Rick Thomas | Your Daily Drive

God makes children in His image, but parents have a way of reshaping that image by how they treat them. This sad letter from a wayward teenager to her daddy reflects the devastating power in parenting. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/dear-daddy-im-not-your-little-girl-anymore/ 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’s mercy comes to us without conditions but does not proceed without our cooperation. So too our aid must begin freely, regardless of the recipient’s merits. But our mercy must increasingly demand change, or it is not really love. – Timothy J. Keller Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/knowing-what-to-do-but-not-doing-it-is-a-problem/ 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 been discouraged? Silly question, I know. You are human, and you have battled discouragement. Finite people living in an uncontrollable, infinite world creates a formula that leads to discouragement. Throw sin into the mix, and discouragement is a guarantee. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/when-you-are-discouraged-you-need-your-soul-restored/ 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/

All people have a desire for approval and acceptance. When God made us in His image, He also gave us a natural yearning to be part of a community (Genesis 2:18). The problem arises when we try to satisfy our longing for others outside of God’s perspective and intention. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/what-you-believe-you-need-will-control-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 it possible to get to the point in your spiritual life where external things do not control you internally? The Bible says it is possible, but only through the portal of adversity. This truth is what Paul was hoping the Philippians would learn. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/adversity-is-the-condition-that-teaches-you-contentment/ 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/

Every relationship will be a disappointing one to some degree. This truth is unavoidable. The key to living well with others begins by having an attitude of forgiveness toward offenders. You develop this mindset by realizing how God extended His mercy to you when you did not deserve it. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/what-to-do-when-your-spouse-disappoints-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/

A husband and wife are not just two people within the marriage. Yes, they have independent relationships with the Lord and with other people, but they are also one-flesh. Like our blessed Trinity, there is perfect oneness that unites the three Persons. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/does-your-marriage-look-like-this-2/ 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 the weight of your sin weighs you down, you must make sure that you understand which sin you have in view. I’m speaking of the most significant problem. Typically, people struggle more with what they can see but don’t discern how the hidden motives of the heart blind them to the primary issue. This result causes them to be “blind to their blindness.” Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/when-the-weight-of-your-sin-weighs-you-down/ 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 much power should a para-Church organization have over a local church? Should a local church submit to a para-Church organization? When your para-Church ministry is interfering with a local church, where will you stand—with your ministry or the church? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/when-a-para-church-ministry-tries-to-run-the-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/

Mailbag – I was wondering if God treats His people the same way regarding giving “blessing for obedience” in the new covenant. It seems all over the Old Testament—if God’s people obey, they receive a blessing; if they don’t obey, they receive discipline. Does God still treat us this way after Christ came? Is there still a blessing for obedience? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/why-and-how-does-god-bless-us/ 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/

Suffering is the expected, ordinary life for Christians living as aliens in a fallen world. God knew this, which is why He equipped us to live as victors when engaging the realities of fallenness. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/when-you-mix-suffering-and-sovereignty-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/

You were in a horrible pit of sin. The Lord passed by, saw you, and lifted you out of your hopelessness. He left you better off than when He found you. His actions toward you gave you a goal in life: to imitate His gospel activity by helping, serving, encouraging, and challenging others. You want to leave them better off after they encounter you—a beautiful picture of the gospel. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/do-you-leave-people-better-off-than-when-you-found-them/ 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/

Generally speaking, there are two types of dads. One sees his job in a 9 to 5 construct. The other father sees himself as a full-time, 24/7 dad, who provides spiritually and physically for his wife and children. Are you a part-time dad or a full-time one? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/biblical-dads-continue-working-after-coming-home-from-work/ 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 fact any person would listen to me boggles my mind. I am a nobody who struggles like everybody, and when anybody pays attention to what I say, it is sobering and I am cautious. There is a profound responsibility for all of us to disciple well. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/dont-tell-folks-what-to-do-because-they-may-do-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/

There are at least two parts to every crisis: what is happening to you in real-time and space; what is spiritually happening to you as the Father matures you through the trial. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/what-you-communicate-in-crisis-communicate-a-lot-about-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/

To fear God is not to be afraid of Him, but to be drawn into ever-growing awe, amazement, and wonder as you think about and relate to Him. The love of our heavenly Father is extraordinary, though it’s not always a child’s first experience with a father. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/being-afraid-of-your-daddy-may-make-you-afraid-of-god/ 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/

