Synago

Synago Professional Counseling with Christian Grace. William L. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as counseling for any specific matter or individual.

Syrcle, MS, PCC, LCPC
Vickie Beard, MSEd, NCC, LCPC
Carla Baker, MS, RN, LCPC

Synago staff provides a full range of counseling and coaching services for all types of personal and professional difficulties that people encounter.

09/26/2025

Something has to change…

That is currently a popular sentiment in the United States of America. Most agree there is an increase in hatred, division, and violence. Most agree that something has to change to reunite us. Few agree on what to change. Changing a ‘thing’ has proven ineffective. Changing laws, rules, or objects has only increased the discord. People find loopholes, totally ignore, or use different methods to accomplish their goals. One of the most divisive times in our history was the prohibition of alcohol in the 1920’s. Those efforts succeeded only in increasing crime. People became extremely creative in how to obtain their drink, and make money from it. Even more divisive was the matter of slavery. The issues of personhood, citizenship, and individual rights erupted into civil war. One hundred and sixty years later, those issues are still alive, still divisive.

Changing something external does not change people. Some ‘one’ has to change. What most mean by someone has to change is that someone else has to change. At the core of the conflict is the belief that my individual rights are more important than yours; that I am right and you are wrong. That belief is accompanied with the idea that having differing beliefs makes us enemies. Viewing others as an enemy makes it easy to dehumanize them. Dehumanizing them enables the hatred and violence. A mild version of this concept occurs in discourse. I have the right of free speech; but if you disagree with me, I will take away your right of free speech. You must change or I will make you change. The clash is set when both sides take this position.

I am in agreement that change is necessary. Changing a ‘thing’ does not change people. Expecting others to change results in increased resentment and hatred when they don’t change. What has to change? “I” have to change! I have to change my perspective. I have to change my goals. I have to change how I see and relate to the other person. I have to accept they have the same rights I do. I have to work with them towards a higher purpose then my own selfish desires. I have to appreciate the uniqueness of us both. There is unity in our differences. We can accomplish more together than alone. Our sum is greater than our parts. I must value and respect you; your personhood, your strengths, your rights. Change starts with me! When each person enacts that belief, then together we can change the world. It must be mutual. It starts with me, and continues with you. Instead of saying ‘something’ must change; instead of saying ‘you’ must change; ask yourself “What am I willing to change?”

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05/09/2025

Conclusion of the Eternal Perspective…

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12 NIV).

When you look at life on this earth from a worldly perspective, it can be a depressing view. From a worldly perspective life is full of hardship, heartache, pressure, and futility. Yes, there are a few moments of happiness thrown in, but mostly it is a hard world we live in. People are constantly competing and judging. Who has the biggest and nicest house? Most money? Most clients? Smartest children? Wins the most games? Sells the most books? Makes the greatest discovery? And in the end, you cease to exist; and all you have accomplished is given to someone else to flitter away. When you look at life from an eternal perspective; there is hope, peace, joy, and freedom. From an eternal perspective time loses its power; your body becomes an extremely brief residence; and money is no more than a tool of exchange. From an eternal perspective the obstacles in life are not very big, and not very rough. From an eternal perspective the road you walk is smooth, straight, and flat. From an eternal perspective your destination is not far away. That destination is a place where pain and suffering no longer exist. It is a place where you will live in perpetual joy; praising God continuously. God reigns on earth as well as in heaven. When you rest in His sovereignty, allowing His Holy Spirit to consume you, you can experience that same heavenly peace while still on earth. When you stand in His strength and power nothing on this earth will shake you, not even Satan himself. When you pursue God and submit to His will, He will give you the vision to see your life and this earth from His perspective, from an ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.

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05/08/2025

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God,…. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV) “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NIV)

You have authority over Satan’s demons in the name of Jesus Christ. Sometimes, they do not give up easily. When they continue to fight you, your first approach in opposing them is a combination of actions. If you resist them AND submit to God, they will leave you. It is not enough just to resist, for you are not able to defeat them alone. In your submission to God, He will fight the battle for you. When the demons see you do this, they will run away. If they still will not leave, you are probably in a war, not a skirmish. It is important to remember that you are not fighting against other humans; not against flesh and blood. You need spiritual weapons to fight against spiritual forces, and you need spiritual discernment. That discernment comes from praying in the Spirit. The word ‘in’ comes from the Greek ‘en’, which denotes ‘a fixed position’. Your battle position never changes, it is fixed in dwelling within the Spirit, and the Spirit controls every aspect of you; your thoughts, emotions, motives, and actions. In that position, the Holy Spirit will give you the discernment you need. Then, you need to suit up for battle. All your weapons are found in the Armor of God. In it you have a wide waist belt and impenetrable flack jacket to protect your torso, and an unfailing helmet to protect your head. You have a shield that surrounds you that no weapon can pierce. THAT is a pretty solid armor! After donning the armor, you will be ready to move into action, and effective and efficiently wield your sword. Remember, this is a spiritual war, fought with spiritual weapons. This armor is forged of truth, righteousness, and salvation. The shield is faith. Your readiness comes from your peace given by the Spirit. The sword you wield is Gods’ word. When you hold your position, don His armor, and fight with His sword, you are guaranteed victory. Satan has nothing that can defeat you.

