My decision to pursue Biblical counseling started with a need. When I say a need, I am not talking about me helping someone else; in fact it was kind of the opposite. The need that brought the importance of Biblical counseling to my attention was my own struggle with anxiety and depression that started in early high school. Like most people do at one point or another, I found myself in a place where I just couldn’t handle my own struggles. Unfortunately in a small county there just weren’t a lot of options that included the God-focused view that I needed. But God knowing my every need before I knew what to ask for fulfilled it in an amazing yet mundane way. I found hope and the ability to work through my problems and it wasn’t due to anything the world offers, in fact my life changed based off the instruction I hope we are all acquainted with - the truth of Scripture. 

Although at that point in my life it would be a few years before I would step into an actual counseling session, my life was forever changed by what would be classified as a form of “Biblical counseling”. In my case, Biblical counseling was simply administered through people who loved me in the local church. That may sound strange to someone who has only been exposed to counseling in the secular world, and that’s because Biblical counseling is completely contrary to the teachings of the world. But if you continue reading, you might see that the practice of counseling one another is not foreign to you at Grace Church. With that in mind, what is Biblical counseling? 

Biblical counseling is an intensive, problem-solving centered discipleship which is dependent completely and only on the Word of God. The teachings of Scripture is where we find the method for what we do in Biblical counseling, which is also why it’s possible and even common to conduct Biblical counseling outside of the counseling room. You might not realize this, church, but you’ve been counseling each other without even knowing it! When you helped your friend going through a hard time by doing a Bible study with them on the problem they’re facing, you did the work of Biblical counseling. When you gave hope to your grieving loved one by pointing them towards the promise of eternal life in heaven, you did the work of Biblical counseling. If you graciously confronted a brother or sister about their sin and spoke the truth in love, you have also done the work of Biblical counseling.
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For these reasons, Biblical counseling should not intimidate us on either side. Whether you are considering if you need to pursue being counseled formally, or if God has given you the opportunity to step up to be the counselor in someone’s life informally you shouldn’t be afraid to do so. Biblical counseling is discipleship focused on helping someone understand their problem from a Biblical point of view and then exhorting them to obey God’s commands and make righteous habits.

On that note, why is Scripture the only basis for Biblical counseling, you may ask?  2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." You see, God did not leave us to live lives of confusion when it comes to the problems that we face. Not only does He give us the answer to those problems, but He also has revealed that His Word is all we need for spiritual life. When I say that, I’m not proposing that you open to the book of Genesis to learn how to build a fence or bake cookies. Biblical counselors do not advocate that the Bible is an exhaustive list or encyclopedia of how to do anything and everything. Rather, in terms of your spiritual life, which affects every aspect of life itself, it’s clear in the verses mentioned above that God had given us all we need to be complete and equipped. This is through the Word of God, the works of Christ on the cross, with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.  

As Christians we all have a calling which I believe our church’s statement encapsulates – to know Christ and make Him known, to love God and love others. This is the same goal of Biblical counseling; one I exhort the church to continue pursuing to help love those who are lost and hurting. 

On a typical day off you will find Josh playing board games and sports, going on walks with his wife, or re-watching marvel movies for the fifteenth time. His favorite place to be is underwater because it is the only place that is truly quiet. He is a child of God first, a husband and almost father second, and loves to be around people third.

My testimony and call to ministry--

My testimony starts with the typical church kid story. I grew up in the church with a family who loved the Lord. When I was just 3 years old sitting in my bunk bed with my older brother Jonathan, I became a Christian. Did three-year-old Josh have a perfect understanding of Jesus and his love for me or my complete sinfulness? No, but as a 3 year old I knew enough to understand that Jesus loves me and died for my sin, that was enough for a 3 year old to understand.

In high school I was already working in Awana and VBS and anywhere else I was needed and I seemed to have a strong relationship with the Lord. The problem was I hadn’t grown much in my relationship with the Lord since I was 3. A faith that should have been growing was stagnant. On the outside I seemed to be a strong Christian but on the inside I wasn’t sure what I believed.

During this time I had fallen into some sin and was living in it. I had my whole life planned before me. I was going to go to college, get my business degree, come back and work for my dad and make lots of money. I had planned where I was going to build my house and knew every step that I was going to take. Little did I know God had very different plans for me and my future.

The summer after my junior year of high school I re-dedicated my life to the Lord. When I re-dedicated my life to Him and gave Him control over my life I felt a strong calling to go into ministry. The only problem was I didn’t want to go into ministry and I didn’t want to give up my dream of building a big house and working for my dad. After fighting with God for about a month I finally gave in to what God was calling me to do. I immediately called the college I had been accepted to and told them to change my major from business to Bible.

