In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael, Shauna, and Jeremy continue their mini-series on counseling through God's attributes, focusing on omnipresence. They discuss the importance of God's omnipresence, especially in counseling settings, drawing from Isaiah 41:10. They emphasize that God's always-present nature offers both comfort and conviction, reminding individuals they're never alone in their struggles. Shauna shares her personal journey as a biblical counselor, highlighting how key scripture verses have guided her and can be used in counseling sessions. The episode rounds off with practical after-session assignments, including scripture memorization and reflective worship music to reinforce the comforting truths about God's constant presence.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast
00:24 Introducing the Counseling Mini-series
00:38 Exploring God's Omnipresence
01:09 The Importance of Key Scripture Verses
02:41 Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promises
04:25 Understanding God's Presence
07:22 Practical Applications in Counseling
15:41 Encouragement and Worship
19:17 Conclusion and Future Topics

Episode Resources
Counseling Through God's Attributes 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' the host is joined by Shannon K. McCoy, an experienced biblical counselor, to discuss the topic of God's peace amidst life's anxieties from her contribution to the ABC Resource, Counseling Through God's Attributes. Shannon shares her life transition from San Diego, California to Spartanburg, South Carolina and her career as a cytology lab manager. The conversation delves into the heightened anxiety and how biblical counseling can address it by focusing on Philippians 4:6-9. They emphasize that peace is an active process tied to trust and obedience in God. Shannon highlights practical counseling techniques, such as daily scripture focus and thought journaling, to help individuals reframe their anxiety in light of God's character and promises.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:55 Shannon's Background and Journey
03:40 Discussing God's Peace and Anxiety
08:26 Practical Steps for Counseling
18:35 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

Episode Mentions:
Counseling Through God's Attributes 

In this episode of Speak the Truth, host Mike welcomes guest Ellen Dykas, an ABC partner from Harvest USA. Ellen discusses the vital topic of 'God as Comforter' in biblical counseling, specifically referencing 2 Corinthians 1:3-6. The episode not only delves into Ellen's background and her work in discipleship and counseling but also offers a practical guide for counselors on integrating the concept of divine comfort into their sessions. Ellen emphasizes the importance of understanding God's comfort, engaging in meaningful dialogue with counselees, and applying Scripture to help those dealing with pain and suffering. The episode is a rich resource for both current counselors and those in training.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast
00:33 Guest Introduction: Ellen Dykas
01:15 Ellen's Background and Ministry
03:09 God's Comfort in Counseling
06:42 Applying God's Comfort in Counseling Sessions
16:44 After Session Assignments and Reflections
20:48 Final Encouragement and Closing Remarks

Episode Mentions

• Wives Navigating Sexual Betrayal - Harvest USA 
• Counseling Through God's Attributes - ABC RES 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael is with guest, Betty-Anne Van Rees. Betty-Anne, a key member of the Canadian Biblical Counseling Coalition, shares insights on using God's attributes, particularly God's all-seeing nature (El Roi), to guide counseling sessions. The conversation explores the significance of knowing God personally, using the story of Hagar from Genesis 16:1-14, and provides practical applications for counselors. The episode highlights the importance of helping counselees see God's care and encourages the use of the 'Counseling Through' resource for both personal growth and enhancing counseling methodologies.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:34 Betty-Anne's Background and Ministry

01:17 Counseling Through God's Attributes Miniseries

02:29 Focus on God's Attribute: El Roi, The All-Seeing

03:55 Application of Hagar's Story in Counseling

12:36 Reflection Questions and Practical Assignments

21:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Resources

Counseling Through God's Attributes - ABC Res 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Mike sits down with Jesse Pirkle from Southern Hills Church in Carrollton, Georgia, to discuss the concept of God's immutability. They explore how understanding God's unchanging nature can be a powerful tool in counseling, especially for individuals struggling with assurance, doubt, and trust issues. Jesse shares insights from his own ministry and counseling experiences, emphasizing the importance of scripture, singing, and practical assignments in helping counselees grasp this theological attribute. This episode offers a valuable resource for counselors looking to integrate biblical truths into their sessions.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
00:49 Introducing the Miniseries on Counseling Through God's Attributes
01:58 Focusing on God's Immutability in Counseling
03:17 Scriptural Foundations of God's Immutability
04:11 Practical Applications in Counseling Sessions
10:35 Homework and Continued Learning
17:59 Engaging the Mind and Heart in Counseling
22:31 Addressing Assurance and Doubt in Counseling
25:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Mentions
Counseling through God's Attributes - ABC RES
Dark Clouds Deep Mercy - Mark Vroegop
Southern Hills Church - Jesse Pirkle  

In this episode hosts, Mike and Shauna are joined by our special guest, Jesse Pirkle, Soul Care Pastor at SouthernHills Church to continue our mini-series, Counseling Through Bible Narratives Old Testament. Jesse Discusses how he uses his growth assignment of Jeremiah 2:11-13 to expose functional idolatry with counselees, both in-session, and out-of-session.

