As psychotherapists we have specialized in offering “Christian Soul Care” to people like you since 1987. If you need help to overcome a personal or relational problem contact us.

We have many free articles and resources to encourage you in your life and faith at SoulShepherding.org, the website for our nonprofit ministry to pastors and leaders.

Our prayer is to be Christ’s Ambassadors who invite God’s touch in your soul.

Blessings,

Bill and Kristi Gaultiere

A Soul Shepherding Moment

By Bill Gaultiere © 2012

I love it when people ask me, “How can I best support my pastor?” I love this question because caring for pastors and their wives is the heartbeat of Soul Shepherding.

My answer will surprise you: When you listen to the pastor’s message don’t critique it. Instead, ask yourself, “What is God saying to me?”

Expectations

Most of us put unrealistic expectations on our pastors. We want to be inspired, fed from the Bible, and drawn into an experience of God’s presence. And we want it to happen for us in an hour. Pastors feel this and it’s a heavy burden to carry.

Don’t be a “consumer Christian”! Pray for your pastors and worship leaders during the service. Better yet, arrive early and start praying before the service starts! Pray that God would reveal himself through the service leaders not only to you, but to the whole congregation, inspiring your worship and learning.

In other words, “Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ… Each one should test their own actions… For each one should carry their own load” (Galatians 6:2,4-5).

Every church service that worships Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and teaches from the Bible can be profitable for your life. The Spirit of Christ is present in the service and he is your Teacher. Listen. Open your heart to God and the people around you. Expect your Lord to offer you and the gathered community the guidance and power that you need for daily life.

How Did I Do?

Then as soon as the church service is over tell a friend what you sense God is saying to you. Don’t get focused on the question everybody asks, “Was the sermon good?” Don’t evaluate the pastor’s performance, evaluate your performance. What did I learn? How did I do with worshiping the Lord? 

More Soul Shepherding

Lent starts this week. This a great opportunity for your growth in Christ. Check out my booklet of devotions from Scripture: “Follow Jesus on the Stations of the Cross.”

Live in Southern California? Join us at our Ash Wednesday service on February 22 at 7 pm to 8:30. See our Calendar for details.

“Soul Shepherding is for you and your ministry”

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ Soul Shepherding ~ Irvine, CA

By Bill Gaultiere © 2012

In Psalm 29 David praises the God of glory whose voice thunders over the waters and flashes like lightening. Like the waves of the sea God speaks with crashing authority and soothing gentleness at the same time. When God speaks proud cedars fall and little calves skip with joy.

We need to ask ourselves, Am I more like the proud cedar that needs to bow before the Lord? Or the little calf that skips with joy to hear him call? Imagine being so eager to follow Jesus that you skip when he calls out to you! That’s the enthusiastic attitude the disciples had. When Jesus called to them, “Follow me!” they happily dropped everything to be with him.

A conversational relationship with the Lord makes life better. It puts a smile on your face to know that Jesus is with you, caring for you and guiding you. Even in difficulty and pain there is joy for the sheep who know the shepherd’s voice and follow him (John 10:3-4).

Listening Prayers

O that we’d be humble before you Lord, meditating on your words and keeping our ears open to you all day long. Teach us always to be ready to hear from you like the little boy Samuel who learned to pray, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9 & 10, KJV).

What situation do you need God to speak into? Are you needing a word of guidance or comfort? Pray, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” Quiet your heart and wait upon the Lord.

Cultivate a listening attitude as you go about your day by repeating my Breath Prayer: “The Lord speaks… and I skip like a calf.” Breathe in the words: “The Lord speaks…” Breathe out the words: “I skip like a calf.” It helps to smile while you pray this! So smile to remind yourself that God speaks his words of life to you in Scripture, circumstances, and heart whispers and you will hear.

More Soul Shepherding

Do you know how to follow the “Three Lights” of God’s guidance? This ancient wisdom is a modern day GPS Navigation System for us. Check out, “Hearing God’s Voice Today.”

