Should christian counsellors charge for their services/ministry work? This has been a long debated topic and while I can understand that it isn’t cheap to own and run a counselling platform of any sort, here is what I eventually heard in my Spirit as I spent days thinking about whether I should have charged the young lady described above.
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A daily or regular confession of everything love represents and means according to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, creates in us a consciousness of who we are, it helps reinforce our identity to us. And because word-based confessions are not mere recitations (God’s Word is Spirit and life), by our confessions we are claiming exactly who we are and rejecting anything contrary to our love nature.
One of the important points made in What Is My Purpose In Life? is that God had a purpose in mind before creating anyone (Jeremiah 1:5). God-given purposes are therefore best accomplished in and with God (John 15:5).
In the context of this write-up, a dream is a cherished aspiration, ambition, or idea. A purpose on the other hand, is the reason for which something is created or the reason for which something exists.
When discovered and accepted, a purpose influences life decisions, offers a sense of direction and gives meaning to life.
So while a dream originates from an individual, a purpose is determined (predetermined) by a Creator or Manufacturer. And while a personal dream may not always be one’s purpose, a purpose can very much become a dream when it is discovered, accepted and committed to.
Sometimes, a purpose can be connected to a vocation or personal ambition. For example, I have colleagues who I believe are called to be doctors. I don’t see them doing anything else than giving care and hope to people through medicine. They are good at it. they enjoy it, they are settled in it.
In accomplishing a dream or a purpose one needs more than head knowledge.
In their book, ‘Built To Last‘ James Collins and Jerry Porras provide a master blueprint for building long lasting and prosperous organizations. And in Luke 6:46-49, Jesus teaches that the way to ensure a sure foundation is to build on Him.
The strength of a building is its foundation. The foundation serves to hold the structure above it and keep it upright. A building without a solid foundation is most likely to collapse in adverse circumstances. There is always a temptation to hurriedly get to the top, become the recognized owner of a building or an enterprise, to establish a presence, make a name, become known. Nothing wrong with that if we are moving at God’s speed and if we have a solid foundation (in God). But you know, going through the proper process that leads to the top prepares someone to be comfortably seated at the top; well equipped to withstand adverse circumstances. Don’t jump the process, build on a sure foundation; build on the Word, follow the leading of the Spirit.
Our faith is not substantiated by human systems but by God’s system. Hearing and doing the Word is a sure foundation. Being led by the Holy Spirit is a sure foundation.
Build according to the Word, according to God’s pattern. Only then will you be built to last.
If we find our purpose in God, we will also become established in it, in God.
A mystery is something hidden. Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. A mystery is hidden for a purpose; it must be revealed; it needs to be understood. A mystery is an answer to a problem. First Timothy 3:16 speaks of a great mystery…that God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached not just to the Jews, but to Gentiles as well. He was preached and believed beyond Jewish boundaries, yes, extending to the whole world. Yes, in this dispensation of grace, non-Jews (Gentiles), can become fellow heirs and partakers of God’s promise to Abraham
I don’t know how reading this makes you feel, but for me I am reassured that every stage of my life, every day of my life and every moment of my life are continually before God. I have absolutely nothing to worry about. I will not sit on the motion-less rocking chair of worry. If I trust God and walk with Him, like the good Father that He is, He will keep me away from destruction, He will preserve, protect and provide for me.
If you are ever in doubt of what makes the list of Acts of God, John 10:10 would help you…
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
A time of captivity is not a time to amass wealth. It is certainly not a time for marriage ceremonies, baby showers, or baby christening. For one, a captive is more likely to be hatching an escape plan than indulge in such social exigencies. Two, you really don’t want to offend or threaten your captors else they give you more hell.
“Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished.“
You know, as I thought about the uneventful ‘disappearance’ of the poisonous serpents, I realized that actually that is how life problems ‘pass away‘ as we move our focus away from them and fix them instead on Jesus and His Word. Suddenly, the pain stops, suddenly the lump is no more, suddenly your marriage is restored.
According to Romans 13:8, love is a debt we owe every man. And every man really do mean every man without exception. You know, it is a lot easier to reciprocate love when you feel loved. But sometimes we encounter people who are not so nice and who ordinarily should fit into an ‘unlovable’ group, but God said to love every man.
Jesus identified 4 groups of possible enemies in Matthew 5: 43-48. These are people we would ordinarily not want to love…
All of Your peace. All of the healing You bought for me. All of Your manifest provision and abundance, to accomplish the job You have entrusted to my care. That Your people may know You Jesus. And that they may know the Father. That they may appreciate the dept of Your great love with which You loved them. That they may find hope, love and peace in You. All of You Jesus. Until my job is done.
