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
Jesus
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
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.
When “Trust God” is Used to Silence Discernment
Trust is one of many biblical principles that, misused, puts individuals in harm's way and severely limits their God-given ability. How could trusting God be wrong?
Fear
I was asked about fear recently. The Bible says do not fear, but certain people and situations are fearful. Many church leaders and biblical counselors say fear is sinful and we should never be afraid. This is when I say, "Show me the money."
Faulty Theology
We must see marriage as a privilege instead of an entitlement. Marriage is not a rite of passage. It does not make anyone (man or woman) more valuable, more important, more wise, more capable, more....
“Your Cross to Bear”
Jesus bore our sins. He is the theological (or Biblical) context for understanding this phrase. The historical context is punishment for breaking Roman law. Those who hung beside Jesus were guilty. "Bearing your cross" is carrying the weight, or living out the consequences, of your own guilt.
Seeking Sanctuary 