The Struggle On a recent backpacking trip with my two oldest boys, our hike was challenging, with a steep ascent for the first six miles. As we climbed the initial 4,000 ft, my boys began to exclaim how great it would be to have a teleport machine that could take them to the end quickly,ContinueContinue reading “Backpacking To Zion”
Tag Archives: hope
On Fear: Gaining Victory Over Sinful Fear
Fear is a weapon. It is being used to motivate and manipulate people. In the age we live in with mass media and all types of fast means of conveying information, fear seems to be most effective in getting groups of people to do what another group wants. Over the last few years in theContinueContinue reading “On Fear: Gaining Victory Over Sinful Fear”
Rowing or Sailing in Ministry?
The personal ministry of the Word is sometimes a neglected element in church revitalization. There are so many other things that demand our time. I was convinced of Biblical Counseling before arriving at my current church, but experience confirmed to me the desperate need for biblical counseling in dying churches. Biblical counseling can often be the sail that catches the wind, it should not control the direction of the church, but it can move the church in a healthy direction. Not only that but it will also take some of the pressure off of you in the long run. Why should you as a leader in a local church counsel biblically? I can think of at least five reasons.
Is Scripture sufficient for Counseling? With one objection answered.
The sufficiency of Scripture means that Scripture contained all the words of God he intended his people to have at each stage of redemptive-history, and that it now contains everything we need God to tell us for salvation, for trusting him perfectly, and for obeying him perfectly. (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
Don’t Waste Your Trauma! (Part 5)
A great comfort to me when I consider affliction and hardships is how God uses all things for good.
Don’t Waste Your Trauma! (Part 4)
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, God works both good things and bad things for the good of His people. Let us look at Romans 8. “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestinedContinueContinue reading “Don’t Waste Your Trauma! (Part 4)”
Don’t Waste Your Trauma (Pt 3)
Trauma is difficult to define. For one thing trauma and it’s effects can be very subjective. Trauma is defined by Merriam-Webster as “A very difficult or unpleasant experience that causes someone to have mental or emotional problems.” Honestly, that could mean anything and is in many ways completely subjective. So what do we do with trauma?
Don’t Waste Your Trauma!
A month ago I was digging in my tool box and my finger ran across a moderately dull blade. I felt it grind against my skin and into my finger. I immediately yanked my hand back and put pressure on it, cleaned it and bandaged it. However, it was a pretty deep cut and eventually scarred my finger. The other day I was reading to my children and I felt the same sensation of the blade running across my hand, it was as if I was back in the garage digging through the tool box. Even though my hand is healed my mind remembers the experience.
A Vaccine and Conscience
“I always strive to have a clear conscience toward God and men.” Paul (Acts 24:16) How do you determine right and wrong? If you are a Christian where do you go if the Bible isn’t clear on a decision? Are we left with just our reason? What about Vaccinations and Covid-19 what do we do?ContinueContinue reading “A Vaccine and Conscience”
The Fall of Afghanistan and Trusting God
Anger, frustration, disappointment. These emotions pour out of me as I watch the news about Afghanistan this week. I remember when we pulled out of Iraq and watched ISIS develop in the leadership vacuum. The heartbreak that I feel alongside other veterans was only matched by the fear and devastation that the people living inContinueContinue reading “The Fall of Afghanistan and Trusting God”