You can practice listening to God. Meditating on Scripture through a discipline like Lectio Divina is the best way to learn to hear God’s words for you. Also there are other common sense Methods for Hearing God’s Voice.

Soul Shepherding is for you and your ministry. We offer spiritual direction in person or by phone/Skype to help pastors, leaders, care-givers, and others to hear God’s voice.

Bill Gaultiere, PhD & Kristi Gaultiere, PsyD ~ Soul Shepherding ~ Irvine, CA

By Bill Gaultiere © 2012

I’d like to share with you the benediction I wrote to go with my sermon on Matthew 6:25-34, “Be God’s Wildflower — Be Worry Free.” A benediction is a blessing from God that is pronounced by one person over another.

This benediction is inspired by Jesus’ words: “Why do you worry about how you look? See how the wildflowers grow. They do not strive or strain to impress. They bloom where they are planted because God has clothed them in his splendor. If that is how God clothes the grass will he not much more clothe you?” (Matthew 6:28-30, PAR).

As Jesus spoke these words he was probably pointing out bright red poppies on the hills of Galilee (like those pictured above). What a beautiful scene! The Lord shines his glory on us when we take our place in his kingdom of the heavens.

Receive God’s Blessing

May this benediction help you to smile a prayer of thanks to the Prince of Peace.

Hear the blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ:

“Do not worry. You are God’s precious wildflower.”

May you receive God’s words like rain

And sink your roots into the the Father’s love.

May you soak up the sunshine of Jesus’ smile

As you dance with joy in Spirit breezes.

“Do not worry. You are God’s precious wildflower.”

So bloom where you are planted for the glory of the Lord.

More Soul Shepherding

“Be a Wildflower for God (You’re Not Inadequate)” tells the story of a time I was feeling inadequate until God showed me a single wildflower, seeming lost in a field of color. I experienced a little bit of heaven in the words he whispered to my heart. I appreciated anew that my sufficiency is not in my achievements but in the beholding the Lord’s smile.

“Soul Shepherding is for you and your ministry.” Contact us if we can help you.

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ SoulShepherding.org

By Bill Gaultiere © 2012

We say, “I love God.” But do we say this with endearment? Delight? Affection?

Maybe we’re embarrassed to show affection for God, to let our heart hang out for him. Or maybe it’s that as we go about our day we forget him — we get distracted. If we’re not careful the presence of the Lord in our midst becomes like the wallpaper that we don’t notice anymore.

Today I’ve been praying Psalm 2. I’m using a little prayer I wrote to keep offering up expressions of my love for God because he deserves my best. The Lord deserves my whole heart!

My love falls so far short of what is fitting for our glorious God, but at least I can keep stoking the embers and rekindling a flame of love for him. My abiding prayer helps. (Hint: it helps to engage your heart if you pray this with a smile!)

Blessed Refuge

We adore you, O Abba!

We kiss you, O Christ!

We savor you, O Spirit!

We trust you, O Trinity!

Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.

(Inspired by Psalm 2:2b, 7, 12a)

More Soul Shepherding

“Kiss the Son of God” is one of my favorite prayers of devotion, also from Psalm 2. This is truly a heart-warming prayer. Let it melt your heart. Let affection for Jesus inflame you.

“Abiding in Prayer” introduces this way of prayer with teaching from the Bible.

“Soul Shepherding is for you and your ministry” ~ Contact Bill or Kristi Gaultiere

By Bill Gaultiere © 2012

My heart goes out to people who get overcome by worry. It’s a temptation we all face. It used to be a way of life for me till I was renewed spiritually and deepened by trust in God’s Word.

