseless, without Him, and they would have to fall back on their knowlege of what they had heard, witnessed and believed. The time in the garden was to show them how easy it was to give into human temptations. "Enough! The hour has come. Look the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"
Mark 14:41-42 NIV

Three times the apostles are caught off guard and resting. Three times Jesus had to warn them but without asking questions as to what he meant, they didn't even blindly follow. The apostles gave into their body's need for sleep, and out of boredom or stagnancy, they became weak and succumbed to the deepening call of their human desires.

This illustration clearly shows, that no matter how many times one is brought back to a place of repentance, by focusing ones eyes on Christ- without help directly from him, there is absolutely no hope a believer can stay on course, and obey even the simplest of guidelines. To stay awake( Keep eyes focused), to keep watch( Watch out for temptations) and pray! (Supplication to God for His help)

Jesus' absence in the garden was to show the apostles that even though he was gone for three hours(representation of three days)he would return as he did when he kept waking the apostles up! But they missed that lesson altogether. They did not get to excersise their faith without having Jesus near, and they never experienced what it was like to be alone, watching and praying, staying alert while they awaited their master's return. These men missed the mark altogether. And this shows us how we still are not worthy even after all our knowledge and faith! We will forever always need help! Their slumber was another type of forshadowing showing us how sin seperates us from God, and the only one that can repair that seperation is the grace of Jesus Christ!

When Jesus was handed over, Peter grabbed the guard's sword, and cut off his( the guard's) ear. Had the apostles been standing by watching and praying while Jesus prayed on his own, they would have been prepared for the moment at hand and would not have resorted to such a inherent-physical (sinful in nature)response.

"The spirit is willing but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41 NIV

No one, not one is able to follow Jesus' teachings because of this inherent sinful nature. God's word directs believers into instruction and many times we fall into temptation and choose rest (or other distractions)over discipline. Many believe that the instruction and teaching is too hard to follow, and quite honestly it is- when one chooses to go it alone.

Jesus told his disciples that he would be back, but before that could happen, they had to be left on their own for a short time- could this be a time of testing of faith? Perhaps, but regardless the apostles were not abandoned! And neither are we- you!
Was Jesus trying to warn them through action before He was to go before the cross? I truly think so, and because of their example we are shown that we are NEVER left alone to our own devices IF we choose Jesus Christ as the focal point in our faith!


"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."
John 16:16 NIV

"Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Recieve the Holy Spirit." John 20:21-22 NIV

"But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all the things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 26 NIV

God's grace continues today and for every believer who looks upon the Cross of Christ with faith!
We are given the same comforter that was given to the disciples at penticost and we recieve Him the minute we confess with our mouths in faith that Jesus Christ is Lord!

"If you love me and obey what I command. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth." John 14:16-17 NIV

Suicide makes a very succesful attempt to isolate and seperate. Isolate an individual from their rightful inheritance, and seperate them from all aspects that would bring them back to their rightful place including ignoring and pushing down or blocking the workings of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is also called our restrainer. He helps us and teaches us right from wrong and guides us away from destructive behavior (including self -destructive) When a believer turns away from all sight of God, the Holy Spirit cannot follow if one is willing to listen to the teachings of the world and its ways because God will never go against someone's free will.

While in the garden waiting, the disciples chose to fall asleep. Jesus never forced his instruction on them with anger or fear by drastic concequence. His grace was served to them three times, and would have been more, had there been time to linger. The Holy Spirit acts the same, patiently waiting until we come to the understanding, willingness and acceptance of taking our place in God's kingdom. Never is one forced, coherced, demeaned or schemed into doing the will of God. To do so is against his very nature.

Suicide will convince the believer that God's patience is infact ignorance which causes the inner workings of the Holy Spirit to become stiffled, only weakening what little resolve remains.

"... God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth." 2 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV

There is so much more to say about the Holy Spirit, and all this can be found in God's word. He is a friend, a teacher, a councilor and a person in the God head we call the trinity. He is spirit that resides within us. He dwells as deep as the depths of our marrow. He is the giver of life as we know that he was present and responsible for the act of ressurecting Jesus. He never acts on his own accord but always does the will of the Father and is responsible for giving believers their spiritual giftings.