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05/06/2025

“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.” (Matthew 4:8-11 NIV) “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."” (Luke 10:17 NIV) “She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.” (Acts 16:18 NIV)

How ironic! How absurd! Jesus was the creator of the world, and everything in it. Jesus is the head of the world, and everyone in it. Here comes Satan, thinking he caught Jesus at a weak moment (after spending 40 days in the desert alone), and Satan has the audacity to offer Jesus what already belongs to Jesus. And, Jesus just brushed him away. I imagine this like a pesky fly. It keeps buzzing around, irritating you, until you can’t take any more and you swat it away. Paul did this with the spirit in the slave girl (Acts 16:16-8). Day after day she annoyed, until he could take no more, then Paul drove the spirit away. We tolerate Satan and his spirits way too long. He is shameless, and will stop at nothing to deceive us. We believe his lies about us, like “you are worthless and unlovable. God will never forgive that horrible thing you did. This world was made for your pleasure. There is no afterlife, so get what you can before you die. That is not really a sin, you can do it. God made you perfect, so you don’t need to change anything.” When you believe Satan’s lies, you are actually worshiping him. You are doing so by allowing him to control your life. Yes, Satan and his demons are alive and active in this world today. AND, you have the power to get rid of them! They must obey Jesus, as He is the head of everything. You have the power through Jesus’ name. All you have to do is say “In the name of Jesus Christ, away from me Satan.” It is best to name the spirit if you can, but not essential. Satan and his spirits have to obey that command. When you do this, God will honor your faith and attend to your needs. (For a good illustration of how Satan works, read C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters.)

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05/05/2025

Demons:

“7 And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down--that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” (Revelation 12:1-17 NIV) “He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. (Luke 10:18 NIV)

God gave free will to all His creations, humans and angels alike. Satan was a higher order angel, equal in status to Michael. Like all angels, he is able to move back and forth between heaven and earth. In the Old Testament, Satan was used by God to interact with people on earth. God used him to motivate King David (1st Chronicles 21:1 & 2nd Samuel 24:1). God used him to test Job (Job 1:6-12, & 2:1-7). Satan used his free will to oppose God, in deceiving Eve to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge (Genesis Ch. 3). Satan also would stand before God and falsely accuse God’s human servants (Zechariah 3:1-2 NIV). That is what his name means, ‘accuser’. The name ‘devil’ comes from the Greek ‘diabolos’, which means ‘false accuser’. In the New Testament, Revelation chapters 12 and 13 give the most information about Satan. At some time, Michael forced Satan out of heaven and on to earth. There is much debate about when this occurred. Some belief it happened after Jesus refused his temptations in the desert. Some belief it occurred at Jesus’ resurrection. Some belief it happened at Jesus’ ascension back to heaven. Still others belief that it has yet to occur, and is prophecy about a future event. There is agreement that Satan is real, he is a created being, he opposed God, he lives on this earth, he has an army of other fallen angels who oppose God, he can attack humans through inflicting pain and suffering, he lies and deceives, and he falsely accuses humans to God. Satan’s greatest weapon is the lie that he does not exist. When we belief that he is not real, just an ancient fairy tale, we become extremely vulnerable to his attacks. The first step in overcoming him is knowing he exists and he will attack you.

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05/02/2025

“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53 NIV) “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14 NIV) “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11-12 NIV) “Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.” (Psalm 103:20 NIV)

Do guardian angels exist? Yes, but probably not the way most think about them. The Bible never mentions a classification specifically as guardian angles. Nowhere is it mentioned that a particular angle is assigned to a particular individual. As previously discussed, angels live in Heaven, people do not become angels, and angels protect us. Angels are God’s created beings, who carry out God’s work. They can move back and forth between earth and Heaven. They obey His commands, and are His servants. Part of their work is to minister to the needs of humans; and to guard and protect us, keeping us safe from harm. Angels can communicate with us, sometimes by planting a thought in our heads, and occasionally making themselves recognizable and interacting as a human. They can move others to reach out to someone in need. They can prepare a safe way, perhaps by delaying a swerving car, changing your route, or blowing a falling object slightly of course. They fight spiritual battles against demonic forces. The impending question is: then why does it seem that some are NOT protected? Angels do God’s bidding for Him; they obey His commands. Sometimes God has plans that are beyond our comprehension. Sometimes Satan wins a battle, and humans are hurt in the process. Sometimes people make choices that oppose God, with a consequence of others being hurt. You might respond, “so why does God not command His angels to protect us from all those attacks and choices?” No human can fully know the mind of God. God already sees eternally, and we see temporally. So, my best answer to why God does NOT always intervene is, I do not know. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV). God is sovereign, omniscient, and He loves all His created beings; humans and angels alike. His angels can and do protect us, as He commands.

