What’s a stronghold? Simply put, it’s anything that has a strong hold on us. It’s usually rooted in faulty thinking patterns and lies we believe. Fear is a stronghold with which many people struggle, myself included. When my kids were preschoolers, an unknown intruder broke into our home and stole my jewelry… [ read more ]
Posts Tagged: freedom
How to Give God Your Concerns
During a recent quiet time with the Lord, I sensed Him nudge me to set aside my Bible and kneel in His presence with no agenda other than to hear His voice. I’ve walked with Him long enough to know that obedience is the only option when He speaks so definitively. I waited… [ read more ]
A Promise for When You Feel Under Attack
Have you ever felt as though you were under a spiritual attack? I have. More than once. It happened several times immediately prior to overseas ministry trips. I’d be focused on preparing my teaching materials when a certain individual would call and levy accusations against me about something I’d said or done, sometimes years prior…. [ read more ]
How You View Yourself Matters
“I’m just a stay-at-home mom.” “I’m only a devotional writer.” “I’m just learning how to ___________.” How many times have you heard people describe themselves in apologetic terms such as these? I’ve done it myself. In fact, those three examples are my own quotes. Why do we do… [ read more ]
The Truth About Trying to Hide Sin
I began eating in secret when I was about six years old. My dad brought home a stash of chocolate bars and little bags of potato chips from a restaurant where he’d done some electrical work. The restaurant owner was doing a remodel job and needed to clear out his storage room, so… [ read more ]
Our Laughter and the Father’s Delight
A baby’s giggle is one of my favorite sounds. It’s like a fountain of joy that splashes everyone within earshot. It’s a frolicking expression of not-a-care-in-the-world peace. When I hear it, I can’t help but laugh too. How much more must God enjoy the sound of His children’s laughter! It’s evidence that we’re… [ read more ]
A Prayer to Pray When Someone Hurts You
Our human bent tells us to withdraw physically, or dish up the silent treatment, or seek sweet revenge when someone hurts us. Praying for that individual’s forgiveness seldom enters our mind. But if we profess to be Jesus’ disciples, then we’re to follow His example. Jesus was innocent of all wrongdoing yet He suffered… [ read more ]
Secure People Serve People
Having been involved in career ministry for more than 25 years means I’ve worked with a few different personality types. One coworker, in particular, was a controller. Rather than encourage those within his sphere of influence to use and develop their God-given gifts, he squelched them and said demeaning things. His manner both… [ read more ]
Our Faces Convey a Message
Gene and I spent three hours in the Cairo airport this week. While there, I made a quick stop in the women’s washroom. After I washed my hands, an Egyptian airport worker handed me a paper towel. I thanked her and smiled. The woman’s face lit up and she nodded. I exited the… [ read more ]
Go Away, Liar
“You’ll never get it right!” “There’s no way God can possibly forgive you again.” “You want to do what? You can’t do that. You’re neither smart enough nor skilled enough.“ Oh, how Satan enjoys hurling statements like these at us. He crafts his words to condemn us, and sadly, he often… [ read more ]
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