Do you need to respond better to challenges, temptations, and opportunities? If so, the place to begin is learning to respond better to the one in charge of all these things – God, Himself. If you feel your need for change, I challenge you to spend an hour in prayer reading the Scriptures below, asking God to teach you more of himself and His wisdom. You can do this alone or with Lowcountry Biblical Counseling Center at the upcoming Half-Day of Prayer.

If You Would Know God in a Life-Transforming Way You Must…

1. …See the Importance of Knowing God (On three dimensions: a knowledge of God Himself, a Heart for God, and obedience to God)- John 17:3

2. …Continuing in Prayer,  Asking to Behold His Glory (hungering to more fully know and respond to the Lord and His glory) – Ps 27:4;8; Ex 33:18; Matt 11:27

3. ….Put Away that Which Grieves the Spirit of the Lord (for transforming knowledge of God is a gift from the Spirit of the Lord) – 2 Cor 3:18; Eph 4:29-30; 1 Cor 2:9-12; Rom 5:5

4. …Discipline Yourself in the Pursuit – It Must Be the Priority of Your Life – Ps 27:4

• The Discipline of Study– Growing in the Knowledge of God through Biblical, Contemplation on God  – 2 Cor 3:18

• The Discipline of Worship – Exercising Spiritual Affections for God through Worship of God – Ps 145:4-7; Col 3:1-2

• The Discipline of Fellowship – Feasting Together on God by Talking Together About God’s Glories and Callings – Malachi 3:16; Philemon 1:6

• The Discipline of Obedience – Reflecting the Glory to Others which You, Yourself, Are Beholding in Him – Jn 14:21; 2 Cor 3:18

Further Application:

As we approach God for such a great gift of life-transforming comprehension of him, we do so affirming that apart from Christ’s righteousness being yours by faith, you could not approach the throne of sovereign grace so confident – confident of God’s willingness to help you “see” and respond more clearly to him in a life-transforming way.

Early on during this hour of prayer, identify a few glories of God and related passages of Scriptures that describe or illustrate an aspect of who God is or what he has done that interests you most at this time. Seek to memorize a key passage as you ask God to, in the coming days, “show you His glory” more fully so that you may respond to Him more heartily. This is not a waste of time; if you sense your need for greater progression in the process of transformation in Christ, this is your most important use of time at this time. Take time, don’t rush in His presence as you ask; work to memorize the related Scriptures as you quiet your thoughts.

As you seek to identify what “glories” of God to focus on, consider where you see areas in your life and relationships with others that are unresponsive to God and His will. You might ask yourself, “Where do my current behaviors, time use, emotions, and desires reveal that I am deficient in a vital affection for God.” It could be a deficiency of trust in him that needs to replace sinful fears, worries, and anxieties. It could be a deficiency of humility before him, evidenced by your lack of compassion for others or critical thoughts and bitterness toward others. Maybe you find yourself falling into temptation because you lack proper fear of a loving father – so you need to behold his love of righteousness or behold justice in the Word combined with his love for you as Father that is “beyond comprehension.”  Whatever your need, a deeper comprehension of one or more “glories” (i,e, attributes) of God is the basis for a progressive and real change.

To aid in finding passages that declare the attributes of God to prayerfully meditate on, utilize brief sections in books on the attributes of God, or look through Behold Your God Hopework from LCBCC. You need Scriptural contemplation on who God is in light of your hunger to know him and be more responsive to him. 

By spending such a holy hour with God, you can be reoriented in your approach to the coming year with all its challenges, temptations, and opportunities.  This is one of the things we will be doing together at the upcoming Half-Day of Prayer.

Use the following prayer approach as the basis of your prayers for yourself and those you desire to reach with life-transforming truth about Christ.  Do this 5-15 minutes daily for 30 days.  Be frequent, fervent, and specific as you pray these things into your life and the lives of others. 

The lips of Jesus outlined a way we should pray. The following is a way to be guided by his instructions on prayer. 

(Mat 6:9-13 NASB)  “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. {10} ‘Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. {11} ‘Give us this day our daily bread. {12} ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. {13} ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.’

In this prayer, I observe nine needs in our life and nine excellencies of God that guide us in the right praying. These speak of our true needs and his complete sufficiency to meet those needs. We are called to pray for these provisions.

1. We pray as a Child to the Father (Matt 6:9a)
2. We pray as a Worshipper to the Holy One (Matt 6:9b)
3. We pray as a Soldier to the King (Matt 6:10a)
4. We pray as a Servant to the Master (Matt 6:10b)
5. We pray as a Beggar to the Provider (Matt 6:11)
6. We pray as a Sinner to the Savior  (Matt 6:12a)
7. We pray as a Suffer to the Redeemer (Matt 6:12b)
8. We pray as the Tempted to the Protector (Matt 6:13a)
9. We pray as a Target to the Deliverer  (Matt 6:14b)

Application:

1. Give 1-2 real-to-life examples for each of the nine areas above that illustrate how the Lord has been these things to you in meeting your needs throughout life. For example, “Lord, you showed yourself a Father to me when I was 18 by guiding me to develop my gifts and abilities that I now use, even when I was so confused about what career path to pursue. You are indeed a good Father. I worship and praise you for being my Father.” Begin each prayer statement with “Lord, you showed yourself a __________ to me by….. ” Go through each of the nine needs in life and nine excellencies of God in this manner.

