THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: AUGUST 17, 2026

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Today, for the first time in a while, I am nudged to write a new entry. If you are a follower of this blog you already know the history of this journey I write about. If not, it is easy to go back and read previously written entries. I feel as though the most recent days for me have been the breakthrough I’d come to believe just weren’t possible, yet today I am writing about what I thought was impossible is only possible with God when I choose to believe His promises for me.

Celebrate Recovery teachs that when we have asked Jesus into our lives He gives us a new life. We no longer are the old creation we once were. This is directly from the Bible’s teaching. CR goes on to say that if we live life as though we’re still the old creation, we will live with the same old temptation battles. I’ve dealt with this for 76 years. I know I’m a new creation but what in the world do I do with those old temptations? How do I ever find the strength to overcome succumbing to them? Recently, literally last Friday, I was journaling about this topic to Jesus. When I asked Him what He wanted me to know from Him for the day, I wrote this:

“You already know that I am Spirit, God is Spirit and I give you The Holy Spirit. You also know that Satan is spirit. The battle you face is spiritual and you still try to battle it in flesh because of which spiritual realm you choose to live in. It is time for you to know you have the power to choose the spiritual realm for which to live each and every day. This battle of yours belongs to the Lord and I wait for you to choose to let me deal with it for this battle was won by Me 2000 years ago. I invite you to voice this decision each and every morning. The spiritual realm invites you to join the Holy Spirit realm. We do this by choosing. The evil spirit realm is already of this world because of sin but you can choose to not live in it. This is the power of choice God has already given you by choosing Me to live within you.”

This message is something I’ve known for years, but the truth of it applying directly to me was still a mystery until last Friday’s time with Jesus. Just yesterday I met with my prayer warrior Lois and shared this with her. I just wept with the beauty of finally understanding this brilliant truth for me personally. Now I get to share it with each and every client who comes to me questioning their own value to God. What a privilege it is to live in this freedom today with my Father God, my Savior Jesus Christ and His Precious gift to you and me–The Holy Spirit!

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: JUNE 30, 2026

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Today’s devotional time has been quite remarkable. Yesterday late afternoon I started a small group of men going through the curriculum called Every Man a Pure Warrior. It specificially addresses sexual purity for men. It is the finest work I’ve yet used. These men going through it with me are ones who have been coming for individual counseling and they agreed to go through this material together. I’ve had my own struggle with this topic every since internet porn became available to me 25+ years ago. Because of this I’ve been passionate about helping men to not let Satan’s evil ways drive the beauty of God’s gift to us into this evilness called porn.

As I was journaling this morning I was writing about this topic and getting these men started on this journey. I asked Jesus what He wanted me to know from Him for today (I do this daily) and He reminded me of the words to His followers in Matthew 16:24. Here He says we are to take up our cross and follow Him if we are to be disciples for Him. What stood out to me were the words–take up our cross. For 60 years I’d tried to hide my cross so I COULD follow Jesus thinking He’d never want one of His followers with a past like my own filled with sexual abuse. Yet today, just like yesterday late afternoon, I can speak openly about my cross letting it be used by God. All these years He wanted me to understand this truth of taking up my cross. Jeuss goes to tell us that “…His yoke is easy and His burden is light….” Matthew 11:28-30.

What I feared my entire life for 60+ years was a fallicy of Satan to me. Today there is no burden in sharing this past of mine. It is a humble honor to use what I feared to honor my Savior and Lord now that I have taken up my cross to follow Him. If you are one who stuggled as I did, don’t wait a lifetime to finally believe God’s truth to us in His Word. Satan wants us to believe the shame we feel IS our identity. God on the other hand, wants to prove the truth of His Word by having us trust His Words to us and use our cross for His Glory. There is no shame in this. Instead, there is a humble gratititude for what God’s healing work does within each of us.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: JUNE 3, 2026

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This morning as I began to journal I was struggling with some heaviness in spirit.  Two of my grandkids are dealing with some issues of late and some of the ones I counsel are heavy with their own burdens.  In each of the cases finding confidence in their walk with Jesus seems next to impossible.  Part of the heaviness I was dealing with related to my own struggles not so many years ago. 