Having this living person in spirit reside within a believer ever more speaks out against the validity of suicide in thought or in deed. To do so would put out the spirit's fire and put an end to the Holy Spirit's work God has entrusted him to do.
"Do not put out the spirit's fire, do not treat prophecies with contmept." 1 Thessalonians 5:21

The Holy Spirit is a witness to Jesus' work on the Cross and a witness to our living God, denying the Holy Spirit the right you gave him when you became a believer denies you of your rightful place in God's family. He loves you just as the Father loves you. He comes to you not with judgement but with grace that Jesus freely gave.

"But you will recieve power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;" Acts 1:8 NIV


"But when he, the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you wat is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." John 16:13-15 NIV

More references on the Holy Spirit:

Genesis 1:1-2
Genesis 1:26-27
Isaiah 40:31

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Samuel 23:1-13

Joel 2:28-32

Matthew 28:18-20

Mark 1:8

Luke 1:26-38
Luke 3:16
Luke 3:22
Luke 24:49

John 2-2:7
John 3:8
John 3:6-8
John 4:23-24
John 14:15-31
John 14:17
John 16:5-16


Acts 1:4-111
Acts 1:8
Acts 1:81
Acts 1:1-91
Acts 2:1-12

Acts 2:1-41
Acts 15:1-31


Romans 8:2
Romans 8:9

Galatians 5:16-26

Corinthians 3:16
Corinthians 4:18
Corinthians 12:1-11

Ephesians 1:11-14
Ephesians 3:14-19
Ephesians 4:11-16
Ephesians 5:15-21

Peter 1:3-9




Oct 2, 2009

Suicide and the Bible: Jesus Christ: part one

There are many deep spiritual aspects to suicide, but the one common denominator among believers and non, is that there is a lack of hope.

This commentary is to help restore that hope, for believer’s it can come by none other than Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

There is a calling on every Christian to return to our first love and with suicide the shame, and self-loathing is contrary to this understanding and therefore is not of God. It was never His intention that suicide be even a thought or consideration in a believer’s life.

Although one can justify many valid reasons for suicide in their minds, it cannot stand against the workings of Christ and the Cross. The bloodshed on the cross acts as a witness to the testimony of God’s love, suicide only has death as a witness and is a testimony towards Satan’s hate that he has against the Cross and Jesus Christ Himself.

Many will still argue that suicide is a right through extenuating circumstances, but in actuality, every single believer who dies at their own hand, through the urging of Satan, condemns Christ to the Cross continuously. There is no martyrdom in suicide. There is no salvation, no peace, and certainly no justice, only destruction.

The enemy tempts every believer with their right to defy God and His law,(freedom of choice) which comes by the Cross. He tries diligently to make the Cross-a stumbling block so most will never see how easy it really is to be walking in God’s ways and how comfortable living in a believer’s freedom really is!

Jesus was sent by God to be born of flesh and lived under what is called the Mosaic Law.
(The Law handed down to Israel through Moses from God)

He never failed in at fulfilling the law ( As he was tempted, but was without sin) everyone who trusts the Lord Jesus who was the perfect substitute receives acceptance that is an adoption of all the blessings or benefits that Jesus purchased for us, which happened only by means of the Cross.

One of the most important of such benefits is what is known as redemption. Redemption, Deliverance from sin and evil- comes when we look upon Jesus Christ with faith and belief in the act that he did on the cross for our benefit. God who once looked upon us as law breakers, such as in the way of the Mosaic Law, we who have received adoption by this way of redemption, are now law abiding citizens in the kingdom and family of God!

Many people have said “I am not worthy” and while that is true, while we were once sinners, and although we still are, we are considered worthy, adopted as heirs to the throne of God.

“There is no one righteous, not even one;” Romans 3:10

“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:22-24 NIV

This is where believers can take heart! Suicide is contrary to this teaching as with any negative emotion -as it causes one to look away from the Cross-and away from what a believer is automatically entitled to through faith!

This teaching, although the foundation of our faith, is not made complete the moment we begin to believe. Many of us slide by in life resting on the foundation of what we were taught- neglecting, and some of us not even knowing, that we are not allowed to get by on the laurels of such foundational teaching. We are called to put our faith into action and delve deeper into the meaning of the cross, which enables us to have a relationship with the very God who sent Jesus Christ on our behalf!

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the spirit.” Romans 8:1-4 NIV


The wrath of God was satisfied through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through the cross, sin was atoned for and Satan was defeated. However, through the thoughts and actions of suicide, Satan preys on one’s weakness and ignorance of not standing firm in their faith in the act of Jesus Christ because He knows what little one knows.

