This is a weekly post that highlights resources from other counselors that I have found helpful. The counselors may be from the biblical counseling, Christian psychology, integration, or secular counseling traditions. By linking to a post, I am not giving it my full endorsement, I am merely indicating that I believe it made a unique contribution or raised an important subject for consideration.
8 Reasons Confession to One Another Matters by Chuck Lawless
None of us likes to confess our sin to another believer. Instead, we too often choose to hide in our sin, as I pointed out in yesterday’s post. Ultimately, God is the one who forgives us, but here are reasons we must prayerfully consider confessing our wrong to another brother or sister in Christ.
- If you benefited from this article, you might also enjoy “7 Marks of a Good Apology vs. 8 Marks of a Bad Apology.”
Themes in Proverbs: Addiction by Dave Dunham
It would surprise many to know that the Bible speaks about addiction. Of course you have to know how it speaks about addiction in order to discern its message. After all, there are no references to the DSM approved terminology, and no word search will produce even one single result for “addict.” Yet, the Bible does speak about the subject, and the book of Proverbs offers some keen insight on the subject.
- If you enjoyed this article, then you might also benefit from my 9 part podcast series on Overcoming Addiction.
How to Meet Others in Their Brokenness by Rachel Lee
Every time you open your broken heart to someone else, you lay another brick on the foundation of a path that has the potential to lead straight to the heart of the Savior. As you aim to cultivate hospitality in your home and in your community, God will call you to open your hearts to the brokenness of others. Here are some quick tips to remember while you minister to hurting hearts:
- If you want to continue to grow in how you care for others, you might enjoy “Vlog: How Can I Pray for Someone in Intense Suffering?“
Why Conventional Marriage Wisdom Is Wrong by John Gottman
Marriage is one of the oldest social, economic, religious and legal institutions in the world, and there’s no shortage of opinions on what makes it work. But much of the conventional wisdom is not based on evidence, and some is flat-out wrong. After researching thousands of couples for more than 40 years at The Gottman Institute, these are some of the myths we’ve encountered most often.
- As you realize that everything you thought you knew about marriage may not be accurate, you might benefit from “Why Humility Is Doubly Important in Marriage.”
What I’m Reading
God’s Grace in Your Suffering by David Powlison. There are never quick fixes or easy answers when it comes to suffering. But even when we can’t immediately see God’s hand—when the struggle is hard and painful—he is working. Weaving together Scripture, personal stories, and the words of the classic hymn “How Firm a Foundation,” David Powlison brings an experienced counselor’s touch to exploring how God enters into our sufferings, helping us see God working in our own particular struggles—and discover how God’s grace goes deeper than we could ever imagine.
Tweets of the Week
I wish that instead of talking about “success,” people would talk about excellence.
It’s more important to strive for excellence than for success.
— Karen Swallow Prior (@KSPrior) July 15, 2018
I used to believe functional atheism took one primary form: control. Living as if we can't really depend on God.
I now think there is a second form: lack of shame. Living, speaking, calling on the name of God as if we won't have to give account to Him one day.
— Sharon Hodde Miller (@SHoddeMiller) July 14, 2018
Self motivation doesn’t mean you’re only motivated by the idea of self. It means you understand that your hard work will help the whole. You don’t need others to motivate you yet you are motivated by helping others…
— Coach Donald Littlejohn (@MC_Coach_LJ) July 16, 2018
The lack of lament in our lives and organizations/churches is a check-engine light letting us know that something is deeply disingenuous. You cannot be in tune with injustices in the world (and in our own lives) without lamenting. If you cannot grieve you cannot truly celebrate.
— Stew (@_Stew_) July 17, 2018
Meaningful Meme
On the Lighter Side
Because, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones,” Proverbs 17:22.
When your cat is plotting to kill you but your dog is trying to warn you.. pic.twitter.com/95Z3JVoTSb
— Land of cuteness (@landpsychology) July 16, 2018