Biblical Counseling and Discouragement
|
|
- Shona Lloyd
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Biblical Counseling and Discouragement BCC Partner Ministry Resource July 2016
2 About This Resource BCC Staff Note: The materials contained in this document have been posted at the Biblical Counseling Coalition s Grace & Truth blog site. Each one, in various ways, relates to the theme of discouragement from living in a fallen world. You will find strength and hope for the counselor as well as for the counselee. We describe the BCC s Grace & Truth blog as Voices from the Biblical Counseling Community. The modern biblical counseling movement spans a diverse spectrum of people and organizations committed to a view of people helping summarized by the Biblical Counseling Coalition s Confessional Statement. It is with this diversity in mind that we have collated these resources into one document exclusively for our BCC Partners. Usage/Quoting/Permission We encourage you to make use of this document. We would ask that whenever quoting from this document, you state: The following materials are used with permission of the Biblical Counseling Coalition and are taken from their collated BCC Partner E-Source Connection Resource, April If you use the embedded links and then quote directly from the original post, please include the following: The following materials are used with permission of the Biblical Counseling Coalition and are taken from (add the title of the blog post, the author, and the URL). Table of Contents Dear Counselor: Don t Grow Weary by Deepak Reju Where s God? Counsel for the Sick and Dying by Adam Embry Pastor, Why Should I Keep Trusting God? by Sam Hodges There Still are Reasons for Hope by Jeffery Forrey
3 Dear Counselor: Don t Grow Weary By Deepak Reju You re a counselor and you ve got a lot of difficult situations to handle. Life is not easy. Most of the time, your counseling load can be a lot to deal with bad marriages, eating disorders, guys trapped in pornography, workaholics, women abused by their fathers, and the list goes on and on. Like anyone else, you can be discouraged because change can be slow. Sometimes, really slow. Sometimes, impossibly slow. Like anyone else, you can be prone to discouragement. Is God really working? Am I doing anyone any good? Maybe I just shouldn t be doing this if no one gets better! Where is God in all of this? Being a counselor is like standing in a mud swamp, with other people s muck up to your ankles (maybe even your knees!). You live in the world of other people s burdens, and that can be really hard to endure day-to-day. Hopelessness is a deadly weapon of the evil one. No one neither counselor nor counselee can survive without hope. Hope deferred makes the heart sick (Prov. 13:12). God knows that you need daily doses of hope. As a counselor, you ve got a high tolerance for spiritual and emotional messiness, but no counselor can survive without hope. For those of you who are growing tired and weary, remember the words of the apostle Paul: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Gal. 6:9-10). You would do well to recall those times God gives you a situation which changes right before your eyes. You re reminded that God s truth really can change lives. You re encouraged to see someone s life revitalized and their hope restored. You re thrilled to be used as an instrument of God s grace. It reminds you why you became a biblical counselor in the first place to help people see and know the love of Christ.
4 Where s God? Counsel for the Sick and Dying By Adam Embry You step off the elevator as nurses pushing beds and doctors reading clipboards whiz by. Then you find the room around the corner, quietly greet the nurse as she exits, and see your church member in her hospital bed staring out the window into the grey skies. Where s God? I m glad you re here, pastor, she tells you, but where s God? What counsel will you offer in response? You only have several precious moments to give an answer, so you look for the chair in the corner and push it near the bed. She turns to look at you with tears in her eyes. Why me? she asks. It shouldn t end this way. Will God heal me? she pleads. The seconds are passing by as she waits for your response. What hope will you offer? I believe Psalm 103 provides several truths that remind the sick and the dying that God has not forgotten them. There is hope for sick and dying Christians. God will be good to them (verses 1-5). God will remember them (verses 6-14), because He never waivers in his covenant promises to them (verses 15-19). God will be praised through them (verses 20-22). God Will Be Good to You You hear plenty about health-care challenges these days from government legislation to health care provider changes since they are regularly in the news. However, having God s benefits in view is what controls the psalmist's heart. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, David tells himself (verse 2). The benefit of healing is on David s mind. Bless the Lord... who heals all your diseases (verse 3). God heals us. Though we get sick, God is still good. In David s mind the focus isn t on the theological relationship between sin and sickness (that is, the impact of original sin), but on God who satisfies with goodness those who have sinned and those who are sick (verse 5). This is exactly what sick and dying believers need to hear: God is good and brings healing. God has promised to heal and restore their frail bodies whether healing comes in this life or the next. Healing may be temporary now in this life, but it will be permanent in the next.
