We need specific help to deal with specific problems. But this is not the only help we need. We also need broader help to create a fertile environment for the changes we need to make. My aim with this text is to focus on an essential aspect of the general help we need for spiritual growth: the spiritual discipline of public worship. Public worship nourishes hearts with the grace that works change. Continue Reading →
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“I’m just tired!” is a frequent expression for a shared experience. But not every incident of tiredness is equal in its intensity and reason. Tiredness is a universal experience, but with many possible causes and nuances. In your life and ministry experience, you will face weariness. Therefore, it is vital to develop a biblical understanding of tiredness, its scope, and its impact on your life and ministry. Tiredness can exert intense pressure on hearts and influence bad decisions, but it can also be an opportunity to learn more about the grace of Jesus through the lens of the gospel. Continue Reading →
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Counseling provides many opportunities to meet different people. The most significant differences between people are not their physical features, gender, ages, or various ethnicities. No doubt, these are important pieces of information about your counselee. But the Bible puts more emphasis on a person’s spiritual state. Where your counselee is in their relationship with God, how they are responding to Him, and how much they love Jesus are crucial things to know to have an effectual counseling ministry. As a counselor, you want to know general information about your counselee to assess their spiritual state. The spiritual state of your counselee determines your spiritual approach in counseling. Continue Reading →
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You confess sound doctrine and know your Bible reasonably well. However, when reality confronts beliefs, there is a crisis. You want to be sure that God is wise, but everything around you seems to indicate the opposite. You are hesitant to admit it, but sometimes God’s wisdom does not make any sense to you. What is the point of a broken friendship in God’s plan? Or why would God allow a prodigal son? Does any good come from a dry marriage relationship? What about a severe medical diagnosis or financial bankruptcy? It does not make any sense, and you cannot see where your pointless situation leads you to a better place. Continue Reading →
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Last year, we read a few missionary biographies at home as a family. Before going to bed, we gathered together and read one chapter of a good missionary story each night. I was not expecting to gain so much from this simple family experience. Inspiration, excitement, and even entertainment were some of my low expectations for this family activity. But, God exposed my poor understanding of how powerful the testimonies of His servants are. Recounting faithful examples of the past nurtures the Christian faith. God took our family to a deeper understanding of His sovereign control, loving plans, and wise ways. Continue Reading →
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