From that time on I have fallen in love with discipleship ministry. I know that God has called me to disciple youth and I know that God will open the doors to wherever He wants me to be. Whether I stay in Lake County or I end up on the other side of the world I know that God has a plan and that it will be done according to His will.

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” Romans 10:14-15 

​-Joshua Bridges

​Permit me to ask you a couple questions. What are you doing with your life? Is Jesus first? Are you living for Him? Do you desire to live a fruitful and impactful life for His kingdom?  Are you listening to His call? That is what really matters. This poem by C.T. Studd. (1860-1931) an English missionary who faithfully served his Savior in China, India, and Africa has challenged me to see my life from an eternal perspective. His motto was: "If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."

​Let us all, by God’s grace, endeavor to live a life dedicated to serving and loving God and serving and loving the people He died to save. CT. Studd apply put it this way,

​Thanks to all those have already or who are prayerfully considering supporting financially the Zeek’s call to minister with SOS International. If you want to give  send your support by going to < https://sosinternational.us> and click on contribute, or mail to SOS Headquarters, please address your support to:Dr. Garry Zeek - SOS International Box 5985, La Quinta, CA 92248
You can also contact me personally for more information at zeek@pacific.net .

​Shalom 

​Victory over temptations, victory over life's challenges, victory in our darkest moments, victory over the lies we believe, and victory in forgiving. None of this would be possible without Jesus. Jesus is the victory. He died on the cross for our sins, He conquered death, and when we receive Him as our Savior, He offers those who know Him a victorious life. 

​At retreat, women were set free through prayer, through being loved, connecting with one another, and through embracing the truth of God's Word.  Deep wounds were healed and lives were restored. It was truly an amazing victorious retreat.

Ladies were reminded that they are loved, accepted, valued, and given significance by the King of the Universe. Expressing deep gratitude through surrender and praise to the Lord because He has lavished His love on us. This was communicated in the story of Mary of Bethany and her act of costly "offering" to the Lord.

Testimonies of God's forgiveness, redemption, healing, provision, and answered prayers were recurring themes in small group discussions, break-out sessions, and dining room conversations.
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On Sunday morning, ladies were charged with actionable steps to live in victory when they go home as they faced their own struggles and trials. Ladies were exhorted to consider themselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). They were given examples on how to lay down their burdens to the Lord and to accept whatever the Lord gives as His particular gifts. Including accepting the trials and struggles. Recognize your burdens, daily remember that you have given them up and do not pick them back up.

     A couple of weeks ago, after I left for work in the morning, one of my kids was sitting at the kitchen table playing with Legos.  It was a moment of peace in a seemingly energized home.  Katie had made some bacon and took it to him as he was quietly playing.  She handed it to him and he smiled as he received it.  He responded with the heart melting “I love you.”  As any parent would, Katie responded back with, “I love you too bud.”  This is where things get interesting.  Just when this perfect moment has ended. He laughs and responds, “Not you mom, I love my bacon.”  I can only imagine the turmoil going on in her mind as she tries to fight back both laughter and tears.  It seems that he loved the blessing more than the one who provided it.
            Do we fall into the same trap as followers of Christ?  I think we go looking for blessing in all sorts of places.  We work hard to get a raise.  We workout or diet to be healthy.  We pursue excellence in hopes that excellent things will come back to us.  Do we not know that these blessings are from God?  
 
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
 
Have we stolen the blessing by calling it earned favor or a reward/award that we have worked hard for?  If everything we have is a gift from God then it is a blessing He has bestowed upon us.  If everything we receive is a gift then everything we have we should offer thanks to Him for.  Take a moment today to think about all of the ways God has blessed you.  Do you have a job, family, a car, have you been on vacation, do you have friends/family who love you, are you breathing right now?  Have you taken credit for having received or achieved those things?  Give God thanks for the many things He has entrusted you and blessed you with today.  HE IS WORTHY.  Our challenge this past week is that the proper response to Jesus is PRAISE!  Praise Him for all of the blessings He has poured out on your life.  If you are having trouble feeling blessed, be bold and ask God for what you need, He cares for you.
 
-Pastor Paul Mollett

Years ago, while I was serving as a youth pastor in Edina, Minnesota, I would take the youth group on a weeklong canoeing adventure to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). I would purposely make sure that the most inexperienced paddlers were in my canoe or the canoe of another strong paddler. Why, because it takes lots of patience and practice to learn how to paddle together. Unity is critical and is something you must learn and choose. When facing ten-mile-long Knife Lake into 20 mph headwinds unity makes all the difference. It’s a beautiful thing to see unity in action.

