No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence. -Psalm 101:7, NIV When the Psalmist wrote this verse, he spoke into the context of emulating God’s character of love and justice (see Psalm 101:1). One thing is true about all cheaters: All Cheaters lie … Continue reading “The psalmist would not tolerate cheaters.”
Like a used tissue.
“I felt like a used piece of tissue paper. Just thrown away in the trash.” – Vineyard pastor The quote might not be exact. However, I will never forget the thrust of what she said. The message was unmistakable. This brave pastoral spouse shared to a young Vineyard Church about her experience of being sexually … Continue reading “Like a used tissue.”
Happy Easter! He is risen.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. -Matthew 28:6, KJV I love Easter. This holiday reminds us that God conquered the grave. I find this comforting as I go through life’s stresses. Whatever comes, the worst enemy–death–is defeated. In the spirit of that … Continue reading “Happy Easter! He is risen.”
The beauty of Holy Saturday
59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. -Matthew 27:59-60a, NIV Everything looked lost. Jesus was dead. He was buried along with all his followers’ hopes and dreams. This is Holy Saturday. Can you relate? What I love … Continue reading “The beauty of Holy Saturday”
Jesus was not passive on Good Friday
20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.” John 18:20-21, NIV Today is Good Friday. We remember Jesus’ sacrifice today. It is a day where … Continue reading “Jesus was not passive on Good Friday”
Recalibrating Expectations: Marriage resurrection is not the norm.
….but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.” -Mark 16:6, NLT Resurrection is unexpected. It is not how things normally go. This is in part why Jesus coming back from … Continue reading “Recalibrating Expectations: Marriage resurrection is not the norm.”
No more condemnation for faithful spouses!
It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up. -Isaiah 50:9, NIV God is on the side of righteousness. In the case of adultery, that means God is on the “side” of the faithful spouse. He is not participating in their condemnation. I … Continue reading “No more condemnation for faithful spouses!”
Cheater-Speak: “My relationship with Andy has nothing to do with our marriage problems.”
Faithful Spouse: Who is Andy then? Cheater: A friend… You know, my relationship with Andy has nothing to do with our marriage problems. A cheater who is unwilling to admit any problems regarding the cheating is a cheater who has been given over to their sin. It really is that sadly simple. They cannot be … Continue reading “Cheater-Speak: “My relationship with Andy has nothing to do with our marriage problems.””
Hosea had a special call on his life from God!
When the Lord began to speak by Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea: “Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry And children of harlotry, For the land has committed great harlotry By departing from the Lord.” – Hosea 1:2, NKJV What strikes me as in the last post is how biblically educated men can miss how this was a very special call upon … Continue reading “Hosea had a special call on his life from God!”
My happiest day! An important anniversary.
Tomorrow is our anniversary. Mrs. DM and I will be officially married for seven years tomorrow. This is a very significant number for me (besides being the perfect number in Scripture.) My first marriage lasted merely six years and a few months. To say the last year of it was turbulent would be an understatement. … Continue reading “My happiest day! An important anniversary.”