Colossians 2:18-19 Obsession is not the same as faith

Obsession is an extreme state that blocks out everything else, puts us in a rigid box that interferes with our ability to hear God’s soft and quiet voice in our heart, disconnects us from God’s nourishment. Even when we are obsessed with a good thing. Obsession is not the same as faith in the living… Read More

There is no such thing as unexpressed emotion

False shame (which focuses on “me” instead of moving me toward God) is called the master emotion, especially when other emotions are denied. It can bind to other emotions, masking them, and causing us to make hurtful inner vows or judgments. For example, sadness, hurt, or loneliness that we identified incorrectly as indications of weakness… Read More

Colossians 2:16-17 The core

What is the core of my life? If I were to write a mission statement for the next year, what would be the central theme that I base my living on? What inspires my day-to-day actions, words, and thoughts? Colossians 2:16-17 (New Living Translation) So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or… Read More

Effects of false shame

 … The Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. … “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” … Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding… Read More

Colossians 2:12-15 Living the resurrection life

Thank you, Lord. Your love, mercy, and sacrifice let me live the resurrection life with you.    Colossians 2:12-15 (New Living Translation) For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You… Read More

False shame vs. guilt

False shame is a fear of being found out, exposed, humiliated, and abandoned. Guilt is our friend, a gift from God that drives us to God, keeping us on the right path (John 16:7–14). False shame says, “I am a mistake.”  Guilt says, “I made a mistake.” False shame says, “I am wrong.”  Guilt says,… Read More

Colossians 2:10-12 Username and password

There is absolutely nothing I can do to earn my way into the family of God. Make a list of the best of humanity throughout history. Is there anyone who never did one wrong thing, thought one wrong thought, spoke one word amiss … ? Only Jesus, who loved us so much he became one… Read More