How did Valentine's day become "I-need-someone-to-make-much-of-me day"? The popular idea of love conjures up images of being served and doted on by others. So if you don't have someone buying you flowers, sending you notes, and telling you you're awesome on Valentine's day, it then becomes an excuse to be angry and depressed.
Christian, your view of love should be markedly different than this.
Read MoreThe King of Kings and Lord of Lords makes His grand entrance onto the globe without the majesty that is due Him. Rather, not regarding His equality with God a thing to be asserted, He emptied Himself, entering our world with nothing. Wrapped in rags, laid to rest among animals, greeted by lowly shepherds. Most of us, welcomed by announcements, baby showers, and gifts, were born with more pomp and ceremony than Jesus.
Read MoreIf it is evident that you have been idolizing a friend in your life and have become emotionally dependent on them, here are some basic steps you can take to move toward freedom: Be Honest, Create Space, Prepare for Grief, Cultivate Other Friendships, See a Biblical Counselor, and Get to Know God.
Read MoreThis sinful idolatry may even appear godly at first. Two co-dependent friends may pray together, talk about Jesus a lot, and be extremely supportive of one another. The spiritual conversation and activity of the friendship may give a false sense that nothing is wrong. But it matters little how much we talk about Jesus or do things for Jesus if our hope and trust isn't in Him alone. Here are 15 questions to help you diagnose if idolatry is present in your friendship.
Read MoreThis is the story of a friendship gone wrong. Somewhere along the way, Sarah and Kelsey began to look to one another for things only God should give: worth, purpose, belonging, and security. This is the story of an unhealthy friendship infected with idolatry.
Read MoreAnd the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." Luke 15:2
Tonight, we will turn our porch lights on, set out a sign, and be handing out king sized candy bars to hundreds of kids, moms, dads, and teens. Some will grumble that we receive sinners. But they said this of Jesus too.
Read MoreCultivating humility begins with an accurate view of our Holy God and understanding that the only thing we deserve is wrath. But without the element of faith, you will stop short of true humility.
Read MoreBecause pride infects the motives, even the most spiritual actions, like praying, giving and serving, can be rooted entirely in arrogance and self-love. So how can we spot an unseen enemy? Let me offer one litmus test for pride: entitlement.
Read MoreChronicling your life is not the only function a journal can serve; those blank pages can be used in so many other ways! I'd like to share some pages from my own journals in the hope that it will get the creative juices flowing as you consider what it could look like for you to engage with God and seek Him with all your heart.
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![[Friendship Gone Wrong] The Journey to Freedom](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51fbf1e5e4b0a9dce7926cdb/1483646905349-WCYP23OHP0HELV21TFVN/FREEDOM.png)
![[Friendship Gone Wrong] 15 Questions to Diagnose Idolatry](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51fbf1e5e4b0a9dce7926cdb/1496752898323-4AI9USIPHLZ95HIPJ9GD/SYMPTOMS+OF+IDOLATRY.jpg)
![[Friendship Gone Wrong] A Tale of Two Friends](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51fbf1e5e4b0a9dce7926cdb/1483647550039-XEI2HHGO0HJN1R4DC313/two+friends.png)