2. In the like manner, give 1-2 real-to-life examples for each of the nine areas above that illustrate how you need the Lord to be those things to you currently. For example, “Lord, please show yourself a Father to me now by guiding me in what to do when I feel confused or worried about what I should do about my health problems. I wait on you and watch for your direction.”

In the end, faithful praying leads to greater demonstrations of the glories of God in and through the children of God.

Sign up for Tuesday Prayer Times or Other Upcoming Opportunities

I believe that true spiritual fellowship is like an emulsifier to healthy churches that are making disciples of Jesus Christ. Therefore what goes on in small groups or meetings should infuse people more deeply into the heartbeat of the church in a way that edifies personal transformation through relationships. For this reason, I am pleased to offer you two resources that, I believe, will greatly enhance your upcoming small group meetings.

Both of the following small group resources can facilitate effective small group meetings in a 6-to-12-week timeframe – depending on your interests and needs. Both resources have been born out of many years of helping people be transformed by the renewing of their mind through conversations and biblical meditations. Both resources have not only been case tested in real counseling sessions and proven effective but have been saturated with biblical and spiritual inspiration and guidance for your group.

ABOUNDING IN HOPE: Seven Hopes of the Heaven-Bound Saint

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Listen to a Presentation of First Session

Each session in this study features: 1) A Teaching Outline with Online Presentation (Leaders or students can listen in preparation for each meeting); 2) A short article to read to deepen understanding of that session with a group discussion assignment ; 3) A Practical Biblical Meditation assignment for those who want to dive deeper.

One of our greatest needs is hope, or we do not live well (1 Tim 4:10). The following seven biblical hopes are key to promoting and sustaining your zeal through the personal and relational challenges of life. 

1. Hope of Forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9)
2. Hope of Transformation (2 Cor 3:18)
3. Hope of Strength and Provision (Heb 4:16)
4. Hope of Spiritual Influence in Relationships (2 Cor 2:12-14)
5. Hope of eternal rewards (Matt 25:21)
6. Hope of heavenly dwelling (1 Cor 2:7)
7. Hope of Glorious perfection (1 Jn 3:2)

This six-part series will inspire your faith and desire to attain these seven hopes. Each session is full of promises that you will meditate on and be motivated by as you live your life. Many people who have come to the counseling center have increased their ability to overcome bad habits and unpleasant emotions, as well as deal better with difficult relationships as a result of this course. Hope-motivated perseverance resulted in amazing results to the glory of God (Heb 10:36) that defy modern counseling statistics. May the Lord make these promises shine on you as well.

TRANSFORMED EMOTIONS: Change Digest

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This is our most powerful and popular Biblical Change Digest based on the biblical methods of change we use at the center. It addresses anxiety, fear, worry, stress, depression, and discouragement.  It contains inspiring, insightful, and practical tools in a condensed format for personal, biblical change. Our prayer is to reach more people in need with the distinct help and hope of biblical counseling. 

1. Feelings Are Followers, Change is Possible (Article)
2. Faith Motivation versus Feeling Motivation (Bible Study)
3. The Relationship of Thoughts to Feelings (Bible Study)
4. What Does It Really Mean to Trust God?  (Assignment)
5. How to Effectively Meditate on the Word (Assignment)
6. Grasping His Faithfulness When Fearful (Free Online Video)         
7. Avoiding Despair & Depression by Tim Bryant
8. Gaining Divine Hope in Perplexity (Assignment)

If you have any questions on how to use any of these two resources in a small group, please do not hesitate to call or text message us at 843.278.0072.

We share the same vision if you believe that all people matter to God and His glory in Christ Jesus. Our partnership with your churches and counselors exists for the purpose of offering biblical counseling, counselor training, and resources. If interested in beginning a counselor or ministry mentorship as a church or individual, check out our approach at http://www.lcbcc.org/mentorships

Nothing without Christ,

Tim Bryant
Executive Director of the Lowcountry Biblical Counseling Center
www.LCBCC.org

Our training will enable your church counseling team to provide three different levels of needed ministry to the church body:

1. Crisis Care

2. Personalized Discipleship

3. Biblical Counseling

In light of this, each mature believer on the team fulfills one or more of the following roles: Encouragers, Coaches, & Lead Counselors. The extent of each team member’s involvement is based on their availability, ability, and equipping. God has mature believers in your church that can effectively assist in these three vital aspects of intensive discipleship and counseling. We will give vision, equipping, structure, and ongoing maintenance to your church. We will provide all these at the level of assistance you need. (Read more about our different levels of church partnerships.) Let’s look at the three aspects and roles of the lay counseling team more closely.