5 That s hope that endures. Remind your sheep that we have a greater hope of receiving imperishable bodies no matter what happens now (1 Corinthians 15:54). One day we will live in a new, whole, pain-free body. God will heal them. God will be good to them. God Will Remember You Sick and dying believers can have moments of doubt, wondering where God is in the midst of their suffering. Their thoughts turn toward Him. Yet they wonder if His thoughts are turned toward them. Good pastoral counseling will assure sick and dying believers that God does have them in His thoughts. For he knows our frame, he remembers that we are dust (verse 14). How else does God act toward us? He always does what is right (verse 6). He is the covenant Lord who has promised to be merciful and gracious (verse 8). In between verses 6 and 8 is a statement about God's loving actions to His people in history. God has bound Himself to His people covenantally, so He surely will remember them. He is no longer angry toward His people (verses 9, 10, 12). His covenant love is always directed toward them (verse 11). He acts as a loving, compassionate Father toward His children (verse 13). These are beautiful realities that God exhibits toward all believers, even the sick who know all too well that they really are frail as dust (verse 14). Helpful biblical counseling communicates that God always remembers His people. He knows what they re going through and does not forget about them. He always has loving thoughts toward them. God Will Never Change The contrast between the fact that we re finite, weak creatures and the fact that we have an infinite, powerful God is never more apparent than when we re sick or on the brink of death. Life is changing fast for the person in the hospital bed. Nurses and doctors change every shift. Day changes into night and night into day, blurring the sick person s daily schedule and routine. One day life was well and ordered; the next day life was dark with sickness and chaos. The psalmist knows how great the contrast is between our human frailty and God s greatness, so he turns to this contrast in verses This contrast, however, doesn t bring despair. It brings him comfort. In light of eternity, we last as long as a blade of grass or a flower, growing upward and green most the year, only to fade under the frightfulness of winter (verses 15-16). Yet God lasts forever and never changes (verse 17). His loving, covenant faithfulness never ends toward those who love and obey Him (verse 18). His kingdom endures forever (verse 19). God s eternal nature and existence is a source of comfort for sick and suffering believers. God Will Be Praised through You
6 The final part of Psalm 103 ends with praise to God (verses 20-22). All of His creation angels, servants, and creation itself will praise Him. God s benefits bring about praise. The fact that He knows and remembers us is a cause for praise. His unchanging nature is a reason for praise. The sick and dying often need such a reorientation to the psalmist s God-centered perspective; they need to believe once again that God is working all things according to His will, a will that is motivated by grace and love for us (Ephesians 1:5-6). Psalm 103 helps us reorient sick and dying saints toward the God who is present. It helps us provide wise and tender pastoral counsel.
7 Pastor, Why Should I Keep Trusting God? by Sam Hodges God is like an elevator; He lets people down at least that s what many people I ve met would say. As I ve created curricula to help suffering people, I ve interviewed a number of people who ve lost loved ones, people who have been betrayed by lovers, people who have been misunderstood, misrepresented, and mistreated in dozens of ways. And I ve noticed that quite a few of them have felt let down by the promises of Scripture. Take Amy, whose father passed away. She told me: I felt like God had betrayed me. Everything I had believed up to that point about God and what He could do and how powerful He was, I felt like was a lie. So I became angry, and I didn t want to be in a relationship with God if He was not going to live up to the promises that I felt He had made to me. How do we keep people from getting to the point that they feel like their faith has failed them or those who are angry with God? Here are four suggestions. 1. Give Nuanced Descriptions of the Christian Experience When we talk about the nature and benefits of faith, peace, hope, joy, etc., don t give the impression that there is a level of Christian living in which people are no longer affected by sin and suffering. Give people a picture of what it looks like to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit in a fallen world, particularly in the midst of suffering. Dr. Edward Welch gives such a description of faith: It s a myth for us to say that faith simply is happiness, that faith is somehow a lighthearted confidence in God. Faith, true faith, is expressed in the shadows, in this valley of the shadow of death when we can t see our God clearly and we say, Lord, I trust You, but help me to trust You because the loss still feels like it s going to overwhelm me. 1 Notice how Dr. Welch s description of faith allows people to see that feeling overwhelmed doesn t mean that faith isn t present. 2. Remind People Where We Are in Redemptive History Helping people remember where we stand in redemptive history is another way to keep them from having unrealistic expectations about the Christian experience. Dr. Robert Jones puts it this way: Do we mean that if we read, believe, and do all that the Bible says, then all our personal
8 problems and relationship problems in this life will be fixed? No. Those who have been traumatized in their childhood might continue to struggle with some level of fear throughout their adult years. Those who have been sexually active in sinful ways might continue to struggle with measures of lust. Those who are inclined toward depression might continue to battle various degrees of depression. Only the second coming of Christ and the work of the triune God in His final stages of redemption will fix all our human problems. 2 Not only is it important for those who suffer to understand Dr. Jones s point, lay leaders in the church need to know it too. It s painful to be cared for by someone who thinks your anguish or struggle is purely a result of spiritual immaturity. And if your leaders think that bliss is possible in this life, even if they don t verbalize it, they ll wonder why those they try to help don t get it or don t lean into the promises of God or don t have more faith. As a result they ll come off as patronizing and insensitive caregivers. 3. Help People See the Benefits of God s Sovereignty One of the chief questions people have in the midst of a tragedy is, If God is in control, how can He allow something like this to happen? Unable to answer that, some people have difficulty trusting God or they turn away from Him. But, as Dr. Stephen Viars points out, if a person has trouble trusting in the sovereign God revealed in Scripture, he needs to consider what he plans to place his trust in moving forward: During a time of grief we all have to decide what we re going to trust in. If we [decide] that God is not sovereign, where does that leave us? We could trust in circumstances. Or we could trust in our own ability to make things better. But that s a pretty weak philosophy when you take it out to the future. 