I Will Be Like Jesus
Continuing my meditations in the book of 1 John, the Holy Spirit focused the eyes of my heart on another important truth about who I am in Christ. By virtue of my union with Christ by faith, I am completely
Continue readingAuthor: Paul Tautges
Positive Irritation
Yesterday, at Calvary Theological Seminary, we talked briefly about the importance of “positive irritation” in our Foundations of Biblical Counseling class. Positive irritation is the one-another ministry we carry out for the sake of fellow believers, which aids in spiritual
Continue reading6 Keys to Unlock the Prison of Pharisaism
Over the past month, or so, I have been addressing the problem of Pharisaism–the self-righteous attitudes and thinking that every one of us as sinners battle to one degree or another. This blogging emphasis has been sparked by my reading
Continue readingMercies in Disguise?
This past Sunday, in our evening service, we received one of the most God-glorifying, gospel-exalting, grace-dispensing testimonies we have heard in a long time. As one of our members gave God glory, for His ongoing work of grace in the
Continue readingThe Activity of Self-Discipline
God’s holy calling for the believer in Christ includes personal responsibility for self-discipline, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to live in a manner worthy of his or her high position as a new creature in Christ. God’s vision
Continue readingI Am Already Accepted
This morning’s meditation in the book of 1 John ministered grace to my heart and mind by reassuring me of God’s love for me in Christ. Specifically, the Spirit repeatedly highlighted the truth that in Christ I am already accepted
Continue readingScriptures to Fight Anxiety
As I war against the continuing influence of my depravity, one of the chief sins I wrestle with is anxiety. And the more I talk to other believers, the more I realize just how common this struggle is, which is
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RESOURCES: Disorderly Eating
Here’s another recommended Resource List as you minister grace and truth. There are many more list links in the right-hand margin of this homepage. MINI-BOOKS Eating Disorders: The Quest for Thinness (Ed Welch) Godliness through Discipline (Jay Adams) HELP! I’m
Continue readingI Am United to Jesus
Yesterday, I shared with you some of the truths, or biblical concepts, that the Lord has been impressing upon me in recent weeks and months. Most importantly, that I must consciously think on things that are true of God, and
Continue readingI Am a Child of God
A pastor needs a pastor. A counselor needs a counselor. Perhaps that comes as a surprise to you, but it should not. As a son of Adam, I am cut out of the same bolt of fallen cloth that you
Continue readingBlood-Bought Worshippers
Tonight, as we prepare our hearts to join other believers in corporate worship tomorrow, let’s take a moment to consciously reflect on the price that God required—and Jesus paid—to redeem us from the slave-market of sin and bring us into
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RESOURCES: Depression & Spiritual Discouragement
Here’s another recommended Resource List as you minister grace and truth. There are many more list links in the right-hand margin of this homepage. BOOKS & MINI-BOOKS A Lifting Up for the Downcast (old Puritan classic by William Bridge) A
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RESOURCES: Cutting & Self-Harm
Here’s another recommended Resource List as you minister grace and truth. There are many more list links in the right-hand margin of this homepage. BOOKS/BOOKLETS Breaking the Addictive Cycle: Deadly Obsessions of Simple Pleasures? (David Powlison) Cutting: A Healing Response
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RESOURCES: Conflicts
Here’s another recommended Resource List as you minister grace and truth. There are many more list links in the right-hand margin of this homepage. BOOKS/MINIBOOKS Bitterness: When You Can’t Move On (Paul Tautges) Communication and Conflict Resolution (Stuart Scott) Family Feuds
Continue readingLament the Stubbornness of Your Will
Stubbornness is one of the chief causes of immaturity. This manifestation of a prideful heart causes one to stiffen his or her neck, cover their ears when God graciously brings instruction or rebuke, and thereby refuse to listen to the
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RESOURCES: Addiction, Avoidance, & Habitual Sin
Many solid resources address the issue of habits of avoidance and spiritual enslavement. Here are just a few to consider for personal study, one-to-one discipleship counseling, and your small group. MINI-BOOKS Breaking the Addictive Cycle (David Powlison) Freedom from Addiction:
Continue readingNuggets – Overcoming Pornography (his and hers) [8/31/12]
Here are four resources for your one-another counseling ministry: Sexual Detox: A Guide for Guys Who are Sick of Porn – Here are a number of reviews of Cruciform’s contribution to the discussion. Lust Is a Female Problem Too – Too
Continue readingFalse Causes of Anger
What causes our anger? asks Robert Jones in Uprooting Anger. “Our culture offers a myriad of theories,” he writes, including: Unconscious psychodynamic forces: “Some theorists think anger flows from deep, inner, unconscious psychodynamic forces. Murky motives lurk within and impulsively
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