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Rethinking Nostalgic Postpartum Advice

Rethinking Nostalgic Postpartum Advice

by | May 22, 2025 |

When my nine-year-old daughter learned I was working on a mini-book for depressed postpartum mothers, a look of confusion came over her face. She asked, “Why would a mom feel sad after having a baby? Isn’t that something to be happy about?” My youngest child’s...

Wise Counsel for the Discontented

Wise Counsel for the Discontented

by | Apr 29, 2025 |

It’s much too easy to be discontent. It may be with material possessions, employment, relationships, where we live, or a number of other things with which we are discontent. Perhaps we compare ourselves with others and always fall short, becoming envious or jealous in...

Wise Counsel for Dealing with Criticism

Wise Counsel for Dealing with Criticism

by | Apr 1, 2025 |

Criticism hurts. It leaves more bruises than “sticks and stones” and it cuts our fellow man one sword-thrust at a time (Prov. 12:18). Harsh words can hurt because life and death are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:12). And sadly, our criticism is rarely kind,...

Wise Ancient Words in Proverbs

Wise Ancient Words in Proverbs

by | Mar 10, 2025 |

The Hebrews were not the only ones in the ancient world who appreciated and collected wise sayings. Israel’s neighboring nations also obtained knowledge and valued wisdom in a certain sense. In 1 Kings 4, we observe how the wisdom of King Solomon was compared to that...

Jesus Wept and Got Angry

Jesus Wept and Got Angry

by | Jan 24, 2025 |

"When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping,
he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. . . . Jesus wept." John 11:33, 35 God is not put off by your grief. The shortest verse in the Bible is proof. “Jesus wept.” If Jesus...

Three Ways to Help Someone Who Is Panicking

Three Ways to Help Someone Who Is Panicking

by | Nov 18, 2024 |

Pamela feels her heart flutter suddenly. Then, perspiration runs down her face. She feels dizzy and worries, “Oh no, oh no, oh no, what’s happening?” In a flash, her worry turns to paralyzing panic, and she speed-dials her husband. “I think I’m having a heart attack,”...

Hope + Help for Depression with Ed Welch

Hope + Help for Depression with Ed Welch

by | Nov 17, 2024 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Depression with Ed Welch Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Ed...

Dealing with Difficult In-Laws During the Holidays

Dealing with Difficult In-Laws During the Holidays

by | Oct 25, 2024 |

The holidays are a time of family gatherings to which most people look forward with joyful anticipation. For some, however, the holidays are filled with interpersonal tension. Difficult relationships can come in many forms but oftentimes they are connected to in-laws....

Three Ways to Help Someone Hurt by Their Previous Church

Three Ways to Help Someone Hurt by Their Previous Church

by | Sep 20, 2024 |

For the past several years, a counseling burden we’ve seen increase is “church hurt.” By church hurt, I’m referring to any unrepentant sin that is minimized, normalized, or possibly promoted by a church community and/or a church’s leadership. At first, I didn’t like...

What is Biblical Counseling?

What is Biblical Counseling?

by | Aug 26, 2024 |

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “biblical counseling”? It’s a phrase that’s been used for over half-a-century now. And in that time, it’s come to mean different things to different people. Some people consider biblical counseling to be a codeword that...

Three Reminders for Parents of Wayward Children

Three Reminders for Parents of Wayward Children

by | Aug 15, 2024 |

In an era when many are choosing not to have children, believers stand out as those who choose to fulfill the creation mandate to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28). When many see children as expensive inconveniences, we regard our children to be a blessing from...

Three Ways to Care for Caregivers

Three Ways to Care for Caregivers

by | Jul 29, 2024 |

Bill has stopped going to church. It’s his dementia. Not only does he feel isolated in a crowd due to his inability to remember and communicate well, the loudness of the congregational singing—acceptable by most standards—sounds dissonant and upsets him. Disappointed,...

Three Ways to Help Fathers Lead Family Worship

Three Ways to Help Fathers Lead Family Worship

by | Jun 30, 2024 |

Many Christian men know they have a God-given responsibility to lead family worship. They remember how God called Abraham to “command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord” (Gen. 18:19). They’re aware that Moses instructs fathers to...

Why I Wrote a Book about Sex

Why I Wrote a Book about Sex

by | May 20, 2024 |

To say that our world is confused about sex is a dramatic understatement. You don’t need an anecdote or statistic. You face the reality of it every day. And, unfortunately, this confusion isn’t only “out there” in the world, but it also has dramatic effects in both...

Three Ways to Help a Weary Friend

Three Ways to Help a Weary Friend

by | Apr 30, 2024 |

As I walked out of the grocery store with a cart full of groceries, a freezing winter wind cut through my jacket. The late-afternoon sky was dark grey, and an icy snow was falling. As I approached the car, my exhaustion seemed overwhelming. I’d been struggling through...