1. Personal & Crisis Care is provided by the ENCOURAGERS.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 says we are to “encourage the faint-hearted” and “help the weak.” When we are going through a difficult time of suffering or loss we need personal encouragement and practical help specifically that we may not lose heart in our walk with God and the Christian life. We need biblical encouragement that we may persevere in faith and obedience (Hebrews 10:36). Relational care is one mature believer developing a relationship with another believer who is in some significant crisis for the purpose of providing biblical encouragement and practical help.

Examples: “I have lost heart because…”

“…I lost my child in a car accident.”

“…I was laid off at my job.”

“…I found out I have cancer.”

We call the person fulfilling this aspect of the lay-counseling team an Encourager. These Encouragers are those in the body of Christ who may have spiritual giftedness in areas like encouragement, helps, faith, and mercy. LCBCC equips God’s people to provide distinctly biblical encouragement. This means they will learn to share from the Word of God specific truths that give hope and perspective to the suffering, as they listen and demonstrate the love of God in Christ to that person. LCBCC equips God’s people to provide practical help that walks those in crisis through steps of obedience by faith that they need to take to move forward in tough times.

2. Personalized Discipleship is provided by a COACH

Generalized discipleship teaches biblical doctrine, spiritual disciplines, godly living, and Christ-like relationships through sermons, Sunday School, and small group ministry. This is foundational in any good church. But personalized discipleship is one mature believer developing a relationship with another believer to help him learn how to apply the Word in a particular area of deficiency:

Examples: “I don’t know…”

“…how to manage money and time, complete my basic household responsibilities, discipline my children.”

“…how to have a quiet time consistently and effectively.”

“…how to make wise decisions in this situation.”

“…how to pursue this in a God-honoring way (i.e. vocation, spouse, etc.)”

“…how to biblically communicate and resolve conflicts.”

We call the person fulfilling this aspect of the lay-counseling team a Coach. These Coaches are those in the body of Christ who may have spiritual giftedness in areas like exhortation, coupled with teaching and knowledge, or possibly administration. In personalized discipleship, these Coaches actually become a life coach to help the person in need develop specific godly habits in specific areas related to spiritual disciplines, relationships, and personal responsibilities. Matthew 28:18 instructs us in what is called the Great Commission of the church. The church is to “teach them to obey all that I commanded.” That is exactly what this aspect of the Shepherding Team is all about!

3. Biblical Counseling is provided by the LEAD COUNSELOR.

Biblical counseling is certainly all of the above as it does indeed involve providing care in the form of biblical encouragement and practical help, and personalized discipleship by providing coaching in how to apply the Word to a particular situation. But in some counseling situations, the presenting problems are often more complex and intense. Galatians 6:1 tells us that “you who are spiritual should restore (or mend) those who are caught in any sin.” Biblical counseling helps those who are in personal and relational challenges and are stuck or deeply entrenched in sinful emotions, attitudes, thoughts, or actions.

Examples: “I just can’t…”

“…stop blowing up…stop having anxiety attacks and worrying…stop feeling overwhelmed with shame and cutting myself…stop my sad feelings that keep me from fulfilling my responsibilities….”

“…stop being bitter at this person…stop fighting and quarreling….”

“…stay married to him or her.”

“…stop getting drunk, high, or sexually lusting and sinning.

We call the person fulfilling this aspect of the lay-counseling team a Lead Counselor. The Lead Counselor helps the person break free by applying the wisdom and power of Christ. These counselors would be those in the body of Christ who may have many of the other spiritual gifts mentioned but also possess spiritual gifts and potential towards wisdom, discernment, leadership, maybe even preaching (or what we might call persuasiveness). The person in counseling is a person who needs intensive, personalized discipleship. This is why some have called biblical counseling the ICU of the church (Galatians 4:19). The Lead Counselor certainly provides biblical care and coaching (like the aforementioned) but adds other dimensions to the work that requires a greater degree of biblical wisdom, spiritual persuasiveness, practical tools and strategies, and a broader knowledge of counseling case history in the particular area of need. Our training provides all of this.

The process we advise is a team approach. The Lead Counselor teams up with an Encourager or Coach who can help assist as they work together with those individuals in more complex and intense problems. The Encourager or Coach gives the person in counseling encouragement both in and after sessions to put homework assignments and new patterns of thought into practice. All members on the team begin as Encouragers and progress to Coaches (if this is their desire and giftedness) and eventually, through greater equipping and experience, serve as Counselors.

Let us know if you would like to see your church STEP UP

We believe our relationship with you will greatly assist you in the ministry of making disciples through counseling but will not overtask you. Care, Coaching, and Counseling in this manner give the opportunity to expand the kingdom of Christ and equip the people of God as it biblically addresses the problems of individuals and families. Our ministry does not just provide biblical care, coaching, and counseling, we multiply others in the local church to do this as well. LCBCC exists to restore counseling to those local churches who believe in the sufficiency of Christ and His Word and desire to use counseling as a means of grace and discipleship for their people.

