Vision of Hope's Testimonial Video

This is it, folks....the only Christian inpatient center I would recommend. All of Vision of Hope's counselors are NANC certified (which not only means they've been training in counseling practice; it also means they are doctrinally sound), and treatment at the center is free of charge. The home is located in Lafayette Indiana and is affiliated with Faith Ministries.

He Makes All Things New

I just discovered, by checking links on the Site Meter, that this blog is in the top position of Google search results for "Christian bulimic ministry". It is also in the number one spot for the keywords "Jesus heals eating disorders" and "bulimia Christian".

This is...humbling. It both amazes and humbles me. I am awed and amazed that God would not only FORGIVE me, but that He would then use my testimony for fruitful ministry to His other daughters who are still struggling. This is what is meant by the title, "Redeemed from the Pit".

At the same time, I am humbled and even a bit nervous - having any sort of ministry platform is a huge responsibility. I am now accountable before God for everything I write, and the counsel I give His daughters. This is why I am so thankful that Martha Peace called my attention to a subtle, yet critical error in my theology a few months back. Being able to edit the chapter in question before the book goes to print will no doubt save me much regret and anxiety, knowing I could have mislead someone with my words.

To the reader who googled "Does God forgive eating disorders?" the answer is YES, my friend. YES, He does...and so much more. In the words of Steven Curtis Chapman, "He renews and He transforms, He redeems and restores - He makes all things new...."

I'm a "Snake-Oil Peddler"

So I've been called a "snake-oil peddler" for encouraging bulimic women to examine the spiritual causes and solutions to their eating disorder and to realize that they can walk free.

As Dave Barry would say, "I swear I am not making this up."

Funny, that accusation, in that NO biblical counselors worth their salt (myself included) take so much as a cent from their counselees (although purveyors of humanism, ie. secular therapists, often charge over $100 per hour for experimental theories and speculative treatment which does no good). Counseling for money is a huge ethics violation in the biblical counseling world, as well it should be. The whole counsel of God has been given to us freely; it is a privilege to help others apply His Word to their lives.

In fact, if a woman cannot afford a study Bible, I gladly purchase one for her out of my own pocket.

I wonder what the "snake oil" is that she refers to? Let's examine the meaning behind the term "snake oil". According to Wiki,

Snake oil is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat joint pain. However, the most common usage of the phrase is as a derogatory term for compounds offered as medicines which implies that they are fake, fraudulent, quackish, or ineffective. The expression is also applied metaphorically to any product with exaggerated marketing, but questionable or unverifiable quality or benefit.

Second sentence drives home the irony of her charge - "compounds offered as medicines". Hmm, kind of like the psychotropic drugs routinely prescribed to eating disordered patients, depite the fact that they have absolutely no clinical success in decreasing bulimic behavior or anorexic tendencies?

Today's "snake oil" comes under names such as Celex, Celebrex, Lexapro, Prozac, Pamelor, and Elavil. Tricyclic anti-depressants and SSRIs have been so over-prescribed and proven so ineffectual in the long run that several years ago the FDA issued a statement cautioning against their use in children under 18. As the organism becomes dependant on the unnatural chemical effect, the patient requires an ever-increasing dosage.

Yet the mindset towards food and eating remains untouched by the drug prescribed to cure it. NOW who's the "snake-oil peddler"?

Ah, she argues, "eating disorders are PHYSICAL diseases!" (Right. And they've isolated the Compulsive Shopping Gene, too.) Actually, no; they are not. Not a single criteria for the definition of "disease" has been produced, in nearly 30 years of research. To meet the clinical definition of "disease", it must be proven empirically that the condition has an organic origin. Eating disorders certainly LEAD to physical symptoms and, yes, even diseases (such as renal failure), but the mindset and resultant behavior are not neurological in nature.

I am then informed that "repentance is not a viable medical cure" and that one should seek only medical treatment. (Tell that to the tens of thousands of us former bulimics who are now completely free - both of the behavior, and of the toxic thinking fueling it). Heaven forbid anyone should desire to turn away from this self-destructive lifestyle, or take responsibility for her own choices. That's wildly subversive stuff! Think of the implications!

This is from someone who endorses lap-band surgery as a cure for bulimia, yet (by her own admission), if hers were to be removed, she would probably go back to bingeing and purging tomorrow (her words; not mine).

Now you tell me who has the better answer.

What's sad, in my estimation, is just the blindness. Not only in this particular girl for whom my heart breaks - but the willfull, widespread blindness that people embrace, choosing to believe a pill or "looking within" or increasing their self esteem will get them out of their misery. By nature, we turn to counterfeit pleasures seeking satisfaction, but ultimately are enslaved by them (if this were not true, addictions and besetting habits would not exist). Yet rather than embracing personal responsibility and turning to God for help, there is something in us that prefers to see ourselves as victims. We want to be told that we are "sick", that our addiction is really a "disease", because it takes the responsibility off of our shoulders. The entire basis of behavioral psychology rests on humanism, which makes man his own god. Rather than embracing what we NEED to hear, if we buy into humanistic lies, we will pay good money to those who will tell us what we WANT to hear.