Episode Resource:
Counseling Through Bible Narratives - ABC RES

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Mike dives into the topic of narcissistic personality disorder within their ongoing mini-series on diagnostic and statistical diagnoses. Joined by Beth Claes, they explore the distinction between DSM-defined narcissistic personality disorder and general cultural narcissism. The discussion emphasizes the importance of viewing such psychological labels through a biblical lens, considering self-absorption and selfishness as challenges addressed by the gospel. The episode encourages believers to carefully navigate relationships with those displaying narcissistic behaviors, seeking wise counsel and fostering health and reconciliation in a Christ-centered manner.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:20 Narcissistic Personality Disorder Overview

01:10 Cultural vs. Clinical Narcissism

03:43 Biblical Perspective on Narcissism

05:37 Relational Dynamics and Narcissism

12:01 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Episode Mentions
Beth's Blog 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Shauna and Mike welcome Curtis and Jenny Solomon to discuss their new books, 'Redeem Your Marriage' and 'Reclaim Your Marriage.' The Solomons explore how their books address the impact of pornography on marriages, offering support for both the offending and hurt parties. They delve into the process of writing their books, sharing personal insights and struggles, and emphasize the importance of lament and genuine repentance. The discussion also covers practical advice for biblical counselors and pastors on how to use the books as resources for couples and even touches on parenting strategies to protect children from the influences of pornography.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:25 Book Review Series Launch

00:48 Meet the Guests: Curtis and Jenny Solomon

01:09 Curtis Solomon's Background and Roles

02:11 Introducing Jenny Solomon

03:13 Discussing the Books: Redeem Your Marriage and Reclaim Your Marriage

04:17 Challenges and Joys of Writing

09:01 The Importance of Lament in Healing

11:06 Addressing Misconceptions: Don't Blame Yourself for His Sin

15:58 The Role of the Spouse as an Ally

19:34 Creating a Safe Home Environment

20:15 Parenting Tips for Navigating Digital Dangers

22:55 Engaging in Open Conversations with Children

24:16 The Importance of Both Parents in Sex Education

25:48 Teaching Modesty and Privacy to Children

27:24 Healthy Cross-Gender Relationships

31:08 Using the Book in Counseling and Church Settings

38:12 Writing the Book: Inspirations and Challenges

40:16 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Episode Mentions
Curtis's Book for Husbands
Jenny's Book for Wives

Lament References:
Dark Clouds Deep Mercy
God's Healing for Life's Lessons

Counseling & Consulting
Solomon Soul Care

Training & Equipping
Southern Seminary - Biblical Counseling Concentration Degree

In this engaging episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael and Shauna introduce and discuss the importance of biblical truths in counseling and discipleship. They welcome Andrew Dealy from Austin Stone Community Church, who elaborates on using scripture, specifically the story of Joseph from Genesis, to guide counseling practices. The conversation delves into themes of forgiveness, patience, and God's sovereignty in suffering, highlighting practical steps for counselors to apply in various scenarios. Andrew also shares insights about his roles in his church, training programs for counselors, and an upcoming podcast series focused on handling emotions biblically.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast
00:32 Counseling Through Psalms and Collaboration
02:44 Introducing Andrew and His Roles
06:53 The Importance of Forgiveness in Counseling
07:14 Exploring Joseph's Story of Forgiveness
14:41 Practical Questions on Forgiveness
23:57 Joseph's Remarkable Response
24:47 Understanding Forgiveness
26:16 Counseling Through Suffering
28:06 The Role of Patience in Counseling
34:27 Defining People Beyond Their Wrongs
39:43 Practical Steps for Counselors

Episode Mentions
Counseling Through Bible Narratives 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth', Michael is joined with Peter Escue to discuss the pivotal role of the gospel in counseling, emphasizing its application in various life struggles. Covering part two of their 'Gospel in Counseling' series, they explore how biblical truths provide hope and guidance for individuals feeling the weight of the Christian life, uncertainty about salvation, bitterness, and more. They delve into issues like suffering, sin, lack of spiritual maturity, and the ever-present need for hope, guiding listeners on how to apply gospel principles skillfully and compassionately in counseling scenarios.

00:00 Introduction to Speak the Truth Podcast

00:40 Recap of Gospel in Counseling Part One

02:09 Addressing the Challenges of Christian Life

04:19 Assurance of Salvation and Freedom in Christ

05:01 The Importance of Forgiveness

09:16 Spiritual Maturity and Sanctification

11:36 Understanding Suffering in the Christian Life

14:33 Understanding the Broken World and Personal Sin

15:11 The Importance of Applying Theology in Counseling

15:42 The Reality of Suffering and the Gospel

17:50 Hope in Christ Amidst Suffering

21:55 The Value of Individuals in God's Eyes

23:10 The Gospel's Call to Higher Goals and Changed Behavior

26:01 Summary and Encouragement for Counselors

Episode Mentions
The Gospel in Counseling Part 1