Rick Thomas | Your Daily Drive

Biff wants to begin a counseling ministry in his local church. The leadership is aware of the church’s sanctification needs; they want help and humbly acknowledge this need. They asked Biff to propose a plan. He asked me how to go about this new endeavor. What are the critical details for starting and sustaining a counseling ministry in a local church? Here is what I told Biff. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-do-i-begin-a-counseling-ministry-at-my-church/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

One of the essential goals of parenting is the practice of releasing your children to the culture where they will eventually live. Part of this process is for them to live less under the governance of the parent’s rules and more under God’s authority. As they leave the parent’s protective care, they come up under the Lord’s. Knowing how to assist them in this transition is vital. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/vital-teaching-for-releasing-your-children-to-the-world/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

What do you want? What would you like to have? Do these desires come from the heart of contentment? To want something does not have to be wrong. We should always want all kinds of things throughout our lives. To not to want things is not to live. The heart of the matter for any of us is when our wants begin to control our thoughts. When that happens, another “god” begins to rule our lives. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/learning-how-to-keep-what-you-want-from-controlling-you/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Is there someone in your life with whom you struggle? Stated differently, who bothers you? Has someone done something that has brought friction into your relationship with them? What if you flipped the question around: have you done something to someone that has caused friction? Did you know that you have no other choice but to resolve this problem? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/you-have-no-choice-but-to-resolve-conflict-with-others/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

There are many benefits to living in our world, and you should not feel guilty about these good things. However, we can become so accustomed to “our way of life” that when something disrupts our expectations, it can dismantle us. It’s precisely in these moments of difficulties that we need to reevaluate and realign our hearts to our calling as God’s children. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-to-experience-future-glory-in-present-difficulties/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

As the divide in our country continues to widen, the temptation to be harsh, sinfully angry, or retaliate in ungodly ways toward those who think differently from you is high. There are times when we can think more highly of ourselves and less considerate of others, especially when they do things that frustrate us. It's in these critical moments that the gospel must level our hearts. If not, we may go to some dark places. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/thinking-about-those-people-who-are-not-like-you/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

“Tough love” has become one of the mantras in modern Christian culture. Like many popularized sayings, it has taken on an unintended—harsh—meaning that does not bring about the peaceful fruit of righteousness. How do you think about tough love? What comes to your mind? How do those who have experienced your tough love think about it? Is there a more biblical worldview for corrective care? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/your-love-should-not-be-tough-it-should-be-merciful/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

You’re only as strong as your hope, and if your main hope is not in Christ, you are not as strong as you should be. The way to know where you have placed your primary hope is by how you react to the difficulties and challenges that come into your life. If your trouble manages you more than Christ, the most courageous thing you can do is ask the Lord to break you from that bondage. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/youre-only-as-strong-as-that-which-provides-the-most-hope/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

In God’s mind, your life is over. He sees the end from the beginning. The Lord stands outside of time—a macro view, looking inside your timeline, which has a start and end date, and He’s helping you navigate your journey. You’re not sure where you’re going or the pitfalls along the way, but from His vantage point, He does. You must know that your story ends well, which is the antidote for fighting off fear while living in the freedom and power of a secure future. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/why-you-should-live-in-the-freedom-of-knowing-the-future/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Many marriages, families, and churches have a common link, a missing one. In a word, it’s fellowship. I’m not speaking of having a social conversation with someone. Biblically speaking, fellowship is when two or more people willingly, humbly, openly, transparently, honestly, and vulnerably share themselves reciprocally, which is easier said than done. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/fellowship-is-the-missing-link-in-most-relationships/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Describe the aroma of your home. Would you say it’s a place where joy, gratitude, and thanksgiving are regularly wafting through the rooms? As you think about the environment in your home, perhaps you can narrow the focus down to yourself (Matthew 7:3-5). How aggressive are you in expressing gratitude to your family members? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-to-create-the-aroma-of-gratitude-in-your-home/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

When your companion is darkness rather than light, and your circumstances are overwhelming you in a season of acute need, there is no more of a critical time in life for God to reveal Himself to you. But sometimes your answer to your praying is more darkness. Silence! How in the world does the gospel connect to a God who is silent? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/connecting-the-gospel-to-a-god-who-is-silent/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