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05/01/2025

Angels:

“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” (Matthew 22:30 NIV) “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,…” (Hebrews 12:22 NIV) “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.” (Psalm 8:4-5 KJV)

The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom, not of this physical world. His realm originates in heaven, and covers this earth. Jesus came from heaven, took human form, and walked this earth. Moses and Elijah did likewise (Matthew 17:3-8). Thus, it is possible to move between the two worlds. Humans are not the only beings God created. He also created angels. Angels are spiritual beings that move between heaven and earth. Angels are not human, and humans do not become angels. They are created distinctly different from us. They are created ‘higher’ than us in honor, glory, strength, power, and wisdom. They probably all have names, though only two have been stated explicitly, Michael and Gabriel. Those two also were seen in the form of humans. So, though they are made different from us, they can appear similar and be recognized like us. There is no indication of exactly how many there are, though they are numerous. They can operate individually, or in multitudes. Angels are God’s creation, just like us. He loves them, and they glorify Him, just like us. They have eternal life, just like us. Therefore, we have nothing to fear from them.

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04/29/2025

“Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21 NIV) “Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36 NIV) “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” (Romans 14:17 NIV) “I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 15:50 NIV)

The Pharisees had great difficulty understanding Jesus’ teaching. At least in part, due to their expectations of what the Messiah would be. They expected Him to reestablish the kingdom of Israel in its previous geographical area, here on this earth. Their expectations blinded them to Jesus’ purpose for descending to earth. Jesus did not have a political agenda, and his kingdom was not of this physical world. He had a spiritual agenda, and His kingdom was of and from the spiritual realm. Still today many struggle with expectations of Him, thinking of His kingdom as being in and of this world. People seek him to heal from natural disasters and diseases, to obtain financial wealth, to establish political governments and policies, or to attain certain positions of power. Yes, He could, and sometimes does, give those to people. But, that is not what living in His kingdom is all about. His kingdom is NOT about following laws of dos and don’ts. It is NOT about obtaining fame or wealth or power. It is NOT something tangible you can point to or hold. His kingdom IS about submission and surrender of your will to the will of God, via the Holy Spirit living inside of you. It IS giving Him control of your life, and obeying His leadership. It IS letting go of all earthly agendas, and pursuing and sharing that which is eternal. It IS being filled with His peace and joy, power and strength, and hope and love. It IS producing the fruit of “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV). It IS about overcoming all that is in this world, even death, and living for Him who has no end. It IS living a life of faith; “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). Neither is your reward for living in His kingdom found in this world. Your reward will be found in Heaven. Your reward will be living eternally in perpetual joy and praise, in the presence of God your Father and Jesus His Son.

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04/28/2025

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:44-46 NIV) “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 10:7 KJV) “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32 NIV)

The price of a Bible, $40. A gold cross, $200. Giving a tithe, 10%. Being in the Kingdom of God, priceless.
There is no value in this world that compares to being a part of God’s kingdom. All the riches combined cannot equal it. All the riches combined cannot attain it. Your participation in His kingdom is a gift given through Jesus Christ. Many believe that we enter the kingdom of heaven upon our departure from this world. A kingdom’s realm covers all that falls within its parameters. This world is contained within the parameters of His kingdom. When Jesus came to earth, He brought awareness that the kingdom is here. “Father has been pleased,” past tense, to give it to us. You do not have to wait until death to enter. You can enjoy it right here; right now; while you live out your earthly existence. All you have to do is give Him everything you have, in appreciation for His gift. It is an error to think that God wants only ten percent of your life; He wants 100% of you. When you find His kingdom, you realize that all of you doesn’t even come close to equaling the great gift He has given you.