While John 3:16 is the foundation stone to every believer’s faith, there is still much to be learned about Jesus Christ and the very act that makes us free. It is the only way to beat Satan’s destructive ways such as suicide or depression, and that is to become equipped and well armed with the knowledge that God entrusted us to live by through His Holy word.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

Oct 1, 2009

Suicide and the bible: Jesus Christ: Part two

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:17-18 NIV


“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

The above passage speaks towards Jesus' character and when we begin to step out in our faith towards Christ Jesus, we begin to have a relationship with him and this is where the deepening begins.

Jesus' words mention all, not one, and not one select kind of person. Romans 3:22 makes mention that there is no difference. Where believers are concerned in God’s eyes, He loves us all equally and that is proven through one man and one cross.

The Yoke is used as an illustration because when two oxen are yoked together, they must be evenly yoked in stature, strength and brute force. They work together in unison and take on the load equally. There is one exception however, one always takes the first step and this causes the one to carry the load ever so slightly a bit heavier than the other, it isn’t that its will is stronger, or that it is more headstrong, it follows according to what its master dictates. The character of the two oxen is similar and this enables them to work together according to their master’s will.

The Lord’s yoke is somewhat the same, in the fact that when we understand His character we know that He is humble and kind and will never go against the Father’s direction. He does not work on His own accord and deals with us with patience and understanding, taking the burden of our yoke as well as his. When we use this analogy with eyes remained focused on the Cross- we come to know and trust that our faith is becoming strengthened through a relationship with Him. (This speaks about times of trial and testing, heartache and pain- all burdens can be given unto Him)

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and loose heart.” Hebrews 12:3 NIV

“But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 NIV


Jesus Christ is our hope.



“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19 NIV

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

If suicide was an allowable offence or act, Jesus Christ Himself would never have entered the world as He did, and never would have allowed Himself to be persecuted as He did!

Scripture states that if Jesus had to die for just one person (Let's give that person a name, YOU) He still would have endured all the torment because saving you from sin IS WORTH EVERYTHING TO HIM! ( EVERYTHING BEING HIS VERY LIFE!)

What a wonderful friend we have in Jesus! We are allowed to call Him friend, although there are many many passages in scripture that we can continue this commentary on, there are other aspects to our faith that need mentioning.

This however is a good start to work off of and I encourage you to lean on these scriptures to help renew, restore your faith and help solidify who you rightfully are and can claim to be!

We all have to work out our own salvation and with that said, I encourage you to read the Holy Scriptures to discover even more truths and revelations about Jesus Christ.

Suicide does not own you, you were bought with a price and it is freely given. You have been called and set apart for a purpose and let these words from God's word settle upon your heart and study them, meditate on them, commit them to memory and draw upon them when you feel the thoughts of suicide try to take away your rightful place at God's side.

You are loved, and cherished and I encourage you if you want to talk further, or need someone to talk with please email me or find someone who is a person of faith in Jesus Christ at your local church, a friend, or family member.

FURTHER READING AND STUDY ON JESUS:

The New Testament

Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts

Romans- God's wrath, God's righteous judgement,God's faithfulness, no one righteous, righteousness through faith, Justified by faith,peace and joy, life through Christ, Alive in Christ, struggling with sin,Life through the Spirit, Future Glory, ingrafted branches,love,weak and the strong

1Corinthians- Christ the wisdom and power of God, Apostles of Christ,The believer's freedom,the Lord's supper, The resurrection of Christ, The resurection Body, the collection of God's people.

2 Corinthians- The God of all comfort,Forgiveness of the sinner, the Glory of the new covenant, The ministry of Reconciliation

Galatians- Faith, law and the promise, Sons of God,Freedom in Christ, life by the Spirit, New creation

Ephesians- Blessings in Christ, Made alive in Christ, One in Christ,Unity in the body of Christ, Children of light, Armor of God

Phillippians - Christ's Humility

Colossians- The supremacy of Christ,freedom...through life with Christ

1 Thessalonians-The coming of the Lord

2 Thessalonians- Stand firm

Hebrews- Jesus made like His brothers, Jesus greater than Moses, Jesus the Great high priest, The certainty of God's promise, Jesus like Melchizedek,The high priest...covenant, The blood of Christ,Christ's sacrafice, By faith, God disciplines his sons

1Peter- Praise to God for a living Hope,Be Holy,The living Stone,Living for God,suffering2 Peter- The day of the Lord

1 John-walking in the light, Children of God, God's love, Faith in the Son of God

"My command is this: Love eachother as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (Refers to Jesus Himself- as these are His words) You are my friends if you do what I comand. I no longer call you servants because a swervant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

John 15:12-15 NIV

Sep 30, 2009

Suicide and the bible

Many people have asked the long debated question,


is suicide biblical?