While doing research for my book, I was genuinely surprised at the sheer number of psychologists and psychiatrists who have walked away from the profession once they realized it was built upon a foundation of sand. Like a house of cards, once the lack of empirical evidence is brought to light, they are forced to admit that psychology is nothing more than a collection of subjective, ever-changing theories. It is not medicine, and as many disenfranchised psychologists have admitted, it is not a "science" in any sense of the word.

Yet desperate people cling to it's promises, frantically reaching for the next "magic cure" that will numb their feelings so they won't have to face them; hoping for something that will help them convince themselves that their addictions are "diseases". They are threatened by hearing that, yes, they are responsible for their own behavior and there is a God Who will hold them accountable for disregarding His counsel.

Learning that eating disorders, drunkenness, and other addictive deviant behaviors are sins rather that diseases should some as a relief; not an unpleasant shock. This realization means that it is possible to put them behind us, once and for all. How is this not preferable to being a passive victim of circumstance? In nouthetic counseling, even in clients where physiological conditions may play a role, (such as OCD; PPD; etc.) the emphasis is always put upon what the client CAN control. This produces better results, more lasting change, and ultimately happier clients than endless "self-awareness" and pill-popping that are staples of secular therapy.

And it certainly works better than lap-band surgery.

ETA: Thirty years ago, the American Psychological Association itself stated that psychology is not and cannot be a science. (The National Science Foundation subsidized the lengthy study from which this conclusion sprang). Hunt also quoted Karl Popper, a philosopher of science, as declaring that psychological theories have ‘more in common with primitive myths than with science’.[1] In the 1960’s, psychologists themselves began questioning the prevailing notions that roots of anti-social behavior lay outside of the patient himself. O. Hobart Mowrer, Research Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois, published The Crisis in Psychiatry and Religion in 1961. The book was ground-breaking in that Mowrer questioned the validity of institutionalized psychiatry and refuted the prevailing psychological theories of the day.

---

[1] E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., Freudian Fraud (HarperCollins Publishers, New York, 1992) p. 217

Did You Know...? (More About "Deliverance")

Did you know.........


...that bulimia is a serious sin (Proverbs 23:2, 21; Philippians 3:19; Titus 1:12)?

...that there is NO sin of which we cannot repent, and no sin too big to be forgiven (Matthew 12:31; Mark 3:28; James 5:15)?

...that NOWHERE in Scripture do we see Satan or his demons putting a "curse" on anyone?

...that NOWHERE in Scripture do we see "generational curses" put on believers?

...that the practice of "pleading the blood" is notably absent from the Bible?

...that "territorial spirits/demons" are a doctrine of man; the Bible does not uphold their existence?

...that NOWHERE in the Bible do we see instructions for "breaking off" a "curse" under which we supposedly live?

...that most dogma concerning "spiritual warfare" was developed in the last 50 years?

...that saying Satan has us in bondage is giving the devil far too much credit (if we are in Christ)?

...that the power of ALL sin and the "curse" of death was broken at the Cross? (Col. 2:15)

...that prayer and repentance is the key to overcoming addictive sin?

...that if you are in Christ, you are NO LONGER a slave to sin (Romans 6:16-22)?

...that there are no shortcuts to holiness? (Galatians 5:7-8)

...that the road to freedom is found only through steadfast prayer, renewal of the mind with the washing of the Word, and progressive sanctification - not through sensational experiences, or ecstatic emotion?

The Watchman's Bagpipes: Real Spiritual Warfare

In my book, "Redeemed from the Pit", I touch on the unbiblical basis of "deliverance ministries" that promise instantaneous healing and deliverance from all manner of sins, including eating disorders and other addictions. Usually rooted in the heretical Word of Faith movement, as sensational charismatic theology increases in popularity, so do these bogus "quick fixes" promoted by people often claiming to be "prophets".

To be blunt, ministries promising instant deliverance and freedom from demonization to women suffering from eating disorders can do far more harm than good. When the woman returns home and the initial euphoria wears off - and she is again caught up in the binge-purge cycle - she may despair and even lose faith in God.

She would have done better to have stayed in His Word, continuously seeking His strength and counsel to battle her anorexia or bulimia. If she had, she would have seen that the road to being free from sin is one devoid of short-cuts. No one can "claim" a "deliverance" for you; you must commit daily to seeking Christ and obeying Him. As you do, He will break those chains!

The obvious rebuttal to "casting out demons" of born-again Christians is that believers cannot be indwelt by the Holy Spirit and demons simultaneously. That is not to say that the devil cannot tempt, harass or even oppress believers to some degree, (and clearly all sin originates with Satan, the enemy of your soul), but claiming to perform what amounts to an exorcism on a blood-bought child of God puts a "ministry" on very shaky theological ground, to say the least.

Secondly, instant deliverance from a spiritual issue (such as bulimia)has absolutely no Scriptural precedent. We see Paul, John, Peter, James, and Christ Himself exhorting God's people to continuously turn away from sin; resist the devil; stand their ground; put on the full armor of God; repent; hold each other accountable; admonish each other; encourage and rebuke one another; pray without ceasing and practice self-control.

