Where we go for our direction

 

Over the past couple of years, I've been on a journey that's tested my faith, focus, and my understanding of where God is leading me. I haven't reached any final destination, but I believe it's time to start sharing what I've learned. So, here we go. While I'm still in the process of refining my understanding, this marks my third attempt to elaborate on the direction we seek.

 

The Bible stands as our sole guide. It lacks nothing; there's no need to seek guidance elsewhere. If we think we require an external philosophy or new theory to solve emotional issues, we're essentially suggesting that God isn't enough, that He's untruthful and unreliable. This perspective reveals our stance on salvation, scripture, and our valuation of God Himself. To deny the sufficiency of the Bible implies that God, in His entirety, isn't sufficient to meet our needs. It disregards the instances where God provided what we needed, placed guides in our paths, and offered Himself through Jesus to restore our relationship with Him.

 

Returning to 2 Peter 1:3-4, I'm reminded that God has equipped us with everything necessary for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him, which we attain solely through the scriptures. From the moment He inspired the recording of scripture, God has provided direction for living fully and godly. The Bible doesn't rely on hidden knowledge for salvation or living; it's written plainly, comprehensively, and with clarity. Every word we need for salvation, obedience, life guidance, and trust in God has been provided. There are no omissions; God has given us everything required, ensuring we need not worry about what comes next. Revelation 22:18 affirms the completeness of the Bible.

 

However, sufficiency doesn't imply exhaustiveness. While the Bible won't teach me how to fix a stuck shower knob, it will instruct me on responding to frustration and anger constructively. It teaches us to pray, seek help, and handle challenges with patience and wisdom. The Bible offers life examples, showing how people endured abuse, persecution, and responded to adversity, illustrating God's faithfulness. Romans 8:28 assures us of God's unwavering presence and involvement in our lives.

 

Ultimately, our foundation matters. Will we build our lives on the Bible or secular theories? Though both may share basic principles, they apply them differently. The Bible provides holistic guidance, addressing habits and heart transformation, while secular counseling may focus solely on behavior modification. We can approach Scripture confidently, knowing it offers relatable and understandable guidance, fostering a conversational relationship with God.  For example based on 2 Timonthy 3:14-17:    Instruction is for teaching and training as counseling has a process of what might need to change to solve only a habit not the heart seat of a behavior;  the Bible makes us aware of our problems by reproof where counseling is only showing what is wrong with a person as in a diagnosis; finally, the Bible is profitable for direction of positive change through correction while counseling  only shows what should be right for a healthy individual but provides ways of relief only and ignores the resistance for true change. 

 

Our true identity isn't found in self-made perceptions or achievements but in Christ and His redemptive work. Despite being born into sin, Christ's sacrifice grants us assurance of our relationship with God. We're adopted into God's family, yet we must acknowledge our sinful nature and await our ultimate restoration in Heaven.

The Fifth and final day of our Kentucky Mission Trip

Our missions journey has concluded, and we've all been enriched by our involvement with the Crossroad Baptist community in Whitley City, Kentucky. Pastor Grant, along with his wife Gina and Stephanie, embody remarkable dedication to the community, leading teams in effective and spiritually grounded ministry. It's a privilege to serve people in the midst of their struggles; indeed, when we serve the Lord wholeheartedly, we inevitably encounter the messiness of those we seek to minister to. I'm particularly thankful not just for the provision of meals to those struggling with cooking or the distribution of healthy produce to families in need, but also for the opportunity to witness and participate in building relationships and sharing the gospel at the Lord’s Café. The teaching there is focused, methodically delving into each verse of the Bible. There's deliberate space for questions and discussion, fostering meaningful engagement. Reflecting the attitude of 2 Timothy 2:1-2, the men actively involve themselves in the mission, ensuring that even the simplest tasks include and empower others to contribute according to their abilities. The patient mentoring of the women, reminiscent of Titus 2:3, is truly humbling. I've seen firsthand their loving care for those struggling to find hope amidst chaos. Personally, I've learned valuable lessons, such as how to plant squash on a trellis and the importance of being present in the moment, wisely stewarding resources for the long term. I've also recognized the need to improve my listening skills, rather than relying solely on my own thoughts. Moreover, I've witnessed the power of affirmation in ministry—it's not merely correction but also the verbal acknowledgment of growth and positive change in individuals' thinking and behavior. This wisdom is demonstrated in interpersonal relationships, where listening, understanding, and guiding based on God’s Word are paramount. Ultimately, the teaching provided is practical wisdom, helping people navigate their challenges and discover the transformative truth of God’s Word, which has the power to bring order not only to their external chaos but also to the deeper turmoil within their hearts.