Let’s free associate: what goes through your mind when you think about rest? What does rest mean to you, and how do you obtain it? Perhaps it would be good to ask yourself if you are a restful soul. Knowing how to rest and being at rest are essentials in our fearful and frenetic world. Though Christians should be the most restful of all humanity, it’s not a given, which is why practically thinking about rest is worth our time. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/are-you-a-restful-soul-how-to-enter...
Jan 15, 2022•30 min
Shows Main Idea – Helping the victims of abuse cannot be like looking down a tube, excluding comprehensive, peripheral data-gathering. You must believe the victim so much that you want to investigate every possible option to find the whole truth about the abuse so that you can serve the offended and offender in the best possible ways. In this episode, Rick talks about two ways to investigate abuse situations—the inverted and comprehensive belief models and why the latter is the wisest way to hel...
Jan 13, 2022•30 min
There are times when we can deceive ourselves into believing we are doing good when we’re not. The deceptions of sin are subtle. Having someone speak about the things we cannot see is vital, which is what I did with Biff and Mable. This mindmap unravels their tangled marriage by showing how and why he did not love his wife well while choosing to love others more. He had twisted the ruling motives of the heart. No surprise; I have them, too. But it was worse. He used the Bible to support his acti...
Jan 11, 2022•22 min
There are times when you have to do hard things for those whom you love. You do the difficult things because—in some situations—it’s the best way to honor someone. Some caring friends have a hard time applying this truth to those they love. Usually, they are afraid not to acquiesce to the demands because of the gaslighting and manipulations. They must come to terms with this complicated truth: honoring others does not mean letting them run all over you. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/honoring...
Jan 09, 2022•30 min
What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s not just a question for the high school graduate. I did not figure out what I wanted to be after growing up until I was thirty-eight years old. Some of us are a bit slower than the average bear. If you’re uncertain about your niche in life, I have some valuable advice for you. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up-heres-some-advice/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can b...
Jan 06, 2022•30 min
Shows Main Idea – Guilt and conviction are among the Lord’s many kindnesses, revealing where we fall short. Without the Spirit’s work, we would not recognize our need for change. Yet, in our post-Genesis 3 world, guilt and conviction are often misunderstood. This webinar clarifies that confusion, offering practical insight on responding to true conviction, discerning thoughts not from God, and walking in the freedom of His forgiveness. Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-388-webina...
Jan 04, 2022•58 min
Show Main Idea: Everyone is different because of our unique and diverse shaping influences. Understanding what motivates an individual is essential to do competent soul care. This webinar is an in-depth exploration of our human motivations and shaping influences with practical applications that will help you understand those you care about the most. Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-387-webinar-human-motivations-and-shaping-influences/ Will you help us to continue providing free ...
Jan 02, 2022•1 hr 3 min
Shows Main Idea – "In our modern world of progression and electronic communication, social media has become the primary way information is distributed and people connect. It is not common to find someone without social media, from personal to professional relationships, yet here I am." In this episode, Rick interviews Tristen Thomas as she shares six reasons to reduce or give up social media. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-386-young-adult-shares-six-reasons-to-give-up-social-media...
Dec 31, 2021•56 min
Thinking about our past should be a positive time of rejoicing in God’s good work in our lives, though, with some folks, it takes work to come to a place of peace about their past. In nearly all counseling contexts, understanding the past is crucial to discern a person’s former manner of life and shaping influences that are part of who they are today. Our history is important because God was in our past. (cf. Jeremiah 1:5; Ephesians 1:3-11). His awareness of us did not begin at salvation. Our om...
Dec 29, 2021•19 min
One of the most unintended consequences of the biblical counseling movement is that counseling is for a select number of Christians. Though God has blessed the biblical counseling movement over the past several decades, one of the problems with the unprecedented growth of biblical counseling is that we forgot to tell the church that counseling is for everyone, not just a few (Romans 15:14). God’s call on your life is to go and make disciples, a synonym for counseling. Read Here: https://rickthom...