3 Phil Sasser, senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Apex, NC, further explains why such a position is hopeless: If God were not all-powerful, there would be no guarantee that justice would ultimately prevail [or] that evil would ever be vanquished. There [would be] no reason to expect that death would ever go away, so if a person denies the sovereignty of God, first of all, it s not biblical, and second, he s saying evil might yet win. 4 Helping people think through these issues can help them trust God s plan for the future. While the doctrine of the sovereignty of God is challenging, it s ultimately a source of great hope. 4. Encourage Lament When people are in the midst of suffering, they quickly realize there are ways that they want to express themselves that don t look, sound, or feel like joy. That s why it s important to help people to understand that God encourages them to lament. Michael Card describes lament as a difficult conversation that we have with God when we are sorrowful, or when we are angry, or when we are confused. 5 There are three reasons we can encourage people to lament:
9 1. The Psalms are full of examples of lamenting. 2. Jesus lamented in the garden of Gethsemane. 3. Lamenting is an expression of faith. How is Lament an Expression of Faith? The first two points are easy to understand. But the last one? Dr. Stephen Viars explains: When I bring my questions and even my complaints to the Lord, that s not a bad thing. That s actually an expression of faith, because I m saying that I believe God has answers to life s insoluble problems. You don t complain to a person at the store who you think can t do anything about it. You say, I want to talk to the manager. Why is that? Because you re convinced the manager can solve the problem. In a lament, that s what we re saying: We want to talk to the manager. 6 The Benefits of Lamenting When we let people know that they have the freedom to lament and that it s normal to do so they won t feel as conflicted when they lament in respond to their confusion, doubts, and fears. Take Anne, whose brother John suddenly died from pneumonia and who initially struggled with thoughts and feelings that she felt were not befitting of a Christian. Anne wondered what people would think about her if they knew she was constantly sobbing, wrestling with what if questions, confusion, and anger, and questioning the Lord. Anne described her concern that was layered on top of her grief: I had a sense that I am a Christian; I have the joy of the Lord; He s always with me, and I have all of His promises. And wham, now I m hit with something that rocks my world. Do I still have the joy of the Lord? Are people going to see my struggle and think that my faith isn t really real? I finally came to the realization that this is where I am. God deals with reality. Anne recalled, Through this process of grief, I did learn that I could go to God with things that I was not proud of, things that I would have thought, I can never say that to God, with my anger, my disappointment, my confusion. Over time, Anne realized that she had no right to accuse God of wrong, and she repented of that. Guidelines for Lamenting Make sure people have good theology. There s a direct correlation between the benefits of one s lamenting and his or her view of God. Lamenting is an intense conversation with God. But if a person holds deficient views about who God is, those conversations aren t going to be helpful. We need to make sure people have a solid understanding of who God is. Encourage people to complain, not curse. This reminder comes from Dr. Bob
10 Kellemen, author of God s Healing for Life s Losses. For Dr. Kellemen, biblical complaint is synonymous with lament. Cursing is its evil twin. Here is a chart summarizing the distinctions he makes between the two: Lamenting is not pleasant, but living in a fallen world cannot always pleasant. We will be regularly reminded that this world is not our home. This is why lamenting, properly done, is an act of faith. We trust that God hears our pleas and that he will respond in accordance with his plan to renovate the world to be the home of righteousness forever.
11 There Still Are Reasons for Hope by Jeffery S. Forrey NOTE TO COUNSELORS: This worksheet is designed to help discouraged counselees rediscover the hope that is theirs in Christ (Eph. 1:12). You can work through these exercises in sessions together and/or use them as homework assignments. The overall goal is to help your counselees have their minds reoriented toward the promises of God--promises that secure the eternal blessings of God for them. PART 1: What is hope according to the Scriptures? Instructions: Below are three sets of passages. For each set of passages, do the following: (1) Read each passage in the set and write, in your own words, what each passage says about hope. There may be some repeated ideas. Be sure to look for what each passage says that is unique. (2) After each set, write a sentence or two that summarizes what the passages as a whole in each set are teaching about biblical hope. A. Set #1 (four passages) 1. Psalm 130:5: 2. Jeremiah 29:10, 11:
12 3. Lamentations 3:19-23, 25, 27-29, 31, 32: 4. Romans 4:18-21: Your summary sentence for set #1:
13 B. Set #2 (two passages) 1. Romans 8:18, 19, 23-25: 2. 1 John 3:2, 3:
14 Your summary sentence for set #2: C. Set #3 (three passages) 1. Romans 5:3-5: 2. 2 Corinthians 4:1, 2, 16-18:
15 3. 1 Peter 1:3, 4, 6, 7: Your summary sentence for set #3: PART 2: What causes hopelessness? Instructions: Below are four possible causes of hopelessness. First, review the passages above and assign any that apply to each of these causes of hopelessness. Second, put a check mark in front of those that are part of your experience of hopelessness. A. People grow hopeless when they do not know God as He has revealed Himself in Scripture. Relevant passages from above:
16 B. People grow hopeless when they ignore or misunderstand God s promises. Relevant passages from above: C. People grow hopeless when they impose their timeframe on God s fulfillment of His promises. Relevant passages from above: D. People grow hopeless when they become more concerned about their present happiness/comfort than living for the glory of God. Relevant passages from above: PART 3: What prompts hope in God s people? Instructions: Below are four activities that can prompt hope in your heart. Put a check mark in front of those that you need help with. Then jot down one or two specific experiences in which the particular activity (or activities) probably would have been helpful. This will be a basis for
17 further discussion with a mentor. 1 A. Meditating on specific characteristics of God as revealed in Scripture and in people s lives. Experience(s) in which this would have been helpful: B. Remembering specific promises of God s promises that apply to you as His beloved child. Experience(s) in which this would have been helpful: 1 A mentor is a mature Christian who knows the Scriptures well and is committed to helping you grow in your relationship with the Lord.