NEVER do we see a case of sensational deliverance from a habitual sin.

God intends for us to grow in sanctification by the power of the Holy Spirit, and this involves a day-by-day, conscious decision to turn away from sin and to the Cross. We are to "put off" the deeds of darkness and 'put on' holy living; we are NOT told that our 'demons' of bulimia can 'be bound in Jesus' Name'. That is a bastardization of the New Testament sign of casting out real demons, and is one of the primary reasons Nancy Alcorn's Mercy Ministries has been discredited (their use of the "Restoring the Foundations" manual, developed by grossly aberrant false teachers, so embarrassed their leadership that Mercy even tried to cover it up).

Spiritual warfare is real, but so much of what is taught and practiced in Pentecostal camps today is grossly unbiblical and is essentially superstition. Blogger Glenn Chatfield has written a great review of Hank Hanegraaff's "The Covering". If you have questions about what's wrong with "deliverance ministries" or are confused about the nature of biblical spiritual warfare, I encourage you to check it out by clicking on the link below.

The Watchman's Bagpipes: Real Spiritual Warfare

When Shame and Compassion Meet

"The Prodigal" by Ron DiCianni



(Text seen on a Christian message board...have you ever felt like this?)

I have turned from my Fathers love, provisions and protection to go it on my own. Once again I have failed miserably; finding myself worse off than before.

I need to return to my Father, but what will He say? Will He receive me back after all I have done?

I could see He might receive me back if this was the first time but my second, third, fourth? How many times will I test His patience? Why have I been fighting against Him?

“Ah Father, I'm so sorry. I have been such a fool.”

Will He accept my plea? Will He turn away from me?

I have nothing left to lose, but to ask, as this shame is more than I can bear.

“Father I'm coming home. I pray You will receive me. I'm walking back Father to the place where I left You. I am scared You won't receive me. Have I gone too far this time?”

I'm on my knees now as the shame and guilt are weighing heavily upon me. I cannot take another step as I'm not deserving of His love.

Maybe if I reached out with an outstretched hand I could just touch His feet. I know I cannot look Him in the face as I have let him down again and again. I have disgraced Him. How can He ever look at me again?

I am face down in the dirt with my outstretched hand praying to just touch His feet, though I am so unworthy even to touch His sandals.

“Father forgive me. I am so sorry, will You forgive me? Can You?”

The sorrow is so great I feel as though my heart will burst from the pain.

“Wait... what is this that I am feeling? Father is that You? Is it really Your presence that I am feeling? Father, no, please do not ask me to look up at You. I am so not worthy. The shame is too great. Father, please can't I just lay prostrate at Your feet?”

“My child NO! Please do not fight me, but feel the love I have for you. Receive it like you never have before. Look, not only up at me, but rise! Your sins are forgiven. I hold no condemnation over you. I love you My child, the shame and guilt are more than you are to carry. Lay them down.”

“Hold fast to me and keep your eyes upon me, feel My love for you and sin no more.”

Welcome Home My child, you have been missed.

John 8:7b-12 (NKJV)
7 and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience,[b] went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her,[c] “Woman, where are those accusers of yours?[d] Has no one condemned you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and[e] sin no more.” 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Romans 8:1 (NKJV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

---

"When the Darkness Will Not Lift"

John Piper has a wonderful little e-book which I've just this morning discovered - and have read half of already. It is called "When the Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing What We Can While We Wait for God - and Joy" and it is available, free, through the Desiring God website.

He discusses the problem of spiritual darkness and depression in a child of God, and what to do, how to pray, and how to keep your eyes focused on Jesus during your seasons of doubt. Most of us have experienced a "Dark Night of the Soul" at one time or another, whether it was brought on by the bulimia, another addictive sin, or has a more ill-defined origin.

An excerpt from the book:

"Gutsy guilt means learning to live on the rock-solid truth of what happened for us when Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again from the dead. It means realizing that in this life we will always be sinful and imperfect. Therefore in ourselves we will always be guilty. This will prove emotionally devastating if we do not discover the reality of justification by faith, that is, the secret of gutsy guilt. This is not the only weapon with which we fight for joy in the darkness of discouragement, but it is one of the most foundational and the most important."

On forgiveness when we confess and turn from that sin that's blocking our fellowship with God:

We can hold fast to our sin, keep it secret, and “groan all day long” in darkness—or we can confess it and experience the stunning experience of “the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity.”

The almost incredible hope of confessing and renouncing sin is that the Lord does not then rub it in our face but cancels it. He does not count it against us. From this side of Calvary, we know how God can do that with justice. Christ bore the wrath of God for that sin (Gal. 3:13). We don’t have to. The accounts are settled. Therefore, we should not fear to confess and let go of any cherished sin. The shame will not haunt us. Christ clothes us with his own righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21).

It only takes a second to download, and I highly encourage you to prayerfully read it - you'll be blessed!