This is the vision behind the three LCBCC Partnership Packages. These partnerships can be tailored to fit the distinct needs of your church. Set up a personal appointment to speak with our director or ministry administrator about your needs now. We are here to serve you and your church.

If you would like to set up an online or onsite discussion of this with me, CLICK HERE.

Nothing without Him,

Tim Bryant, Executive Director

If you are ready to become a partner CLICK HERE.

Our main goal is to mobilize biblical counseling through your church. Let’s do this together.

We fit together best and glorify Christ most in the present generation when we are laying aside the old man, be renewed in our mind, and put on the new man created in Christ (Eph 4:22-24

Watch lesson three for the full teaching on how to make powerful change as a Christian.

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The summing up of all things in Christ (Eph 1:10) occurs as the body of Christ attains to the fullness of Christ (Eph 4:14). The body attains to the fullness of Christ as each individual part of the body of Christ mutually nourishes the other members (Eph 4:15-16). Each member in the body of Christ can only properly nourish one another as they walk no longer as a Gentile and continue making needed Christlike changes (Eph 4:17-24).

We are an amazing persuasive apologetic when we love and treat each other as more important than ourselves ( i.e. humility) (Eph 4:1-3). When we do this Jesus says the world WILL believe (see John 17:21). Our Christlike changes and resulting relationships can speed the summing up of all things in Christ (see 2 Peter 3:12). In this way, all Christ-like changes you make are potential world-changers.

All these world-changer changes are empowered by 15-20 minutes a day of biblical meditation. Learn how to do all this better by participating in our weekly study on Ephesians: Taught in Him

Sign up today for free to receive the weekly recordings and student resources.

• What’s Wrong with Me?
• Transforming in Temptation & Trial with Help
• Gain Life-Transformation in an Hour of Prayer
• Transforming Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer
• Biblical Counseling Resources for Small Groups

Make Power Change as a Christian

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Many are saying, “Any mask is better than no mask” (unless you use it improperly, of course). Let me add to this, “Any connection weekly with the body of Christ and the public hearing of the Word is better than no connection at all (unless it is not a Christ-centered connection, of course).

Are you hearing the Word and worshipping regularly with God’s people of the church of whom you belong – even if electronically? Do you not belong to a local body – get a connection. Any connection is better than none.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25 NLT)

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:13)

Are you going to church this week?
If you are not in a high-risk group to die from this Virus, let me encourage you to consider meeting with your local body of Christ this Sunday (or a Christ-centered church that is meeting). As you go, practice appropriate distancing. Prolonged absence from participating in corporate word and worship times with your local body of Christ weakens you, your church, and your community. Educators have known the liabilities for years of students going purely to online education. They assimilate far less due to low or no interaction with fellow students and teachers with increased distractions, absentees, dropouts and low grades. The current forsaking of Christian assembling and connectivity is likewise causing these liabilities to be experienced at epidemic proportions spiritually – with far more dangerous and long-term effects than the COVID-virus itself could bring. The spiritual body is becoming more and more unhealthy as connections with one another decrease. Our world is darkening as the light of the world – the body of Christ – is less present. We see levels like never before of addictions, suicide, conflicts, abuse, anxiety, depression, etc.  

Some should stay home, but not all
I believe it is wise for some to stay home from church and participate remotely, but not all. Therefore, I encourage you to weigh the physical impact that not joining your church will have on you and others against the spiritual impact of joining your church. If you deem it unsafe, ask yourself a follow up, “At what percentage ‘chance’ of death by Covid-19 will I return – 0.1%, 0.2%, etc.” Currently, CDC puts this very contagious virus at a 0.65% estimated death rate with 80% of those deaths occurring from those 70 years of age or older. If you are younger your death rate is much lower, unless you have certain underlining health conditions. All this is current solid estimates. It is important to be concrete in a time of fear so that we are not controlled merely by emotions but by reason. Some have returning to church just like most have returned to work and certain gatherings based on what is percentage-wise probable for them, not based on what is percentage-wise possible. It may be wise for many to stay home because of their particular age and health condition, but not for others. The current mortality and hospitalization statistics from the medical community can help us greatly in weighing these difficult decisions. 

If you determine it is not wise for you to meet at a church site for word and worship due to your ‘chance’ of death from Covid-19, let me encourage you to employ the following strategy. Invite a group of three fellow believers to a weekly phone or online meeting to read scripture, pray through church prayer requests, and possibly read a chapter together from a solid Christian book. Keep the conversation reflective of Philippians 4:8. Let one or more of your church leaders know of your plan and ask them for their input.

Join our Ephesians Study
I am teaching through a weekly study on the book of Ephesians online, onsite, and on-demand during this time. You could consider forming a discussion group weekly to discuss what you are learning and how to apply it. If you would like to join REGISTER TO JOIN THE EPHESIANS STUDY.

