Seek First CLC

03/05/2026

03/03/2026

What is a Christian Counselor

A Christian biblical counselor walks alongside people through life’s struggles using the truth of Scripture as the foundation.

A biblical counselor helps you:

• Apply God’s Word to real-life struggles
• Identify heart issues beneath surface problems
• Replace lies with biblical truth
• Grow in spiritual maturity
• Develop Christ-centered habits

Whether facing anxiety, relational conflict, discouragement, addiction, or grief, the goal is not just behavior change.

The goal is heart transformation through Christ.

Biblical counseling focuses on:
Scripture
Prayer
Accountability
Personal identity and responsibility
Spiritual growth
Forgiveness

It is an intentional individualize discipleship designed to point people back to the freedom of a life with Jesus

03/02/2026

I will be going live today at 1230. Recovery From Brokenness

02/19/2026

Maturity

Last night, my wife and I were talking about what maturity looks like on our walk with Christ.

Proverbs addresses the maturity of the believer with 3 groups, the wise, the simple, and the fool. The fool- a non believer, the simple- someone who has accepted Christ, but has not fully committed into a daily walk with him, and the wise, those who practice the wisdom that proverbs instructs as a Godly wisdom.

Proverbs 8:5 O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense. (ESV)

Prudence is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. Prudence can also be described from the original Hebrew to mean to hold patience with

Proverbs 8:12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. (ESV)

James 3 says

[17] But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
[18] And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (ESV)

Our response to others in our role as disciples, can impact their response to what God offers.

I recently saw a video where Wes Huff said, you are the 5th Gospel to those who do not know Godly wisdom.
That impacted me, because I do not respond to most situations with prudence. Maturity means being prudent, addressing each situation with Godly wisdom and not emotion.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
[5] or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
[6] it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
[7] Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
ESV

How do we gain Godly Wisdom?

James 1:[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (ESV)

I want to learn to do this before I enter any conversation where my emotion wants to lead instead of prudence.

I hope you all have a good day!

02/16/2026

We were never meant to be Heaven’s Vigilantes

I love movies, especially those climactic moments when justice prevails! The hero role, well defined, the villain’s evil ways on full display. The hero is most often in the position of the underdog. We see it over and over again, the moment when evil is overcome for the goodness of mankind!

The last 3 decades have brought every comic superhero story to life on the big screen. I remember the first time that I watched Spider-Man in the early 2000s. Uncle Ben said what I think is the most influential lines in the whole movie:

“With great power comes great responsibility.”

You’re probably wondering what this has to do with our life as believers and how we live out our daily walk with Christ.

As I said in the title,
We were never meant to be Heaven’s vigilantes.

From the moment that we became a believer in Jesus Christ, we were given great freedom, power, and responsibility.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We must be very responsible with our freedom. Adam and Eve were given freedom. They lacked nothing, but the works of Satan offered the one thing they didn’t have, the ability to know good and evil.
“But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The knowledge of good and evil also brought the knowledge of judgment. In the Garden, God was the only one responsible for Judgement.

In today’s society, we are taught to judge everyone. As believers, we are to live in a different kingdom mindset. Scripture from the beginning of time has reminded us that we are not to judge, that we are to leave that to God.
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Jude 1:9 ESV
“But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’”

If the angel Michael left judgment to God when in a battle with the devil himself, how can we take it upon ourselves to judge others?

“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?”
‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭31-32‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In Star Wars Episode 3, we see the choice of good versus evil. Palpatine uses Anakin’s fear and insecurity to draw him into a life of power for the dark side. We often fall for this as well. We see our sin as less than because we use our freedom from condemnation like it’s a “work in progress” sign. We begin to feel superior, and it’s come to the place where we crave evil to come to those whom we see as worse than ourselves. Palpatine says “let the hate flow through you”

The power to judge was never found in Christ’ instruction. Our freedom does not give us the responsibility of judgment. It actually releases us from it, so that we can focus on our relationship with him. How freeing that is!

Mercy and a life of humbleness is what leads to our ability to have influence and to change an unjust world.

“It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” Jude‬ ‭19‬-‭23‬ ‭ESV‬

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The quote from Uncle Ben in Spider-Man was adapted from the original comic line that had taken place four decades before the movie. It was a narration about Peter Parker:

“Aware at last that in this world, with great power there must also come great responsibility.”