As a Psychologist I help people with worry in therapy. I also provide spiritual care and mentoring for groups of people in homes, churches, and retreat centers. For instance, last night I was blessed to lead a group of friends in a time of Lectio Divina (an ancient way of praying Scripture) on Jesus’ beautiful words Matthew 6:25-34: “Do not worry… Look at the birds… See how the lilies grow… Seek first the kingdom of God…” Everyone drew closer to Jesus. Each person shared their heart with the Lord and their friends and each heard Jesus’ words of peace applied to their personal life.

God Will Clothe You

I’d like to give you a taste of our “Intimacy with Jesus” group by sharing my experience. For the first reading of the Bible passage the phrase that God drew my attention to was, “He will clothe you.” After the second reading I prayed in silence and then with a cluster of friends concerning my temptation to worry about the sermon I’ll be giving this Sunday, my first at Voyagers’ Bible Church, our new home church.

Our third and final reading of the Bible passage was focused on listening for a personal invitation from the Lord. We listened in silence and then each of us shared in our cluster a prayer of thanks for what we sensed God was saying to us. Here’s how I heard the Lord speak to my heart:

Do not worry. As you preach concern yourself with one thing: me in the midst of the congregation. I am present. I am Fathering the people as you speak. Just as I care for the birds so I care for my people. Trust me as the one who is sowing and reaping, the one who stores away treasure in the heavens. Then for you and the congregation your sowing and reaping will be an easy yoke and you’ll enjoy a treasure store in my kingdom.

I am growing the flowers as you speak, clothing them in my sunshine. I am the one who clothes you. Be clothed in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Be clothed in the words of Jesus — embody them. I will speak through you, not just your words, but your spirit clothed in my Spirit. I will glorify Jesus through you and he will minister peace to the congregation.

Just as I sing over the birds and they sing back to me so it is with my people. Imagine yourself preaching in a field of wildflowers with the sun shining and birds singing. Imagine yourself standing with Jesus in the kingdom of the heavens and all eyes are on him. Make this your prayer then you and the congregation will be at peace as the sunshine and music of my glory spreads in them and through them to the people they touch in their daily lives.

Feed off the Fruit of My Meditation

What challenge are you facing in your life? What stress is troubling you? Re-read my invitation from Jesus, receiving it for you in your situation. The ancient masters of devotion to Jesus call this “Feeding off the fruit of another’s meditation”…

More Soul Shepherding

The best way to hear God speak into your own life is to take the time to do your own meditation on Scripture. I invite you to listen to God speak from Matthew 6:25-34. Here’s the Lectio Divina handout on “Do Not Worry: Matthew 6:25-34” that we used last night.

My article on Lectio Divina introduces the history, Biblical background, rhythms, and steps to practice of this ancient discipline.

If you live in Southern California I invite you to come to one of our upcoming Soul Shepherding events, including this Sunday when I preach on “Be God’s Wildflower — Be Worry Free!” Or perhaps we can do an event for you and your friends at your home or church.

“Soul Shepherding is for you and your ministry” ~ Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D.

Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

“You brought me out into a spacious place” the Psalmist marveled with thanks to the Lord (Psalm 18:19, 31:8). We want to help you step into the spaciousness that the Good Shepherd has for you and your ministry. We do that by facilitating your intimacy with Jesus.

Soul Shepherding from the Lord Jesus Christ is what enables you to enjoy lasting spiritual renewal and fruitful ministry to others.

But there are obstacles that get in the way. Hurts and worries may burden you. Conflicts can cripple. Ministry stress may overwhelm. More church attendance, Bible study, and hard work are not enough for you to experience the healing and growth you need to be joyful and effective in God’s kingdom. So we are trained to provide psychotherapy and spiritual direction, along with showing you how to use the particular spiritual disciplines you need to be free to be who God has designed you to be.

Contact us if we can help you or someone you’re concerned about.

Bill & Kristi

Jesus' hand of mercy is open to you now!

A Soul Shepherding Moment

By Bill Gaultiere © 2012

I often talk with pastors and other servants of the Lord who judge themselves harshly. I tell them, “Don’t feel bad. Feel sad.”