What part do you play in keeping us healthy?
Each one of the members of Christ’s body has an essential role in helping the body of Christ remain active and healthy during the Covid-19 closings. First, I encourage church leaders to take a look at an article a church wrote on why they are meeting entitled, Christ, Not Ceasar, Is Head of the Church. My prayer is that it may help give you fetter to pray over from a perspective your church leadership may not have considered. Second, I ask every member of a local body of Christ to prayerfully ask themselves, “What is your role in keeping the body healthy?” Determine this and keep fervent in your love as you fulfill this role. You are essential as a member of the body of Christ.

Hear Paul’s instructions from Ephesians 4:16 “… we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

It sounds like each part is essential. May the Lord stir our hearts to do our part in keeping the “body” healthy during Covid-19.

What do you do when you feel depressed, angry, irritable, guilty, afraid, anxious, upset, confused, stressed, troubled, restless, etc.? Because God created us with the capacity to feel, He desires glory in all that we do feel. Redemption in Christ includes the redemption of our feelings!  The fruit of the Holy Spirit includes a change in feelings – love, joy, and peace (Gal 5:22-24). This indicates that our feelings are produced, not merely experienced. Godly feelings are a result of the Holy Spirit being in control of what we think and do. Rom 8:6 says a mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Gal 6:8-10 makes it clear that if we sow to please the Spirit, we will reap the fruit of the Spirit. This gives us hope for feeling better if we lack love, joy, and peace in our life!

There is a book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association. It is the basis of diagnoses such as Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or Bipolar Disorders and many more. Bad feelings are a common symptom of most disorders. Most diagnoses are made based on behavioral, thought and emotional patterns. If the negative behaviors, thoughts and emotions profoundly impact a person’s life and relationships in negative ways, a clinical diagnosis is made.  But what if the Holy Spirit produced the fruit of the feelings of Christ in those who are suffering from such disorders? Would this change the status of their condition from clinical to just problematic, or maybe even complete resolution? For example, if a depressed patient experiences the fruit of the Spirit’s joy, would their depression so improve that they could no longer be labeled with a depressive disorder? They may still be prone to depression, but not controlled by it. If this is true, could we say the same thing for other disorders? If the anxious woman experienced the Spirit’s fruit of peace, the ADD teen the Spirit’s fruit of self-control, or the Bipolar person the Spirit’s fruit of love, joy, peace as well as self-control, what impact would this fruit have on their diagnosis and life?

In Christ, we are in the process of becoming more and more like Christ from the inside-out.  This includes our feelings. Christ-like feelings are the product of us becoming more like Christ in four areas: behaviors, thoughts, desires and beliefs.

Feelings Follow Behaviors  (i.e. actions and lifestyle patterns)

Cain was depressed and angry. God counseled Cain how to change his feelings, “Do well, andyour countenance will be lifted up” (Gen 5:6-7). If we do what God calls us to do consistently, God promises that we will “reap what we sow” (Gal 6:8-10). This means that no matter how bad you and I may feel today, if we discover what God is calling us to do and do it consistently, our feelings will eventually experience positive change. This positive change in feelings will often be a result of a positive change in our situation, for we make a bad situation or feeling worse when we respond poorly. But the most significant reason our feelings will experience a positive change is that our relationship with God improves when we choose to do right in suffering. Rom 8:28,29 makes is clear that eventually all things that happen to those who love God will turn out for good, either in us or through us. We must persevere in doing good to see the good that is promised. If we are going to find the strength to continue doing what is right when we feel bad, we must change the thoughts, perspectives, and meditations of our heart.

Feelings Follow Thoughts (i.e. meditations)

If a person’s heart is full of fearful thoughts and perspectives, what will he feel? In contrast, if his heart is full of peaceful thoughts, what will he feel? Feelings do follow thoughts not just actions.  A man came to counseling after having been a pilot dropping bombs during the first Iraq war. Five years later, he was still waking up with terrors, feeling the weight of shame, believing his bombs had killed innocent people by the thousands. Sleep loss has escalated, and his thinking became more and more distorted and bizarre. He was diagnosed with PTSD. We first discussed the relationship of his thoughts to his feelings to help him see his need to change his meditation.  Rom 8:6 says that the mind focused on the Spirit is life and peace. This truth (found in the assignment “The Relationship of Thoughts to Feelings”) motivated him to work hard on changing his thinking and perspective, no matter how bad he felt.

Eventually, his feelings changed by meditating on the sovereignty of God (Lam 3:37-38) as it related with his role as an agent of the government (Rom 13:1-4) in the Iraq war. Each time he was tempted to guilt himself over the bombs he dropped (which produced a controlling anxiety) he would take his guilt and anxiety captive to the truth of God. He had studied and memorized passages like Rom 13:1-4 which states that the government exists as a minister of God to avenge and punish evil. In light of this he would pray, “Father, I may feel guilty of murder but based on Romans 13:1-4, I was obedient to your call as an agent of the US government; therefore you do not hold me guilty for wrongdoing. You are the Judge, not me.” He had also studied and memorized passages like Lam 3:37-38 which states that God is in charge of all that occurs, as well as passages like Deut 29:29 that states we are to follow what God reveals, not what is secret or unknown to us. In light of these truths he would pray, “Father, I may feel anxious about the potential of killing innocent people, but the truth is, there is little evidence of this, and the truth is, I was following what You had revealed as my role. The truth is that You are ultimately in control of life and death, not me, not anyone else. I trust your sovereignty and the Word in this situation, not my perspective and feelings.” As our thoughts and perspective begin to reflect God’s thoughts and perspectives, we will experience feelings that glorify God and will become more like Christ. 

