How do I seek God’s guidance when faced with major decisions? In other words, how can I get a handle on His will for my life? I’ve been told that it’s important to do this, and for the most part I believe it’s true. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to go about it. I …
Family Q&A
Can you offer any suggestions for organizing an effective church outreach to shut-ins and residents of nursing homes?
What should Christians think of the study and use of psychology and psychiatry?
How many times will God forgive me and take me back again? I’m a Christian, but my walk with the Lord has been an on-and-off thing for a number of years. There have been many occasions when I’ve walked away from the Lord only to return to Him again after falling on my face and …
Why is God so angry in the Old Testament and so loving in the New?
What does the Bible mean when it says we are created “in God’s image” (Genesis 1:27)?
My dad left dirty magazines lying around the living room — and I saw the pictures of naked women. Should I ever go back?
I’ve just become a victim of rape. I desperately need help and don’t know where to find it – what should I do now? So far, I haven’t told my parents, and no one else knows. I’m ashamed to admit it to friends and family, and I’m afraid I’ll only make a bad situation worse …
How can I adjust my schedule so as to bring about a healthier equalization between the time I spend at work and the time I devote to the rest of life’s activities and demands? I’ve really tried to do this, but it seems that something suffers no matter what I do. Besides, I don’t think …
Can you help me prepare for the challenges of caring for an aging parent at home? My mother is no longer able to care for herself and has come to live with my husband and me. We preferred to do this rather than place her in an alternative facility, but we’re not sure that we’re …
What does the Bible say about moderate alcohol consumption? I see an increasing openness to social drinking in our circle of Christian friends. In fact, this seems to be the new norm, but I’m not sure I feel comfortable with it.
Could depression be demonic in nature? My personal view is that it can be traced to demonic powers and that mental illnesses almost always have a spiritual basis. If this is true, then only God can take them away, and medications and psychological remedies will only mask the real issue. A person needs deliverance from …
Are my spouse and I morally or legally obligated to pay off a deceased parent’s debts? My father-in-law passed away a few months ago with significant indebtedness. To complicate matters, he lived and died in a foreign country and I have no idea how that government handles a situation like this. More to the point, …
What’s your opinion of the use of hypnosis in therapy? Is this really a legitimate clinical tool? Are there any spiritual dangers associated with this practice?
Is it possible that psychologists and therapists who deal in “Repressed Memory Syndrome” are actually planting false memories in the minds of their patients? I can’t help wondering whether, at least in some cases, the practice of this type of therapy might encourage the invention of past events that never really happened. What do you …
Can you help me understand the differences — including the relevant pros and cons — between the various kinds of retirement accounts now available? What’s the wisest way to provide for my needs once my paycheck stops?
How can I encourage my boyfriend to embrace his role as a father-to-be? I’m due to deliver our baby next month, and up to this point he’s been completely uninvolved. It’s not just a matter of feeling unsure of himself – he has actually told me straight out that he’s just not interested in being …
How should I handle my adolescent’s emotional instability? In particular, how can I tell the difference between ‘normal’ teenage moodiness and serious clinical depression? My teen seems to have more “downs” than “ups.” Is this a normal part of adolescence, or should I be concerned?
Can a one-time viewing of a violent or sexually explicit film or TV show have negative long-term effects on children? I just learned my grade-schooler saw an inappropriate cable movie while spending the day at a friend’s house. What should I do and how can I prevent this happening in the future?
How can we implement a more consistent bedtime schedule for our children, ages 8, 6, and 4? We haven’t been very successful in this area. How many hours do kids this age need to sleep? Do you have any tips for ways to improve bedtime and make it more pleasant?