In the Pasture of the Good Shepherd

In the Pasture of the Good Shepherd

by | Mar 18, 2024 |

The Holy Spirit brings us assurance as we meditate on the love Jesus shows for sinners. I'm not referring to his former demonstration of love, which he showed by dying in our place, but to his perpetual love in there here and now. Jesus is not only our Lord and Savior...

Three Ways to Help the Parents of Teens

Three Ways to Help the Parents of Teens

by | Feb 28, 2024 |

Parenting is hard. And it seems to get harder every year our children grow up. In the 1985 classic, Teen Wolf, Michael J. Fox plays a young man who transforms into a werewolf at inopportune moments. The results are sometimes awkward and mostly humorous, while making...

Be Transformed

The Fearful Counselee

by | Feb 9, 2024 |

We live in fearful times. The events of 9/11 have reminded us of how little real control we have over our lives and have produced a culture of fear. In this lecture Dr. Adams talks to us about the fearful counselees we will be dealing with more and more in these...

You Lamented—Now What?

You Lamented—Now What?

by | Jan 26, 2024 |

“There’s a lot of talk about how to lament these days, but what do we do after—what comes next?” My friend’s question was intriguing. He was right to identify the need for extended reflection. After all, the moments following lament are just as important as the...

Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2023

Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2023

by | Jan 17, 2024 |

In February 2020, IBCD launched the Hope + Help Podcast in an effort to host approachable biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. Since its inception, the show has been streamed nearly 275,000 times worldwide. We're thankful to the many guests who...

Two Truths and a Lie for the Divorced

Two Truths and a Lie for the Divorced

by | Dec 8, 2023 |

One day, I found myself seated on the bedroom floor, tears streaming down my face as I stared at divorce papers. The realization hit hard—I was now a divorced Christian and a single mother. The weight of embarrassment and shame kept me from facing my church community....

The Gospel Brings Healing

The Gospel Brings Healing

by | Nov 13, 2023 |

I find that many Christians get uncomfortable when talking about God and healing. To discuss God bringing physical healing raises controversial questions about spiritual gifts. To discuss emotional healing seems to reflect a concept created by modern psychology, and...

What Is the Devil’s Part in Temptation?

What Is the Devil’s Part in Temptation?

by | Oct 11, 2023 |

God is never the source of temptation to sin. Instead, the cycle begins with strong desires in our hearts. So perhaps you’re wondering if the devil is involved at all. Yes, he is. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in...

Two Truths and a Lie for Anxious Moms

Two Truths and a Lie for Anxious Moms

by | Aug 9, 2023 |

Motherhood is a rollercoaster ride! It is filled with the ups and downs of heartwarming moments and challenging twists and turns. Yet for anxious moms, this rollercoaster ride can turn them upside down and fill them with anxiety. Amidst the joys of raising children,...

Two Truths and a Lie about Caring for the Abused

Two Truths and a Lie about Caring for the Abused

by | Jul 31, 2023 |

What comes to mind when you hear the term “abuse”? Maybe you imagine crime scenes, physical violence, or torture. Perhaps just the sight of this word causes your radar to go up because it seems to be so overused and underdefined. My hope with this blog is to bring...

Two Truths and a Lie When People Disappoint You

Two Truths and a Lie When People Disappoint You

by | Jul 7, 2023 |

Relationships with people are a sweet gift our Father entrusts to us. Through friendships, siblings, spouses, children, neighbors, and mentors we can experience love, encouragement, being known, and helped in our lives as we work out our salvation and grow up into...

Two Truths and a Lie about Helping Anxious Hearts

Two Truths and a Lie about Helping Anxious Hearts

by | May 30, 2023 |

Your roommate doesn’t come home when they said they were going to come home, and you worry. You hear rumors about a merger at your company and wonder what it will mean for your job, and you worry. You imagine all the things that could happen to your child while...

Shepherding Counselees through Racial Issues

Shepherding Counselees through Racial Issues

by | May 9, 2023 |

“Woke” is a dirty word these days which can make us throw our biblical principles out the window. The ultra-conservatives spit out this four-letter word to silence any who “defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8–9). The ultra-progressives wear it as a...

Two Truths and a Lie about Wayward Children

Two Truths and a Lie about Wayward Children

by | May 1, 2023 |

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” are words written by the Apostle John in his third epistle. While John is addressing his spiritual children, these words resonate with parents who see their children walking faithfully with...

Two Truths and a Lie for Those Abandoned by Loved Ones

Two Truths and a Lie for Those Abandoned by Loved Ones

by | Mar 13, 2023 |

As a pastor, I have seen divorce tear families apart and I have ached with the abused. I’ve seen close friends commit betrayal or turn their backs on each other. These broken relationships leave many feeling abandoned and alone. So, how can the church compassionately...

I’m Sorry, But I Can’t Be Your Pastor

I’m Sorry, But I Can’t Be Your Pastor

by | Feb 21, 2023 |

In addition to counseling within my local church for over forty years, I have been involved in biblical counseling ministry to people outside of the church since 1993. While the Lord uses counseling ministries for good, one danger of relying upon outside counselors is...

