Healing Streams

Catching “Little Foxes”

February 12, 2015

HEALING (PHYSICAL-EMOTIONAL), SPIRITUAL WARFARE

“Catch the little foxes!” the shepherd tells his beloved maiden. Why? They’re so cute! Oh, but her lover wants to share the joy of new wine with her, and that will never happen if little foxes get to the grapevine first. Little foxes aren’t obvious dangers like wolves and lions. All they do is nibble on tender young plants, seeking the budding fruit. However, if that’s allowed to go on, the grapevine won’t have a chance to mature. Its grapes will be lost before…

What is the Problem?

February 5, 2015

Healing Streams

BELIEVING THE TRUTH

What is the Problem? We all know there is a problem, but it’s not what you might think… The problem is: Not you Not God Not others Not the world Not your flesh Not the devil Not your sin Not your past Not your circumstances Not your weaknesses Not your ‘personality’ Not your addiction Since we are being “saved by grace through faith” by the most outrageously grace-giving Being in the Universe…

The Scarlett O’Hara Syndrome

January 29, 2015

Healing Streams

HEALING (PHYSICAL-EMOTIONAL), STRONGHOLDS TO OVERCOME

Have you ever fallen into the trap of the Scarlett O’Hara syndrome? I have observed many people adopting it as a coping strategy. It seems highly favored by us. It certainly feels evident and right at the moment of pain or pressure. For me it was a pattern that began early in childhood. Here is an excerpt that describes it from the book I wrote a few years back. See if you can relate: There were shadowy sides to me that I preferred…

The Daily “Report Card”

January 9, 2015

Healing Streams

INNER PEACE AND FREEDOM

Suppose the Lord were giving you a report card each day. Suppose you don’t have to wait until the Final Day to read the report… Consider life from a teacher’s perspective: 1) Why do teachers give tests? So they can see how well the students are doing. The student’s grade gives them a “grade” on how well they are doing as teachers and where they need to focus more effort. 2) Why do teachers grade those same tests and return…