Who are your friends? How do they help you mature in Christ? What contexts have you created that help you pursue Christ together? Take a look at this verse about the importance of companions. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-do-your-friends-help-you-mature-in-christ/ 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 your husband was awesome? What if your wife was awesome? How do you help your children to live in awesomeness? These are important questions and, fortunately, the Bible does not leave us in the dark when it comes to being remarkable individuals. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-to-be-awesome-in-three-easy-steps/ 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/

Travel Update – On June 1, 2019, our family set out for a 60-day trip through Florida. The purpose of this travel season was to speak, counsel, consult, and connect with churches, key ministry leaders, and donors who support this work. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/impacting-lives-near-far-time/ 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/

Show me a person’s friends and the content that he consumes, and I will tell you what kind of man he is. The quickest and most straightforward way to know a person is by assessing their relationships and the things that they put into their minds. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/a-quick-and-simple-way-to-know-a-person/ 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/

Some conflict does not end with an agreement. There are times when the best you can do is "agree to disagree." As you think about this popular cliche, it's vital to start with your heart motivations rather than the thing that is dividing you. In this podcast, I'm going to show you how to assess yourself biblically. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-to-agree-to-disagree-and-still-enjoy-each-other/ 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 Father regenerated me when I was 25-years old. My parents did not rear me in a Christian home, and you could describe my childhood years as dysfunctional. My parents could not have done a more mediocre job, but the Lord chose to save me anyway. Some parents need to hear how God can save in spite of their mistakes. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/seven-tips-for-the-parent-who-blew-it-with-their-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/

When a problem happens or someone does something to hurt you, where do you begin working through this relational problem? What is your starting point? May I make a suggestion to help you work through hurts, whether they are of your making or what someone did to you? Read Here: rickthomas.net/start-here-when-w…ur-personal-hurt/ 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 rickthomas.net/donations/

Nobody loved people more than Jesus. Nobody was less controlled by people than Jesus. He found and lived in the perfect relational sweet spot of, “I love you, but you will not control me.” How about you? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-to-keep-from-being-overwhelmed-by-people-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/

If God is good, why is evil in the world? How can these two things—good and suffering—exist at the same time, especially if there is a loving and omnipotent God? A glance around the Internet says evil is in our world that is increasing and the Lord has had several millennia to solve this problem, but He has not done so. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/ill-do-my-own-thing-since-god-does-not-have-my-back/ 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/

Mailbag – Will you write about the differences between the secular view and biblical view of ADHD and depression? I would like to know if there are ever times when treating with medications are appropriate. I have multiple friends dealing with these issues. Thank you so much for your ministry. It has been helpful and edifying. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/being-honest-about-adhd-2/ 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 blogger’s nightmare is when a person reads their article, pulls a point from it, and responds unkindly to the post. It often happens after I have posted a blurb on Facebook. Someone will respond uncharitably without doing the work of understanding the context or taking the time to ask questions. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/slow-down-before-you-map-your-experience-over-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/

Part of God’s kindness to us is that He wired us to be habitual people. Habits are excellent things because they make us better people. Of course, the opposite is also accurate in that habits can be our worst nightmares. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/the-power-of-habits/ 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/

Biblical counseling has generally been part of a two-tier Christian system: those who can counsel and those who cannot. The average Biff, the pew sitter on Sunday morning would more than likely recommend a counselor to someone than offer counsel to them. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/take-the-am-i-a-counselor-test-3/ 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 tells us in Philippians 2:3-4 that we should count others more significant than ourselves. He presses the point further by saying that we should not only look to our interests but the interests of others. This perspective, in his view, is what it means to have the mind of Christ. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/should-i-count-my-mean-husband-more-significant-that-i-count-myself/ 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 provides ordinary disappointments for us to live out our faith while taking those everyday moments to do extraordinary things. Do you believe the Lord can make your regular life and typical troubles, and do extraordinary things? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/how-to-experience-extraordinary-favor-during-disappointing-times/ 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 number one all-time prayer is for the Spirit of God to give me awareness and perception regarding His work in my life and into the world that I live. Each day and throughout my day, this is my prayer. I want to know what He wants me to do, which is why it’s vital to know how to walk in the Spirit. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/practical-steps-on-how-to-walk-in-the-spirit/ 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/

Would it be better to have a Bible or a mentor? You could say my question is a trick question, though it is not meant to be one. The puzzle is intended to provoke you to think first, respond second, and discuss thoroughly. The obvious answer to the question is both. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/which-do-you-need-for-your-maturity-a-bible-or-a-mentor/ 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 quiet husband, father, or friend is not the most authentic picture of Christ. Biblical leadership is verbal because to lead well requires words. God leads us with His Words; He is a talking God. If you want to impact and guide others, you must talk. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/a-note-to-quiet-people-its-time-to-start-talking/ 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/

