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Delayed Dreams and Divine Deliverance: A Five-Day Look at the Journey of Joseph, Part 1

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A note to the reader: In this multi-day devotion series, we will look to Scripture to examine the life of Joseph. In this account God’s deliverance appeared delayed, yet in actuality it was His divine plan. I invite you to study the passage with me, take notes, ask questions, and then record your thoughts and personal application in a journal or the notes app on your phone. By the end of the week, I pray we will have a greater understanding of how delays and deliverance are a part of God’s sovereignty. The Pit of Despair Read: Genesis 37 Before continuing in this devotion, first read Genesis 37. Have you seen the famous movie, The Princess Bride ? In this movie, the leading man Westley finds himself narrowly escaping the Fire Swamp with his love interest Buttercup, only to be taken—alone—by his rival Humperdink to the infamous “Pit of Despair.” Only Westley’s enemies know the way to it. Within it lies torture and pain at the hands of his enemies apart from anyone Westley knows or loves...
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Why It’s Important That Your Counselor Has a Biblical Worldview, Part 3

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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...
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The God Who Draws You Near

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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...
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Mercy's Shore

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I washed upon the shores of grace, Spent from tirelessly stroking against the tide. I arrive, thrown by the waves, Collapsed upon Your sandy shores, glittering white. In a moment of panic, sputtering, and gasping for air, Your Spirit met me here,  Right here,  Giving me ears to hear. This place I’ve arrived is mercy’s shore, and yet mercy brought me here; the journey began long before. The tide I strived so hard against, was a grace of weakness to humble and draw me near. Every wave, every billow, not outside of Your sovereign plan. Grace shipwrecked me, Grace protected me, And Grace delivered me from all my fears. Grace restored me, Grace made new - me! - Grace greater than all my sin. The sand in which I now sink my feet, is nowhere near the number of thoughts You have for me. The ocean before me - once drowning me in condemnation - now swells with love and a depth I cannot perceive. My sin cast out there, lost at sea; Because in Christ I’m found and I believe. Now, abiding ...
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Why It's Important That Your Counselor Has a Biblical Worldview, Part 2

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This article is part 2 of a 4 part series,  where we are looking at how worldview affects counseling practices. Last month we answered the worldview question, “Who made us or how did we get here?” If we have a creator (a holy, loving, and just God) then we can look to him and his word to give us truth when life feels chaotic. If your counselor does not believe in a creator, then what follows is that life is a product of random biological processes and individuals must create their own meaning. If you are seeking someone to help you think rightly about the current circumstance in your life that is causing distress, then think about the differences between the worldviews and how that affects the way they help you.  Who am I and what is my purpose? This month we will answer the questions, “Who am I and what is my purpose in life?” The biblical framework with which to explain what it means to be human and what our purpose in life is can be explained in four terms: creation, fall, ...
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The Sacrifice of The High Priest

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The Sacrifice of The High Priest  A Poetic Meditation Contrasting the Type & the Substance Hear the heavy pound of hooves led to the slaughter. Heavier still, the weight of my sin. See a hand, once resting on matted fur, Raised to atone for my sin … again. Watch fingers of the high priest dripping blood; A pool formed at the base of the altar. Behold, this gruesome scene, wrought by me. My sins ever needing a substitute. Know the blood of bulls and rams will not do; For I am destitute of righteousness. Smell the stench; it’s egregious. Yet this is grace. I see my sin, once precious in my sight, As foul, costly, and resulting in death; its consequence. This ritual performed by the High Priest will be done again. Tonight another lamb. Tomorrow a bull, then more lambs again. Costly, continual; A picture of the pervasiveness of sin, Yet a promise of God’s grace toward us and His promised presence. Despite the state of our stubborn hearts and unclean camp, He is here, making provisi...
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Why It is Important That Your Counselor Has a Biblical Worldview, Part 1

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This article is part 1 of a 4 part series, where  we will look at the biblical worldview and how counseling practices are downstream from these important beliefs. In each part, we will answer the worldview question and then look at how the answer to that question helps shape the foundation of biblical counseling. We will also look at some common beliefs taught in secular counseling and how these come from incorrect answers to the worldview questions.  Part 1 Question: Who made us or how did we get here?  Part 2 Question: Who am I and what is my purpose? Part 3 Question: What is our problem?  Part 4 Question: What is the solution and how do I obtain it? Who made us or how did we get here?  It’s important that your counselor believe that God made us. Even though God created us (and everything else), he is not one of us. He is spirit, eternal, has no beginning and no end, and does not need anything. He is perfect in all his ways and is complete in his holiness, lov...
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