Dec 28, 2021•30 min
The formula is “value creates satisfaction.” We express satisfaction about something based on how much we value it. We won’t find happiness in it if we don’t appreciate it. For example, if you have received a long-anticipated or cherished gift, you responded with joy because it was something you valued. For the believer, when you appreciate God more than anything else, you will experience the greatest pleasure possible. You will be forever happy because Christ is eternally valuable.. Read Here: ...
Dec 26, 2021•30 min
Authentic and mature Christianity is always on the mind of any discipler because it is crucial to discern such things with those who receive your care. As much as you can subjectively understand, the actual spiritual condition of a person is essential to know. Here are a few practical ways to help you think correctly about those you love. As you work through this content, give proper consideration to yourself to see how well you’re maturing in Christ, too. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/the-n...
Dec 24, 2021•30 min
“As a full-time elder and pastor for twenty-seven years, I have seen and walked with people through many forms of offenses and relational conflict. Your resources are helpful and needed in the church today. In the following scenario, I wonder if you could address forgiveness and the need to walk free from resentment and bitterness. I see so many folks who do not do forgiveness well, and when that happens, anger, resentment, and bitterness captivates them. How would you help a person like this? L...
Dec 22, 2021•35 min
Show Main Idea: Some people are hard to be attracted to, and when I find myself thinking like this, I know I have lost my divine perspective, and my discipling of them is on the verge of being ineffective. Thus, I must recalibrate my heart to God's perspective and the gospel before I can help them change. In this practical webinar, Rick breaks down into a granular level the essential things you need to know before you can help others change. Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-385-...
Dec 20, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Show Main Idea: When one spouse is consistently critical and the other insecure, the relationship polarizes and will not correct itself without radical changes. This vital presentation addresses the underlying root problems, practical steps to change, and the ultimate solution. Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-384-webinar-the-critical-spouse-the-insecure-spouse/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://life...
Dec 17, 2021•1 hr 2 min
The gospel is more than a birth-to-death story. The life and death of Christ are part of an incredible golden chain that reaches from eternity past to eternity future. The best news is that we can enjoy the full benefits of the gospel by faith—no works, trust. Christ has done all the work for us. Our job is to apply and benefit from all aspects of the gospel. The critical question is whether we are fully understanding and applying the full measure of the gospel to our lives. Read Here: https://l...
Dec 15, 2021•14 min
The interplay between the Christian and secular worlds is relevant for all believers. Knowing “what is truth” is always a struggle for anyone, but especially when those who own the airwaves breathe out one-sided stories predominantly. This past week, I benefited from a few smaller voices that shared contrary messages to the standard groupthink. These folks talked about some of the most critical events in today’s culture. I’m not suggesting they own the truth; these resources merely offer alterna...
Dec 14, 2021•30 min
Show Main Idea: A child's earliest understanding of God the Father comes from their earthly fathers. The psychological term in early child development is mutual exclusivity, a child assigning one label to describe all items within the category. Most children initially map their experience with their fathers over how they think about God the Father. Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-382-webinar-parenting-the-important-role-of-fathers/ Will you help us to continue providing free co...
Dec 12, 2021•1 hr 2 min
The Christmas season is a double blessing for Christians. We get to celebrate the birth of Christ, a pivotal point of the gospel narrative, and we can enjoy the cultural Christmas too. Our family has always loved the cultural Christmas—gathering with friends, gift-giving, and the opportunities to engage our community with the message of Christ. Folks tend to have a more open and generous spirit around Christmas, creating doors for the gospel’s message. We enjoy the reason for the season and shar...
Dec 09, 2021•16 min
Rick, what are your thoughts on Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy regarding what you tell your kids? Do you say these characters are real or not? Is this harmless fun, or is there a problem with deception? The culture continues to creep into our homes and lives. I’m unsure how to walk through our seasonal intruder with younger children, especially when their friends are adamant about Santa being an actual person, and any response that sounds remotely biblical, they react harshly and p...
Dec 08, 2021•39 min