God never wants you to linger with bad feelings about yourself — even if you sin. This may be a new thought for you. It may sound like I’m contradicting the teaching of the Bible. If so then you to take to heart the Apostle Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 7:8-13 where he contrasts “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow.” The Apostle Paul was the greatest of all psychologists, second only to Jesus Christ himself.

Why it’s Bad to Feel Bad

Nothing good comes from shame. When we condemn ourselves for our sins, failings, or struggles it pulls us down, down, down into depression and isolation, further and further away from the mercy of Christ and the care of people. Shame sucks the joy of the Lord out of our lives, suffocating us and rendering us incapable of loving God or other people. Shame is worldly sorrow.

It’s necessary that we feel convicted by our sin, realizing that we’ve separated ourselves from God and been unloving to him or another person (including our own self). But how do we respond to the awareness of our shortcomings?

Don’t slide down into guilt, judgment, condemnation, shame, and self-hatred! God doesn’t want that for you. Instead, God would have us respond to our awareness of sin with sadness. ”I’m disappointed that I didn’t express love for God… I wish I would’ve willed good for that person and been kind… I am sad that I reacted with such anger… I missed out on appreciating the blessing of Christ with me and sharing that…”

Why it’s Good to Feel Sad

It’s helpful when conviction of sin leads us to feel sad because godly sorrow inspires us to reach out for Christ’s hand of mercy that will pull us back up to our feet. Godly sorrow produces a longing for the righteousness that comes from God. Godly sorrow leads to salvation, being reconciled to Christ and helped to become more like him. Godly sorrow  becomes empathy for God and the people we’ve hurt and when we understand others we are in position to love them.

“There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Believe it.  Take it to heart. Be sad about the sinful part of you that hurts God, others, and yourself. Plan now that the next time you fail you will not wallow in self-recrimination, but will immediately cry out, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:13, 38).

More Soul Shepherding

In “The Curb of Shame” I explain the wisdom in Martin Luther’s controversial exhortation to “Sin boldly!”

Check out our article archive “Overcoming Problems” and find the articles under the categories “Depression” and “Low Self-Esteem.”

Soul Shepherding is for you and your ministry. We’re always happy for you to share our resources with the people you minister to. If you have a question or concern or if you’d like us to speak to your small group or church community contact us anytime. Soul Shepherding is a 501c3 nonprofit ministry supported by tax-deductible donations.

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ SoulShepherding.org

Jesus wants to embrace you!

A Soul Shepherding Moment

By Bill Gaultiere © 2012

This morning I opened up my Psalms prayerbook and read, “May the Lord answer you when you are in distress… May he send you help from the sanctuary” (Psalm 20:1-2).

3,000 years ago with the help of the Holy Spirit the Psalmist was interceding for our comfort. Believing that inspires me to pray. Instead of trying to make prayer happen with my words and energies I let the Scripture and the Spirit carry me to the throne of grace. “We don’t know what we ought to pray for but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…” (Romans 8:26).

What comfort do you need today? Is someone in your circle hurting?

In our family we are very sad and in need of comfort. We lost Kristi’s dad to a heart attack yesterday. Our loss is heaven’s gain as he’s in glory with Jesus. We’re happy for him, but we will so miss having him part of the family.

There’s been a lot of tears and more to come. Also lots of hugs, listening, memories, and prayers. How do you let go of husband? Father? Grandpa? Friend? Yesterday he had so much life. Today he’s gone, but actually more alive than ever. So many hopes that can’t be fulfilled, yet he has realized the greatest hope of all in the arms of Jesus.

In the Arms of Jesus

In the arms of Jesus. That’s the ultimate source of comfort. That’s the only way to let go of a loved one — embrace the Loved One. The Lord Jesus Christ who conquered sin and death embraces us now here on earth even as he is embracing Kristi’s dad in heaven.

