Okay, it is about 1:00 a.m., and I am about to post a blog!
It will be short, and even though I should be trying to sleep, I have to get this out of my system.
I received a message tonight from someone in our congregation who I counseled a few weeks back. It was a tough counseling session that dealt with an extremely emotional topic and I didn't really know if our time together was at all fruitful...until tonight. While I obviously can't share the details of the note that I received, I can share that it came at an amazing time.
You see, I had a tough day...actually, that might be putting it mildly. Frankly it was one of those days when I question why God has me in the role that He has me. I was feeling discouraged. Then, while sitting in the lobby of Lone Star Steak House (yum) I checked my email on my PDA. I was pretty much feeling the weight of the day on my shoulders as I waited for my email to download. Then, I saw that I had a message.
As I began to read the message and the encouraging words within it, my eyes began to water. I got emotional because I was reminded by that email that I am exactly where God wants me. He wants me where He wants all Christians. Building into the lives of others with the Truth of Christ. Encouraging other believers to stand firm on the foundation that He provides in Christ and that He has revealed in His word. I was able to do that a few weeks ago for this individual, and tonight they did it for me.
I love how God works!
For a great sermon on Christian encouragement our very own Pastor Bobby Blakey preached on the topic this weekend at Compass...watch this:
Monday, December 31, 2007
What Goes Around, Comes Around
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Answering the Challenge: Ambitious Faith is Born
A few months ago our senior pastor, Dr. Mike Fabarez, preached a sermon series titled "Ambitious Faith" that challenged the congregants at Compass Bible Church to live ambitiously for Christ. Well, to say that the sermon series produced some fruit in the life of CBC'ers would be a mild understatement.
A group of CBC'ers took Pastor Mike's message to heart and they started a clothing company called, funny enough, Ambitious Faith. While entering into the clothing industry is ambitious in and of itself, the founders of Ambitious Faith are looking to find a niche within the culture by targeting the world of extreme sports while boldly proclaiming the Truth of Jesus Christ through their apparel. I know this blog isn't about marketing or advertising, but if you are still looking for some Christmas gifts, please visit their website today and support this ambitious venture.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Biblical Counseling: Advice or Truth?
Counsel; "advice; opinion or instruction given in directing the judgment or conduct of another" - www.dictionary.com
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" - Psalm 32:8
Last Friday I had the pleasure of teaching at Navigating Motherhood, a ministry at our church focused on outreach to mothers in our neighborhood who wouldn't usually darken the doors of a church. The program is designed to give mothers and their families an entry point into the local church by engaging them with real life issues. Ranging from raising children, finances and marriage, with the Truth of Christ being highlighted on a weekly basis.
As I said, I was invited to teach last Friday. To say that I had a great time would be an understatement. I taught on the distinction between Biblical Counseling and what I call pop-culture counseling (Dr. Phil, Oprah, Dr. Laura, etc.).
I explained to the group of mom's that the distinction between the two types of counseling is one is steeped with humanism and often irrelevant 'advice' or 'opinion' while the other is purely focused on the perfect wisdom of a Holy God.
I don't know if you think with the same type of black and white filter that I do regarding this issue, but I can tell you that through my own counseling ministry I have witnessed first hand the destructive nature of trusting in the wisdom of people rather than trusting in God's revealed word.
So if you are currently struggling through a difficult time and the latest and greatest pop-culture fad in counseling has left you feeling empty, call your church and ask if they do Biblical Counseling and if they do, make an appointment. I am sure God has something to say regarding your issue.
Suggested Reading:
