What You'll Discover in this Episode:
We are joined by special guest Dr. Howard A. Eyrich for Part 2 of an interview with the biblical counseling pioneer. Today’s discussion will cover the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC) Conference which is scheduled for August 1st-3rd, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. The theme this year is HOPE. Learn more about the IABC Annual Conference here.
Dr. Eyrich and other board members chose this year’s theme of HOPE for several different reasons. First, because many members of the board, including Dr. Eyrich, were working through difficult issues in the organization. Secondly, the dealing of the daily work as a biblical counselor, and finally countering people who were dealing with difficult times in their lives. This is the theme of Apostle Peter riding to his flock in a great time of persecution. This year’s conference is a reiteration of this wondrous hope and the sharing of tools that the counselor can use to help the counselee implement Hope in various dimensions of their lives to develop godly patterns in their lives - day by day.
Dr. Eyrich believes the book of Ezekiel yields the following 5 recurring Themes:
- A persistent display of the character of God.
- A personal wickedness of the people of God
- A professional weakness of the Religious Leaders
- A particularized judgement of God
- A perpetual HOPE.
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Great timing for my walk in Biblical Counseling. Hope is an assurance because God has promised it. Amen.
Love this. Need to listen to it many times to glean everything I need too. So good.
Hope will always be a needed subject for life and it is so comforting to know that the believers hope is solidly grounded in the character of God. I like how Dr Eyrich explained the distinction between the way we use hope today in speaking of what we expect to happen versus the confident assurance we have when we speak about biblical hope. Hope is confident.It will happen because God decreed it to be so as the 1 Peter 1:13 passage tells us about the eschatological hope.
I never knew of using the book of Ezekiel as a book to reveal hope. This was new for me and the themes Dr Eyrich identified are certainly the picture of our society today. Our counselees need to find hope in God. This is relieving for us as Counsellors that we can point our counselees to the living hope; to the God who never fails, whose Word is truth and guaranteed. What was also amazing was the examples in scripture used to show hope as in the rainbow for Noah; deliverance of Peter from prison, exodus of Israel from Egypt, and when Adam and Eve sinned. The Scriptures truly have so much to help us teach those who come to us for counsel. There are so many hopeless people in our world and what a privilege God has given us to lead them to Him who is the really only True Hope. Wonderful topic .
Hope is a topic that is very important. Hope effects how we live our lives, and it comes from belief and trust in Jesus Christ. I loved the point that was made stating that our hope as believers is a fact. God tells us that we can have this living hope, He tells us in His Word. In the past year, I have finally experienced what it feels like to live with this kind of hope. It is something that is always there, and it is always a reminder that God is going to work all things together for good. This biblical hope is an assurance, and assurance that God has us and we get to live eternally with Him.
Such a great message of hope. Eschatology hope is
the that the same God who promises eternal deliverance has given us hope for this life. He is constantly giving hope to people for their future in the Bible. We see that with Noah, Abraham and Moses. There is always hope with the Lord for our future. Our hope is in the character of who God is. Hope is what the counselee needs in order to live out Christianity
God is righteous and is a God of judgement, but is also a gracious and merciful God. He disciplines because He loves us. We have an eternal hope in the character of God. It’s not hope in ourselves but in a good and gracious God. The hope we have is not the worldly hope but is assured by the promises of God. I can trust God and hope in Him. He knows what is good for us and works it out in our lives.
I am really glad you brought up other biblical characters who were strengthened by hope. Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Paul, Peter, John and more all show the need for believers to have hope. Having hope sets the benefits of future things in the here and now. I am sure that Noah worked all those years peacefully unto the Lord because he was benefiting from future things that hadn’t happened. Same with David. David was peaceful, brave, and patient because his future kingship was assured by his hope in God’s promises.
I don’t think we can handle the difficult parts of our walk with Christ without hope for the restful parts being included. God is good to give us hope during the stress and He does that by assuring the end of the stressful times. Just as you said, we “have an eternal hope in the character of God.”
I once did a study on Noah that dealt with hope. When I studied the scripture I noticed that Noah built the Arc with a window, but he didn’t use the window until God told him too.
“After forty days Noah opened a window he had made in the ark…”
The forty days of rain and the days that followed until the become lodged on the mountains of Ararat, Noah never opened the window. Noah never opened the window because he had faith in what God had told him. He didn’t need to check and see if the weather was clearing up on the 39th day because he knew what God had said. This encouraged me when I was in a pit of despair because I knew that God knew about my pit, and he cared about my pit, and he wouldn’t let me stay in my pit. It was then that I looked out the window. The story of Noah has always been such an encouragement to my faith because anytime I doubt God’s ways or doubt his will, I remember Noah, and I don’t look out the window until God tells me too.
I love that statement: “Our hope is in the character of who God is.” We are not perfect creatures, we are flawed and sinful. Our hope can not come from ourselves, but it must come from God. He gives true hope.
The word hope has been a very important word in my Christian journey, and as I study more and more I see that it should be a very important word to every Christian. It is the hope that is given to us by the life of Jesus that is the only thing we can count on in this world. “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness…”
We live in a world that doesn’t understand the true meaning of hope. So many place their hope in things, or people, that will always fail them. I was diagnosed with cancer 6 years ago and while my prognosis was not supposed to be good, my hope was in what Jesus could do for me, not what medicine said about me.
I love how hope is compared to an anchor. A ship puts down its anchor to keep it grounded and rooted in one place. Such is our hope in Jesus. Hope keeps us grounded and rooted in one place-the center of the perfect will of God.
Victoria, I enjoyed your comments so very much. I loved how you brought out that hymn. I haven’t heard for quite a few years. Thanks for bringing it to my mind. God is our anchor of hope. We have reason for eternal hope. Whereas the lost have no hope. Instead they consume whatever and however they can in trying to find a lasting hope. Which is impossible? I guess that is why there are called consumers? How are you holding up with your cancer? Is it in remission? You commented words of wisdom that “hope keeps us grounded and rooted in one place – the center of the perfect will of God”. That really touched me. Can I use it too? Jerry
What a great podcast!
It really made me think of how practical the bible can get. Offering hope to a chaotic world, hope to a depressed person, an anxious person, someone suffering loss and more. There are so many specific situations that the bible offers hope for.
I was also thankful that Dr. E shared a personal testimony of seeking God’s direction with moving. That showed us a practical way to walk with Jesus. As Jeff says ” the rubber meets the road stuff”, this is what helps me really to apply what I am learning in the word and in class.
He mentions when seeking guidance, we play our part of seeking wisdom, praying and looking for opportunity or open/ closed doors, yet Jesus is the one who directs us, and we can trust him to slam doors hard, as our eyes are on Him.
One of my favorite quotes from Dr. E today, was “do not look at the kinks in the road and say God is not directing. There are always going to be kinks in a fallen world. ” The lord is our shepherd. He knows how to lead us in the way.
I was also very blessed by the quote on “kinks in the road.” I find myself, and many others are discouraged easily. We are called in Scripture to walk by faith as we seek counsel, pray, and look for opportunity. But, so often we get discouraged at the first sign of trouble. I am so glad the Lord didn’t give up when He was first interrogated by the Pharisees (Matt 12). I am glad that Paul didn’t give up when his mission team was forbidden by the Spirit from going to Asia (Acts 16).
The practical walking by faith is difficult but like you said the scriptures offer us hope in many specific situations and as well in general terms. Giving people hope will help them move past the road blocks and kinks further down the road to where the Lord calls them.
Hannah, I also love how practical the bible is. I love when people tell me how the bible is just “a bunch of ancient stories that have nothing to do with me.” I love being able to quickly ask them if they have ever felt alone, or ever lost their way in their life, or ever made a bad decision they regretted. Everyone has made mistakes like the ones spoken of in the bible and the wisdom given on how to deal with these challenges hold up to this very day. Practical indeed!
Hope is a much used but seldom understood concept and I believe in our culture and time, there are many who have a poor grasp of God, His character and/or His blessing. I believe it’s up to us to help people around us understand that glorious hope we know as Christ.
I especially appreciate the first bullet point in the outline which is that hope is a “persistent display of the character of God”. I’m not sure I would have described it this way, but after reading and considering it I don’t know if there’s a better way to say it. God has given us so many points of reference, starting with His word, which richly recounts His plan for mankind from the beginning to the end (of time as we know it).
Of the verses listed I’m most impacted by this one; “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” I Pet 1:3
It’s a rich word picture that includes “His abundant mercy” which has brought us to the “living hope” that he’s provided.
We don’t seem to contemplate or appreciate hope until we’re in despair and feel as though we have no way out and nothing left to give. At that point we have to trust that God has a plan for us far beyond anything we can ask or imagine. I also think it’s up to us to seek out His blessing even when it’s the most difficult, not just when we’re comfortable.
I agree, I see so many people, in the church even, lacking in understanding of God and His blessings. Hope is one of these blessings. God gives us this assurance that we are His and He has us. I, too, like that phrasing of hope being a persistent display of the character of God. God is persistent alright, and when we trust in Him, we will have that persistent assurance that God is for us and has eternal life in store for us.
I’m glad the subject of abuse of the counselee came up. Dr. Eyrich mentioned how society has been attempting to help the abused, but many times they can end up abusing the abused.
Those who have been subjected to abuse need hope to know that the answers, guidance, and help they are looking for does exist. The Lord has been gracious to give us everything that pertains to “life and godliness.” But, when counselors are ill-trained they don’t provide hope.
Often I have seen how many out there call for people to “deny themselves” as Jesus did. However, they don’t explain how to “come and follow” Jesus. The people who need help end up hearing about how they are “so low” and in need of “death to self” yet aren’t given the rest of the equation… to come and follow Jesus. The hope is there for them that it isn’t just the crucifixion of this life, but the start of a new one in Christ. We have great hope in Christ not just for salvation but for healing, growth, and guidance.
This was another great episode with Dr. Eyrich. Our world is in a persistent state of hopeless indifference. The youth are becoming numb to the headlines. The adults are trying their best to maintain a look of having it “all together”. Unfortunately, that facade is paper thin and easy to see through in times of crisis.
With all that said, this podcast reminded me of the hope we have as believers. It is not a hope that is grounded in our wishful thinking, but in the unchanging character of God. Dr. Eyrich cited the rainbow of Noah and the exodus of Moses as a few examples of the pervading principle of hope within the Scriptures.
Our hope is ALIVE and it is securely found in the risen savior. It is hope for the anxious, depressed, grieving, and oppressed person. However, as we practically place our confidence in the hope of God, we will find “kinks” along the way. These kinks are a by-product of living in a fallen world and are not necessarily signs that you are in error.
My hope should be built on nothing else, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I love that Dr. E said that we can trust the Lord when there are bumps in the road. It is for a purpose because He wants to refine us. Our difficulties should cause us to cling to the Lord and to give us hope in Him that He is working for His purposes. Our hope is in Christ alone.
David I appreciate the references to Noah and Moses as well. It’s interesting in the case of Noah, God save just a handful of people who could speak firsthand to His glory, and who no doubt passed that experience and the lessons learned to their future generations. And the same with the Israelites and the amazing deliverance provided to them by God. But clearly neither was sufficient for mankind to learn from, as so many in our present day have little to no knowledge or understanding about God. May it never be so with us.
The IABC conference theme is hope and I really wish that I could attend. In counseling, we point people to hope in the here and now. The assurance of hope is throughout the Bible. Persistent character of God, even though there was wickedness of the leaders and people, there is also a judgment of God. This is woven through the book of Ezekiel, a perpetual hope given to us from God.
Hope comes from the Bible is an assurance is from Paul about eternal life. It is a promise from God, and it gives encouragement. God is directing our steps and we keep going, trusting the Lord as we keep pressing forward. Hope is an anchor that is full and secure as it’s grounded in the Lord. The hope we have in our self is hopeless. This message was so encouraging and I hope that we can listen or purchase the a DVD set of the conference as this is what we need now more than ever in our world, hope.
Really good reminders here ! Thanks autumn.
I like how you said that the assurance of hope is throughout the Bible. Especially since it is all based on and around the man of hope Jesus Christ.
God’s persistent and consistent character is displayed no matter what. I like that you pointed that out.
We have no assurance when we hope in ourselves. True hope comes from Christ and we sell ourselves so short hoping in anything else.
When we put out hope in Christ. It is indeed like an anchor. I think of the verse in the book of Hebrews ” we have this hope as an anchor for our souls, sure and steadfast.”
One thing that really got my attention in this podcast was when Dr. Eyrich talked about the new counselor in training getting the phone call from the couple he was counseling. They notified him that they were so messed up that they were going to have to get their act together before they could get further biblical counseling.
Dr. Eyrich pointed out that they were abandoning biblical counseling and were instead going to place their hope in themselves. One reaction I had to this was that if they had both already messed up their marriage by their own efforts, what made them think that they could fix it by their own efforts.
It’s sad when the deceitfulness of sin makes many of us as Christians turn to human wisdom rather than to God’s Eternal Truth. Many times, it’s our own sin that gets us into trouble in the first place. Turning to human wisdom to try and solve our problems only compounds them in my opinion. It also teaches us to trust in ourselves and our own understanding rather than leaning onto God and His eternal wisdom.
Hi Kevin-
I think God sees this and is saddened by our attempts to figure out solutions by our own ways, common sense, and standards. When we see some improvement we think that’s about as good as it’s gonna get, when God can totally transform us.
Thankfully He pursues and we can turn to Him for the ultimate solutions.
It is so crazy that a couple with a broken marriage would not turn to the Lord and the counsel the Bible offers, but that they would seek their own means. Turning to human wisdom does not produce the eternal work that God wants to do in an individuals life. God’s wisdom gives us so much hope because He is able to use even our failures for His glory. We have a good and faithful God.
Great point!
I did not necessary put that together during the podcast. Yet, I have had that come to mind before. That we can often get ourselves in such a mess as humans and then try to deal with it in the flesh and things become even more messy.
Instead we can go to the wonderful counselor and do things God’s way.
Humanistic views and secular psychology puff up the wisdom of man and the security of who we are in and of ourselves. This is not the correct place of hope. In fact it is the way to utter failure and more mess on our mess.
Thank you for sharing Kevin.
Kevin unfortunately many of us experience something similar. Some people also stay away from church thinking that they need to “clean up their act” in order to be in church. But more to the point regarding counseling, people are constantly avoiding having a conversation with someone about a critical issue. Usually they’re either waiting until they decide they’re ready, or they’re waiting until the other person acts a certain way or says a certain thing. Married couples do this all the time to each other. It’s one of many indications that we’re fallen and we’re incapable in our own strength of loving the way Christ called us to love.
God knew us and chose us from the beginning, and his Spirit has made us holy. As a result, we must obey him because we have been cleansed by His blood. And through our faith, God is protecting us by his unfailing power. even though we must endure many trials for a little while, These trials will show that our faith is genuine. So we must prepare our minds for action and exercise self-control. We must put all our hope in the gracious eternal salvation of Jesus Christ, We must live as God’s obedient children and not fall back into the old ways of living to satisfy the fleshly desires. we were cleansed from our sins so now we must show sincere love to each other. We have been born again and our new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.
Dr. Howard A. Eyrich years of experience and wisdom has such wonderful rich application for our lives today. With his age and love for God, Dr. Eyrich becomes a great example of following the Lord with steadfastness and longevity. I was able to attend the conference last week and was greatly blessed by the sessions of hope. This perpetual hope that we help people find it Jesus Christ, is needed more than ever today. So many people are running to and fro, trying to find peace and comfort, only to be destroyed by the very things they are seeking after. The Gospel of hope, forgiveness, and love is what we have to offer mankind, and we need to as counselors take people by the hand and show them what manner of Love the Father has revealed to us.
Our only hope can come from Jesus! I agree that people are running to and fro trying to find peace and comfort but they are looking in all the wrong places. This is one reason why I am in the Biblical Counseling program as to help others know there is hope during our times of trouble.
Do you know if we are able to purchase the DVD or if it’s o Youtube? I would love to listen to the conference.
Ron-
“So many people are running to and fro, trying to find peace and comfort, only to be destroyed by the very things they are seeking after”
I agree totally with this statement. I have witnessed this in my own life. Many times I have sought after things or activities to distract me from the despair that I was in. The problem never was dealt with and it was only a matter of time before the “thing” either aggravated or bored me. A new distraction would be pursued and the cycle would continue, oftentimes leading into some form of sin or another.
Romans 5:5, Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
It is a pitiful thing to see a believer in need of hope and oblivious to the living hope we have in Christ. That LIVING hope does not, will not, and cannot disappoint.
This week’s Podcast is phenomenal; particularly for me and it features Dr. Howard A. Eyrich (Part 2) is a pioneer in the Biblical counseling movement with some other founding leaders; Dr. Jay E. Adams, Dr. Richard Lints and Dr. Wayne Mack.
Also, Dr. Howard A. Eyrich is of the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC) and his conference is coming up this week and his Podcast is been released as soon as possible.
