One of the first weddings I performed as a young pastor had all the promise you could hope for in a marriage. Both in their mid-twenties, both believers, he was a medical student, she was a nurse. It should have been a model marriage filled with peace and joy. Struggles would come, of course, but […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Marriage
Love Has a Thick Skin
In 1 Corinthians 13:5, Paul uses two negative descriptions—“is not provoked” and “doesn’t take into account a wrong suffered.” In other words, genuine love isn’t fragile. Agape applies lots of grace to a relationship; it leaves lots of room for the other person to make mistakes. And when you live in close proximity to someone […]
Read MoreComing Home
I am on a long flight home. I’m tired. The days away were well spent but exhausting. I am glad I made the trip, but I’m even happier to be coming home. There’s nothing like a few days away to remind me how much I love being home. No hotel can take the place of […]
Read MoreAttitude Check
I’d like to encourage you (and myself) to toss out the idea of “New Year’s Resolutions” and instead cultivate four areas of character development. The first character trait was directed towards our attitudes. I determine to exhibit a persistent ATTITUDE of praise and to write down three examples each day. Now wait . . . […]
Read MoreAn Ordinary Home Can Be a Holy Place
The word holy means “set apart” for a specific purpose—like the linen and silverware you use only on holidays. As a place where the truth about God and His Word is modeled, your home can be a holy place—set apart for His children to grow. “Our home? Holy?” Yes! But . . . It Starts […]
Read MoreLet’s Consult the Architect
One of the most beautiful blueprints ever designed has been God’s plan for marriage. Established before there was any sin in the world, marriage illustrates God’s perfect design for relationships. Let’s consult the architect for three ways to live in this wonderful establishment called marriage. We’ll use Proverbs 24:3-4 as our home base: By wisdom […]
Read MoreFaith or Family
Hebrews 11:8-10 More than fifty years ago, my parents were not convinced that Cynthia was the best mate for me. They were sincere, but on that matter, they were wrong. Had I listened to them, I would not have married the woman I should have married. We recently celebrated our fiftieth wedding anniversary. Now, if […]
Read MoreAnniversaries
Hard to believe, but Cynthia and I celebrate our sixtieth wedding anniversary this month. You read it right . . . that’s ten years more than half a century! I remember looking upon those who celebrated their quarter-of-a-century anniversary as folks who were about a hop away from a Zimmer frame. And here Cynthia and […]
Read MoreA Pinch of Salt
I am told that there is a common expression in the Middle-East: “there is salt between us.” It has to do with lasting loyalty in a relationship. It’s a saying that probably derives from the idea that salt has been shared at meals in which negotiations have been held and settlements reached. The symbolism of […]
Read MoreA Force of Nature
I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the old John Wayne film The Quiet Man. It’s a true John Ford classic, even though it relies heavily on 1950s stereotypes. Without spoiling the whole thing for you, the two main characters are a boxer who retired from the ring because he landed a blow that killed […]
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