Category Archives: Breaking bad habits

Pursuing Wisdom (p. 3)

Since the early chapters of proverbs are words from a father to a son, these lessons are especially helpful for parents who desire to lead their children in the way of wisdom. Continue reading

Posted in Behavior, Breaking bad habits, Fools, Lust, Parenting, Parenting Groups, Parenting teens, Pornography, Proverbs, Sanctification, Sex, Sexual temptations, Sexuality, Singles, Spiritual growth, Spiritual inventory, Temptation, Wisdom | 1 Comment

When your past revisits you

Is it possible to carry deep resentment without being aware of the power it holds over you? Consider the story of a woman who learned the power of suppressed resentment. Fifteen years after a tragic accident, she came to terms … Continue reading

Posted in Abuse, Addiction, Anger, Attitude, Breaking bad habits, Broken Relationships, Counseling, Cynicism, Depression, Despair, Discouragement, God's control, God's Heart, God's Will, Gospel, Gospel-centered, Guilt, Loss, Mad at God, Pain, Questioning God, Repentance, Restoration, Revenge, Sin, Sovereignty, Spiritual growth, Spiritual inventory, Suffering, Trials, Walking with God, Wisdom | 1 Comment

A holistic approach to counseling

See: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, Woefully and Tragically Fallen  

Posted in Anthropology, Breaking bad habits, Christian worldview, Counseling, Doctor, Holistic ministry, Human depravity, Human dignity, Medicine, Neuroscience, Science | Leave a comment

Their sense of need is not so deep as it ought to be

  I’ve been thinking a lot about the way J. C. Ryle explained the lack of fervency in prayer. I believe what he wrote applies more widely to the whole life of the follower of Jesus Christ. “How is it … Continue reading

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol addiction, Assurance, Attitude, Blessed by God, Breaking bad habits, Broken Relationships, Change, Character, Counseling, Eternal life, Gospel, Gospel-centered, Grace, Heaven, Mercy, Prayer | 1 Comment

A Chief Repenter — in the making

I recently read an interview of a leader who stated that his job description included a requirement to be the Chief Repenter of the organization. I am about to take a stab at this by doing a little repenting of … Continue reading

Posted in Accountability, Attitude, Breaking bad habits, Change, Complaining, Counseling, Depression, Discouragement, Encouragement, Grace, Gratitude, Personal thoughts, Repentance, Restoration, Selfishness, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

To young leaders and Christian counselors (pt 2)

Five examples of counseling from real-life cases I ended my first post to young leaders by emphasizing that Christian counselors have a unique advantage of being holistically honest in dealing with human problems. We know that God has made us physical, … Continue reading

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol addiction, Anger, Anxiety, Bitterness, Breaking bad habits, Broken Relationships, Change, Counseling, Depression, Emerging Leaders, Emotions, Family life, Guidelines for living, Guidelines for marriage decision, Guilt, Holistic ministry, Leadership, Marriage, Parenting, Parenting teens | 4 Comments

The attack against your mind:

Pay close attention when the same New Testament author uses that same word to address the same subject in the same book. This is the case in II Corinthians in the connection between the mind (νοηματα) and spiritual conflict. First notice … Continue reading

Posted in 18 Year factor, Behavior, Bitterness, Breaking bad habits, Counseling, Heart, Mind, Mind Renewal, Satan, Spiritual Detox, Spiritual growth, Spiritual inventory, Spiritual transformation, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

True Freedom

“We are free not merely because we can choose, but only when we choose well. For to choose poorly, through folly or malice, in a way that thwarts our nature and distorts our proper form, is to enslave ourselves to … Continue reading

Posted in Atheism, Behavior, Breaking bad habits, Change, David B. Hart, Decision making, Democrats, Discernment, Ethics, Freedom, Guidelines for living, Morality | Leave a comment

Six point detox plan

The early years of life significantly shape our identity and character. These years (for better, or worse, or both) chart a direction for our future health and stability. I refer to these years as our 18 year factor (first 18 … Continue reading

Posted in 18 Year factor, Addiction, Alcohol addiction, Anger, Behavior, Bitterness, Breaking bad habits, Broken Relationships, Choosing a mate, Communication, Counseling, Cynicism, Depression, Divorce and Remarriage, Dysfunctional, Enabling, Forgiveness, Guidelines for living, Guidelines for marriage decision, Holistic ministry, Marital Separation, Parenting, Parenting teens, Relationships, Spiritual Detox, Spiritual disciplines, Spiritual growth, Spiritual inventory, Spiritual transformation, Unresolved issues | 5 Comments

The heart wants what it wants

The hearts wants what it wants. That’s as far as we get. That’s the conversation stopper.
Continue reading

Posted in 18 Year factor, Addiction, Alcohol addiction, Anger, Anxiety, Behavior, Breaking bad habits, Cynicism, Deception, Depravity, Evil in the world, Guidelines for living, Heart, Human depravity, Humanism, Origin of Sin, Pride, Problem of evil, Relationships, Self-deception, Selfishness, Sin, Spiritual growth, Spiritual inventory | 6 Comments