Feelings Follow Desires  (i.e. motives and affections) 

If you were given something you intensely desire, like a $5,000 bonus or an engagement ring,  you would feel intense joy. On the other hand, if you lost something you intensely desire, like the $5,000 bonus you anticipated, or a close relationship now gone from your life, you would feel intense sadness, anger, maybe even anxiety. This is because feelings follow desires.

Each Christmas growing up, my brother and I would always get one “big” present. I remember the grand feeling of disappointment that came over me when I was 14 years old and opened my “big” present. It was a study Bible, a very nice one. My “other” desires dictated my disappointed feelings. Fast forward 15 years. My wife and extended family pitched in to get me an expensive computer bible software program I truly desired. After opening the present, I looked at them and said with grande elation, “No way! You all should not have spent so much on me!” How can the same person receiving such similar gifts respond with such opposite feelings? This is because my feelings followed my desires. 

James 1:14 says each one is tempted by what he desires, not by what happens to him. When you feel the temptation to self-pity and to pull away in sadness, check your heart’s desires. When you feel the temptation to quit loving and doing right, check your heart’s desire. When you feel anxious, and your heart is racing, check your heart’s desires. We want to be happy; we want good health, good relationships, and good results in life. But if we are ruled by these desires, our feelings will be dominated by depression, anxiety or anger.  You and I are led by our desires. It’s not our circumstance or feelings that are the real problem. It is our heart’s desires.  

Jesus said in John 4:34 that his food is to do the will of the Father. Because of this, he was never controlled by feelings of depression, anxiety or anger, even though his life was filled with sorrow, disappointment, hurt, unjust treatment, and even physical abuse. His feelings followed his ruling desire to do the will of the Father, even through He suffer horrible circumstances. As a result of his perfect desires, he can offer us forgiveness from the Father for our disobedient desires, thoughts, behaviors and feelings. He offers us help in our struggle to change our disobedient desires. Heb 2:16-17 says, “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Do you desire this forgiveness and help? Christ can both atone for your sin and help you to change your heart’s desires to do the will of the Father. If you are overwhelmed and dominated by negative emotions, the best news possible is that Christ can change your heart’s desire to be more like his. 

Feelings Follow Beliefs
(Ps 27:13; 1 Pet 1:8)

How would you feel if you believed you deserve a $5000 raise, but you didn’t get it? Most likely your answer would be “mad and sad.”  In contrast, how would you feel if you received the $5000 raise but you believed you didn’t deserve it (maybe because of many sick days or your department did not produce as well as expected)? Most likely your answer would be “humbled, grateful and blessed.” Note in both cases you believed, therefore you felt. Feelings are determined by what we believe, not by what we receive. 

What we believe that our faith is the most crucial human motivator. What we each believe fundamentally motivates us in life, and therefore motivates our feelings. David declared that he would have despaired unless he had believed that he would see God’s goodness in the end (Ps 27:13). What we believe motivates our actions. Jesus was motivated to endure the suffering of the cross because he believed future joy was awaiting him (Heb 12:2). What we believe motivates our thoughts. The Psalmist meditated on God’s law day and night for he believed it increased his wisdom like nothing else (Ps 119:97-99). What we believe even motivates our desires. The early church believed in Christ and was filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Pet 1:8). The Psalmist meditated on God’s law constantly because he believed they were more valuable than thousands of pieces of silver or gold and sweeter than honey. (Ps 119).  Godly feelings, actions, thoughts, and even desires follow our faith in the Lord and his Word.

Such life-transforming faith in Christ is a gift from God’s Spirit (Eph 2:8-9) that comes by hearing the Word of Christ (Rom 10:17). Biblical counseling facilitates and nurtures such transforming faith in practical ways. If you are dominated by a lack of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness, there is hope through God’s Spirit. 

This article is in a Change Digest entitled, “Transformed Emotions.” It is designed to help you deal with fear, worry, anxiety, and depression through biblical counseling insights and methodologies. If you would like to order a copy contact us at the Lowcountry Biblical Counseling Center (www.lcbcc.org). Many who sincerely try what you read in that Digest find that true Biblical counseling connects more practically, deeper, and satisfactorily than they thought possible. 

God desires glory in all that you feel. He is ready to help. The Lowcountry Biblical Counseling Center is here to help you find this transformation.  If you need further direction give us a call today (843-278-0072) or send an email to info@lcbcc.org.

The Heart Wants What the Heart Wants

“I can’t believe I did that! I’ve always done the right thing. What’s wrong with me?”

