The Periodically

This article is part 3 of a 4 part series, where we  we are looking at how worldview affects counseling practices .   Last time we answered the worldview questions, “Who am I and what is my purpose in life?” We looked at how the Bible explains that humans are created in God’s image, made to be in fellowship with God, and made with a purpose to bring him glory. We looked at how sin entered the world and as a result all people are born inherently sinful and not inherently good. Even though our sin separates us from God, Jesus’ death and resurrection provides a way for us to be made new, to be in fellowship with God, and to once again live out our purpose. This worldview affects how we help people who are in crisis. If your counselor does not have this worldview, you may be encouraged to seek out your own standards by which to define yourself and your purpose. This month we will answer the question, “What is our biggest problem?” Another way to ask this is, ”What is wrong wi...

What is communion with God? What does having a close, intimate friendship with the Triune God look like? I’ve been learning about this in several ways, and it’s been more rewarding and practical than I would have imagined.  One book I read last month was particularly helpful in thinking through this concept and reality of communion, or friendship, with God. It’s called, “Friendship with God: A Path to Deeper Fellowship with the Father, Son, and Spirit” by Mike McKinley. Foundational to our understanding of communion with God and how we experience it is the truth that God draws near. God draws near to us, and - in Christ - we can draw near to Him. For the purpose of this devotional article, I’ll focus on this aspect of communion with God: that God desires nearness with you, and He is faithful to draw you near.  How does God draw near to us? In His wisdom, God uses various means. Some means we see plainly outlined in Scripture. Like when we read His very Word to us, the Scriptur...