As I was writing out these issues to Jesus and asked Him what He wanted me to know from Him, this is what He said, “Son, My son, do you now see yourself as My son?  Yes, you were brought into this world by Harold and Opal—flesh–but your creator created this pathway due to sin.  This is why adoption became critically important.  You have the characteristics of flesh but you are adopted into the family of Spirit which is pure and holy—US—God our Father, Myself, Jesus Christ and the most Precious Gift-The Holy Spirit Himself.  The wealth of Our Family is yours, but you only rely on your own resources for they are more tangible for you.  The more you learn to live in Spirit just allowing your flesh to be fed by fleshly means, the more you’ll begin to better live like your words of Mother Teresa.  (I had just yesterday written how much I admire Mother Teresa’s trust/faith in her walk with God).  So you now see Earnie, My son, yes, you are the son of Harold and Opal, but greater far than this—you are My son.  I adopted you when you chose Me as your Savior and Lord.  Are you worthy of this in your mind?  NO, but to Me you’re a great treasure worth more than any words or wealth could put a price tag on.  You cannot unadopt Me for I won’t participate in such a thing.  I rejoice in you and you in Me so lets live this out together!”

I have known much of this message for years.  But, today, as I was given it I could do nothing but believe it as real for it hit the very core of me.  Our youngest daughter is adopted and living through her struggles believing we love her in spite of any and all her struggles is tough for her.  So, as Jesus was speaking to me this morning, I could easily relate to where He is coming from.  Today I am inspired more than ever to help others not just know this about Jesus, but to believe the truth in it for themselves at their very core. 

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: APRIL 25, 2026

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For almost 10 years I would daily write an entry into this journey God has given me. Now I only add one when I sense that nudge from HIm. Today is one of those days. A couple of weeks ago my prayer warrior Lois gave me a book of hers. The title is The Daily Decree by Brenda Kunneman. She wanted me to know from this book how many decrees she has prayed for me over the almost 20 years she has been my prayer warrior. She is now 95 years old.

The one decree that just makes me weep each time I read it is “No More Shame”. This is the message: We decree that the shame and reproach of your youth is driven from you in the Name of Jesus. We say that all manner of shame from a past season is broken off your life. May your years of youthful foolishness and immaturity be forgotten and replaced by a new season of prudence and wisdom. We say you come into your full age of maturity in the spirit. May those around you see the thoughtfulness and sensibility that rests upon you in ths new season. We speak that an anointing comes upon you to provide wisdom and admonishment to others in their personal journey of growth. We speak that people, places and circumstances shall not bring you into the condemnation of a former season of immaturity. May nothing remind you of what used to be and may you only think of where God is bringing you. We prophesy that the shame of your youth is broken and shall never return to you again!

To now realize this decree was prayed over me years ago, and to now live the freedom of no more shame is one of the most humbling and rewarding things I’ve ever experienced in my life. Today’s opportunities to work with struggling individuals is living this freedom and experiencing the truth of this decree. God is nothing but AMAZING and I will forever be a grateful son!

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: APRIL 3, 2026

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Today is Good Friday. All this week I have had this on my mind and dwelling on the torturous treatment Jesus endured today for you and me. Yesterday and this morning however, as I journaled, Jesus reminded me that this treatment was established long before any man witnessed it. He and God decided this so He would be the One pure, flawless lamb that would be sacrificed for all mankind. This event that took place is definitely worthy of our attention He told me. It only happened once and that was all that was needed to happen. So, don’t dwell endlessly on it because He wants all of us to celebrate the eternal outcome–He Rose Again–this is what He wants all of us to forever remember!

I just can’t fathom in my own mind how Jesus, being born of man, knew this plan He and God had created long before it was enacted? Somehow, in spite of being of flesh, He knew His path while here on earth. That overwhelms me. And, He stuck with it knowing the outcome of it and what He’d need to endure on this day so long ago.

The other equally amazing part of this is the GIFT He gave us along with eternal life as we accept Him as our Savior–THE HOLY SPIRIT. We all were created with spirit. Unfortunately, our spirit is impacted by sin just as our flesh is. Selfishness dominates both of them. As I was journaling on this topic this morning I was reminded of this GiFT. What differeniates this GIFT from our own spirit is HOLY–pure, selfless SPIRIT that is ours to recreate our own spirit into its original intent. Daily I am to commit myself to Him and I willingly do this with deepest gratitude.

