Category Archives: Bitterness

A dangerous and predatory evil

Posted on May 11, 2013 by

Envy is a predatory behavior filled with potential for all kinds of evil.  The history of envy began with the ambition of an angel who declared, “I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14). The angel then promoted the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bitterness, Depravity, Envy and Jealousy, Evil in the world, Evil One | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Conference on forgiveness

Posted on May 5, 2013 by

As I travel and teach about forgiveness and restoring broken relationships, people share many stories with me. Some have sinned in ways that make them feel beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness. Trapped in a prison of regret and guilt, … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Broken Relationships, Christian Counselor, Counseling, Difficult people, Discernment, Divorce, Divorce and Remarriage, Forgiveness, Guilt, Reconciliation, Relationships, Repentance, Restoration | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Finding freedom in a prison

Posted on April 4, 2013 by

  “It’s not only others who threaten my freedom. I am a threat to my own freedom” (Peter J. Leithart). This bit of truth reminded me of some wise words I heard one day when I spoke to a group … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability, Bitterness, Broken Relationships, Christian life, Despair, Freedom, Prison, Prison Ministry | 1 Comment

A discouraged servant of God (action points)

Posted on April 2, 2013 by

  We can learn a lot about discouragement and how to find our way out of it by looking closely at a great servant of God who reached a deep state of despondency. His name is Elijah and he became … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Attitude, Behavior, Bitterness, Broken Relationships, Change, Counseling, Criticism, Cynicism, Depression, Despair, Discouragement, Elijah, Emotions, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, Humility, Life of a pastor, Loss, Marital Separation, Mind Renewal, Pain, Spiritual Detox, Spiritual growth, Spiritual inventory, Spiritual transformation, Suffering, Suicide, Trials, Walking with God, Wisdom, Worry | 1 Comment

Where were you 20 years ago?

Posted on January 30, 2013 by

  I’ve had the privilege of traveling to many conference centers and retreats to speak on forgiveness and reconciliation. Inevitably someone will come up to me in each setting and ask, “Where were you twenty years ago?” Then they tell … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability, Bitterness, Counseling, Enabling, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Relationships, Repentance, Restoration, Spiritual Detox, Spiritual disciplines, Spiritual growth, Spiritual inventory, Spiritual transformation, Wisdom | Leave a comment

Grouchy people sharing a gospel of grace?

Posted on November 22, 2012 by

“They’re hard to please and quick to complain.” This is what I was told about groups of Christians who frequent area restaurants. A director of a large conference ministry also told me that this was a common problem in his … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Attitude, Bitterness, Character, Christian life, Christian worldview, Christianity, Complaining, Contentment, Cynicism, God's Will, Gospel, Gospel-centered, Grace, Gratitude, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Wisdom | 1 Comment

Extravagantly grateful!

Posted on November 19, 2012 by

Someone warned that it’s a sign of mediocrity when you express gratitude with moderation. A moderately grateful person is not one who does the will of God. God calls us to be extravagantly grateful! “In everything give thanks; for this is … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Anxiety, Attitude, Bitterness, Christian worldview, Christianity, Contentment, Counseling, Cynicism, Depression, Despair, Discouragement, God's Will, Grace, Gratitude, Spiritual disciplines, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Wisdom | 2 Comments

The girl who never measured up

Posted on November 16, 2012 by

Sometimes we have to look back to move ahead.  This weekend, I am speaking at a retreat for a group of newly married couples from our Church. About 30 couples will join this event for rest and refreshment in their … Continue reading →

Posted in 18 Year factor, Abuse, Anger, Anxiety, Bitterness, Broken Relationships, Contentment, Counseling, Depression, Dysfunctional, Emotions, Family life, Loss, Marriage, Pain, Parenting | 1 Comment

Forgiveness as worship

Posted on November 4, 2012 by

  Jesus placed forgiveness in the context of worship with this requirement: “When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 11:25). When forgiveness becomes … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Bitterness, Broken Relationships, Christian life, Christian worldview, Confession, Counseling, Forgiveness, Grace, Jesus Christ, Praise, Prayer, Radical love, Reconciliation, Restoration, Revenge, Worship | 1 Comment

Confused by suffering?

Posted on October 19, 2012 by

Many of us have learned how to put smiles on our faces in public while feeling much differently on the inside. Life can be hard at times. And, if you’re the kind of person who cares about others, it’s easy … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Anxiety, Assurance, Bitterness, Broken Relationships, Christian worldview, Comfort, Counseling, Doubt, Evil in the world, Faith, Fear, God's Patience, God's control, God's Heart, God's Protection, God's Will, Hope?, Human depravity, Mad at God, Origin of Sin, Pain, Problem of evil, Promises of Bible, Questioning God, Suffering, Trials, Unbelief | Leave a comment