“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.” -Psalm 34:18, NASB Metaphors, while being imperfect approximations, often can help us grasp difficult and complex truths conveying both intellectual and emotional freight with vivid imagery. Here’s my shot on explaining by metaphor why focusing on forgiveness first after adultery is cruel: Imagine … Continue reading “Lock the doors, grieve the loss, and don’t be a jerk!”
Category: Trauma of adultery
Reminder: Don’t eat “rocks!”
The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” – Luke 4:3-4, NIV Even legitimate needs can be filled illicitly. Today’s verses come from the story of The Great Temptation. It was Jesus versus Satan. And … Continue reading “Reminder: Don’t eat “rocks!””
But…but I want to stay married!!!
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” -Job 1:20-21, NIV Shame … Continue reading “But…but I want to stay married!!!”
Cheater-speak: “God forgives me. So, what’s your problem?!”
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. -Matthew 5:23-24, NKJV “God forgives me. So what’s your problem?!” -Cheater Does … Continue reading “Cheater-speak: “God forgives me. So, what’s your problem?!””
Healing from Hypocrites
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” -Matthew 23:23, NIV Healing from Religious Hypocrites A major learning curve for … Continue reading “Healing from Hypocrites”
Divorce Minister as Gospel Ministry
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the … Continue reading “Divorce Minister as Gospel Ministry”
Broken Vase Illustration
Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been … Continue reading “Broken Vase Illustration”
Take Down That Fear Giant!
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. – Proverbs 29:25, NKJV -Are you anxious? -Do you worry about what crazy thing … Continue reading “Take Down That Fear Giant!”
I realized “killing with kindness” is kaput! The couch episode.
When I realized my kindness was not making any difference, I did the rare act of boundary enforcement. I refused to be used one last time. It was over a couch. The one pictured above with Mr. Pickles sprawled over it to be precise. A two piece lounge-like couch that was fantastically comfortable. I was … Continue reading “I realized “killing with kindness” is kaput! The couch episode.”
“Unmet Needs” (Lie) Theory
The “Unmet Needs” Lie Theory This is the lie theory that teaches faithful spouses that their deficiencies at home is what drove the adulterous spouse to cheat. The faithful spouse was not sexually available enough. The faithful spouse was not emotionally adept and engaged enough. You know the drill. I have heard in horror how … Continue reading ““Unmet Needs” (Lie) Theory”