Using the Right Book

 “It is well to remember that reading books about the Bible is a very different thing to

searching the Word for oneself .”

– Harry Ironside

(1876-1951) Author/Bible Teacher

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness."

- Saint Paul

2 Timothy 3:16 / NASV

Being a Christian Life Coach is not an easy thing.  I know that there are some who believe this is a way to earn good money with little effort.  For those of us who have been involved in coaching, even for a short time, know that the opposite reality is true.  You give a lot of hard work for very little income.

                These coaches also know that we are in coaching not for the income or for the work, but to fulfill a calling we feel to help others on their journey through life.  Coaching is a profession that needs much study, the attitude of a constant student and a willingness to improve every day. 

Our Resources

                As a coach you have many resources at your disposal.  The best and most useful are books and reading material.  There is a wealth of good books available on Christian coaching.  Since we deal with the lives of people, books and material on the basic topic of Christian living are also important.  There is much useful information to learn and I would hope that you have designed for yourself a disciplined reading schedule.

The best resources

                There is however one resource that stands above all others.  This of course is the word of God.  The Bible has much to teach us about people, life, living and finding success in all we do.  It is not a text book, it is the book of life.  All answers are there for the one who is willing to seek it out.  This does not mean that other books are of no use.  But it does mean that the Bible should always be your foundation for all you believe, teach and use.

Becoming your best

                Success-minded people understand that the Bible is not a book of how to help others live, it is a book to help you live.  There is nothing in all of scripture that applies to others but not to you.  The Scriptures are highly person and are of little use if not personally applied.  The best way we can use Scripture in our coaching of others is to know the reality of its power in our own life.

Daily practice

                Make it a habit to spend time in the word of God every day.  Do not use it as a book to help you find answers for others but as a guide for your life and how you must live.  Read other books, attend classes and seminars.  Do all you can to learn all you can.  God has blessed us with such an abundance of resources.  Just remember, only one is total truth.  Only one is without mistakes or in need of improvement.  Only one is what must be in your daily habits and embraced in your life.  That is the Bible, all else are only extras.

                You matter to the world.  You are here to make a difference and that difference is good.  Remember the qualities of a real success-minded person: Be your best.  Love God.  Have good manners. Discover the unknown.  Change the world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, and Life Coach. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey