I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken….He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 16:8. 40:2) An Insecure Star Paul Newman (1925-2008) was an American actor, …
Pastoral Counseling (Part 3)
Jesus said: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. (Luke 4:18-19 NLT) More Pearls …
Pastoral Counseling (Part 2)
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me….God says: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my loving eye on you….You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory….Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. (Psalm 16:7, 32:8, 73:24, 119:24) This builds …
Pastoral Counseling (Part 1)
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him….We have this hope in Christ as an anchor for the soul, firm, and secure….Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Acts 10:38; Hebrews 6:19, 13:8) …
Meekness is Not Weakness (Psalm 37)
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31) God is Beautifying Us Pastor Scott Sauls says that many of the world’s most accomplished people became their best selves because of their distress, not in spite …
Hope Beyond Frustration (Psalm 37)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit….Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy. Without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Psalm 34:18 Hebrews 12:14) More on Frustration We know the feeling. We have a big work project and the deadline has passed. We didn’t sleep …
Frustration or Faith in Christ? (Psalm 37)
So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) Upheld by Christ Dave Dravecky played major league baseball for 9 years, but his pitching arm was amputated in 1991 due to cancer. He …
When We Are Frustrated (Psalm 37)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) Plans Were Hindered Earlier this year, a …
See The Lamb of God (Part 4)
See the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!…Out of Judah will come God’s ruler who will shepherd His people Israel….When Christ saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (John 1:29; Matt 2:6, 9:36) This draws on class notes. You may read See the …
See The Lamb of God (Part 3)
See the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!…Jesus was oppressed and afflicted (on the cross), yet He did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. (John 1:29; Isaiah 53:7) This draws on class …