The truth? Yes. Meaning that it is in the bible, but suicide that is mentioned in God's living word isn't so easily discerned for those who do not follow, and even still, a challenge for those who do.

Suicide can be debated, and has been infact, found to be morally and ethically wrong. While others still try to probe the bible trying to find truth and validity to such claims and come up empty handed, stating that it is a matter of personal choice and standards.

While on some level that may be true, such as according to a non believer's stand point, believer's can take heart that the bible is quite clear on the matter. And if one is willing to go digging and delve deeper into God's word, they will find answers that are conclusive but are beyond the scope of just skimming the pages for the mere mention of the word.

Simply put, by biblical standards suicide is wrong and holds no controversy both morally and ethically, but the proof that is needed to put this subject to the test (and at rest) isn't easily answered because

Christianity itself is often misunderstood.

Aug 24, 2009

Things you should know: Medicinal side effects

Seeking out medical attention is often a last resort for the person struggling with suicide. It is important that when doing so, one informs themselves as much as they can about the side effects of any medicines prescribed to them.

Medicines should be used with caution. It is important to enter into any doctor appointment with knowledge to make an informed decision about how to aid in your health and see to it that your needs are being met properly.

It is always assumed that the doctor knows best, but the truth of the matter is, they don't always know and they can't know if one doesn't speak up and out towards one's own healing. Taking responsibility plays a key role and one of the ways to find success in combating suicide is knowing what questions to ask.

Here is a list of medications that are usually prescribed for suicide/depression along with their adverse effects.

* This in not intended to disuade anyone from taking medicines that could prove to be beneficial. This is provided as a guideline to help one be aware of changes that can hinder one's healing. If symptoms appear, or persist after a period of time, the doctor should be consulted.

Tricyclic antidepressants: An antidepressant drug that acts by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin and thus making more of those substances available to act on receptors in the brain.

Generic Name /Trade Name:

Amitriptyline ------Elavil
Amoxepine ------Asendin
Clomipramine ------Anafranil
Desipramine ------Norpramin
Dioxepin ------Sinequan
Imipramine -----Tofranil
Maprotiline ------Ludiomil
Nortripyline ------Aventyl
Trimipramine ------Surmontil

*Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI's)
Fluexetine --------Prozac
Fluvoxamine -----Luvox
Paroxetine --------Paxil
Sertraline ---------Zoloft
Vanlafaxine -------Effexor
Nefazodene --------Serzone

More about SSRI's:
http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/antidepressants/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris/menu-id-68/

*Brand name: ZOLOFT *

Zoloft effects chemicals in the brain that become imbalanced and can cause many syptoms including obsessive-compulsive symptoms- which it is sometimes used to treat.

Studies strongly support that this drug potentially increases suicidal tendencies in children and adults when prescribed to treat depression.

An FDA facts sheet should be issued to all patients who have been prescribed this drug.

Side effects:

Suicidal thoughts/attempts
mania/hypomania
panic attacks/severe restlessness
agitation/hostility/irritability
impulsive behaviour

IMPORTANT NOTE: This drug has been reported to have painful withdrawl symptoms which include:

Jolting "zaps"
Dizziness
motor instability
extreme nausea
high fever
abdominal discomfort
flu like symptoms
anxiety
aggression
insomnia
nightmares
aggression
tremors
siezures
confusion

*This medication should not be taken during pregnancy. Birth defects and serious side effects have occured.