18 C. Reflecting on God s eternal timeframe for His plan in your life. Experience(s) in which this would have been helpful: D. Choosing to live for God s glory alone as your purpose for existing. Experience(s) in which this would have been helpful:
Comfort for the Mourning
Comfort for the Mourning Charles F. Stanley - In Touch Ministries Seasons of prayer 01 BETWEEN DEATH & HOPE Jesus wept ( John 11:35). Never have two words held a more powerful truth: God knows the depths
More informationA Prayer-Full Life Praying Like the Psalmists: Praying Raw Psalms 126 and 39 Kevin Haah. February 21, Turn on Timer!
Turn on Timer! Good morning! [Slide 1] We are in the middle of a series on prayer entitled, A Prayer-FULL Life. [Slide 2] Today s sermon title is, Praying Like the Psalmists: Praying Raw. I know many of
More informationLesson Text. Psalm 103:1-17a, 21, 22 (NIV) Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2
Text 21, 22 (NIV) 1 Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
More informationPraise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
Don t Forget Psalm 103 October 27, 2013 Do you ever talk to yourself? I don t think I do but I do write myself a lot of notes! Well, Psalm 103 begins with David talking to himself: Praise the Lord, O my
More informationThe Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness
The Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness We ve come in our study of the fruit of the Spirit to the virtue of goodness. Studying goodness was interesting for me this past week. To be honest, I started to panic
More informationPrayers for the overwhelmed
P R A Y E R G U I D E Prayers for the overwhelmed Prayer Guide: Prayers for the Overwhelmed Copyright 2011, PrayerPower, Dallas, Texas prayer guide Prayers for the overwhelmed PrayerPower P.O. Box 801368,
More informationLIFE CHANGING PROMISES
A Bible study focused on God s amazing promises. Because of His glory and goodness, God has given us His very great and precious promises so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and
More informationWhy Have You Forsaken Me?
1 Why Have You Forsaken Me? I. INTRODUCTION A. Just before He dies, Jesus suddenly cries out to His Father: 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?
More informationEmotional Turmoil: Getting a Grip on God s Truth Women s Seminar Grace Bible Church March 22, 2013
Emotional Turmoil: Getting a Grip on God s Truth Women s Seminar Grace Bible Church March 22, 2013 Introduction: waves 1. Hebrews 6:13-19. The anchor is Jesus Christ and His gospel (1 Tim 1:1; Col. 1:5)
More informationii. The wrong conclusion that people draw based on this strong conviction about the sufficiency of Scripture is that counseling is not necessary if
Why Counseling? I. Story about David Dowdy a. Why are we teaching a class on Biblical Counseling? i. Because of stories like Dowdy s, and countless others ii. Stories of redemption iii. Stories of rescue
More informationHOPE CALL TO ME PURPOSE. Psalm 62:5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. NASB
HOPE Psalm 62:5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give
More informationCONNECTING WITH GOD THROUGH
CONNECTING WITH GOD THROUGH GROANING A SPIRITUAL TOOLBOX FOR TIMES OF GRIEF Page 3... Self-assessment Grid CONTENTS Highlight the statements that are true for you. Ask yourself, What s my usual way of
More informationLesson Text. Psalm 103:1-17a, 21, 22 (NIV) Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2
Text 21, 22 (NIV) 1 Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
More informationWebster s Dictionary defines disappointment as when expectations fail to be met producing anger, frustration, sadness, and discouragement
SPIRITUAL PART 3 JOURNEY TO WHOLENESS OPEN DOOR UNRESOLVED DISAPPOINTMENT Hope deferred also known as the second grief, refers to unresolved disappointment in our lives. Disappointment is guaranteed, if
More informationrules for the road anchored
anchored rules for the road 1 Be concise. Please share your thoughts and answers, but be considerate so that others will have time to share their answers also. Be charitable and kind. Be willing to share
More informationHow to Keep Biblical Sorrow from Slipping into Sinful Complaining Grace Fellowship Church, Pastor Brad Bigney
How to Keep Biblical Sorrow from Slipping into Sinful Complaining Grace Fellowship Church, Pastor Brad Bigney Approach What s the difference between sinful COMPLAINING and LAMENTING or expressing SORROW
More informationPrayer and God s Covenant Love Psalm 42 & 43
Prayer and God s Covenant Love Psalm 42 & 43 People respond in different ways when they re frustrated or disappointed with another person. Some people go directly to the other person in order to talk things
More information26QUENCHING SPIRITUAL THIRST
26QUENCHING SPIRITUAL THIRST Jeremiah 15:1-21 When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God Almighty. (Jeremiah 15:16, NIV) How can Scripture
More informationSorrow with a Purpose: Equipping You to Serve. Presented by Julie Ganschow, MABC, ACBC Certified Counselor
Sorrow with a Purpose: Equipping You to Serve Presented by Julie Ganschow, MABC, ACBC Certified Counselor I. The Bible Speaks A. The Origin of Suffering: Genesis 3 1. We are born to suffer sorrow because
More informationSAVING GRACE Good News About Grace Message 1
SAVING GRACE Good News About Grace Message 1 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Ps. 145:8 (NIV) WHAT IS GRACE? G All of us need to be made right with God by His grace,
More informationPsalm 103 page 1 of 7 M.K. Scanlan. Psalm 103