God creates children in His image. Parents have a responsibility to shape the child for God, with the hope and prayer that when they are old enough to understand, they will follow Him. Then things get off track. The parent makes mistakes. The child reacts poorly. The remarkable news is how the Lord can use the bad things that happen to bring these broken children to Himself. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/the-remarkable-way-god-uses-your-brokenness-to-heal-you/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Gaslighting is the mental manipulation that someone does to another individual. It’s a psychological maneuver of abusive type people who want to control you by making you believe you’re guilty of something that you did not do. If they persist, you may give up and accept what they say even if in your heart of hearts you don’t believe it. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/what-is-gaslighting-its-effects-and-how-to-react-to-it/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Audio Series: Change Me – The Ultimate Life-Change Handbook, by Rick Thomas Change Me: Chapter Five, Only Four Problems In Life You may purchase this book from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aXDEuO Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Audio Series: Change Me – The Ultimate Life-Change Handbook, by Rick Thomas Chapter Three: Perfect Self-Help Book You may purchase this book from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aXDEuO Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Audio Series: Change Me – The Ultimate Life-Change Handbook, by Rick Thomas Change Me, Chapter Two, First Unique Step You may purchase this book from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aXDEuO Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Audio Series: Change Me – The Ultimate Life-Change Handbook, by Rick Thomas Chapter One: Make the Most of It You may purchase this book from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aXDEuO Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Audio Series: Change Me – The Ulitmate Life-Change Handbook, by Rick Thomas Introduction You may purchase this book from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aXDEuO Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

I was chatting recently with a Christian counselor who said that her mentors taught her that Christian counselors should not show emotion during a counseling session. She asked me what I thought about this kind of teaching. What do you think? It is okay to cry in front of the person you’re helping? What about laughter? How does emotion relate to God and Him making us in His image? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/is-it-wrong-to-show-emotion-when-helping-someone/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Rick, recently you talked about how you tend to live on “military time,” and Lucia lives on “island time” and how you both have had to work through your conflicting personality traits in your marriage. You also tied this to how the gospel speaks to every area of your lives. How did you both eventually apply the gospel to your personality differences? How can the gospel help two people live in relational harmony? – Supporting Member Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/what-is-the-way-to-work-though-personality-differences/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

What is your primary way of relating to people? Do you connect superficially, or do you engage them where they live? I’m talking about reaching a person at their heart. It is imperative to reach folks at the right place so they can experience biblical transformation. If you don’t connect at the heart-level, you won’t help them become more like Christ. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/the-best-way-to-connect-with-someone-to-help-them-change/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

One of the most natural things you will ever do is respond sinfully to the sin of another person. When you do this, it reveals a lot about how you think about yourself, the other person, and the Lord. Part of this problem is we don’t “plan for sin” to happen. I call it a lack of “budgeting sin” into our future experience. Not living in the reality of human fallenness will have tragic consequences in our lives and relationships. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/you-need-to-budget-the-expectation-of-sin-into-your-life/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Once a parent, ever a parent. Even after a parent loses hands-on oversight and care of their children as they get older, they never stop thinking about them—always wondering and praying for their well-being. Before that sad day of their departure comes, I want to provide you with three powerful parenting strategies that will help them after they become adults. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/here-are-three-powerful-and-practical-parenting-strategies/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Teenagers don't have to be angry or disconnected, but many of them are. Rather than speculating on why they are this way, some practical advice on how to change would be appropriate. This article is for that teenager who is looking for help to change their thinking, behaving, and life trajectory. I used to be one of those directionless, frustrated teenagers. These seven things are proven and they will bring change to your life. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/7-things-that-will-bring-change-to-any-angry-teens-life/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

A rebellious teenager is a complicated problem with many sides to it. Loving parents want to motivate this kind of child to change, but too often, they are not aware of all that is involved in helping him. Here are ten practical things that any parent can implement to motivate their teenager to move from a selfish, rebellious person to a potential Christ-follower. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/10-things-that-will-motivate-your-teen-child-to-change/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