EASTER is here! Lets never forget the significance of it for all mankind! Let us PRAISE HIM and share HIM as each of us are nudged to do so by our GIFT–GOD’S PRECIOUS HOLY SPIRIT!

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: MARCH 4, 2026

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Last night our Celebrate Recovery group went to see the new movie: “I Can Only Imagine II”. It is so very worth seeing! At the concluding part of the movie I was doing my best to hold back wrenching sobs. It brought back such sad memories of my own childhood. I was focused very much on the darkness of this past of mine. I told God that I likely needed to go to the new Grief-Share class our church is having presently so I could actually grieve this childhood I’ve had so much counsel to overcome. On the drive home I told God I’d journal this morning about all of this and seek His Will.

This morning as I began to journal I was led to start the journaling thanking God for inspiring the movie to be written and produced. But then, I was led into a different path than I’d expected. It was a path of thanksgiving. God began to bring to mind all of the ones He had given me throughout my childhood to give me love, nuture and support. Then He led me into my early adult years who did the same. Once I was done with this He kept going taking me into my middle adult years and then these current years. By the time I was done I had journaled three pages of thanksgiving.

God showed me that I didn’t need to grieve any longer. These memories of my past I’ve grieved long enough. What He wanted me to now do is celebrate the victories He’s given to me and all of the ones who helped me find them. So the morning turned into this glorious celebration of tears and gratitude! As I was finishing the journal entry He pointed out one more thing: “Don’t let anyone finish their counselling season with you until you’ve helped them find their own celebration of God in their lives. Help them see how God has helped them to not only address why they’ve come, but how He also had provided support along the way which wasn’t seen until the darkness of their past/present was removed and now replaced with God’s Glorious Light! This I look forward to doing!

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: FEB. 12, 2026

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Years ago, 40 or so, a new pastor to our church pulled 8-10 couples together for several weeks to do a quick study of 5 books and their insights in creating and maintaining a healthy church environment that sustains. The only one of the five books I still recall is Celebration of Discipline by Robert Foster.

A month or so ago I was being nudged to find some significant material to help ones coming for counsel find what the Strength of The Holy Spirit really is in our human flesh. To many, if not most, the Holy Spirit is more mysterious than concretely understood. The Bible tells us in Nehemiah 8:10 that the JOY of the Lord is my STRENGTH. So how does one find that strength? In asking Jesus for help one morning while journaling I heard Him nudge me to talk with our worship pastor. He said, “Worship awakens our own spirit to God’s Holy Spirit so she would have insights for you.” That morning I went early to talk with her. When I told her what I was seeking and asked if anything came to mind as she heard this, she responded, “Yes, there was a book I read years ago that change my life completely as a worship pastor. I discovered it was Celebration of Discipline. I knew I had it at home so that evening I found my copy. The subtitle reads, “Pathway to Spiritual Living”.

I was seeking insights for others, but in it I found far more help for myself than I could ever share with others. When I’d read the book the first time I had not shared with anyone except my wife what my childhood abuse was. It was a few years before I’d had any professional help to address it. At that point in my life I read it as good information rather than life transforming. Not only is the insight relevant for each of us, it hugely assists the Counseling ministry and our Celebrate Recovery ministry as the leaders are always being talked to by those coming with their struggles and how to find the strength to walk away from their hurts, hang-up and habits. I’ve been thanking God daily for this guidance. What an amazing God we get to serve!!

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: DEC. 16, 2025

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On Saturday mornings I meet with 4 men who are wanting to find freedom within the category of sexual purity. We are using a curriculum I’m sure I’ve mentioned previously. It is called Every Man a Pure Warrior. There are 3 lessons in it out of 17 addressing Spiritual Warfare. When we began the first of the three lessons, 2 of the men said they felt like they were battling demon possession. One of them is nearing 50 and the other is in his early 70’s. They wanted specific help with this. I asked our overseeing pastor of this ministry to be part of last Saturday’s session. In it we worked through the differences between: demon possession, demon oppression and demon obsession. It became very apparent the men were battling oppression.