Psalm 103 page 1 of 7 Psalm 103 You ll notice that as we go through this Psalm, there aren t any requests or petitions - only praise for our Lord, only blessing to our God! V: 1 Bless the Lord 6X s in
More informationBuilding a great church through prayer
Building a great church through prayer Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. NKJV Two things characterized the church
More informationSermon Title: What Wine Are You Drinking? July 28, 2013 (Scripture is from the ESV)
Sermon Title: What Wine Are You Drinking? July 28, 2013 (Scripture is from the ESV) Introduction Hello everyone. My name is John-Michael Becker. My wife Sky and I are the healing and deliverance pastors
More informationWALKING TO EMMAUS ALONG WITH JESUS. The two men who were on their way to the town of Emmaus should
Luke 24:13-35 April 30, 2017 WALKING TO EMMAUS ALONG WITH JESUS The two men who were on their way to the town of Emmaus should have known it was Jesus walking beside them. After all, they were disciples
More informationDISCUSSION QUESTIONS
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Chapter 1 1. As you read the passages in Jeremiah this week, you saw the broken, wounded state of the people. Why were Jeremiah s people in this state? 2. What are some of the hurts
More informationSeeing God. Introduction. Exodus Justin Deeter August 16, 2015
Seeing God Exodus 33-34 Justin Deeter August 16, 2015 Introduction Isn t the aim of every religion to see God? Isn t that our greatest hope to see the face of God, to know him and to be known by him? Isn
More informationSoulCare Foundations I : The Basic Model
SoulCare Foundations I : The Basic Model Knowing What You're After and What It Takes to Get There CC201 LESSON 02 of 10 Larry J. Crabb, Ph.D. Founder and Director of NewWay Ministries in Silverthorne,
More informationChildlike Humility. Matthew 18:1-5. Series: Like a Child
Series: Like a Child Childlike Humility Matthew 18:1-5 This morning as we open God s Word, we are beginning a new sermon series that we will be focusing on for the next month. Father s Day is the perfect
More informationText for the Sermon: Psalm 34:8; 106:1-2; 119:68; Luke 18:18-19; Galatians 6:9-10
HOW GOOD IS GOD? Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church, Lynden, WA August 30, 2015, 10:30AM Text for the Sermon: Psalm 34:8; 106:1-2; 119:68; Luke 18:18-19; Galatians 6:9-10 Introduction.
More informationThe heart is the source of our desires. Psa37: 4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart
The heart is the source of our desires. Psa37: 4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart The heart reveals what we value. Jesus said, For where your treasure is there
More information1. UNDERSTAND GOD S CALL IS DEMANDING (11:18-19)
Text: Jeremiah 12:1-6 Title: Worn Out! Let s open our Bibles to Jeremiah 12. As you re turning let me quickly remind you what s happening in the book of Jeremiah. The Lord has a problem with His people.
More informationWhen Terrible Things Happen, How Do We Survive? What the Bible Says About Suffering, Part 2 Preached by Mike Pulsifer on Sunday, June 8, 2008
When Terrible Things Happen, How Do We Survive? What the Bible Says About Suffering, Part 2 Preached by Mike Pulsifer on Sunday, June 8, 2008 Among all of the Books of the Bible, the Book of Psalms is
More informationCBC College + GOSPEL: Kingdom Come. The Gospel in My Heart. Part 1. Week 3
CBC College + GOSPEL: Kingdom Come The Gospel in My Heart Part 1 Week 3 Weeks 1 and 2 of our journey together focused on the foundation and basics of gospel fluency. Without understanding unbelief itself,
More informationPAUL TRIPP MINISTRIES, INC.
PAUL TRIPP MINISTRIES, INC. Disappointment with the God of Grace October 21, 2007 Jonah 4:1-4 I surely do wish I couldn t relate to Jonah. I wish that we had nothing in common, but we do. You can turn
More informationGOD WITH US Part 5: Soul Songs Job Psalms. Message 5 Songs of Lament Psalm 13. Introduction
Introduction GOD WITH US Part 5: Soul Songs Job Psalms Message 5 Songs of Lament Psalm 13 It surprises many to learn that the largest category of Psalms are the Laments (also called Songs of Protest) in
More informationPrinted Text: Lamentations 3:25-33, Background Scripture: 2 Kings 25:1-7, 2, 5-7; Lamentations 3:25-58 Devotional Reading: Psalm 23
Sunday School Lesson Summary for August 5, 2007 Released on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 Jeremiah Urged Hope in God Printed Text: Lamentations 3:25-33, 55-58 Background Scripture: 2 Kings 25:1-7, 2, 5-7;
More informationPreaching Christ...by the power of the Holy Spirit...and the authority of the Word of God
Date: 20 January 2019 Services: 730, 930 Tewantin and Peregian (via video) Series: The Riches of Psalm 23 Passage: Psalm 23:5 Title: A table with enemies Outline 1. Why a table with enemies? 2. Who wants
More informationFoundations: The Second Blessing Matthew 5:4 (AFBC 9/16/18) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Foundations: The Second Blessing Matthew 5:4 (AFBC 9/16/18) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Welcome to week two of our Back to School series on the Beatitudes. As everybody gets
More informationHis Compassions Fail Not Lamentations 3:22-32, July 5, 2015 Trinity Sunday V
His Compassions Fail Not Lamentations 3:22-32, July 5, 2015 Trinity Sunday V Sermon Text, Lamentations 3:22-32 (KJV): It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail
More informationPsalm 123:1 - I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.
