This time the dove returned to him in the evening with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. Then Noah knew that the floodwaters were almost gone. -Genesis 8:11, NLT Cheaters are already too central. As faithful spouses, we make them central for several very good reasons: 1) They are central because some of us … Continue reading “On Warm Baths and Nice Kitties”
Category: Trauma of adultery
Escaping to Romantic Fantasyland
“This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’” -Proverbs 30:20, NIV It is pointless to engage in “reconciliation” efforts while a partner continues cheating. You are wasting time and treasure. The worst piece of advice I got was to take my focus off … Continue reading “Escaping to Romantic Fantasyland”
Sharing How It Ended…
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. -Ephesians 5:11-12, NIV It happened to me, again, today. I was having a conversation with a work colleague who wanted to know more about me. Of course, I shared … Continue reading “Sharing How It Ended…”
“The Sin of Divorce” Language
“The Sin of Divorce” Language matters. Distinctions matter. Context matters. All of these are reasons for why I dislike the phrase “the sin of divorce.” It fails theologically and pastorally on many levels. My hope is that those who teach on divorce in the church stop using it altogether. The biggest issue I have with … Continue reading ““The Sin of Divorce” Language”
The Unseen In Tullian Tchividjian’s Apology And News Coverage
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take … Continue reading “The Unseen In Tullian Tchividjian’s Apology And News Coverage”
Easter-Death Is NOT The End!
“He is not here; he has risen!” -Luke 24:6a, NIV Today, we celebrate Jesus rising from the grave. It is Resurrection Sunday. One lesson from Resurrection Sunday is that death is not the end. It is merely the beginning of life for those who are in Christ. Sin and death do not get the last … Continue reading “Easter-Death Is NOT The End!”
Repentance And Restitution
“If anyone gives a neighbor silver or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double.” -Exodus 22:7, NIV But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I … Continue reading “Repentance And Restitution”
Good Friday, Proof That Sin Is Serious Stuff!
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” -Matthew 27:22, NIV Sin is serious stuff! It is not the sort of thing that God sweeps under the rug. God does not turn a blind-eye to sin. His character requires justice is done. The debt must … Continue reading “Good Friday, Proof That Sin Is Serious Stuff!”
Values Irony
This song is part of the soundtrack from my childhood. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by The Cathedrals would play on the car audio system on our many holiday trips to and from my grandparent’s home in Mt. Lake, MN. Often, I would fall to sleep to these beautiful lyrics about God’s faithfulness and unchanging ways. … Continue reading “Values Irony”
Misreading “The Unmerciful Servant Parable”
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants….” -Matthew 18:23, NIV This is the opening verse to a famous parable Jesus told to illustrate our need to forgive others. It is often labeled something like “The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant” or something like that. Here … Continue reading “Misreading “The Unmerciful Servant Parable””