As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17, NIV Maybe it is just my own story and bad experiences, but these days I am highly skeptical of “Men’s Ministries” (or “Women’s Ministries”). They are often sold as places for men and women to deal with deep issues with their own gender. … Continue reading “My Ambivalence Towards “Men’s Ministries””
Category: Encouragement
Was Jesus “Damaged Goods”?
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. -Isaiah 53:4-5, KJV Satan is not … Continue reading “Was Jesus “Damaged Goods”?”
New Things and A Happy New Year!
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. -Isaiah 43:19, KJV With the end of 2015, Divorce Minister: Taking Adultery Seriously has officially completed its first full calendar year of existence. It is odd … Continue reading “New Things and A Happy New Year!”
Top 5 DM Blog Posts of 2015
Top Five DM Blog Posts For 2015 This past year has been a busy year on Divorce Minister. It marks the first full calendar year that Divorce Minister: Taking Adultery Seriously has exited. Below is a countdown of my top five visited stories for 2015 (only counting posts written this year). These posts received hundreds … Continue reading “Top 5 DM Blog Posts of 2015”
Using Our Spiritual Eyes
Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, “Oh, master! What shall we do?” He said, “Don’t worry about it—there are more on our side than on their side.” Then Elisha prayed, “O God, open his eyes … Continue reading “Using Our Spiritual Eyes”
Emmanuel – God With Us
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. -Matthew 1:22-23, KJV Christianity is not a religion … Continue reading “Emmanuel – God With Us”
Tears As Seeds
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. -Psalm 126:5-6, KJV I recall listening to a sermon by Pastor Bill Johnson about this word picture. He explained the idea as one going hungry and … Continue reading “Tears As Seeds”
“Disappointing The Ultimate Authority” Handle
When my divorce was going through against my will (at the time), I experienced heightened spiritual distress. This was distress over disappointing the Ultimate Authority–i.e. God. Cognitively, I understood that I had no power to stop the divorce. My best friend spoke the truth to me earlier in September when he called out that … Continue reading ““Disappointing The Ultimate Authority” Handle”
Hope In God
“You Uphold” by Clay Edwards This song ministered to my heart during some of my darkest times. It was especially encouraging for me as I was trying to get my feet back on solid ground–i.e. career-wise in particular. It helped to remember God’s perspective on my destiny is not a natural or human perspective. I … Continue reading “Hope In God”
It is okay to “fire” your pastor.
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. -Acts 17:11, NLT Maybe you are like me and find it difficult to say no to an authority figure? … Continue reading “It is okay to “fire” your pastor.”