Text: Psalm 123 Title: The Quest for God Let s open our Bibles again to Psalm 123. At Thanksgiving we often remember the pilgrims who came to our continent to establish a new nation based upon the worship
More informationGoing Deeper: use the following questions for personal reflection and/or to discuss with family, friends, and small group.
Don t be Such a Hypocrite Part Two: Rejoicing in Trials? 1. James wrote to believers who were scattered, in exile. 2. The temptation in exile is to justify sin. 3. James wanted people to see that trials
More informationWEEK 6 LUST/CHASTITY
1 WEEK 6 LUST/CHASTITY Immorality or any impurity must not even be mentioned among you. Ephesians 5:3 LUST: An intense or unbridled desire (usually sexual in nature); an intense longing or craving; enthusiasm
More information"Helping Others Grow with Wise Words at the Right Time" The Peer Counseling Side of HG Leadership
1 "Helping Others Grow with Wise Words at the Right Time" The Peer Counseling Side of HG Leadership SGC Leadership Training Session 4 April 2018 INTRODUCTION One of the hardest parts of personal ministry
More informationBASIC CHRISTIAN TRUTHS CHAPTER 1 LET'S KNOW FOR SURE
LET'S KNOW FOR SURE Many people who have invited Christ into their lives do not know for sure that they have eternal life. They attend church, are members of a Sunday School class, have been baptized,
More informationGrace Bible Church of Auburn, Ca.
How Would Paul Thank God for Us? Col 1:3-8 (Part 3) I. How Would Paul Thank God for Us? A. Today Finish Paul s Thankfulness for the Colossians B. He s following a typical pattern for opening his letters
More informationSpiritual Pathfinder
Spiritual Pathfinder WHEN YOU ARE WEAK AND NEED STRENGTH Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NRSV He gives power to those who are
More informationBreaking Free From the Past #2 Clearing the Clutter of the Past Pastor/Teacher, Ken Birks
I. Introductory Remarks. Breaking Free From the Past #2 Clearing the Clutter of the Past In this series of messages we are looking at how we can personally break free from the bondages of the past. In
More informationidentity : : The identity we are all chasing has already been given to us by God.
identity : : 1 The identity we are all chasing has already been given to us by God. 25 00-001_ChaseStudyGuide.indd 25 5/25/12 4:10 PM What Is Identity? Identity is found in the distinct characteristics
More informationBible Memorization Plan 2018
Bible Memorization Plan 2018 Week Main Ref Main Verse Psalm Ref Psalm Verse 1/1 Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man, who walks not in the counsel
More informationHope in times of despair
Hope in times of despair Psalm 5 Rev. Emily Carpenter Sermon audio and text available at www.waitaraanglican.com.au 1. Times of trouble I came across these photos on facebook. The heading for the photos
More informationBIBLE RADIO PRODUCTIONS
BIBLE RADIO PRODUCTIONS www.bibleradio.org.au BIBLE ADVENTURES SCRIPT: A1932 ~ Job Tried and True. Welcome to Bible Adventures. Help for today. Hope for tomorrow. Jesus is Lord of all. The Bible book of
More informationINDIVIDUAL OR SMALL-GROUP STUDY GUIDE
INDIVIDUAL OR SMALL-GROUP STUDY GUIDE The following questions are designed to further your journey of healing through the study of God s Word. The guide follows the structure of the book, taking you deeper
More informationWhat does it mean to redeem someone? To redeem someone means to pay a ransom price to set them free.
1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV) For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with
More informationContents Page. Preface
Preface Contents Page Anxiety Heart Knowledge Trust Me in Everything Let Go of Your Burdens When You re Overwhelmed Trapped by Troubles Content in Christ Under Control Faith Faith Fixed on Christ Faith
More informationResurrection: Our Hope For Bob Falkner's Memorial Service - April 22, 2017 By Joshua Hawkins -
Resurrection: Our Hope For Bob Falkner's Memorial Service - April 22, 2017 By Joshua Hawkins - http://www.joshuahawkins.com Well again on behalf of Becky and the rest of the family, thank you for your
More informationPOCKET HANDBOOK FOR CAREGIVERS
POCKET HANDBOOK FOR CAREGIVERS 2 CONTENTS Introduction... 3 Preparing for a Visit... 4 Scripture... 6 Psalm 23, The Divine Shepherd... 7 Psalm 23, Addressing God... 8 Assurance of God s Protection... 9
More informationFoundation of Faith Summer Scripture Focus
Mon, June 12 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 Tues, June 13 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will
More information- Joseph Bayly, The Last Thing We Talk About
Handling Grief Developed by Dr. Joe K. Taylor, Senior Pastor South Reno Baptist Church, Reno, Nevada jtaylor@southreno.com I WAS SITTING, torn by grief. Someone came and talked to me of God s dealings,
More informationMatthew 9:35-10:15. 7 January 2018
Matthew 9:35-10:15 7 January 2018 Introduction To be a Christian is to be called by Jesus radically in to know God as our Father. But the moment Jesus calls us in, he also sends us radically out. This
More informationTHE PAIN AND ANGUISH OF SUICIDE BY PASTOR LESTER ZIMMERMAN
Following are excerpts from a message given at a memorial service following a tragic suicide. My hope is you will find some thoughts in this message to help you in your grieving journey. I also pray there
More informationGrace upon grace. Grace is what we need, but absolutely don t deserve! But grace is what God offers each one of us!
