What comes to mind when I say “Temptation”? When I asked a group this question, one woman squealed, “Fun!” The rest of us laughed as images of favorite treats danced through our minds. The devil works overtime to make us view temptation as nothing more than a harmless...
Refreshing Faith
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New Children’s Book: Wonder of Life
Have you wanted a fun way to introduce the children in your life to the creation story? Last October I introduced Joan Benson and Marjory Wingert and their inspiration for a new series of children's books to you. Their newest...
The Father of Lies Part 6: Jesus, Our Righteousness
Checking off boxes on my to-do list brings me an absurd sense of satisfaction. I’ve even added finished tasks to my list so I could check them off. However, if I'm not careful, my love for productivity skews my value system, and I place more value on what I can see or...
Father of Lies Part 5: The Trap of Rule-Oriented Righteousness
Have you ever felt angry or ashamed when someone or circumstances kept you from meeting your standards? Your spouse made you late. Your child forgot her manners with your pastor. And your cheeks burned. I never considered myself to be a legalist, but failing to meet...
Spiritual Bonding Made Simple
Do you have a way of connecting spiritually with those you love? My husband Larry shares an exercise he uses with couples he counsels. “Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are” (Jn 17:11 NASB 1995). Is...
Your Advocate: Unveiling “Father Of Lies” Part 4
Do you ever feel spiritually lousy, like God is disappointed in you? Maybe you agree with those feelings, or perhaps you're not sure why you feel condemned. You confessed every known sin, but like sticky spider webs, you can't shake that icky feeling. Last week we...
Father of Lies Part 3: Recognizing the Accuser
Who’s your biggest enemy? If you answered, “Me,” I have news for you. You’ve been listening to the father of lies. One hat our worst enemy wears reads Accuser. His whispers taunt us while we sleep and while awake. “It’s your fault. You’re no good. God’s forgotten...
The Longing Heart: Embracing the Hope of Easter
A Twitter video short captured a baby hearing his mother for the first time after receiving hearing aids. When his mother spoke to him, he started to smile. But as the sounds registered, emotion overwhelmed his tiny features. Why would a baby, who’d never heard any...
Exploring Deception Tactics in “Father Of Lies” Part 2
Do you ever have thoughts that leave you feeling sorry for yourself or questioning God’s goodness? A client listed all the reasons she didn’t trust God. Recognizing one of Satan's deception tactics, when she finished I said, “You just described the devil and called...