Choices, choices, cheater choices!

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” -Deuteronomy 30:19, NLT Choices, choices, and cheater choices! The thing with cheaters is … Continue reading “Choices, choices, cheater choices!”

Biblical permission to divorce includes permission to remarry!

 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. And when … Continue reading “Biblical permission to divorce includes permission to remarry!”

Real, good friends suffer with you.

“Let Me Show You the Way” is an old but favorite song from Michael W. Smith. He really captures the heart of true friendship.  This song by MWS speaks to what I believe is a human longing. It is a longing for a good friend who loves at a deep, heart-level. These are the friends … Continue reading “Real, good friends suffer with you.”

Is repentance about earning forgiveness? No.

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift … Continue reading “Is repentance about earning forgiveness? No.”

Pastor to DM: What DO I say to an adultery victim?

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” -Matthew 10:42, NIV What DO I say to an adultery victim as a pastor? Yesterday’s post raised this question. Dr. Skinner suggested a … Continue reading “Pastor to DM: What DO I say to an adultery victim?”

Cheater: “I talked it out with my therapist. We’re good now.”

“I talked through my issues around the affair with my therapist. We’re good now,” says Cheater.  He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.“ -Mark 10:11, NIV An affair is a violation of the marriage vow to “forsake all others.” The cheater has sinned against their spouse–whether physically or … Continue reading “Cheater: “I talked it out with my therapist. We’re good now.””

Sometimes the criticism just reveals the critic.

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.  -Proverbs 10:19, NKJV People’s criticisms say a lot… …but not necessarily anything about the one criticized. This is a lesson impressed upon me during my formal training in clinical pastoral care. It is an important lesson to remember … Continue reading “Sometimes the criticism just reveals the critic.”

An affair is NEVER about the other spouse.

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. -Hebrews 13:4, NIV The affair is never about the other spouse. I know this is a controversial thing to write. But it is true from a pastor’s perspective. We know this truth from … Continue reading “An affair is NEVER about the other spouse.”