These were the questions that haunted one young lady who was distraught and disheartened at the realization that she could change from being an obedient, godly daughter to a rebellious, pleasure seeking sinner when in the company of a certain person. Although she had separated herself from bad company, repented from her sin and sought forgiveness, she wondered if something was seriously wrong with her.  She knew there was something more than just the influence of bad company corrupting her good character. She was right! Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17:7-8 both depict the blessed man as a flourishing tree planted by water that remains green and yields fruit despite drought and heat. Much like water being the source of life for the tree, the Lord is the life-giving source to the blessed man. In this young lady’s case, her heart’s desire was not to delight in the Lord, but to delight in the opinion and praise of others. Thus, she was delighting in a source that leads to sin and death. As we began to unpack her desires and the things in which she was trusting, an “AHA!” moment occurred. The influence of bad company simply revealed what was in her heart: delighting in the approval of man rather than God. Thus, her outward behavior changed according to that which would bring the approval of others.  Her past obedience had been fueled by a heart that was seeking approval and praise from others rather than from a heart that sought to please God, manifesting self-righteousness rather than the gracious character of her loving God. With these new realizations, we began focusing on cultivating a heart that loves and fears God more than man. We worked through Wayne Mack’s Bible Study “Hope Comes from knowing God as Our Father,” studied God’s attributes and examined the humility of Christ using Tim Bryant’s Bible Study “The Wisdom of Humility and Foolishness of Pride.” In his booklet, “Motives: Why Do I Do the Things That I Do?,” Ed Welch notes:

The heart is the source of all human motivation. It is the wellspring of life (Prov. 4:23), the root that determines whether the fruit on the tree is good or bad (Jer. 17:5-8; Luke 6:43-45). It is our true self ... the heart’s root motivation is “I want.” By nature the heart is selfish. It wants what it wants when it wants it. It doesn’t want God setting limits or providing direction. When changed by God Himself, the heart’s selfish and anti-God motives are not erased, but they are gradually replaced by a desire to love God and live for Him alone.[1]

Have you ever experienced temptation and trial? Do you find yourself constantly fighting against the same sins and challenges, only to be overcome in the same way again and again? If so, you are not alone, and there is help at the Lowcountry Biblical Counseling Center, Reach out today for counseling or join a change group for men or one for women. (All help is offered both online and onsite.) All of us experience temptations and trials – and often alone, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Biblical counseling and Biblical change groups can help us learn how to deal with temptations and experience a transformation that will last a lifetime.

The Need for Transformation
We all need a transformation from within if we are going to stand up against temptations. We must understand how our thoughts, affections and feelings influence our actions. Often, we make decisions based on what is comfortable in the moment without considering our long-term goals or consequences. However, when we take the time to consider and evaluate these things—our true desires, values, and beliefs—we can better understand ourselves and make decisions that reflect what God has placed before that we truly want out of life. This understanding is essential for developing purity of desire within ourselves by God’s Spirit.

The Role of Biblical Counseling & Biblical Change Groups
Biblical counseling and groups can provide invaluable guidance and insight as we seek transformation from within. The Bible offers many examples of how people faced difficult situations with courage and faithfulness in order to maintain their purity and guard against temptation. When faced with temptations, it can be helpful to hear stories in change groups who have gone through similar experiences so that we can learn from their example and apply those lessons to our own lives. Additionally, biblical counselors may be able to offer further insights into these stories that can help us gain a greater understanding of our own struggles with temptation.

The Enduring Benefits of Transformation
The benefits of transformation through biblical counseling and change groups are enduring; they last beyond the momentary satisfaction gained by giving into temptation or succumbing to sin. True transformation leads us closer towards living out God’s plan for us in Christ; it helps us lead more meaningful lives full of purpose and value to others rather than emptiness or despair caused by sinning over and over again without making any progress towards true purity or holiness. Through this process of transformation, we can become stronger in the face of temptation so that no matter what comes our way, we will remain faithful to God’s plan for our lives rather than giving in to whatever promises temporary gratification at the cost of lasting peace or joy in Christ Jesus Our Lord!

Conclusion: It is an uphill battle for sure – but one worth fighting! With Bible-based insights from biblical counselors combined with intentional effort on your part, you too can experience deep inner transformation from within which will enable you resist temptation every time it arises! So don’t give up hope – keep striving forward even when it seems like you aren’t making any progress – because God has promised a reward for those who remain faithful! Trust Him today as you strive towards a life characterized by purity instead of defeat! Let His transforming power bring about real change inside your heart so that no matter what comes your way – you will remain strong in faith! Amen!