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04/24/2025

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:26-27 NIV) “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13 NIV)

The Holy Spirit, third person of the Trinity, is a gift sent to you by the Father and the Son. He is the Spirit of truth. He will come to you as naturally as breathing air. In John 16:13, Spirit comes from the Greek word ‘pneuma’ which means ‘a current of air’, or ‘breath’. You breathe Him in, and He fills your body just as the oxygen you breath in. He permeates every part of you. And, when he does, He will teach you about truth. That includes the truth you find in the Holy Scriptures, and truth that you have questions about in your daily life. What is God’s will for your life? What does God want you to do at any given moment of your day? Listen to the Spirit of Truth, He will guide you. He will remind you of everything Jesus taught, even if you do not remember a particular Bible verse verbatim. It is also important to read the Bible, because the Holy Spirit will never contradict what is written. When Holy Spirit permeates every part of you, you will experience a peace beyond anything this world can offer. In John 14:26 ‘Counselor’ comes from the Greek word ‘parakletos’ which means ‘intercessor’ or ‘comforter’. When he permeates you, there is nothing to fear; because you are no longer the one struggling with whatever you face. He intercedes on your behalf. It is His strength that empowers you. It is His wisdom that directs you. It is His peace that comforts you. It is His love that enfolds you. When He permeates you, it is His life that fills every pore of your being. It is God living IN you, and THROUGH you. You no longer live alone. He cohabitates in the temple of your physical body.

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04/22/2025

“I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” (Mark 3:28-29 NIV)

How important is the Holy Spirit to God? More important than anything else, and any one else! God will forgive all your sins except one. You could steal fortunes, murder people, lie, slander, commit adultery; be full of pride, greed, lust, gluttony, and envy; and God will forgive it all. You can say whatever you want against Jesus and God Himself, and be forgiven. The one and only thing He will never forgive is speaking ill of the Holy Spirit. Here ‘blasphemes’ comes from the Greek word ‘blasphemeo’ which means to ‘vilify’ or ‘speak impiously of’. According to Webster, vilify means to “lower in estimation or importance, or utter slanderous or abusive statements against.” Impious means ‘lacking in reverence or proper respect.” In modern language it might read like this: ‘you can say whatever you want about anyone, including Me and my Son, and I will forgive you. If you speak evil of, slander, or fail to honor My Holy Spirit, I will never forgive you’. Many theologians belief this means to accredit to Satan something God or Jesus did. However, that does not account for a lack of reverence. Today’s Church is full of people who avoid the Holy Spirit, for many reasons. Two common reasons are not wanting to give Him control due to fear; fear of the strange supernatural way He works, or fear of what other people would think. The second is that people are uneducated about Him. The Church teaches extensively about God, Jesus, and how to live a ‘righteous’ life. Some teach much about Mary, Jesus’ mother. Yes, some do teach about Holy Spirit. Overall, in the modern Church, teaching about the Holy Spirit is grossly under-emphasized. Holy Spirit IS God, with us and in us. He gave us Holy Spirit after Jesus ascended from earth to heaven. The Spirit is His way of interacting with us today, and until Jesus returns. Shunning Holy Spirit is shunning God. Nurturing a life with Holy Spirit is nurturing a life with God.

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04/21/2025

Holy Spirit:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,…” (Matthew 28:19 NIV) “Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39 NIV)

God is a triune God. In this Matthew verse, ‘the name’ is translated from the Greek word ‘onomao, which means ‘called’ or ‘surname’. In the Old Testament we learned God’s name was “I am” or “I Exist.” Here we learn God’s ‘proper’ name is “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” A more literal translation of this verse might read that we are to “baptize them into the one called (who’s name is) ‘Father, Son, and Holy Spirit’.” When God pours His Spirit into people’s hearts, He is not giving something that is external to Him. It is not something that belongs to Him, that He is merely sharing out of His generosity. It is not something that He owns, and is entrusting to someone’s care. When He pours out His Spirit, He is giving an actual part of Himself. The closest humans have to this is organ donors, especially kidneys. If I give one of my kidneys to another person, I continue to live on what remains in me; and the other person has a real, physical, part of me functioning within their body. The person receiving the kidney is now empowered to live a life very differently from the life before receiving the kidney. So it is with God. When He donates His Spirit; we have an actual part of Him functioning within us. We are then empowered to live a life very differently from before receiving His Spirit. He gives His Spirit to ALL who seek Him. It was given to His disciples, to their immediate followers, and promised to all who come after them. His Spirit was given to those He previously called, those He calls today, and those He will call in the future. When He calls, He also gives. He gives a part of Himself. Just as He gave Jesus, and Jesus is God; He also gives Holy Spirit, and Holy Spirit is God!

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William L. Syrcle, MS, PCC, LCPC

Vickie Beard, MSEd, NCC, LCPC

Carla Bahr, MS, LCPC, RN Synago staff provides a full range of counseling and coaching services for all types of personal and professional difficulties that people encounter. We do NOT do on-line counseling. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as counseling for any specific matter or individual.