Father O’Malley answered the phone.
“Hello, is this Father O’Malley?”
“It is.”
“This is the IRS. Can you help us?”
“I can.”
“Do you know a Ted Houlihan?”
“I do.”
“Is he a member of your church?”
“He is.”
“Did he donate $10,000 to the church?”
“He will.”
It would appear that Ted Houlihan attempted to stick it to the IRS, claiming to have made a charitable contribution he had not actually made. I hear that all the time: “I’m done with my addiction.” “I have no more temptation.” “The battle is over.”
The Bible warns us, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking” (Proverbs 10:19).
Recovery Step: Be the person you want others to think you are.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