King David painted a beautiful word picture of this unity in Psalm 133 writing... ​

David was recalling a scene with obvious affection—the high priest being anointed with oil. He remembered the oil poured over his head, running down his beard and onto his robes and he used this picture to poetically portray how unity overflows to others -- a picture he portrays as wonderfully refreshing. Unity is refreshing and beautiful!
 
The Puritan Thomas Brooks rightly stated "Discord and division become no Christian. For wolves to worry the lambs is no wonder, but for one lamb to worry another, this is unnatural and monstrous."
 
Thomas à Kempis wrote that "If Christ is amongst us, then it is necessary that we sometimes yield up our own opinion for the sake of peace. Who is so wise as to have perfect knowledge of all things? Therefore trust not too much to thine own opinion, but be ready also to hear the opinions of others.
 
D L Moody said,  "There are two ways of being united -- one is by being frozen together, and the other is by being melted together. What Christians need is to be united in brotherly love, and then they may expect to have power."
 
Let me share with you a powerful example of seeking unity.  During World War II, Hitler commanded all religious groups to unite so that he could control them. Among the Brethren assemblies, half complied and half refused. Those who went along with the order had a much easier time. Those who did not, faced harsh persecution. In almost every family of those who resisted, someone died in a concentration camp.
When the war was over, feelings of bitterness ran deep between the groups and there was much tension. Finally, they decided that the situation had to be healed. Leaders from each group met at a quiet retreat. For several days, each person spent time in prayer, examining his own heart in the light of Christ’s commands. Then they came together.
 
Francis Schaeffer,  who told of the incident, asked a friend who was there, “What did you do then?” “We were just one,” he replied. As they confessed their hostility and bitterness to God and yielded to His control, the Holy Spirit created a spirit of unity among them. Love filled their hearts and dissolved their hatred.
 
When love prevails among believers, especially in times of strong disagreement, it presents to the world an indisputable mark of a true follower of Jesus Christ. They will know we are Christ followers by our love.
 
Shalom, Pastor Garry 
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​     Church, what a joy it was celebrating with you this past Sunday the baptisms of 8 different believers, the dedication of 4 children, the anniversary of 3 people celebrating their recovery, the welcoming of many new members, and the dedication of an Ebenezer Wall that will help us remember the promises, goodness and strength of our God.  These things coupled with an opportunity to worship together and be challenged as a church in the same way Pastor Brent was charged and installed made for a great celebration.  The beauty of celebrating is that we can always find something new to celebrate.  I look forward to rejoicing again as many others will choose to baptized, dedicated, saved, and repent.  Is God stirring in your heart something for you to act on?  Let us know, we would love to assist you, pray with you and encourage you in your walk.
     I was talking with many during our time of fellowship and one of the common themes of the conversation was that we could not even remember the important dates to write on the Ebenezer Wall.  I was in the same boat trying to remember back to the date of my salvation, baptism, my kids dedication dates.  These things are not always at the forefront of our minds.  Take some time to reflect, research and investigate and when you get a chance write them on the wall and use this cool new space on our campus as a powerful reminder of God’s goodness.  When you remember His goodness, REJOICE!
     Fruit is a sign of life.  Let us as a church keep pursuing the fruit of a walk with God that is growing.  Remember that the many kids that roam our campus on Sunday are  in need of the care that we spoke about during our time of dedication this past week.  Let us not forget that we live in a community that is broken and only God can repair the damage.  As we serve the homeless, attend sporting events, shop in stores and go about our everyday business, lets not forget that our mission is to love people and a beacon of hope that we have in Jesus.
     This next week Pastor Brent is going to be continuing in our series: “Are You My Church?”  He will be boldly and powerfully preaching the word of God as we look at our job as part of a bigger body that serves God.  Will you join us on Sunday?

​-Pastor Paul Mollett

​We had a great group of men travel to the coast (Albion) this year to worship God unhindered, proclaim God’s Word unashamed, and support each other with unconditional love. 

Not only do we pray to the God who saves, but we must also confess our sins to one another, restore each other in a spirit of gentleness, and teach each other to put off our sin. Whether we call it mentorship or discipleship, the fact is that we need to be involved in each other’s lives. We can not live isolated. Because when we are isolated, we are vulnerable to Satan’s attacks and we leave our brothers defenseless.

• Is God your one true love?
• Are you identified as completely His?
• Do you esteem His Word and seek to obey His commands?
• Are you filling up in God’s love and is it overflowing from your life into others?

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Let us  love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those that abuse us. So that when God turns His gaze on Grace Church in Kelseyville, He will declare it to be His Church.