Are we sick, sinful, or both when we hurt? Medical researchers have recently expressed the opinion, that destructive emotions are caused by a chemical imbalance in the body. But I ask the question, is it possible that a chemical imbalance in the body could have been caused by destructive emotions? It seems obvious to me that since sin is so easily cleansed, the presence of sin should be explored first. A pastor questioned me about this issue. Someone in his congregation had suffered from … [Read more...]
April 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Resistance to the Truth
Churches are criticized because their ministers upset people when they preach about the sinfulness of man and the inflexible standards of the Bible. Once I had a long conversation with a fellow counselor about the value of “deeper life” conferences, in which the details of the ideal Christian life are discussed. He felt very strongly against this type of conference. He believed it did irreparable damage because after such a conference a wave of very upset people came to him. That they could … [Read more...]
March 27, 2013 By 3 Comments
Joy Doesn’t Depend On Perfect Behavior
Though right living enhances joy, no person can attain perfect behavior all the time. Joy must be found in a source other than our behavior. When would you be able to rejoice and have great joy if it depended on perfect behavior? Striving toward perfectionism you cannot attain, keep, control, or manage may push you toward losing your joy. Philippians 4:4 states, “Rejoice in the Lord, always.” Some translations render it as, “Rejoice always.” How many have ever accomplished that? If … [Read more...]
March 20, 2013 By 1 Comment
Pouting and Sulking
Have you ever been around people who sulk or pout? Pouting or sulking is a way to get your way. It is selfishness. Most of the people I counsel are adults and many are experts at pouting. If I say something in a counseling situation that they do not like, they show their displeasure by protruding the lips. What does pouting look like? 1. To exhibit displeasure or disappointment; sulk. 2. To protrude the lips in an expression of displeasure or sulkiness. You can recognize it in others. At what … [Read more...]
March 6, 2013 By 2 Comments
The Biblical Counselor’s Resource
Your specialty is a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible and absolute confidence that it is God’s sure guide for all people. When you preach, teach, or counsel, you stand straight and talk in the confidence that you are the custodian of the most important information in the world. You may look to other disciplines for help in perfecting your interview technique in counseling, developing your skill to listen objectively, or to learn how to help the individual tell his story. But your view of … [Read more...]
February 20, 2013 By 4 Comments
What Is My Problem?
I previously published this article a few years ago. However, all of us need a refresher on this subject. In fact, this article is essential reading for anyone who is serious about overcoming anxiety, stress, and frustration. Let’s first set the context by considering this passage from Proverbs: Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Proverbs 3:7-8 One of our responsibilities as Christians is to … [Read more...]
February 13, 2013 By 3 Comments
Grace Illustrated
A local newspaper carried an article called “Road Rage” that demonstrated a need for grace. A motorist cut into another driver’s lane so abruptly that the other motorist had to apply his brakes to avoid collision. Both drivers became angry enough that one of them threatened the other with a gun. No shots were fired. Police arrested the gun-wielding man as he came off the interstate: The first man had called the police from his car phone. The gunman resisted arrest and had to be forcibly … [Read more...]
February 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Not By Our Strength
Have you ever tried to love somebody you do not like? It is hard to do. You can try. You can do good things for people you do not like. By doing good things for people you do not like you may confuse your human ability to act with the empowerment of God’s Spirit and think you are loving them. There is no place in Scripture where God says He will empower you to use your human abilities to love people. That is not what God does. He empowers us with His Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 states, “And do … [Read more...]
January 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment
We Can’t Do Without You!
Final exams before graduating from college had just been completed. A group of my friends and I rejoiced that we were finally finished with the university experience and were all going into full-time ministry. We went to the gym to play basketball and work off the tension and stress of finals. I discovered there is a way to rebound a basketball and a way not to rebound the ball. I went up for a rebound and the ball hit my little finger bending it backward and breaking it in the joint. I … [Read more...]
January 23, 2013 By 1 Comment
Where To Turn for Self-Help
Jesus said to His disciples: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 The apostle Paul taught: Walk in [live by] the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Gal. 5:16 Everyone has two options: turn to God for help or, turn to the world for help. It’s like determining if you are headed north or south. Those are opposite directions. Suppose we … [Read more...]