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As Christian leaders, we are some of the most ambitious people on earth! God designed some of us for this, but there are limits. Our ambitions need the guidance and guardrails of wisdom and humility before God. John the Baptist was called to be the forerunner of Christ to prepare the way of the Lord. After a few years of great “success” and popularity, John was left with only a handful of followers. When he was asked by his followers what to do with the lack of growth in ministry, John replied, “A man can receive nothing unless it is given him from above” (John 3:27). His evaluation led him to accept that he should not push to change the results. He made decisions based on faithfulness, not success. He lived as a called person. Ironically John the Baptist’s faithfulness led him to a reduced role, not a greater one. He knew his limits because he knew his callings. He stayed within his limits because he trusted and loved his Lord most. May the Lord give each of us discernment as we evaluate the following.

Question 1: ARE YOU TOO BUSY?
Principle 1: Called professionals accept that they are owned and limited by God, not free to do as they will.

Do you believe you are too busy? Do other people in your life believe you are too busy, saying things like, “You work too hard; you put in too many hours?” If so, what is driving this? Is God calling you to this? If not, what changes are needed at the heart and habit levels? What steps can you take? Honestly evaluate and plan biblical change. As you do, pray for the grace to understand, and apply David’s humility before God as a solution to overworking.”

Psalm 131:1-3
“O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;
Nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me.
Surely, I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me.
O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever.

Question 2: ARE YOU OVER-RESPONSIBLE?
Principle 2: Called professionals deeply depend upon God, not their efforts, for the results

Do you acknowledge your utter dependence upon God through regular prayer as you seek to accomplish work projects and goals? Are your prayers characterized as both thankful for past blessings and specific for current needs? If not, what changes are needed at heart and habit levels? What steps will you take? Honestly evaluate and plan biblical change. As you do, pray for grace to understand, and apply the following truths about God as a solution to self-reliance and worry.

Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in His sleep.

Question 3: DO YOU LACK DILIGENCE?
Principle 3: Called professionals diligently labor at their work, possessing the highest work ethic on earth.
Do you work hard at making your product or service the best that you can produce for your clients’ good and your Master’s glory? If not, what changes are needed at the heart and habit levels? What steps will you take? Honestly evaluate and plan biblical change. As you do, pray for grace to understand, and apply the following truths as a solution to half-hearted efforts.

Colossians 3:22-24
Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Question 4: ARE YOU EARTHLY MINDED?
Principle 4: Called professionals are driven most by eternal and internal gains promised by the Lord, not by temporal gains which in time turn to dust.

Do you regularly stir your affections for the greater rewards through recalling to mind the glories of heaven and of becoming more like Christ? Is your passion for these things practically seen in your use of time, talents, and treasures? If not, what changes are needed at the heart and habit levels? What steps will you take? Honestly evaluate and plan biblical change. As you do, pray for grace to understand, and apply the following truths as a solution.

Driven by Eternal Gains –
Matthew 25:21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’” (Also see Matt 6:19-20 and 2 Cor 4:17.)

Driven by Internal Gains –
John 14:21 “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.”
John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’

Sincere Christians and humanists should not view one another as two enemies in conflict but two lovers of humanity in conflict over whose solution will help make the world a better place. Read on to understand.

I believe we must explain the fundamental problem of people biblically. For example, George Floyd and Derek Chauvin both struggled to do what was right for the same reasons you and I struggle. We are spiritually separated from God, whom we need for the right direction and motivation in life. If we don’t focus on this fundamental problem in dealing with humanity’s problems, we will never get to the right solutions in Christ.

Many humanitarian humanists are warring to make society better by explaining our fundamental problem as systemic ethnic inequity. They want the world to be more caring, hoping in the end that the world will be more equal in possessions. Critical Race Theory, Reparations, Intersectionality, and the Woke Movement are sincere but misguided attempts by some (not all) to make the world a better place by solving what they believe is the fundamental problem of ethnic inequity of possessions. These explanations make Christ and the Bible’s solution irrelevant – merely a footnote in solutions, at best.

For example, in the Bible, we are commanded to cultivate possession contentment – “if we have food and clothing, let us be content.” Many humanists in our day teach the equal distribution of possessions as the solution. Many biblical thinkers teach not to covet others’ possessions and practice possession contentment as the solution. Which is right?

These two solutions are mutually exclusive. Sincere Christians and humanists should not view one another as two enemies in conflict but two lovers of humanity in conflict over whose solution will help make the world a better place. This will empower debate to lead to solutions when possible.
Yet, the solutions of the humanitarian humanist focus those with less on the possessions of those with more. This cultivates covetousness and discontentment. This is unbiblical. I know many people who are far more privileged than I, and I know many people that are not.

So……who determines how much I deserve from those with more than I? Furthermore, who decides how much those with less than I deserve from me? Thus, if you promote Critical Race Theory, Reparations, Intersectionality, and the Woke Movement, you encourage covetousness and discontentment in your community that can never be satisfied and quieted. If this is you, please consider what I say and join me in developing sanctified solutions for society in Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom for all we need.

Oh Christ-follower, don’t be deceived and let the humanitarian humanist solutions use you as propaganda to promote unChristlike behaviors and motivations like covetousness and discontentment. These move us further from Christ’s answers. Rebuild people upon Christ, not rootless social constructs. We have the answers in Him and His Word. Let’s do this together.

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