For more information please see the following link:

http://injury-law.freeadvice.com/drug-toxic_chemicals/zoloft-side-effects.htm

Strict rules for taking Zoloft
: http://www.drugs.com/zoloft.html

*Brand name: Prozac *

Side effects:

nausea
digestive problems
fatique
sexual side effects/loss of libido
mania
insomnia

Withdrawl symptoms include headaches

*Brand name: Oxycotin*


Side effects:
Constipation
dizzyness
drowsiness
sleeplessness
nausea
weakness
headache

Highly addictive For further reading on side effects:
http://www.oxycodone-addiction.com/oxycodonesideeffects.html

FURTHER READING ON MEDICATION ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDES:

http://www.naturalnews.com/024289_drugs_medication_suicide.html

ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* If you decide that medication use is right for you, please inform a loved one, and provide them with a list of side effects so that they can be watchful of any changes in your emotional and mental health.

If you are able, have someone keep your medicines in a safe place, and perhaps take them with a witness, this is for your safety especially if you have attempted suicide before.

Aug 23, 2009

Is Suicide Painless?

The above question may seem to have an obvious answer, but in all reality, and honesty, contrary to what one may want to believe, suicide is definietly not painless.

It perhaps is one of the most painful things one may have to endure in their lifetime. From its inception to final breath, there is nothing dignified, comforting, peaceful or serene about suicide for the individual or those who are left behind to endure the aftermath.

Those who are contemplating suicide, or who are knee deep in the very act itself, will understand that there is suffering and excruciating pain that can be likened to the most inhumane of poisonings and tortures. It is not something that is looked forward to, and most would tell you that they wish they could have stopped before they started. The physical pain is more unforgiving than any emotional tear upon the human heart.

The ones left behind have not just mere struggles, but a life time of unyielding patterns of guilt, fear, doubt, anger, torment and anxiety that seem to worm their way into the physical body that not only tears, but penetrates deep within that asks the question if they should be better off suiciding as well.


Anyone that tells you that the suicide ended peacefully is only stating the obvious; peace is achieved at death, not before.

Overdose is often a mislabeled term
in the case of suicide. By definition it simply means to take an excess amout of drugs without intention. Poisoning however, is the intent to take drugs, poison in excess or any dose that is lethal for the sole purpose of killing.

Ask any doctor about ingesting poison and they will be the first to tell you that it is excruciatingly painful and does harm to most vital organs. And where death is the only and final outcome, it is never painless, one dies a slow, horrible, undignified death.

Aug 19, 2009

ABOUT THIS SITE:

"Suicide is Painless" are words that I will never accept, nor grow to like. I prefer to hear the theme song to M*A*S*H without the lyrics, and if at all possible, forgo the entry music altogether.

Watching this tv show with my cousin, Kevin is one of the last memories I have of him, and what makes it all the more defining, is the way he happily sung the lyrics as if they were stuck in his head in replay.

I do not remember much of the day except that upon learning of his death, the song immediately came to mind, as his suicide did not come long after. At the tender age of 13, with niavity wrapped around my waist as a belt, I searched for something or someone to blame.

For me, at that age, I hardly knew what suicide was, and hearing the lyrics to this song convinced me that perhaps it had convinced him, or at least made a better argument for death than life had tried so hard to prove against it.

It has been over 20 years and still this song effects me. I have not boycotted the show, as I can honestly say I am a fan. I will give credit where credit is due, but couldn't they have chosen a different song?

I get it. I do. The song is fitting to the tragedy this show represents, and it is ironic for me on so many levels. The medical team of the 4077th were doctors and every day people with every day problems, who saw tragedy in thier "lives" and yet found the strength to continue to help and find hope and life in tragedy and war around them. They provided care and attention to those in physical and mental pain, and yet the theme song could not provide that for my cousin... or did it? It's a question I no longer can dwell on.

I have dedicated the better portion of my life now to suicide outreach. It is because of that song that caused me to search out the meaning of the words. I suppose it means different things to different people, but somewhere it provided comfort if only to some.

To my cousin Kevin, this site is dedicated to help give back his voice and the many voices that suicide has claimed and continues to claim.

Suicide is not painless, and although it takes on many changes... one cannot take or leave it ( if one pleases). One is either -or ;not in between. The decision to live is possibly more difficult than the one made to suicide.

Suicide isolates and seperates, and in this world, that is not considered living. It is easy to be alone, but it is harder to be lonely among a body of one's peers. It is easy to be driven into seclusion, but it is a most difficult challenge to find solitude in a dance hall and be at peace when the world wants to go to war. For some the battle hits home, and instead of hanging out in the back yard... the war knocks at your door step... this site is for you.