Hope Victorious

  When was the last time you felt afraid? For some people fear is an occasional feeling that is only present in specific situations.   I have met people who say they rarely, if ever feel afraid.   And I’ve met others for whom fear is a constant companion in life.   Fear of being harmed is one of the more obvious fears. Perhaps your first thought as you read this is how often, if ever, you personally experience fear regarding your personal safety.   Most fears are much more subtle than this. It is the subtle fears that remain hidden that I have been considering. There were times in my past when I was often fearful. Presently I would seldom identify myself as being afraid.   And yet, recently I have become aware, in myself and others, of fears that are masked by other emotions and so go unnoticed and thus unresolved. Places of anxiety or stress often indicate a hidden fear of failing, not knowing what to do, or of not having enough.   We can fear not having “enough” of lots of th

  You’ve probably heard the phrase “it is better to give than to receive”.  I remember hearing that as a kid and strongly disagreeing!  How can it be better to give?  Receiving is definitely the best, especially in the minds of kids! The phrase is found in Acts 20:35 ‘ It is more blessed to give than to receive.’     The principle is found throughout scripture in both the old and new testaments.   My favorite is in Proverbs. There is one who scatters, and  yet  increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due,  and yet it results  only in want. 25  The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered. 26  He who withholds grain, the people will curse him, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells  it .        Proverbs 11:24-26 The wisdom here says that sowing is rewarded with increased harvest, while withholding what is justly due or a refusal to pay will result in longing, or even worse – being cursed.   Prosperit

  Regret is about the past and it chains us to it.   Regret will steal your future, your hope.   God told me, “You cannot hold both regret and hope, because hope is movement towards a better future and you can’t pull regret with you”   Regret is choosing the past and denying any power of God to move in the future. Regret is a selfish act. And it is costly!   Regret is a table for one.   It is a lonely road.   Regret refuses perspective and input from others.   Regret is about control.   Regret says, “I did this!   I made a mistake and now I am paying for it!”   Regret leaves no room for another perspective.   When you are walking in regret, you will not allow someone to make excuses for you.   A well-meaning friend tries to encourage you as you process your regret.   But you cannot hold their words while at the same time holding the weight of your regret.   Because you are fully convinced of your failing,   you end up refusing their perspective and rehearsing the facts of how thoro

  "I believe that there is no wound so deep that it cannot be healed by God's love and tender comfort.  I believe that the transforming power of Jesus bring beauty, peace and lasting joy from even the most painful places in our lives."    I wrote this book over the course of the past 5 years, in the midst of pastoring a church and raising my 4 sons.  I wrote it because I believe my journey of healing from sexual abuse, and all that I've learned along the way will be transformational for all who read it.  This book weaves together scripture study, personal testimonies and reflection questions to address the tough questions that bring healing and freedom.  This book is written for those who have survived a traumatic loss of innocence, or for those who are supporting loved ones on their journey of healing from abuse.  Innocence is lost is countless ways, both big and small throughout our lives.  I believe that innocence can be restored!  A loss of innocence often causes