The Bible reading plan I'm following landed in 1 Chronicles 20 today. Verse one felt familiar: At the turn of the year, the season when kings go out to war, Joab led out the army and devastated the land of the Ammonites. He went and besieged Rabbah, while David remained in Jerusalem. Joab smote Rabbah … Continue reading The Truth About Bathsheba
Author: Sydney Millage
Sanctuary Make-Over Counseling Notes
When the book, Sanctuary: Hope and Help for Victims of Domestic Abuse was in its beginning stages, it included notes for counselors. It was submitted for review and, desiring to be humble and teachable, I removed them from the book. Now, years and thousands of counseling sessions later, I have found the information accurate and, … Continue reading Sanctuary Make-Over Counseling Notes
Sanctuary Make-Over Chapter 2, Part 1
In re-writing the book, Sanctuary: Hope and Help for Victims of Domestic Abuse, I also shifted chapters. For that reason, this is the previous Chapter 4. It is hard to know how/if this book is for you until terms are defined. Because this is one of the most re-written and added-to chapters, it will require … Continue reading Sanctuary Make-Over Chapter 2, Part 1
Sanctuary Make-Over Chapter 1
When the book, Sanctuary: Hope and Help for Victims of Domestic Abuse was written, it was written quickly. It's time for a make-over. Chapter 1 additions--these are NOT included in the original book, but will flesh it out and provide a richer context: Each person, male or female, adult or child, rich or poor, influential … Continue reading Sanctuary Make-Over Chapter 1
Make-Over for Sanctuary: Introduction
We all love a good make-over. If you're like me, you skip the middle of the reel and rush to the result. When the book, Sanctuary: Hope and Help for Victims of Domestic Abuse was written, it was written quickly. The work and research happened over a length of time, but there was little time … Continue reading Make-Over for Sanctuary: Introduction
Waves
As I listen to and interact with women--young and old--who find themselves in impossible situations, feeling powerless and hopeless, there are times I struggle with God's nearness and justice. I won't lie. It is lonely and difficult listening to those who have been sinned against when many of their churches teach that gossip involves speaking … Continue reading Waves
Mercy and Grace
It is not uncommon for those who have been unjustly mistreated and oppressed to be told they need to offer the offender grace. After all, they reason, God is gracious to them, so they ought to be gracious to others. This may be an oversimplification, but I read this verse differently today and it gave … Continue reading Mercy and Grace
Differing Weights
We understand partiality, especially when we’re the recipients. Partiality is the use of double-standards, holding people to a capricious set of standards. Jesus used even weights—or the same standard—for everyone: Pharisees, tax-collectors, prostitutes, lepers. He applied mercy and truth in equal measures. The difference in His response was their heart.
Forests and Trees; Wolves and Sheep
It's easy to get caught up in an immediate crisis or situation and fail to understand how it relates to the landscape of the relationship. If we are not aware, we will think we're looking at a sheep, when, in fact, we're face to face with a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Oh Be Careful, Little Feet, Where You Go…
One of the underlying causes of sin and oppression is a misunderstanding and misuse of authority. We are dependent beings. But when dependence is used and exploited for the benefit of some created beings at the expense of another, it is sinful and wrong.
Seeking Sanctuary 