Tried and True

Do you have that one thing that you go back to over and over again?

Maybe its your favorite coffee shop. You try others but you always go back for that Cardamom Latte with extra foam from your tried and true coffee shop.

OR maybe you are a lover of meatloaf and you find a new recipe to try, thinking you’ll make it better but you always go back to grandma’s recipe. It’s tried and true!!

Over the past 30+ years of walking with Jesus, I have tried new versions of the bible. I actually have 9 Bibles on my shelf that have been marked up and used but I always go back to this beauty…

Key Word Study Bible, New American Standard Bible. Christian Counseling, Bend, Oregon

This is my tried and true bible. And why do I like it you ask? Well let me tell you….

This bible has Hebrew and Greek Strong’s dictionaries in the back of the bible. Some words are underlined in scripture and referenced in the dictionary. As I look at the true meaning of each word the scripture becomes clearer and richer as I study. Let’s take Romans 8:28:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

What does “good” truly mean in this context? I’m uncertain if everything in my life has worked together for good. The term “good” comes from the Greek word agathos, used here to signify something useful, beneficial, and profitable. This “good” that God orchestrates is meant for those who love God and are “called” according to His purposes. Now, turning to the word kletos, we see that “called” refers to being invited by God to His kingdom and its privileges, essentially being chosen and adopted. However, upon studying further, I realize that this working together for good is not just for those who are called, but for those who are ‘called according to HIS purpose.’ So, what does purpose mean? The Greek word prothesis means “setting forth,” placing in view, or openly displaying something. This indicates that God’s purpose is a firm resolve, referring to His eternal purpose or counsel.

So just by understanding three little words we see the richness of Roman’s 8:28. That God works ALL things together for the benefit or profit of those who love God AND those He has invited to the privileges of heaven with a firm resolve of eternal purpose.

Isn’t that beautiful? SO…tried and true…that what this bible is for me.

As I was thinking about the tried and true bible, I also thought of my tried and true counselor. I’ve tried other therapies and self-help things to bring wellness into my life but I always go back to my tried and true counselor. It is through her love and care of me that God worked together His calling in my life to be a counselor.

I am privileged to collaborate with individuals on their journey to wellness and a deeper understanding of themselves and God’s influence in their lives. I would humbly welcome the opportunity to become your trusted counselor, perhaps your tried and true. Are you prepared to start your counseling journey? Let’s discover hope together!