For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him… -Philippians 1:29, NIV While the context of this verse is more precisely about persecution for professing Christ as Lord, I claim this for myself and any unjust suffering in general. Suffering seems to … Continue reading “Gift of Suffering”
Category: Encouragement
Marry Someone Who Is NOT Ambivalent
When choosing a spouse, I recommend NOT marrying someone who demonstrates ambivalence about the union. This is a lesson I learned from my first marriage ending. When you are with someone who is less than eager to “tie the knot,” it may spell problems down the road. Besides, you are worth being with someone who … Continue reading “Marry Someone Who Is NOT Ambivalent”
Labor Day Distraction
When my life was recently obliterated by the discovery of the other man plus my (now ex) wife serving me divorce papers, I took a trip to visit my best friends in New York City. It was Labor Day weekend. Now, I am not a huge NYC fan–no offense to those who love this city … Continue reading “Labor Day Distraction”
God Will Not Refuse to Receive You!
“Failures are events, NOT persons.” -Anonymous psychologist (emphasis mine) “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” -Psalm 27:10, NLT These two quotes ministered greatly to my ravaged soul during the aftermath of discovering adultery and getting divorced. The power of the statements are tied to the lies they address. … Continue reading “God Will Not Refuse to Receive You!”
Trust God, Fear NOT “Man”
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. -Proverbs 29:25, NIV If God is for us,who can be against us? -Romans 8:31b, NIV Trust God, Fear NOT “Man!” My anxiety often escalates when I start concerning myself with the opinions of “man” over what I know is God’s verdict … Continue reading “Trust God, Fear NOT “Man””
Relax, Be Still, And Remember He Is God!
“’Be still, and know that I am God….’” – Psalm 46:10b, NIV When I was in the shock stage, I often found myself drawing a warm bath with lavender bath salts to ease my stress. I would play worship music to encourage my soul as I soaked in the tub before or after I … Continue reading “Relax, Be Still, And Remember He Is God!”
Careful in Sharing
Not everyone deserves to hear your story. It is a privilege to be allowed entry into such an intimate and tender place. One of the hardest lessons I am still learning is to hold what I know closer to my chest. In other words, I tend to the “over share” spectrum of sharing. I am … Continue reading “Careful in Sharing”
Keep going…
As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” -Romans 10:11, NIV This evening I had the privilege of helping my daughter get to sleep. She wanted me to lie in bed with her for a little while. So, I did. As I lay there, I was struck about how … Continue reading “Keep going…”
“Let not your heart be troubled….”
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. -John 14:27, KJV “Let NOT your heart be troubled…” (Emphasis mine) This is a command from Jesus. A command that implies we have a … Continue reading ““Let not your heart be troubled….””
Bondage Breaking Music
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” -Romans 8:15, NLT Music is powerful. It moves the soul. Plato recognized this writing about controlling what music one heard as part of his … Continue reading “Bondage Breaking Music”