Life Over Coffee With Rick Thomas

A husband who devalues his wife did not just become this way. There is always a trail that leads to this outcome. Devaluing a spouse is a symptom, not a cause. There are two ways to keep from marrying such a selfish, devaluing man. One, you must recognize the early signs and run before the trail heats up. The second is much harder; you have already married him and are reaping the whirlwind of his selfishness. There is still hope and help for this second situation, though it will come through God’s strength perfected in your weakness. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/the-surprising-truth-of-why-a-husband-devalues-his-wife/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – What do you do when someone data-dumps on you about someone else? You did not ask for it, but the person gossiped about another person—perhaps a friend of yours—and it was unsolicited. These situations are almost always messy, leaving you uncomfortable and challenged to respond humbly and biblically to the gossiper. In most cases, this is not the first time the gossiper gossiped, which ratchets the need to do something about it because gossip is a spiritual cancer that divides friendships and churches. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-404-how-to-respond-when-someone-gossips-to-you/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

New Testament sanctification typically happens in corporate contexts, not in isolation. It is appropriate to say that you can do many things by yourself, but sanctification is not one of those things; it’s not possible to image the Trinity by living apart from the community of faith. The apostle Paul mainly wrote to local churches, teaching those communities how to do mutual, reciprocal life together. One of the vital keys to robust community life is understanding the value and appropriateness of corrective care. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/the-art-and-care-of-correction/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

If you want to change your life, you need a self-help book to guide you through the process. The good news is that there is a perfect book for you. It's called the Bible, the world's most perfect psychology book. Yes, the best psychology book; I will explain that later. There is not a better system of thought than the Bible when it comes to life change. If you're ready for a radical transformation, keep reading. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/perfect-self-help-book-that-will-change-your-life/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – Believing something and knowing something are two different things. Though knowing something is more important than believing something, we connect them because whatever it is we know, it flows into our belief systems. And our beliefs systems will pour into our practices. The formula is knowledge creates beliefs, which form our practices. If our knowledge comes from something outside of God’s Word, it will alter our belief systems and practices, which could be detrimental to any individual and their relationships. https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-403-the-difference-between-believing-and-knowing-something/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Bible knowledge is incredible and a non-negotiable for any serious believer. But knowledge without application is futile, practically speaking. For the Bible to master any of us, we have to do more than read it. Think of it like two silos side by side. One is full of knowledge, and the other is replete with applications. When you examine your “silos,” are they keeping up with each other, or is one lagging behind? If you’re building your life knowledgeably with proportional applications, you’re at the best possible place in your Christian growth plan. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/five-things-you-need-to-know-to-be-mastered-by-the-bible/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – There are many kinds of rest, i.e., power naps, sleeping, vacations, your career, mental breaks, coffee breaks, and the list continues. But there is one rest that transcends them all, and nobody will enjoy the fullest possibilities of rest until they learn and practice this one. It's a transcendent rest that rises above them all. There are two keys to ascertaining this most exquisite rest. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-402-two-keys-to-mature-into-the-best-rest-you-can-have/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Traditional biblical counseling does not work well if a counseling session, sprinkled here and there, is all you have. That strategy places the burden of change on the counselor rather than on the individual who needs a new kind of habituated lifestyle. Biblical discipleship happens in a 24/7 context where the person who desires change is availing himself of all the means of grace the Lord provides for transformation. I have listed a few of these means that have worked for me when helping a struggling soul carve out a new way of living. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/ten-habits-that-can-change-your-life/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – A theology of suffering is a theoretical reality with life-transforming implications if we can live it out robustly and practically, with God’s fame and the benefit of the community in view. Of course, the saying is true: “It’s easier said than done.” Learning how to live well with suffering should be every Christian’s desire because the promise from God, in the beginning, was that life would be a suffering one. In this episode, Rick presents four crucial ideas for those who dare learn these lessons. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-401-living-well-requires-a-transcendent-view-of-suffering/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Authentic health initiatives require both body and soul transformation. In my article, Let’s Talk about Losing Weight, Practically Speaking, I spoke about this crucial worldview on body health perspectives. A comprehensive approach to losing weight is the secret sauce because behavioral modification might provide quick visual results, but if we don’t change our hearts, those external transformations will revert to an old manner of living. Since I have discussed the soul aspects in the previous piece, let’s touch on a few practical things that complement that soul work. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/a-practical-step-by-step-plan-to-lose-weight-4/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

