

Ask the Counselor by CCEF
CCEF
Ask the Counselor by CCEF is a place to bring the questions that weigh on your soul about life, relationships, and the struggles of the human heart. CCEF faculty respond with brief, thoughtful reflections shaped by Scripture and seasoned by years of pastoral care. Whether you're navigating conflict in your marriage, parenting a struggling child, or searching for hope in the midst of loss, God offers His presence and comfort to you. Listen as we mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life.
CCEF (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) exists to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. To learn more about biblical counseling and to find more resources, visit ccef.org.
CCEF (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) exists to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. To learn more about biblical counseling and to find more resources, visit ccef.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 24, 2025 • 9min
"Sexual Intimacy in Marriage: A Joint Trust" by Aaron Sironi
In this episode, Aaron Sironi, author of the enlightening blog on marital intimacy, dives deep into the essence of connection within marriage. He discusses Apostle Paul's teachings on the importance of mutual consent and the shared responsibility of intimacy. With a gardening metaphor, he emphasizes the need for open communication about desires, encouraging couples to cultivate their relationship with care and respect. Sironi’s insights provide a refreshing perspective on viewing intimacy as a treasured gift rather than a mere obligation.

Jan 10, 2025 • 7min
"Just-Around-the-Corner Spirituality" by Mike Emlet
In this engaging discussion, Mike Emlet, an author focused on present-focused spirituality, highlights the dangers of future thinking and discontentment. He emphasizes that today is the prime opportunity for spiritual growth, using Psalm 118 as a backdrop for connection with God. Listeners are encouraged to find strength and joy amid life's challenges, tying personal struggles to their faith. With insights on cultivating a meaningful relationship with Jesus, Emlet inspires a shift towards embracing the present.

Dec 27, 2024 • 6min
"An Open Letter to a Distressed Sufferer" by Mike Emlet
Listen as Mike Emlet reads his blog titled "An Open Letter to a Distressed Sufferer," in which he seeks to encourage the downcast. You can read his blog here. CCEF (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) exists to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. To learn more about biblical counseling and to find more resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life, visit ccef.org. Music: "Created by Design" by Cody Martin.

Dec 13, 2024 • 7min
"Psalm 90 & 'Doing the Best That I Can'" by Todd Stryd
Listen as Todd Stryd reads his blog titled "Psalm 90 and 'Doing the Best That I Can.'" Todd describes how this phrase is actually akin to praying that God would "establish the work of my hands." You can read his blog here. CCEF (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) exists to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. To learn more about biblical counseling and to find more resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life, visit ccef.org. Music: "Created by Design" by Cody Martin.

Nov 29, 2024 • 20min
"Enduring in the Midst of Depression" by Ed Welch
Listen as Ed Welch reads his blog titled "Enduring in the Midst of Depression." Ed reflects on the results of a survey on depression, highlighting the testimony of many saints who've clung to Jesus. Listen for some practical encouragement in the struggle of depression. You can read his blog here. CCEF (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) exists to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. To learn more about biblical counseling and to find more resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life, visit ccef.org. Music: "Created by Design" by Cody Martin.

Nov 15, 2024 • 8min
"A Family Vacation, a Broken Transmission & a God Who is With Us" by Aaron Sironi
Listen as Aaron Sironi reads his blog titled "A Family Vacation, a Broken Transmission, and a God Who is With Us." Aaron tells a story about a time he and his family went on a camping trip only to have their car break down. He shares what they learned about God's care and presence. You can read his blog here. CCEF (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) exists to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. To learn more about biblical counseling and to find more resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life, visit ccef.org. Music: "Created by Design" by Cody Martin.

Nov 1, 2024 • 6min
"Community: A Struggle to Fit" by Darby Strickland
Listen as Darby Strickland reads her blog titled "Community: A Struggle to Fit." Darby considers God's good design for his people to live in community. You can read her blog here. CCEF (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) exists to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. To learn more about biblical counseling and to find more resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life, visit ccef.org. Music: "Created by Design" by Cody Martin.

Oct 18, 2024 • 5min
"God Comes Close" by Ed Welch
Listen as Ed Welch reads his blog titled "God Comes Close," in which he reflects on God's presence as the greatest reassurance to anxious people. You can read his blog here. CCEF (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) exists to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. To learn more about biblical counseling and to find more resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life, visit ccef.org. Music: "Created by Design" by Cody Martin.

Sep 27, 2024 • 8min
"The Beauty of 'I'm Trying'" by Esther Liu
Listen as Esther Liu reads her blog titled "The Beauty of 'I'm Trying.'" Esther considers how even our weakest efforts—if they are sincere—are beautiful to God. You can read her blog here. CCEF (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) exists to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. To learn more about biblical counseling and to find more resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life, visit ccef.org. Music: "Created by Design" by Cody Martin.

Sep 13, 2024 • 9min
"'He Knows All about It': C. S. Lewis & Psalm 103" by Todd Stryd
Listen as Todd Stryd reads his blog titled ""He Knows All about It": C. S. Lewis and Psalm 103." Todd shares an excerpt from Mere Christianity that considers God's compassion toward us, even in the face of temptation. You can read his blog here. CCEF (the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) exists to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the church. To learn more about biblical counseling and to find more resources that mine the treasures of Scripture for the troubles of life, visit ccef.org. Music: "Created by Design" by Cody Martin.


