Guidance

Taking Step 4

When I was first told about making a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself I was filled with FEAR. And then to admit to God, to myself, and to another human being the exact nature of my wrongs — YIKES! Where to start??

Instead of starting with me, I think it starts with God and His Word. We need to hear, read and study scripture. By doing this we learn what God wants us to be–what His standards for us are. We must make ourselves available to God through meditation, prayer and by serving Him rather than our own needs, material desires, and lusts.

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A Pastor’s Letter to His Daughter

This is an excerpt from a letter from Legh Richmond (1772-1827) to one of his daughters. We all can be instructed by these words.

My dear daughter,
May my dear child be preserved from the defilements of a vain, dangerous, and destroying world. You know not, and I wish you never may know–its snares and corruptions!

I send you the following applications of my sermon on Ephesians 5:15-16, “Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

On circumspection of walk, redemption of time, and general sincerity of character:

1. Adhere most scrupulously to Scriptural truth; and labor to preserve the strictest integrity, simplicity, and sincerity.

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How Should I Pray?

People describe prayer as speaking with God. How does one do this?

Many denominations ascribe a formula or method to prayer or even offer pre-written prayers to recite. Jesus did give an example of how to pray when He recited what is commonly referred to as the Lord’s Prayer. In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus said, “This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come; Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

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I am facing a divorce. What can I do?

I am facing a divorce. What can I do?

This dissolution of a marriage is such a sad thing. Christ longs to bring fulfillment to a couple through their marital covenant. A Christian marriage is a beautiful thing built on love, trust, respect and, most importantly, Christ. Read what the Bible say to husbands and wives in 1 Peter 3:1-7, Ephesians 5:21-33, and 1 Corinthians, chapter 7.

Remember, all things are possible through Jesus Christ–even the restoration of your marriage. Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead; surely He can resurrect your hurting relationship! Please, seek godly counsel today. Don’t let another day pass while the chasm between you and your spouse grows wider and wider.

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My husband gets angry sometimes and hits me. What can I do?

My husband and I are both Christians, but he gets angry sometimes and has hit me before. What can I do?

God’s plan for every marriage, especially a Christian one, is peace and love. He intends for the husband to love his wife as Christ loves the Church (see Ephesians 5). God has called every husband to spiritual leadership in the family and He has called every wife to submission to that leadership. When this model is not practiced, family members are robbed of the joy that the Lord has planned for them in their Christian home.

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My husband is verbally mean to me. What can I do about it?

My husband is verbally mean to me. What can I do about it?

Often, people are verbally abusive with derogatory statements, insults and negativity because of personal feeling of inadequacy. Some people truly believe that the only time they can look good is when the others around them look bad. I can think of a specific personal instance in which a friend of mine married a man who always put her down in public. My immediate reaction was always that his actions made him look small and quite inferior.

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I just want to end my pain. Is it wrong to feel that way?

I am in constant pain. Sometimes, I just want to be out of my misery, whatever it takes. Is it wrong to feel that way?

It is not wrong to want to be in God’s presence, free from the effects of this world. It isn’t wrong to desire relief from your physical ailments either. But, suicidal thoughts are symptoms of a lack of hope and trust in the Lord. He has a perfect purpose for you, even in the midst of your ailment.

God loves you so much and He has a plan for you, even in the midst of your suffering. Look at what He accomplished through Jesus’ suffering. He can still use you to bless those around you as the watch your strong witness for Christ.

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I just found out that I have AIDS. What do I do?

I just found out that I have AIDS. What do I do?

This must be a difficult and very scary time for you. Have you given your life to the Lord? Have you trusted Jesus to be your Savior and friend? If not, you need to. He wants to trade burdens with you. In Matthew 11:30, He says, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If you turn to the Lord, you still will have AIDS but you will have the assurance that Jesus Christ, himself, will help you by carrying the burden for you. He will get you through it. And then you will spend eternity with Him in Heaven.

I just found out that I have AIDS. What do I do? Read More »