Grace upon grace What exactly is the Amazing Grace of God? The Bible never gives us a one-statement definition, but it is filled with the idea from one end to the other and with numerous stories that illustrate/teach
More informationThe aim of this study is to help people cope with death and dying.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Preparing for and Coping with Death and Dying PURPOSE The aim of this study is to help people cope with death and
More informationIn Gethsemane January 15, 2017 Mark 14:32-42
I. Introduction In Gethsemane January 15, 2017 Mark 14:32-42 During His 33 years on earth, Jesus had repeatedly been exposed to the trials and temptations of this life Hebrews 4:15 says, For we do not
More informationSESSION 4 THE SHELTER OF GOD S ENCOURAGEMENT 50 SESSION LifeWay
SESSION 4 THE SHELTER OF GOD S ENCOURAGEMENT 50 SESSION 4 When do you feel like singing the blues? QUESTION #1 #BSFLencouragement BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 51 THE POINT God encourages me when I feel overwhelmed.
More informationBecoming the Beloved: Broken Romans 8:18 28
Romans 8:18 28 Last weekend Pastor Hey Young beautifully expressed the wonderful truth that as God s children we are blessed. And most importantly we understand our blessing not so much in terms of material
More informationTheme sentence: God is incomparably great, he is in control, and he calls us to trust him and to place our hope in him.
Isaiah 40:12-31 God is Great! Theme sentence: God is incomparably great, he is in control, and he calls us to trust him and to place our hope in him. Aim sentence: Placing our hope in the Lord will mean
More informationEach Day Is a New Beginning February 17 & 18, 2018 PASTOR DAVE HOFFMAN Foothills Christian Church
Each Day Is a New Beginning February 17 & 18, 2018 PASTOR DAVE HOFFMAN Foothills Christian Church Go to the book of Lamentations, however you want to get there, turn your device on or turn in your Bible.
More informationMemory Book IT S STILL ALL ABOUT JESUS. Zion Lutheran School 2017/18 5th & 6th Grade
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 ESV Zion Lutheran School 2017/18 5th & 6th Grade Memory Book IT S STILL ALL ABOUT JESUS Lesson 64: If you confess with your mouth
More informationIn Step with the Psalms. Lesson 21: Psalm 103. One Magnificent Obsession
Pursuing God In Step with the Psalms Lesson 21: Psalm 103 One Magnificent Obsession Stay on the Path ~ All that believers are in response to all that God is this constitutes the essence, expression, and
More informationDavid Renaissance Man 1 Samuel Cave Life
David Renaissance Man 1 Samuel 21-22 - Cave Life I. INTRO A. I d like to begin this morning by asking you to do something you might not want to do. I d like to ask you to recall the most disappointing
More informationOUR SHEPHERD SESSION 5. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. God guides us as He walks with us. Psalm 23:1-6
SESSION 5 OUR SHEPHERD The Point God guides us as He walks with us. The Passage Psalm 23:1-6 The Bible Meets Life Maps are good to direct you from one place to another, but you need to study them before
More information5 - When Adam fell, it ruined God s perfect plan for mankind Acts 15:18; Eph. 1:3-6
1 5 - When Adam fell, it ruined God s perfect plan for mankind Acts 15:18; Eph. 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly
More informationWorking on a Building (Part 1) II Corinthians 5: 1-9
Working on a Building (Part 1) II Corinthians 5: 1-9 It seems of late that I have been increasingly aware of the brevity of life. In the past few weeks God has called several of His children home. Dying
More informationSuggested Fasting Options
A 21 day prayer guide for the people of God longing for Christ s power and presence in their lives, and for reconciliation, redemption and renewal in their community. Suggested Fasting Options www.whole30.com
More informationDo The Next Right Thing
Week #18 Tzadde Psalm 119:137-144 Do The Next Right Thing Gentle. Kind. Pure. Loving. Faithful. Just. Always there. Wise. Forever. Psalm 119:137-144 Last week we looked at the power of sin. This week we
More informationA Study Guide For. Feelings and Faith. Study guide prepared by Vicki McGill and Karen Tkaczyk
A Study Guide For Feelings and Faith Cultivating Godly Emotions in the Christian Life Part Three (Chapters 8-12) Brian S. Borgman Study guide prepared by Vicki McGill and Karen Tkaczyk Grace Community
More informationMothers of Wayward Children
Mothers of Wayward Children A Mother s Pride A foolish son is a sorrow to his mother it says in Proverbs. Some of you know all too well the truth of these words. If you have a wayward son or daughter your
More informationPROMISES YOU CAN COUNT ON!