One of the most sensitive subjects we can talk about today is weight loss. It matters not if you’re a Christian; image-type discussions are more personal than the things we cannot observe about each other. Some folks are so opposed to talking about it that they have redefined what overweight and obesity are; we prefer to think of ourselves as body positive regardless of how healthy we might be or what comorbidities we’re accumulating. Thankfully, the Bible cuts through the confusion with clarity that helps us change into Christlike vessels, inside and out. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/lets-talk-about-weight-loss/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – The most popular people are those who do things for others. If you have something to give, a product or service, for example, people will want what you have to offer. Generally speaking, most people will leave you alone if you have nothing to give. This concept might sound strange on the surface, but it is how God wants us to live; He has asked us to love Him and others more than ourselves. Thus, our instinctive orientation should be outward, not inward. However, this concept has complicating factors that need our attention. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-400-your-value-to-others-comes-from-what-you-provide/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Shows Main Idea – Finding good friends begins with defining the word friends. We have Facebook friends, and we have our most intimate friendships. Between those two points on the “friendship map” are many other categories within the friendship nomenclature. Identifying your best friends and carefully assessing those you don’t want in your inner circle is vital for obvious reasons. In this podcast, I’m examining the ins and out of building great friendships and how to create distance from those who are not ready for a higher level of transparency. Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-399-how-to-identify-and-benefit-from-genuine-friendships/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Part of every Christian’s calling is to take care of their Father’s money. Stewarding finances is one of the many privileges that He gives to His children. It’s a stunning thought to think that God would entrust something so needful to steward for our good and His fame (Psalm 24:1-2). Of course, money matters are one of the most significant concerns for individuals and couples, which is why I’ve built this practical mind map that will help you spread God’s fame by managing His money well. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/a-practical-mind-map-that-teaches-you-how-to-manage-money/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

We have no choice about personal suffering (Genesis 2:16-17). It is part of the human condition, Christian or non-Christian. Suffering does not discriminate. Not even Christ could escape personal pain and disappointment, including a mob murdering Him on the cross. To be human is to suffer. There are times we do it to ourselves. In other instances, people hurt us. It’s also random, making no sense about where it came from or when it will leave. Knowing these truths about suffering is soul-disturbing news. But let’s not leave it there: good news exists. We can choose the conditions for our suffering. We can experience these challenges with or without God, making the all-important question, which option would you choose? How do you want to suffer? Read Here: https://lifeovercoffee.com/how-do-you-want-to-suffer-with-or-without-god/ Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring do

Confrontation is one of those sticky things many people shy away from because they prefer the path of least resistance. Why get in a dust-up with someone where feelings are hurt and the relationship may change forever? Of course, the obvious answer is that our allegiance must be to God, and honoring His Word is essential to fortifying that allegiance. The question then becomes, what are a few biblical tips when you find yourself in the undesirable place of a potential confrontation? Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-398-ten-things-to-consider-when-you-confront-someone/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

How do you feel when inconsiderate people say unkind things about you? If you’re like me, it stings a bit. It’s exceptional for a person to shrug off uncharitable comments completely. In these unsavory moments sometimes a person will throw up Matthew 7:1—Judge not, that you be not judged—like an impulsive shield to the unkindness. Did you know that text is not your best defense against unfair judgments? There is another way, a gospel-orientated mindset that becomes your soul’s most potent anchor against those who are unkind toward you, which begs the question: If someone’s unkind words manage my emotions, what am I missing that gives them that kind of power over me? Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/do-unkind-and-unfair-judgments-about-you-control-you/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

What are your thoughts about "his money and her money" in a marriage? Is it wise or unwise? Somewhere in between? As you ponder my questions, please include your thoughts on what a one-flesh marriage means. Perhaps you have heard the cliche about the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. Is that a good idea when it comes to marriage money? Is it wise for couples to have a worldview and practice where they don't know what the other one is doing with their money? Lots of questions. Let's explore. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/his-money-and-her-money-is-not-biblical-common-cents/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

God promised that life would be challenging because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:17-19), and all those who came from the first couple would struggle similarly (Romans 5:12). From the fall of humanity to the end of each as we know it, the promise of pain, suffering, difficulty, and personal problems is what it means to live in a fallen world as fallen creatures. It sounds gloomy because it is, but this dose of reality must be our worldview and baseline understanding if we want to live well in God’s world while avoiding the temptation to anger when things do not go our way. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/the-problem-with-cursing-the-sun/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/

Anger is a relationship fracturing phenomenon that happens too often between individuals. The angry heart desires something from someone who does not provide it or is not responding quickly enough. Because their desire is not finding satiation, the craving soul begins to manipulate the other person with anger. I'm speaking of sinful anger, of course. It is as though they are saying, "I will only be content if you meet this need." In nearly all these cases, the short-tempered person has too many needs. Read Here: https://rickthomas.net/angry-people-have-way-too-many-needs/ Will you help us so we can continue to provide free content to the world? You can become a supporting member here rickthomas.net/recurring-membership/ Or you can make a one-time or recurring donation(s) here https://rickthomas.net/donations/