We have a beautiful opportunity to share the greatest power of all with the rest of humankind: the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. We must humble ourselves and choose mercy and compassion.

02/09/2026

What voices are we listening to?

Today social media is ablaze with Christian influencers. The truth is that I do not know their sincerity, and I am doing my best not to judge their calling. I do know that much of what I see is not based on biblical teaching, and rarely is Scripture used to show their sincerity.

Believe me, I know it seems ironic for me to write this as I continue to share things in the same manner. I have no aspirations to be an influencer. I do, however, feel that God has called me to be a minister. This is on a personal level as a counselor and coach, and in a more public forum, and for now that includes social media. I continue to study the Bible, its history, its context, and the living influence it has on our lives. It is beautiful how this affects our mind, body, and spiritual health.

I do not know what the future holds for me in a ministry role right now, but I do know that I want to be prepared to represent the truth.

It is easy to take what I read and attach it to all the people I disagree with. I did that today, and it really started to upset my spirit. I had to go back and ask God what He wanted me to know about that situation.

Here are some of the Scriptures that came from that conversation.

“Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
2 Peter 1:20-21 ESV

“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught. Avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”
Romans 16:17-19 ESV

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of His saints.

Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;

for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;

discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech, who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perverseness of evil,

men whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.”
Proverbs 2:6-15 ESV

02/06/2026

This morning I lie awake, watching my son sleep in the bed next to us in a hotel room in South Carolina, his innocence on full display. He is at that peculiar point in life, the space between being a young man and still a boy.
Last night my wife said, “I want him to maintain his innocence as long as possible.”
As a dad, my hope is to protect his heart for as long as I can.

I share this to address a problem that is quietly plaguing our society: po*******hy. I want to speak to how this is affecting our culture, because my heart is to bring darkness into the light.

The average age of po*******hy addiction is around 14 for males and 18 to 20 for females. The average age of first exposure is now 11. My son is 11. Most reported exposure for boys comes from an older brother or uncle, and for girls from a significant other.

Last year po*******hy generated 13 billion dollars in the United States alone and over 100 billion dollars worldwide. For perspective, the National Football League reported about 12 billion dollars in revenue.
What is most perplexing is that even with so much free access on nearly every device, the revenue continues to rise.

These ages matter because the brain is still developing. What may seem harmless or curious can lead down a long path of destruction, affecting our mental health, relationships, and expectations of intimacy. The rise in human trafficking has also been linked to the demand created by po*******hy.

P**n addiction can affect a person spiritually, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and physically. It often starts subtly but can slowly reshape desires, habits, and even identity.

Mental and emotional effects include increased anxiety and depression
Decreased feelings of self worth,
Withdrawn behavior from social relationships due to feeling unfulfilled.

Relationship effects include unrealistic expectations of s*x and intimacy, reduced emotional connection with a spouse or partner, objectifying others instead of valuing them, decreased satisfaction in real relationships, secrecy that breaks trust, isolation, and a higher risk of infidelity.

From a biblical perspective, the spiritual effects are just as serious. There can be guilt that creates distance from God, difficulty praying or worshiping, numbness to sin, living a double life, weakened self control, shame that keeps people from seeking help, and a distorted view of God’s design for s*xuality.

In our Christian culture we often find ourselves in public debates about topics like abortion and homos*xuality. These conversations have dominated headlines for decades. Yet statistics suggest po*******hy may be an even bigger issue quietly separating people from who God designed them to be. Because it is private and easily hidden, it affects far more people than we realize.

Surveys show that 50 to 60 percent of people in churches view po*******hy regularly. Viewing may not always equal addiction, but it still shapes the heart and influences relationships.

My goal is not condemnation. I am not perfect. Scripture calls us not to participate in the works of darkness but to expose them. My heart is simply to raise awareness and invite people into freedom.

“But s*xual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is s*xually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them… Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”�Ephesians 5:3, 5, 11 to 14 ESV

“Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭CSB‬‬

02/04/2026

Do you feel like life is a relentless web?
Does it seem the harder you try to move, the more tangled you become?
Maybe you thought you had escaped it, but the remnants still cling, refusing to fully let you go.

God did not design you to live like this!