Dr. Eyrich explained the reason for choosing the theme of Hope for this year’s conference stating that; the board and him chose the theme for several different reasons. First, because many members of the board, including Dr. Eyrich, were working through difficult issues in the organization. Secondly, the dealing of the daily work as a biblical counselor, and finally countering people who were dealing with difficult times in their lives. Therefore this theme seems appropriate since it’s the same as the theme of Apostle Peter wrote to his flock in a great time of persecution.
(1 Peter 1:3 NKJV) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
In counseling, we point to this eschatological hope as the foundation. The Bible teaches us again and again that the eschatological hope is the foundation and the assurance of hope in the present time. This theme is chosen; the same God who promises us eternal deliverance has illustrated repeatedly that He’s our hope in time and space. The hope was introduced when Adam and Eve disobedient, casting mankind into the darkness of sin. It’s pictured in the rainbow, in the exodus of Israel from Egypt, in the deliverance of Peter from prison, just to name a few.
The book of Ezekiel is a puzzle to many, usually not used as a theme for our services except for a few selected passages; it’s seldom utilized in counseling.
Dr. Eyrich believes that the book of Ezekiel yields the following 5 recurring Themes that he has used in recent times in counseling situations:
– A persistent display of the character of God.
– A personal wickedness of the people of God
– A professional weakness of the Religious Leaders
– A particularized judgement of God
– A perpetual HOPE, the hope that’s always intertwined with the character of God.
Idolatry was ever the issue with Israel. Idolatry of sex, fear, power and all the various tunes that can be played on these three altars. Our counselees are not different today with the appearances of these idols. God through Ezekiel offered hope to Israel; we offer the same hope to one another and to our counselees. Dr. Eyrich declared that this conference will demonstrate the wonder of this same hope and the sharing of tools that the counselor can use to help the counselee implement this hope in the various dimensions of their lives in order to develop Godly living patterns day-by-day.
Pastor Jeff Christianson expanded Dr. Eyrich’s response, declaring the illustration of Ezekiel in the New Testament’s discussion of hope by Peter, speaking of Jesus Christ and the resurrection, the future resurrection of Christ secures and is our hope and victory over death and to walk in resurrection of life and newness of life. Pastor Jeff Christianson continued to expound that the people in Peter’s day were facing persecution in Asia minor, so forth and so Peter wanted to give hope and we can find that that’s God’s character in the Old Testament, New Testament and today.
Dr. Eyrich’s responded that on the one hand, God is a righteous God and a judging God. He’s on the other hand a Gracious God and a Merciful God.
Hebrews 12:5-7 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?
In the divine love of God, is resident this hope that is been discussed in this Podcast.
Another inspirational podcast. I found it so interesting that Dr. Eyrich recommended utilizing Ezekiel in biblical counseling. I must say, I never considered using Ezekiel. He found value in the five focal points of recurring themes throughout the Book. I will be reviewing Ezekiel when I find time and putting into my data bank for use when I have bible counseling opportunities. To touch on just one of his five points, I found great interest in Dr. Eyrich’s statement that woven throughout the book of Ezekiel is “perpetual hope”. Hope is intertwined with the character of God. We can offer that same hope to our counselees. It is such a valued sharing tool to implement this hope in others and ourselves. This is a foreshadowing of Peter’s display of the hope he conveys to those disbursed throughout Asia-Minor (1 Peter 1:3).
Thanks for your post Jerry. This is truly an inspirational Podcast; particularly with the lessons from the book of Ezekiel that uniquely highlights the five 5 recurring ‘themes’ that we can and should use in counseling situations with people seeking help and also for ourselves:
– A persistent display of the character of God.
– A personal wickedness of the people of God
– A professional weakness of the Religious Leaders
– A particularized judgement of God
– A perpetual HOPE, the hope that’s always intertwined with the character of God.
I personally would begin to apply these yields from the book of Ezekiel in my counseling sessions by God’s Grace.
Jerry wonderful point about using Ezekiel. I loved these five points Dr. Eyrich made about A persistent display of the character of God. A personal wickedness of the people of God A professional weakness of the Religious Leaders A particularized judgment of God A perpetual HOPE. I too look forward to using these points to encourage the Body of Christ.
Hi Jerry-
I was also amazed at his analysis of Ezekiel and am now inspired to go through the book with that perspective. Hope is so crucial, and it was something that was needed/sought after even in the times of the Prophets – since the fall, really.
So grateful we have found this hope in Christ.
-Tom
I agree that this was another inspirational podcasts and look forward to them weekly. I agree that I never would have thought about referencing the book of Ezekiel in reference to hope. I love the point about hope is intertwined with the character of God. Sometimes that little bit of hope will get us through a difficult time.
I really enjoy this second discussion Pastor Jeff had with Dr. Eyrich. I will focus on something he mentioned in this podcast, which was the overlying theme of the conference he was a part of: Hope. The Hebrews 6:19 passage, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,” is critical for us to understand. The hope we have is laid up for us in heaven – it is what helps us deal with the trials and tribulations we have in this life. Without this eternal hope, it’s much like what Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” The point being that this life will never satisfy us, we will run into evil, much like we’ve seen this weekend with two mass shootings. I work in a busy newsroom in Detroit and the discussions are largely centered on “solving” this problem of evil “politically” – I am grieved for the masses of people in this world right now who are deceived, because I know the problem of evil will never be solved politically. It is only solved by faith in Jesus. He provides the anchor for our souls.
Hope: it’s spelled out for all mankind in the Scriptures. I feel a calling to share this hope with the world, and to NOT help spread the false-hope that in this life we will find “peace and safety” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). The world right now is hoping for peace, but seems primed right now for a world leader to satisfy that hope. The Bible speaks of the one who brings a false peace (Daniel 8:25) and another One who brings true peace – the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Lord, help us to show people the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Thank you for your comments Tom. I am involved in a community that reacts the same way as your newsroom. As we live across the country from each other it is obviously the country’s sentiment to solve the problem of evil through political activation. We know that will never work. If we take away guns, other weapons will be used for destruction. It happened historically and is happening in third world countries today. The only answer is Jesus. While I pray and hope and believe revival will dramatically change the world, including America, true everlasting peace will happen only when the Lord returns. In the mean time I will do my best to live out Psalm 131:3 O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever. May it be so. Thank you for your insightful and intriguing comments.
Hi Jerry-
Thanks for your comments and encouragement from Psalm 131 and reminder of the hope we have in our Lord’s return. I’m familiar with your community (if you still live in San Diego) – I was born/raised there and also covered the news there for years. Politicians positioning themselves as the hope for unity, prosperity, and peace – and we citizens are increasingly falling for it. The Lord is so wonderful, though, with His patience He is pulling us out of the grime one at a time and now using us in His work.
By the way, I noticed your San Marcos address. I lived on Tesoro Avenue in San Marcos right before moving my family to the Detroit area in 2013. I miss the tacos… 🙂
Blessings,
Tom
HI Tom. I like that statement “He is pulling us out of the grime one at a time and now using us in His work”. That is articulate and very accurate. It seems to be a one at a time process, whereas we are praying for multiplication.
I still live in San Diego County, where the political persuasion has turned much more progressive. Decidedly Democratic in the last election. The gay pride parade attracts people from all over the country (world). Hey I know where Tesoro Ave. is, off of Borden. I live off of Barham on LaMoree.
I used to live in Indiana where the tacos tasted like American food. They are still delightful here. Wish you the best in Detroit. Is freeway driving still hazardous there? Great to meet you!
Tom, Amen. Those without hope in Jesus always tend to think there is a fix for the problems of this world by the hands of mankind. The fix is not in government or government schools or more laws or the UN or even the next President. There will be no peace till the Prince of Peace comes.
Tom-
God bless you for being a light in that newsroom and having a heart to mourn with those that are mourning.
“Hope: it’s spelled out for all mankind in the Scriptures. I feel a calling to share this hope with the world, and to NOT help spread the false-hope that in this life we will find “peace and safety” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).”
The world, even in the midst of tragedy, continues to look inward and around with no desire to look upwards. It is disheartening to hear the vitriol that comes against those that offer “thoughts and prayers”. However, our prayers and thoughts are rooted in the LIVING Jesus. The world is in need of a leader, unfortunately, Jesus isn’t their pick. May we continue to share the hope that we have in the person, works, and promises of Christ.
Hi Dave,
Well said. I share your dismay at the call to end “thoughts and prayers “ – I ran across this this morning from Oswald Chambers: “Oh, the noisy outcry of today! Why does everyone seem to be crying out so loudly? People today are crying out for the Son of God to be put to death. There is no room here for God’s Son right now— no room for quiet, holy fellowship and oneness with the Father.”