You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us. 2 Corinthians 2:17
I met Dr. Michelle Bengtson on July 22, 2015. We were online prayer partners having met in an online writers group and I volunteered to pray for her and we became special friends. She drove from Texas to Oklahoma to meet me and we had a weekend together. When I flew back to California, I had a layover in Dallas and she arranged to meet me and we had dinner in Dallas. Then we were able to go to a mental health conference in Orange California. She is one of the most sincere persons you will ever meet. Additionally, we went to a retreat and She Speaks together. Our friendship formed with God’s blessing and is one of my most treasured blessings.
Beloved, number twenty-four characteristic of a born-again believer is one is sincere. Sincere is described as free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings. Synonyms are heartfelt, wholehearted, profound, and deep. What Michelle’s most sincere about is her love of God. God had asked her to write her story about dealing with severe debilitating postpartum depression. That is what we were praying for her first book Hope Prevails: Insights of a Doctor’s Personal Journey through Depression. We prayed for every aspect of this book every word, even the book cover. This book was released in August of 2016. This book is an in-depth look at depression, how to cope with depression, and ways to overcome depression. A great resource for anyone suffering with depression or for anyone looking to help someone with depression.
Dr. Michelle Bengtson was then asked to write a Bible study. This is what we are celebrating it is available as of today. The Hope Prevails Bible Study to me, however, is an action plan of using God’s word to heal wounds. For example, I was faced with a decision of whether to retire and I was quite fearfully and as I prayerfully did this Bible study, I receive my answers to my questions and my fears were alleviated and I am now retired. The bible study gives you many verses to apply to different situations whether it is fear or anxiety. Chapter 8 continues to be my favorite it is on knowing who you are in Christ. Some of the quotes that really helped me are, “You are not your depression” “We are accepted by the only one whose opinions who counts.” “Depression does not have to be a permanent part of your life!”
Beloved, number twenty-four characteristic of a born-again believer is one is sincere.
Father God, I know of no one more sincere than Dr. Michelle. I ask that you bless her book and her life. You know the challenges that she has to face. Lord, we ask that your will be done in regards to this book and the sale of it. More importantly, I ask for the woman that is depressed that you protect her, that she be able to get a copy of this Bible study and apply the wisdom that is within this book. In Jesus name. Amen
What do you need to be more sincere? Leave a comment and 2 copies will be given away.
Please support Michelle by purchasing the bible study.
This post is part of a 31 day series on the Characteristics of a Believer. I am so glad that you are here. To read all of the posts in this series, click here.