In the arms of Jesus. That’s the ultimate source of hope. Really we’re all just pilgrims passing through this earth. We try not to think about how brief our lives are. We forget that “the life that is truly life” is not only in heaven waiting for us, but it is in increasing measure available for us to “take hold” of right now with Jesus in his kingdom of the heavens (1 Timothy 6:19).

In the arms of Jesus. That’s where we are as we embrace one another. We are the body of Christ. We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20).

In the arms of Jesus. That’s where the Psalmist led me this morning. I hope it’s where you are now. Who do you know who needs to find comfort and hope in the arms of Jesus? It’s by being in the arms of Jesus yourself that you can offer the help to others that is needed. (He has BIG arms to hold lots of people!)

O Jesus, there is no better place to be than in your arms — we rest in your embrace. We release our loved ones into your arms — they rest in your embrace. Yes, Lord, in your arms heaven and earth aren’t so far apart. Amen.

More Soul Shepherding

“Trusting God in Sadness” tells the story of how God helped me at a time when I was depressed.

Soul Shepherding is for you and your ministry. If we can help you find God’s comfort contact us. We want to help you live in such a way that God’s peace and grace live in you and overflow from you to others in need.

Dr’s Bill & Kristi Gaultiere ~ SoulShepherding.org

Jesus wants to embrace you!

A Soul Shepherding Moment

By Bill Gaultiere © 2012

This morning I opened up my Psalms prayerbook and read, “May the Lord answer you when you are in distress… May he send you help from the sanctuary” (Psalm 20:1-2).

3,000 years ago with the help of the Holy Spirit the Psalmist was interceding for our comfort. Believing that inspires me to pray. Instead of trying to make prayer happen with my words and energies I let the Scripture and the Spirit carry me to the throne of grace. “We don’t know what we ought to pray for but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…” (Romans 8:26).

What comfort do you need today? Is someone in your circle hurting?

In our family we are very sad and in need of comfort. We lost Kristi’s dad to a heart attack yesterday. Our loss is heaven’s gain as he’s in glory with Jesus. We’re happy for him, but we will so miss having him part of the family.

There’s been a lot of tears and more to come. Also lots of hugs, listening, memories, and prayers. How do you let go of husband? Father? Grandpa? Friend? Yesterday he had so much life. Today he’s gone, but actually more alive than ever. So many hopes that can’t be fulfilled, yet he has realized the greatest hope of all in the arms of Jesus.

In the Arms of Jesus

In the arms of Jesus. That’s the ultimate source of comfort. That’s the only way to let go of a loved one — embrace the Loved One. The Lord Jesus Christ who conquered sin and death embraces us now here on earth even as he is embracing Kristi’s dad in heaven.

In the arms of Jesus. That’s the ultimate source of hope. Really we’re all just pilgrims passing through this earth. We try not to think about how brief our lives are. We forget that “the life that is truly life” is not only in heaven waiting for us, but it is in increasing measure available for us to “take hold” of right now with Jesus in his kingdom of the heavens (1 Timothy 6:19).

In the arms of Jesus. That’s where we are as we embrace one another. We are the body of Christ. We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20).

In the arms of Jesus. That’s where the Psalmist led me this morning. I hope it’s where you are now. Who do you know who needs to find comfort and hope in the arms of Jesus? It’s by being in the arms of Jesus yourself that you can offer the help to others that is needed. (He has BIG arms to hold lots of people!)

O Jesus, there is no better place to be than in your arms — we rest in your embrace. We release our loved ones into your arms — they rest in your embrace. Yes, Lord, in your arms heaven and earth aren’t so far apart. Amen.

More Soul Shepherding

“Trusting God in Sadness” tells the story of how God helped me at a time when I was depressed.

Soul Shepherding is for you and your ministry. If we can help you find God’s comfort contact us. We want to help you live in such a way that God’s peace and grace live in you and overflow from you to others in need.

Dr’s Bill & Kristi Gaultiere ~ SoulShepherding.org