My friend has a hidden, secret sin, which she is afraid to confess to me. I see her in bondage to what she has done and was wondering if it is right or would it be helpful if she confessed her sin to me. What do you think? How important is it to reveal hidden sins to another person? – Supporting Member Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/should-people-you-know-confess-their-sins-to-you/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

I have heard that you cannot counsel non-Christians with God’s Word. It’s not true. You can help anyone with the Bible, no matter what their relationship is like with the Lord. The more relevant question is, how do you do it? What are some practical ideas that would help when talking to unbelievers? Here are a few ideas that I trust will serve you. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-to-practically-help-non-christians-with-marriage-problems/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

God is acting decisively at the cross to work out His purposes to bring everyone from all nations, at all times, to Himself. Apart from the cross, there is no way to understand or enjoy life the way God intends. It’s a mystery as much as it’s the practical centerpiece of the gospel. How well are you living in the presence of the cross? How does the cross define your life today? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/the-ultimate-solution-to-all-your-problems-a-cross-examination/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

What are your strengths and weakness, the primary ones that come to mind? I’m sure you guard against letting your weaknesses rule over you. But how vigilant are you in protecting yourself from your strengths? How aware are you that your strengths could be more detrimental to your soul and relationships than your weaknesses? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-your-unguarded-strength-can-become-a-double-weakness/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

The gospel connects to every aspect of our lives, regardless if it is things of primary importance or tertiary matters. One of those lesser but valuable loves in all our lives is Christian music, which makes knowing how to connect the gospel to your music choices vital. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-to-connect-the-gospel-to-your-music-choices/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Paul had a gospel-centered perspective on personal suffering. In 2 Corinthians 12, we learn that the Lord gave Paul a thorn in the flesh. Though we are unsure what his “thorn” was, Christians generally agree that it was a physical debilitation. I have written on connecting the gospel to physical suffering, so here, I am addressing a gospel connection to personal suffering of any kind. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-paul-connected-the-gospel-to-personal-suffering/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Parental discipline is not just a behavioral interaction between a parent and a child. There are hearts in play, too—the heart of the parent and the child. If the parent does not connect the gospel to his heart, the discipline will not go well, and there is a high chance that it will leave a negative shaping influence on the child’s heart and life. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-to-connect-the-gospel-to-parental-discipline/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Connecting the gospel to physical suffering is one of the most essential things you will ever do. The “good news” is always perfect when there is bad news, but how to make those gospel connections are not quickly apparent, especially when your pain is acute and ongoing. Here are seven practical ways to think about the gospel and physical suffering. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-to-connect-the-gospel-to-physical-suffering/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

How you think about life determines how you practically respond to life. Living in a broken world is hard, chaotic, stressful, and challenging. And if you have a skewed understanding of the doctrines of man, sin, salvation, and the Lord, you will not engage your life experiences from a God-centered perspective. This reality makes connecting the gospel to everyday life vital. One of the more crucial gospel connections is how you think about loneliness. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-to-connect-the-gospel-to-being-left-alone/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

You can’t come out of the world because you live in the world. This problem means that we need to make decisive actions about how to guard our hearts against the influences of the culture. Some choose legalistic separation, while others love the world too much. Paul’s plea to the Corinthians applies to us today because the temptations are similar. Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/ Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/what-influences-you-the-most-is-what-you-love-the-most/

Hold on and brace yourself for these two bold and sobering truths. Today's sophisticated culture does not accept them, and they may offend you. Everyone is going to hell, and the Lord has set up the agency of humankind to let the whole world know there is another option. Now, the big question: Do you believe in the exclusivity (Jesus is the only way to heaven) of the Christian message? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/the-deadliest-infection-and-greatest-cure-you-can-have/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Living in a relationship with someone requires a practical awareness of how to do it well. Each person is on a private and personal journey that is unlike any other, which means there will be times when helping your friends will be challenging. Before I get into the six practical thoughts for helping a problematic person, let me give you three examples of folks who do not know how to live well with others and have relational tension with them. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/six-practical-thoughts-when-helping-friends-and-enemies/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Have you ever had a good run with the Lord, and then all of a sudden, you were surprised by your lack of faith? Something caught you off guard. It's one of those, "Just when you're doing well, then, bam, something bad happens" scenarios. I'm not pessimistic here, but sometimes our faith is hit from the blindside, and we're perplexed and in need of a reboot. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/what-to-do-when-you-cant-see-what-you-should-see/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