As I was having my morning devotions today I read in my devotional a quote that I couldn’t let go. It says, “Every lock responds to a key that unlocks it.” and “Every trace of Light begins a grace.” These two quotes hit me forcefully. Then, as I was reading my Bible, (I’m in Hebrews 10), verse 20 say, “This is the fresh, new, life-giving way which Christ has opened up for us by tearing the curtain–his human body–to let us into the holy presence of God.” (TLB)

Tying this info above with the Armor of God, His Spirit was wanting me to see that God’s Armor for us provides the keys to unlock the locks trapping us in whatever bondage grips us. What one needs to do is take a look at this and see what steps I am to take to find the key to do the unlocking? An example: In 1 Corinthians 10:13 I’m told that God will provide a way of escape from a temptation. This is a truth with the first Armor of God. This is a key. When I use it a trace of Light begins to show God’s Grace just as the quote above states.

We work so hard to battle temptation with our own self-will (flesh, our human body). Christ has torn this curtain for us (our own flesh) and His Word provides all of the steps we need to take to find the full Light of redemption if we spend the time seeking this truth rather than battling in our flesh which only loses again. Spiritual warfare is fought in SPIRIT not our flesh. We need to find the spiritual keys–God’s Word.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: DEC. 4, 2025

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The last time I wrote an entry to my journey I talked about my timing vs God’s timing. Also, my way vs God’s way. This lesson taught me a great deal about things I needed to know in order to be a better warrior in God’s army.

I know that living for God fully committed to His Kingdom work is a daily assignment with self-discipline tied to it. It is also important to continue learning what it is to live by God’s Spirit rather than our flesh’s discipline. Since I wrote the last entry I’ve begun to place a post-it note in my journal that says surrender so that each day as I write I remember to surrender my will and my mind to God’s Holy Spirit so He will direct my path rather than me. Along with this, I put on the Helmet of Salvation (part of the Armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18). In doing this daily I have found myself far more conscious of God’s Spirit guiding/leading me in my day.

Tonight I am teaching the Celebrate Recovery lesson #6. It is entitled ACTION. The focus of the lesson is our need to take daily action on our keeping Jesus as our LORD during the day/each day. The 5th lesson was TURN. It’s focus was to turn our lives over to God by accepting Christ into our lives. Now, tonight, the focus is daily living with Jesus Christ as our Lord as well as our Savior. For Jesus to be Lord, it takes the daily commitment/surrender. I am instantly reminded in our Serenity Prayer where it tells us to “,,,live one day at a time”. Jesus can only be Lord of our lives if we consciously commit each day we enter to HIm. I am much more awake to this truth today than I’ve ever been before.

Thank You Jesus for relentless kindness in teaching us how to best live for you!

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: NOV. 21, 2025

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Earlier this week I wrote about my need to release my zeal to complete a work I wasn’t intended to complete. My timing and God’s timing were not aligning. I needed to realize that my efforts were a hindrance rather than a help. So, on Tuesday of this week I gave it all back to Jesus confessing my willfulness. I actually lived Tuesday in a peacefulness I hadn’t had for a couple of weeks. Then came Wednesday.

Wednesday morning I got a text from a co-leader in our Celebrate Recovery group. She was asking if I’d ever had a response from our friend. She was praying for this to happen. I told her I hadn’t and it was just sad. Because of her text I opened my Monday text to my friend to see that this text had been “read” and not just delivered. So I wrote three words to him in a text: “Are you interested?” Within 10 minutes my cell rang and it was him. We talked for 30 minutes and he just couldn’t express enough how much he wanted to take this offer. Wednesday night we talked even more and the steps are now being taken to have all of this come together.

I write this today in sheer thansgiving for the way God works. For two weeks I had wanted to take God’s original nudge to help this friend and make it a fun moment of letting him know how much he was loved and show this by all the details that had been already put together. All he needed to do was accept it. Problem: it looked too much like me. God wanted me to back away so He became the sole giver of HELP. I was a helper and was to be just that. Today I rejoice in learning another lesson from my Savior, Lord, TEACHER and dearest friend!

Living the life of an heir rather than an error.