Hans Christian Anderson’s story (the brief version) goes like this: The Emperor’s new clothes were the talk of the town. The weavers (swindlers who spun tales, not cloth) showed them to the Emperor and his court–lifting up their arms as if holding something and describing the splendor of each article of clothing. “The whole suit… Read More
Sound asleep
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14 Jesus was a dinner guest at the home of a Pharisee. He didn’t ceremonially wash his hands, he sat… 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
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
Feeling inadequate? Pray to the Great I Am
This is a guest blog from my brother Dave Huizenga, pastor of Bridgewood Church in Savage, MN. This is a repeat of his February 25, 2013 Daily Devotional. If you are interested in signing up for his daily devotionals to be sent to your email, please go to: http://www.bridgewood.org/latest-updates/daily-devotional Jesus told him, “I am the way, the… Read More
Has technology helped us to become better?
A character in The Truth Teller by Angel Hunt is pretty disgusted with the state of the human race. He says: “… By his very success in inventing labor-saving devices, modern man has created an abyss of boredom and stupidity that only the privileged classes in earlier civilizations ever plumbed. The average blue-collar worker has… Read More
Colossians 1:6 The whole world will hear the good news
The gospel–God’s grace in all its truth–is spreading throughout the whole world. How about in your neighborhood? Colossians 1:6 (The Message) This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day… Read More
