There’s something about death that has a way of putting things into perspective.
Continue reading “Death Reviewed”Death Reviewed
Ministry Casualties
Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.
It’s Sunday evening. Time to unwind after a long day of ministry. As I check my Twitter account, I read this tweet from DrMalachi.eth (@malachiobrien). My attention is captured in the first two seconds with the words “pastors resigned.”
Continue reading “Ministry Casualties”A Good Man or Good At Being A Man
Back in October I saw this question on social media: Would you rather be a good man or be good at being a man?
How would you answer?
Continue reading “A Good Man or Good At Being A Man”Ministry Fun?
Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.
“The ministry would be fun if it wasn’t for people!”
This was said to me in jest and attempted humor many years ago.
Continue reading “Ministry Fun?”The Month of Love (I, N, E)
Today marks the end of February but the continuation of building and blessing your marriage.
V – Value the grace gift of marriage
A – Advance your marriage through prayer
L – Love your spouse unconditionally
E – Energize your marriage
N – Nothing should come between you and your spouse
T – Take time to cherish your spouse
I – I must not get in the way
When troubling issues between a husband and wife descend upon a marriage, the default setting is to focus all the attention or blame upon the other person. When our “expectation comes from the Lord” (Psalm 62:5) for biblical change, then we must step out of the way. One of the ways to trust God for your marriage is to refuse to make things work, change others, and/or be in control. While you are praying for God to change your spouse and/or your situation, He has set out to change you, too. You can trust God for your marriage and your spouse.
N – Never go to bed angry and unrepentant
The Word is very clear about unresolved conflicts between spouses. Do not let the sun go down on your anger . . . . Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:26, 31-32). Please let these words of God soak into your soul and obey. Leave the results with God. Confess the idolatry of wanting your own way as you run to the cross of Christ. Here’s a highly recommended resource: Marriage Conflict, Talking As Teammates, 31-Day Devotionals for Life, Steve Hoppe.
E – Enjoy the journey
God said marriage was good before sin entered into this world (Genesis 2:18-25). For all aspects of marriage success and fulfillment, look to the Creator of marriage and trust Him day-by-day to grow you and your marriage for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) and for the gospel (Ephesians 5:18-33). Do not set your expectations on your spouse and try to change them. Take your burdens and the issues of your heart to the Lord in intercessory prayer (1 Peter 5:6-7). Take your focus off of what you want and what you expect from your spouse and say, “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my hope is from Him” (Psalm 62:5).
If you have missed any of this series, just check out the previous posts. Set your affection on God first, soak your soul in Colossians 3 and may this gift of marriage be a tool of growth in Christ for the glory of God through all the joys, hardships, sorrows, disappointments, and pleasures!
The Month of Love (T)
We may be wrapping up the month of February, but working at our marriage is a daily practice. So far this month, using the acrostic V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E, we have seen some ways to grow and change in the blessed gift of a biblical marriage.
Continue reading “The Month of Love (T)”The Only Place to Go
“Living below in this old sinful world . . . where could I go but to the Lord?”
These words from an old song remind me of a statement that I have heard many repeat over the years, “Well, I guess all we can do now is pray.” This is usually attached to a heart of desperation that has humanly tried, examined, thought about, questioned, discussed with others and sought a way to respond to their current situation or lifelong need.
Continue reading “The Only Place to Go”The Month of Love (N)
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Here we are in the middle of February, and we continue the V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E acrostic on ways to make this a blessed month of growth and change in biblical marriage.
With “N” being the middle letter as it comes between V-A-L-E and T-I-N-E, let us be reminded to let NOTHING come between you and your spouse in this blessed grace gift!
Continue reading “The Month of Love (N)”Make It a Special Day!!
Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.
Ministry Friend, what have you planned for Valentine’s Day for your wife? You’ve had a full weekend and Sunday. May I encourage you to consider the following?
Continue reading “Make It a Special Day!!”The Month of Love (E)
Is your marriage stalling out? In a dry season? Need some energy?
Continuing to use the acrostic V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E, here’s another idea to help make this a blessed month of growth and change in biblical love in marriage.
E – Energize your marriage
The word “engergize” means “to give vitality and enthusiasm to.” Does your marriage need some life, some energy, some revving up!!
Continue reading “The Month of Love (E)”
From A Pastor's Heart 