Deus Misereatur

As a pastor, I find myself regularly in counseling situations. There are times when I feel completely inept or incompetent. So I often come back to this passage in Isaiah 11, and praying something like the following: You who are the shoot from the stump of Jesse, the branch from his roots that bears fruit, upon whom the Spirit of the LORD rests, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD, whose delight is in the fear of the LORD; and who does not judge by what your eyes see, or decide disputes by what your ears hear, but with righteousness you shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth (Isaiah 11.1-4). We call upon you for help! We are finite and thus fallible, we do judge by what our eyes see and decide disputes by what our ears hear. Therefore some of our decisions have failed, and some of our counsels have fallen through. Lord, have mercy on us and give us your aid. Guide ...

Ryken's Bible Handbook by Leland Ryken My rating: 5 of 5 stars Someone gave me a copy as a "Thank You" for speaking to their group. I started to shove it into a nook in my library, but then thought I'd look it over instead. And I'm glad I did! This glossy 675 page handy hardback is ideal for Bible studies, preaching and personal enhancement. Leland Ryken, professor of literature at Wheaton College, Philip Ryken, president of Wheaton College, and James Wilhoit, professor of Christian Education at Wheaton College, have teamed up in "Ryken's Bible Handbook: A Guide to Reading and Studying the Bible". It is a work meant to "help Christian readers of the Bible to understand the Bible better, and teachers of the Bible to teach it more effectively" (x). This handbook works through all sixty-six writings in the Sacred Scriptures. Much of the work is "attuned to the literary forms of writing that comprise the Bible" (ix). Therefore, ...

Biblical Counseling Basics: Roots, Beliefs, and Future by Jeremy Lelek My rating: 5 of 5 stars Counseling opportunities and situations hit us all. Neighbors, co-workers, fellow church members and family come seeking direction or help in a trying situation. Often times, whether as pastors or parishioners, we feel pretty helpless. To the rescue comes a new 288 page paperback "Biblical Counseling Basics: Roots, Beliefs, and Future". This resource is penned by Jeremy Lelek, PhD, president of the Association of Biblical Counselors and Metroplex Counseling, a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas, and a lecturer. The volume primarily attempts to "unpack the single question, What is biblical counseling" (1)? It is written for moms, dads, ministers, and data processors, and meant to arouse the perception that to do biblical counseling is in your grasp. As noted in the subtitle, Lelek goes into the roots and genealogy of biblical counseling. He moves br...

Mighty God, strong to save, you have willingly accommodated yourself to us by not only speaking the Holy Scriptures, but in sending your Son to us, for us. We pray for your Church and the World. For this congregation (gathered and scattered) we pray: set the captives free, open the blind eyes, release the prisoners, turn our sorrows to gladness, and make our homes places of light, love, harmony and health. We ask your watchful care to be bestowed on your Church throughout the world, including Mayfair Baptist Church, Meadowood Baptist, Mustang Heights Baptist, Nehemiah Baptist Church; and especially your people who are being hounded and harmed by predators and persecutors. Forgive us for trying to earn your unearnable love; stir up in us a greater trust and confidence in your Son Jesus Christ, and help us to toss away all false doctrine and false living which tarnish your generous kindness and your glorious majesty. For all those who are being doubled over with pain; strugg...