NUGGETS
The 50% Lie – “You’ve heard it repeatedly on radio, podcasts, and TV. You’ve read it in various books and articles. You’ve even heard it in your pastor’s sermon. The problem: it’s a lie.” A Hidden Epidemic God Hates –
Continue reading“Your testimonies also are my delight; they are my counselors.” – Psalm 119:24
Choosing Biblical Subjects for Meditation
Psalm 1 testifies of the immeasurable value of mediating on Scripture. The person who habitually ponders the truths of God will be like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf
Continue readingResponding to the King of Kings
The last book of the Bible reveals what it will be like when Jesus returns (Rev. 19:11-16). Though containing details not previously revealed, this vision of the future, which John received from the Spirit of Jesus, is not new. Moses
Continue readingNUGGETS (11/26/2018)
How Do Pastor’s Pick Their Fights? – “We need pastors and elders who have enough self-control to avoid needless controversy, and enough courage to move gently and steadily toward conflict.” 5 Discipleship Dont’s – “In the church, discipleship is key
Continue reading25% off ALL Shepherd Press Publications Until November 30th
Just thought I’d pass on some good news. Shepherd Press, publisher of the LifeLine mini-books and several of my books, just announced a Black Friday WEEK of savings: 25% off everything. Print this entry
Continue readingEvery Pastor, Counselor, and Ministry Leader (and every Christian) Should Read this Little Book
This past May, at the Basics Conference at Parkside Church, I picked up a copy of a new book from Reformation Heritage Books. The book’s simple, one-word title caught my eye. Nothing in my memory indicated that I’d ever seen
Continue reading4 Ways to Return to the Word
In Nehemiah 8, we see the beginnings of spiritual revival, which comes as the people return to the Word of God. At this point, the Jewish people have been in exile for many years, but they have begun to return
Continue readingThe Invisible Hand of Providence
One of the lesser known Jewish holidays reminds us of the big picture of God’s redemption plan. It’s called the Feast of Purim, and is inaugurated at the end of the book of Esther. Purim literally means “lots” and gets
Continue reading“Tying the Knot” Is Still My Top Choice for Premarital Counseling
This morning, I met with an engaged couple for the fourth of our eight sessions of premarital counseling. Again, I was reminded of why I switched to Rob Green’s guide, Tying the Knot: A Premarital Guide to a Strong &
Continue readingDisability Glorifies God
On September 30th, my wife and I had the opportunity to be part of Disability Sunday at Kindred Community Church in Anaheim Hills, CA. Perhaps you may have use for this video in your one-another ministry to others, or in
Continue readingRelax in God
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Ps. 46:10-11) Replacing anxiety
Continue readingA Gatekeeper for Your Anxious Heart
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7) God wants us to bring everything to Him in prayer because we need the humility and dependence that prayer
Continue readingOur Journey Home from the Ruins of Sexual Abuse
It’s hard for me to imagine something more horrific than the sexual abuse of children. Yet every one of our churches contains precious men and women who have experienced this abuse and, therefore, are in need of our compassionate ministry
Continue readingThe Dirty Dozen of Unbiblical Parenting
*This is the fourth, and final, post from Counsel with Confidence by Joel James. In family counseling, you will encounter many unbiblical approaches to parenting. Some common ones to keep your eyes open for are listed below. Permissiveness. Parents who
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10 Enduring Qualities of Scripture
This week, I’ve been blogging about a new resource from Joel James entitled Counsel with Confidence. The following is drawn from the third chapter, “Sufficiency of Scripture.” A sound theology of Scripture includes a recognition of ten enduring qualities of
Continue readingSeven Theological Truths that Guide Biblical Counseling
All counseling must be shaped by the following truths or it is not biblical. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation of biblical change (2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 5:1; 6:16-18; 8:13). The gospel brings spiritual new birth, and it
Continue readingCounseling Is Not a Formula
[Today’s post is written by Joel James, a pastor in South Africa, and is excerpted from the Introduction to a new resource, Counsel with Confidence.] Counseling Is Not a Formula There are aspects of every counseling situation that are the
Continue readingNew “Counsel for the Heart” Resources
At this week’s ACBC conference, Shepherd Press unveiled a new category in their book offerings for biblical counseling and discipleship. It’s called Counsel for the Heart. Shepherd Press publishes books for the heart. The books have to be gospel centered,
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