Hope + Help for Decision Anxiety with Michael Gembola

Hope + Help for Decision Anxiety with Michael Gembola

by | Feb 13, 2023 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Decision Anxiety with Michael Gembola Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine...

Hope + Help for Sorrowing Moms with Katie Faris

Hope + Help for Sorrowing Moms with Katie Faris

by | Jan 27, 2023 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Sorrowing Moms with Katie Faris Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell...

Hope + Help for Feeling Overwhelmed with Rush Witt

Hope + Help for Feeling Overwhelmed with Rush Witt

by | Jan 15, 2023 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Feeling Overwhelmed with Rush Witt Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine...

Hope + Help for Mom Guilt with Lauren Whitman

Hope + Help for Mom Guilt with Lauren Whitman

by | Dec 19, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Mom Guilt with Lauren Whitman Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell...

Hope + Help for Military Veterans with Don Roy

Hope + Help for Military Veterans with Don Roy

by | Dec 5, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Military Veterans with Don Roy Subscribe and Stream On: Apple Podcast • Spotify • iHeart Radio • Soundcloud • Pandora • Amazon Music • Stitcher About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell...

Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2022

Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2022

by | Dec 1, 2022 |

In February 2020, IBCD launched the Hope + Help Podcast in an effort to host approachable biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. Since its inception, the show has been streamed nearly 175,000 times in 50 different countries. We're thankful to the...

Hope + Help for Processing Grief with Tim Challies

Hope + Help for Processing Grief with Tim Challies

by | Nov 10, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Processing Grief with Tim Challies About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Tim Challies about his book, Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God. Some of...

Hope + Help for Practicing Lament with Mark Vroegop

Hope + Help for Practicing Lament with Mark Vroegop

by | Oct 20, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Practicing Lament with Mark Vroegop About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Mark Vroegop about his Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy Devotional Journal. Some of the questions...

Hope + Help for Unwanted Thoughts with Esther Smith

Hope + Help for Unwanted Thoughts with Esther Smith

by | Sep 12, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Unwanted Thoughts with Esther Smith About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Esther Smith about her book, A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted...

I am sanctified

I am sanctified

by , | Aug 5, 2022 |

Sanctification is a dynamic process; established by God, carried out by God, and completed by God. Yet, human effort is involved in God’s design of sanctification. Much of that effort flows from an accurate understanding of self as having been crucified with Christ and raised with him to new life.

The Grace That Sanctifies 

The Grace That Sanctifies 

by | May 24, 2022 |

The grace of God has appeared, . . . training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. (Titus 2:11–12)  The Billy Graham Library is about a thirty-minute car ride from my (Caroline’s) home, and it’s become...

How Thick is Your Bible?

How Thick is Your Bible?

by | May 23, 2022 |

It has been my privilege to participate in the training of biblical counselors for the past twenty years.  Many students enthusiastically embrace biblical counseling theory in the classroom, but then have trouble when they practice counseling in fictitious role play...

Top 10 Podcasts of 2021

Top 10 Podcasts of 2021

by | May 23, 2022 |

In February 2020, IBCD launched the Hope + Help Podcast in an effort to host accessible, biblical conversations about life's challenging problems. Since its launch, the show has been streamed nearly 114,000 times in 50 different countries. We're thankful to the many...

Hope + Help for Impatience with Megan Hill

Hope + Help for Impatience with Megan Hill

by | Apr 26, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Impatience with Megan Hill About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Megan Hill about her book, Patience: Waiting with Hope. Some of the questions addressed in this interview...

Hope + Help for Shame & Regret with Ed Welch

Hope + Help for Shame & Regret with Ed Welch

by | Feb 28, 2022 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Shame & Regret with Ed Welch Special Coupon Code for Hope + Help Podcast Listeners! Now through March 31st, get an additional 25% off the already discounted website price of A Small Book about Why We Hide: How Jesus Rescues Us...

Hope + Help for Forgiveness with Brad Hambrick

Hope + Help for Forgiveness with Brad Hambrick

by | Dec 20, 2021 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Forgiveness with Brad Hambrick About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Brad Hambrick about his book, Making Sense of Forgiveness: Moving from Hurt Toward Hope. Some of the...

Hope + Help for Singleness with Jenilyn Swett

Hope + Help for Singleness with Jenilyn Swett

by | Dec 6, 2021 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Singleness with Jenilyn Swett About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews Jenilyn Swett about her book Singleness: Living Faithfully. Some of the questions addressed in this...

Hope + Help for Hard Times with John Crotts

Hope + Help for Hard Times with John Crotts

by | Nov 22, 2021 |

Hope + Help Podcast · Hope + Help for Hard Times with John Crotts About the Episode In this episode of the Hope + Help Podcast, host Christine Chappell interviews author and Pastor John Crotts about his book Hope: Living Confidently in God. Some of the questions...