Through biblical counseling and life coaching, I help people:
• Discover how God uniquely designed them
• Work through the struggles holding them back
• Heal from past hurts
• Overcome present obstacles
• Step into their God-given purpose

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬

Please reach out today to set up a meeting.
Here on facebook or at seekfirstclc@gmail.com

02/02/2026

The Heart of Sacrifice/Worship

Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (ESV)

We are often quick to shelve the idea of sacrifice. Jesus was and is the ultimate sacrifice in regards to salvation. However, throughout the Old Testament, sacrifice was not only a means of cleansing oneself; it was a primary means of worship. Today we think of worship from a creative, artistic mindset, through music or dance. These are vessels through which to bring worship, but not the heart of it. The heart is to show our appreciation and reverence for the mercy of God.

The act of sacrifice itself was never a means of appreciation. Genesis 4 tells us of Cain's sacrifice and that it was not acceptable to God. We see the acceptance of sacrifice not only mentioned above by Paul, but also in the Old Testament in Leviticus.

Leviticus 22:29
29 And when you sacrifice a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, you shall sacrifice it so that you may be accepted.

What is important about our sacrifice, and how do we address it from a standpoint of purity?

I do not believe that God’s desire for our first fruits and the requirement of an unblemished animal were because of His position of deity. I believe that it was so that we would have to give something away of value, that we may have a small understanding of the pain that came with His decision to sacrifice His perfect, spotless Son on the cross for our transgressions.

With Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, once we accepted Him as Savior, we no longer had to do anything for our hearts to become clean. Paul's address above, however, isn't in regards to our salvation; it's in our position of worship.

When we posture ourselves to God in an attitude of submission and allow Him to become the Lord of our daily lives, we will fully understand the meaning of the word sacrifice. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us, “In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord…” As believers, all of our actions should be an act of worship. Again, this isn't an act of convenience. It's easy to lay down our struggles at the feet of Jesus, but it's harder to lay down the actions of our day-to-day life.

Does my language worship God?
Does the way that I treat others worship God?
Do my finances worship God?
Does my diet worship God?

This view of life often helps us to walk away from things that have been holding us back. My desire to help others as a coach or biblical counselor is to help others align their lives from a holistic standpoint to honor God with their day-to-day lives.

Send a message to learn more

01/30/2026

“Well, what do you know?”

Today, we find ourselves soldiers in a battle as old as time. I say that because when we read Scripture, from chapter 3 of Genesis onward, Satan has worked to separate us from the life God offers us. The events we see in today’s news are not merely United States or world problems; they are an ongoing display of spiritual warfare.

I hear daily that the world is ending and that Jesus is coming soon. I don’t know when He is coming, but I do know that we have a role to play until He locks away the beast. Our choice is which team we are going to play on. What weapon are you going to pick up?

Statistics show that more people are “coming to know” Christ in this age than at any point in history. I am thankful to hear that, but I believe we must be very specific about the discipleship of our new brothers and sisters. I use the phrase “come to know” intentionally, because telling someone about Jesus is not the same as leading someone to experience Jesus. The original Greek makes this distinction clear: gnosis (knowledge) versus epignosis (experiential knowledge).

Paul addresses this issue when speaking to the Romans about the Israelites. They had known about God from the moment they were born. The rituals to obtain righteousness began within days of birth through the act of circumcision.

“Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them.”
— Romans 10:1–5 (ESV)

The law says:
“You shall not murder.”
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
— Exodus 20:13, 16 (ESV)

Jesus tells us:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
— Matthew 5:17 (ESV)

The crucifixion was the physical payment for our sins. The work was finished. The resurrection gave us the opportunity to live in the righteousness of God. There is nothing left for us to do in order to feel worthy of a personal relationship with Him.

Jesus goes on to say:
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
— Matthew 5:21–22 (ESV)

And again:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
— Matthew 5:43–48 (ESV)

****Jesus was not establishing a new set of laws. I believe that his lesson here is the act of murder does not begin when the brain decides to act on it; it begins in the heart, where the roots of hate are quick to take hold

If we fight from a position of hate, we are not disciples of Christ; we are operating as a cult, pushing our own agenda. Although this may share fundamentals of the gospels, does it share the intent?
We must choose to fight with love on a personal level, understanding that this is the only way to combat the desires of Satan on a spiritual level. This does not mean we accept sin, but it does mean we cannot choose which sins to hate and which ones are justifiable for our cause.

Your representation of Christ may be the only way someone comes to truly experience Him, rather than simply knowing about Him.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭28‬-‭30‬, ‭32‬ ‭ESV‬‬