God promised that life would be challenging because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:17-19), and all those who came from the first couple would struggle similarly (Romans 5:12). From the fall of humanity to the end of… Continue Reading …
Some folks have hope, but their situation never changes. They give up and become cynical because they won’t know a different kind of future. Then some have hope that keeps them going regardless of unchanging circumstances. Their hope of the heart buoys them during the… Continue Reading …
Connecting the gospel to physical suffering is one of the most essential things you will ever do. The “good news” is always perfect when there is bad news, but how to make those gospel connections are not quickly apparent, especially when your pain is acute… Continue Reading …
Overcoming past disappointments are hard enough in themselves. But sometimes, our inability to move forward is self-inflicted, as we use our past disappointments to gain acceptance, love, respect, and pity from others. Biff was such a person. Clinging to the past, not only gave him… Continue Reading …
Sometimes “extending grace” may mean you’re about to get into conflict. Though you should never look for a fight, you should also not be looking for ways to avoid soul care when it is within your competency and influence to help someone who is struggling.… Continue Reading …
What would you do if you had the opportunity to get even with someone who hurt you? What if the hurt was irrevocable? What they did to you changed you forever? What would you do? Would you want revenge? Listen to the podcast Our podcasts… Continue Reading …
How can a good and loving God allow such a horrific event in my life? It’s a valid question. If you have not asked some version of this question, you have lived a charmed life, or you have a faith that all Christians desire. Listen… Continue Reading …
A counselee asked why I won’t counsel another way. She discerned a death feel to my counseling, and she was struggling. Though she does not disagree with my counseling approach, she did feel compelled to share her internal angst with me. Listen to the podcast Our podcasts… Continue Reading …
The progression from pain to purpose begins with God-centered thinking that elevates God over the suffering, which is the opposite of a problem-centered worldview. This perspective is the sufferer’s greatest challenge. Listen to the podcast You may want to read: When Obedience Collides With Your… Continue Reading …
Adultery is a “form of death” that causes a “grief” like something died. In a way, there was a death. The difference is that there can be a “resurrection” of the marriage, but that does not change the grief. Listen to the podcast Our podcasts… Continue Reading …