Some relationships can become so painful that you must retreat while implementing self-protective measures to prevent being hurt again. The unintended consequence is that the strategies for protection can imprison you, which is what happened to Mable. Her husband was harming her so she did… Continue Reading …
Why God blesses some and does not bless others is a complex and sensitive issue requiring theological carefulness. Without that kind of carefulness, you might have a misunderstanding of the Lord and His purposes in your life. Recently, a supporting member wrote me asking why… Continue Reading …
We will never forget the tragedy of 9/11. Many of us remember where we were on that tragic day. I was sitting in my counseling office when the news came. It continues to boggle the mind to think how anyone could be so twisted that… Continue Reading …
I wrote this piece in 2012 originally. I’m republishing it with a few edits since the sad saga continues to unfold. I was part of Sovereign Grace Ministries from 2003 to 2008, and for four of those years, I served as a pastor. It was… Continue Reading …
Can a Christian walk away from God? To help work through this question, we must recognize that Christianity is not neat, and sin has never been respectful of our preferred categories. The Hebrew writer is suggesting there can be this kind of Christian—a believer who… Continue Reading …
Have you ever wondered how it is possible to believe the right things yet do the wrong things? It happens all the time—at least to me. I am put in situations daily where I have the opportunity to do the right thing. Sometimes, I make… Continue Reading …
Emotional abuse is real and painful. If ongoing, it can have a detrimental effect on your body and soul. Understanding emotional trauma biblically is vital, which is why the term “emotional abuse” is misleading, unhelpful, and sub-biblical. The Bible has a better way of thinking… Continue Reading …
Counseling abuse situations is challenging. The temptations to succumb to bad strategies are numerous. One of those is teaching the abused to fake strength to prove to their abuser that gaslighting and manipulation have no power. It’s an attractive facade of a defense that further… Continue Reading …
Trials and disappointment are two unexpected ways the Lord blesses our lives. It’s a challenging way to think, but you know it’s true to the Bible’s narrative. The tension is that in those times in our lives where circumstances mount to such a degree, we… Continue Reading …
Anger from a parent complicates a child’s heart regardless of the content, tone, or direction of their anger. Because all children crave love and protective care, a parent’s anger will disrupt their hope, and if the parent does not change, it will send the child… Continue Reading …