Forgiveness is one of the hardest concepts for the Christian to come to terms with, particularly when someone has hurt the believer. The victims of crimes suffer the most. I know that was true for Jesus: He suffered for my sins, which makes the call to follow Him all the more complex, challenging, and compelling. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/when-i-wont-forgive-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/

A few years ago, Lucia bought four milkweed plants and eleven caterpillars for our children. It was one of those science experiments in our laboratory, also called our home. And, per usual, God had additional plans for us. Going above and beyond our expectations is part of His nature (Isaiah 55:8-9). Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/warming-butterflies-also-called-how-to-treat-your-wife/ 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/

From the New York Times Magazine article, Coveting Luke’s Faith. This commentary provides excellent insight from a practicing atheist rearing a son, Luke, who is not embracing her atheistic faith. She is “open but cautious” as she strains to understand what is happening with her son. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/weekend-shorts-i-am-unable-to-believe-god/ 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 it comes to our reputations, the Christian has two choices from which to choose. We can build a personal, sacred monument to ourselves or we can choose to enhance the reputation of Christ. The critical difference between the two options is theoretical or practical holiness. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/whose-reputation-is-most-important-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/

When a person says that they failed as a parent, they are sharing the concern of every parent. Though parental failure can differ significantly, none of us do it ideally, which is why you want to think about your limitations and imperfections, as well as what God might be doing in your life and family. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/i-failed-as-a-parent-now-what-2/ 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 rule-centered may bring (pseudo) comfort because you are living your life within a “secure structure” of codes, but it will suffocate the life that God would give you if you were willing to walk in the Spirit. Rule-based living is a self-reliant way that leaves you in charge while restricting God’s work in your life. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/give-your-children-less-rules-and-more-attitude/ 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 three stages to the Christian life. They are the innocent, naive stage. And then the complex, suffering stage. If you trust the Lord through your season of complexity, you will experience the restful and wisdom stage, which will be where you’ll find your most significant usefulness in God’s world. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/three-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/

The things they did not tell me when the Lord regenerated me would have affected my decision to become a Christian—humanly speaking, of course. Looking back on it now, I’m glad the Lord did not give me a peek into my future because I probably would have “passed” on the opportunity to become a Christian (Matthew 6:34; James 4:13-17). Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/i-want-to-talk-you-out-of-becoming-a-christian/ 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 this statement true or false? Love is a commitment accompanied by action with no expectation of anything in return. The answer is “false” because loving someone should come with a hope that the other person will reciprocate your love. To think otherwise would be odd. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/why-its-not-wrong-to-expect-love-in-return/ 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/

DISC is one out of hundreds of psychological creations that the non-Christian world has developed to understand themselves. Because everyone has to believe something, it makes sense for our unbelieving counterparts who reject a “sufficiency of Scripture worldview” would create a system of thought that would enable them to live well in God’s world. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/shallowness-incompleteness-disc-assessment-model/ 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/

Becoming a Christian does not remove the fear of being rejected by others. Becoming a Christian provides you with a new people group and new opportunities to belong to something. It does not mean you are to live with your new friends while wearing a mask. I did not know this after the Lord regenerated me. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/the-problem-with-letting-religious-people-know-the-truth-about-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/

If you sin but choose not to get rid of it by repenting, there will be an adverse effect on your soul and relationships. Mercifully, Christians can accept the “punishment of Christ” for their transgressions. But what about non-Christian children? This problem is why you must help them to be free from the “evil wages” for their actions. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/spiritual-constipation/ 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/

Do you have unlimited time? Do you have friends with a lot of needs? If so, you're blessed, and so are your friends. You have the time, and they have the issues—what a beautiful world. Sadly, I don't live in your world. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/if-you-have-limited-time-and-friends-with-unlimited-needs/ 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/

On April 18, 1997, I got the call that nobody ever wants to receive. My sister-in-law called to let me know that she killed my brother. I remember writing in my journal that it was a sunny, 67-degree day. It was a perfect day—until that phone call. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/my-brother-was-murdered-in-1997/ 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 trace a poor relationship with God to a child’s relationship with their dad. Though a bad dad is never the ultimate cause of a person’s problems, there is a connection between any father and God the Father. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/unkind-dads-tempt-children-to-be-afraid-of-god/ 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/

Building trust in any discipleship context can be a challenge. Some people's hurt is so deep that they fortify their guardedness. Understanding the interpersonal dynamics between an untrusting counselee and the discipler is critical. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/letter-counselor-counseling-rebellious-teenager/ 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/