When you get to heaven, what will be the first words out of your mouth? I suspect it will be something like “thank you” for many of us. Two words. Two syllables. Sometimes less is more. Because gratitude and appreciation will be proper then, what if we self-assessed now to see how gratitude characterizes us today? May I ask: Are you practicing today what you’ll be saying and doing throughout eternity?

Read Here: https://lifeovercoffee.com/the-gospel-and-gratitude-are-you-characterized-as-a-grateful-person/

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There are two kinds of people in the world: Christians and non-Christians. Within these two groups are subgroups consisting of those you prefer to hang with and those with whom you would rather not spend your time. Loving others the way God loves us can be challenging anytime, but the difficulty intensifies during the holidays because some of our family members rub us the wrong way. (Of course, we might rub them wrongly, too.)

Read Here: https://lifeovercoffee.com/dealing-with-difficult-relatives-during-the-holidays/

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I want to lay out five core elements that are practical and replicable in your life and marriage. When practically applied, these ideas can have a transformative effect on those you want to influence the most, starting with your spouse and children. For some believers, the knowledge of the Bible far exceeds their ability to make it practical in their daily lives, especially in their marriages. My appeal to you is not to check these boxes and move on to the next thing but to let each element serve you in the weeks ahead as you practically assess your marriage and make any necessary and appropriate recalibrations.

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You have heard the saying, different strokes for different folks, right? It is a practical perspective when it comes to assessing people because every person presents a unique opportunity to figure out so you can care for them according to who they are. This concept is where the Bible is so helpful. Paul had this type of masterful discernment. He could peek into a person’s life to understand them and then sculpt a discipleship construct to bring the needed care to that unique person.

Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/why-each-person-needs-care-according-to-their-uniqueness/

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Show Main Idea: Knowing how to ask the right questions to help people understand themselves while leading them to a better place in their situations and relationships is an essential discipleship gift. In this webinar, Rick does a deep-dive into questions asking. He does not give you ten questions that you can ask anyone but trains you how to discern a person's soul so you can customize your care to that unique individual.

Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-377-webinar-the-skill-of-asking-insightful-questions/

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Shows Main Idea – This particular episode is number ten from the Christianity Today podcast series, though it’s the thirteenth total episode in this long-form narrative about the rise and fall of Mars Hill Church. They title this episode “The Tempest” as Mike Cosper retells the final two-year of events that led to Mark Driscoll’s resignation.

Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-376-response-to-the-rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill-episode-13/

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A biblical counselor interviewed Rick Thomas about a situation he is counseling with parents who discovered their child is watching porn. The counselor asked questions that are in italics, with Rick’s responses underneath. The fictionalized, flattened version of the story is the dad came to the counselor asking for advice. He said his son has been sneaking out of bed, looking at porn on the computer, circumventing the protective software.

Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/you-just-caught-your-child-in-porn-what-are-you-to-do/

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Relatives can avoid each other and conflict because of their busy lives and lack of intentional interaction throughout the year. Then there are those troubling holidays—and a few other special occasions—where we must engage those we don’t usually hang with in our day-to-day interactions. Minimally, the holidays bring a low-grade unannounced frustration to be with those people. When these extended relationships are not strong, the season’s joy can turn into conflict quickly. Learning how to love the unlovable and difficult souls well, even during these brief encounters, is crucial.

Read Here: https://lifeovercoffee.com/the-relatives-are-coming-the-relatives-are-coming-what-am-i-to-do/

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Show Main Idea: Being controlled by the opinion of other people is a problem every person struggles with to varying degrees. Biblically it is called fear of man. In this webinar, Rick does a deep dive into the issue and solutions. It’s riveting, biblical, revealing, and practical. If you struggle with fear of man, peer pressure, insecurity, or self-censoring, you want to watch and learn how to submit yourself to the only opinion that should manage you.

Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-375-webinar-how-to-overcome-the-fear-of-others/

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As a former lonely man who dreaded the holidays, I know encouragement from a friend can make all the difference in the world. The holidays can amplify what we don’t have, and if a person is not relationally connected, this season intended for special memories becomes a nightmare to endure. Perhaps you can share your life with a struggling friend. Whom can you bless this holiday season?

Read Here: https://lifeovercoffee.com/no-thanks-for-thanksgiving/

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