A Bible study focused on God s amazing promises TABLE OF CONTENTS Lesson 1 EVERYTHING WE NEED... II Peter 1: 1 4 Lesson 2 The Promise of WISDOM James 1: 5 Lesson 3 The Promise of HOPE Romans 15: 13 Lesson
More informationGod Says The Family Matters 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
God Says The Family Matters 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 Today we hear a lot about Policemen s lives matter, firefighters lives matter, black lives matter. Fact is, ALL LIVES MATTER. In a culture where the
More information21 DAYS OF PRAYER IS FOR YOU!
21 DAYS OF IS FOR YOU! If you sense God has more for your life, 21 Days of Prayer is a great place to start believing Him for all that He has for you. As you practice seeking Him first, He will move on
More informationFORERUNNER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP MIKE BICKLE Transcript: 7/09/06. Understanding Our Spiritual Identity in Christ
Transcript: 7/09/06 INTRODUCTION We re going to talk about understanding spiritual identity in Christ. This is a very fundamental and simple message. For those of you for whom this is new information,
More informationWhat I m Thankful For, Joshua Harris January 26, 2014
What I m Thankful For, Joshua Harris January 26, 2014 Main Idea: In moments of tragedy and death, where do we find comfort, hope, and even gratefulness? We can find them in God's nearness to the brokenhearted,
More informationA Vision for Our Life in Christ 2 Peter 1:1-4
A Vision for Our Life in Christ 2 Peter 1:1-4 Each of us carries on a private, internal conversation about lives and our walks with God. Sometimes this conversation is full of grace and truth; sometimes
More informationHelping Women Who Struggle With Anger
Helping Women Who Struggle With Anger I. Introduction A. When you feel frustrated or irritated, you are angry even if you don t say or do anything outwardly you are angry in your heart. B. In the book
More informationCan tragedy come to good people?
Can tragedy come to good people? There is a question that is as old as the first tear, and as recent as the latest newscast. It was asked by Job, and has been asked by every person who has walked upon
More informationMartyn Lloyd-Jones, that great British preacher, was right when he said, "Salvation cannot stop at any point short of entire perfection or it is not
Guarantee of Glory Romans 8:17-18 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we
More informationWhen Your Counselee Wants to Quit. Tim Keeter
When Your Counselee Wants to Quit Introduction Issues 1. Is this person saved or unsaved? 2. Is this person a church member? 3. Is this person attending your church services? 4. Is this person experiencing
More informationThe Practice of the Presence of God 8 March 2012
Women & More The Practice of the Presence of God 8 March 2012 Psalm 89:15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. There is such a place the light
More informationComfort An Awesome Thing!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 2 Cor. 1:3 Comfort An Awesome Thing! Theme: Comfort is essential during the hard times in life. We
More informationJesus' Commandments. GraspingGod.com: Bible Study Lesson #5.14
Jesus' Commandments GraspingGod.com: Bible Study Lesson #5.14 Jesus' Commandment Bible Verses: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also must love
More informationONE BEING; Three Parts. Session Three. What happens to New Believers? What can be expected? How to continue to grow?
#3 New Creation A NEW CREATION ONE BEING; Three Parts Session Three ~~ ~ BECOME ~ ~~ This session will look at: What happens to New Believers? What can be expected? How to continue to grow? I. What happens
More informationIf God is Good, Why is there suffering?
SESSION 6 If God is Good, Why is there suffering? 122 SESSION 6 What makes life better when you feel lousy? Bible Studies for Life 123 The POINT God meets us in our suffering. The bible meets life Why,
More informationChristian family in search of God s ways: Homeschooling
Christian family in search of God s ways: Homeschooling The main reason why you can hold these pages in your hands is that we believe that the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two
More informationThe Four G's. 1st G: Glorify God
The Four G's Conflict is not necessarily bad or destructive. Even when conflict is caused by sin and causes a great deal of stress, God can use it for good (see Rom. 8:28-29). As the Apostle Paul wrote
More informationAnger. Faith. Prov 19:11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression.
Anger James 1:19-20 19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Prov 19:11 The discretion
More informationPsalm 103 Why worship 28 th January 2018 am Hill and Arcadia
1 Psalm 103 Why worship 28 th January 2018 am Hill and Arcadia Song writer and singer, Matt Redman, is responsible for the song 10 0000 reasons. Listen to some of the lyrics The sun comes up It s a new
More informationDiscipleship #4 Engage and Establish, Part III & Equip and Empower
Discipleship #4 Engage and Establish, Part III & Equip and Empower HOW: ESTABLISH SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS CONTINUED 1. Foundation #5: Worship and Prayer Romans 12:1-2 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I
More informationIBCD Women s Pre-Conference Attitudes of a Transformed Heart
IBCD Women s Pre-Conference 2014 Attitudes of a Transformed Heart I. Introduction ATTITUDES OF LOVE A. Martha s personal example. B. This lecture covers (1) what to teach your counselees regarding loving
More informationWithin the Word - Genesis Chapter 3-5
A Word from Kathy Last week in our study, we left all creation singing for joy. Every possible detail had been taken care of, and all creation was there to enjoy the goodness of God. But, this week, we
More informationPerseverance in Evangelism
Perseverance in Evangelism By: Mike Porter Written on: 6/27/2007 Have you been active in evangelism and struggling with endurance, wondering whether to give up hitting the streets, or to tone it way back?
More information