White Knuckles, Porn & Shame

eye

A few of the gay gossip blogs are in a tizzy regarding my post concerning Covenant Eyes, a faith-based software company that filters sexual content on the web.  They infer that because I use such a tool that must indicate that Jesus must be a helplessly, weak entity and that Christians experiencing temptation are all white-knuckling liars. I couldn't disagree more. The Lord imparts the fruit of His Spirit, including self-control, to prepare a safe space to be able to make what I think are biblical and appropriate decisions. The fact that I, as well as countless others, choose to submit … [Read more...]

Prodigal Ministries – A Skeptic Discovers Quite a Different Perspective

Excellent blog post by Steve Fuller. I say it is excellent because Mr. Fuller is honest and humble enough to challenge his own preconceived notions to press toward the truth of a heartfelt and difficult situation. Plus, I think it is excellent because Jerry Armelli, featured in the post, is awesome.  From Social Experiment #5: Prodigal Ministries: In 2009, I visited 52 churches in 52 weeks in order to reconnect with God and redefine my faith. In 2010, I am stepping outside of the church to connect with people. During the Social Experiment, I will experience 52 random encounters in 52 … [Read more...]

Unapologetic About Prayer

prayer

Exodus is a Christian faith based organization.  We do believe in a Living God who has His own opinions and will for our lives.  We do believe that being in communication with Him is essential.  It is essential to not only find and experience freedom in one area of life ... our Communion with God is essential for all aspects of life.  Engaging in dialog with a living God is why we call him Lord, Savior and Abba (our Father.) Here is our doctrinal statement (emphasis mine for the purpose of this post): Doctrinal Statement We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the … [Read more...]

The Wounded Unseen – My Response to Gayle Haggard’s New Book (Alan Chambers)

Charisma Magazine has published my article The Wounded Unseen.  I conclude the article with: I am convinced that we as a church must do all we can to speak to these issues - to not only reach out to the husband or wife who struggles with their sexuality, but to also put an arm around a heartbroken spouse and walk with a family in need. If we do not, the culture will speak where we are silent.  As Gayle Haggard says, the ultimate question for her became, "Will I be the woman who washes her hands of the situation and walks away from Ted or will I be the woman who loves him and shows … [Read more...]

Please Pray for & Support Local Exodus Ministries – Graham’s Story

exodus

Daily, the Exodus team is asked to explain who Exodus is, what we do, and why we do what we do?  As we begin to explain, we often start seeing that puzzled look that we’re so used to seeing.  And then the usual responses begin with, “you mean there are really people who struggle with unwanted homosexuality?  People can find freedom from that?”  Then, we’ll either get the response of “well, that’s just not possible” or “I didn’t know people could struggle with same sex attractions.”  On a few occasions, we’ll get the positive response of a quick, “thank you for your … [Read more...]

Gayle Haggard Releases Memoir titled “Why I Stayed” – Interview with Renee Dallas

gayle on oprah

Gayle Haggard has been through a proverbial trial by fire for the past few years. I have been impressed with the grace, wisdom and humble boldness she obviously abides in.  You can tell the Lord is her comfort and shield. Today Gayle is releasing her memoir concerning her husband's (Megachurch and National Leader, Ted Haggard) sexual fall and resulting highly publicized aftermath titled Why I Stayed: The Choices I Made in My Darkest Hour. She will appear on The Oprah Show later today to discuss the book. For a response, we turned to trusted leader (of WifeBoat blog and online support) … [Read more...]

The Lord is Near and Cares

1yrpsalms

I have been lined up with meeting after meeting today that won't end until later tonight.  I was planning on just waiting to post again until tomorrow but this devotional from last week came to mind and I hope it brings you encouragement. The One Year Book of Psalms by Randy Petersen for January 12th focused on this passage of scripture: Psalm 8:1-4 1 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the … [Read more...]

Where Does the Journey Begin? by Dan Hitz for Reconciliation Ministries

parents

Dan, from Reconciliaiton Ministries, writes a thought provoking article for parents.  Here is the introduction: This article highlights a son or daughter’s journey from the beginning of his/her same-sex attractions, through the disclosure to his/her parents, and beyond.  It is meant to be a general overview for both parents and those struggling with same-sex attraction. When a son or daughter announces that he/she is gay, most Christian parents go through a time of turmoil.  They are riddled with guilt, shame, anger, and confusion.  This newsletter will help explain many of the … [Read more...]

From Porn to Praise – Testimony of Lucas Walsh

Lucas

From the Truth Ministry Website (read the whole article here): ... One night, my mom caught me looking at porn. Immediately, she took away the computer. The next thing I knew, I was sitting in front of a preacher. He said, "What you are doing is not natural. It’s wrong and a sin against God. If you just stop looking at this mess, then it will soon go away." Well, that was no help. I had tried to stop so many times, but the two years of pornographic images were firmly ingrained in my mind. It did not go away just by “stopping it”. I cried as I lay in bed many nights wanting nothing … [Read more...]

WifeBoat Launching New Series of Online Support January 19th & 21st

Online Support Groups Now Forming

I got this from Genesis Counseling email newsletter WifeBoat Suport Groups begin again this January 19th & 21st We are pleased to offer WifeBoat's new series of online support groups again this month. An extension group for those women who have completed the first 12 week group will run Thursday evenings 5:00-7:00pm PST. "Last year's groups proved to be a real place of healing for women who, by and large, have had no place to go and talk about the things that have happened" says Renee Dallas, founder of the WifeBoat ministry.  "I am so excited to be starting up again this … [Read more...]