What if God is not an American, and His primary concern is not to keep us from having first-world problems? Is it possible that the Lord has another plan than our pursuit of happiness that is not according to each person’s unique desires to have their lives their way? Sometimes we can fall asleep at the wheel of life, and the Lord brings a correction that reminds us where our focus should be. It is in those moments of challenge that we finally realize that God is not an American. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/when-you-finally-realize-that-god-is-not-an-american/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Having two genders is not just a neat way to think about the human family. There are functional and irreplaceable roles for each gender. When it comes to parenting, the dad and mom have unique purposes, practices, and effects on children. In this article, I’m addressing the critical need for fathers to step into the responsibility of rearing their boys and girls in the way that only they can. This job is for him, and the Lord has gifted fathers to do it well. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/speaking-to-the-practical-role-of-fathers-with-children/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

The Christian life is progressive and transforming. To hang with Jesus means to be moving, growing, and changing. It’s a privilege of grace to experience a transformation that leads to maturity, but we’re not all in the same place. There are stages of the Christian life. As you read further, assess yourself to see how you’re doing with the four stages of the Christian life. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/four-stages-to-the-christian-life-where-are-you/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

There are times in a relationship when winning the argument should not be your first call to action. Jesus talked about turning the other cheek and going the extra mile with some folks. What relationships do you have where it would be a better experience if you could practice these things? Perhaps this advice will serve you well as you seek to connect the gospel to your arguments. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/here-is-a-useful-way-to-connect-the-gospel-to-arguments/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Being right is a tricky thing. Did you know that being right does not always mean you have to communicate what you know to be true? How good are you at discerning when to speak and not to speak as you consider the person who should hear from you at that moment? Did you know there were times when Jesus did not speak the truth because it was not best to say it at that time, even though He was right? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/sometimes-its-better-to-say-nothing-when-youre-right/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

How do you help a teenage son when he does not want your help? You feel him distancing from you and the family, but he won’t communicate with you. Should you relax your expectations? Perhaps a more in-depth question is how is his behavior a reflection of your parenting and, perhaps, your marriage. A supporting member is struggling with her son and wants our help. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-do-i-help-my-teen-when-he-does-not-want-my-help/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

To believe in someone or something is part of what it means to be human, and there are many options from which to choose. When you think about all the things that you believe, what is the most vital one? What defines you above everything else? There is one right answer to my question, which you can sum up in five words. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/these-five-words-are-the-most-life-altering-youll-ever-believe/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Everyone is carrying a silent disease in their body. You don’t know it and won’t know it until there is a visible manifestation of it. In some cases, it’s too late. The local church is similar. Sin is a silent killer that can infect an entire body. Without careful attention and practical engagement, it can destroy. Your church could become a Corinthian church, and you only wake up to it after it happens. This reality is why Paul was writing to an infected church. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/excellent-ideas-that-will-help-your-church-before-its-too-late/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Social media draws from our hearts a mixture of like and dislike—all at the same time. We are thankful for these media platforms because of our ability to reach others easily, quickly, and helpfully. We struggle with these platforms because of the many inherent problems. For example, a lack of self-control, no social discretion, perpetuating isolation, and other addictive issues, which makes a little honesty about their limitations appropriate. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/being-honest-about-the-limitations-of-social-media-relationships/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

When someone does something that you don’t like, you have several options from which to choose. You can consent to what they said or did and be like them. You could confront and rebuke them. Or you can try to ignore what just happened, which typically leads to a weird type of awkwardness. The temptations of fear and insecurity are strong when it’s time to take a stand. How do you respond when friends do things that make you uncomfortable? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/responding-to-friends-who-do-things-that-make-you-uncomfortable/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Conviction is one of God’s kindnesses to His creation. In the spiritual realm, the concept of experiencing conviction is analogous to the pain we feel in our physical bodies. Actual guilt that leads to conviction is God’s way of telling us that something is wrong with us and the vital need to be free. The most common-sense response to conviction is to respond to the Lord’s warning signal biblically. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/the-ironic-and-liberating-truth-about-feeling-conviction/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/