The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. -John 10:10, NLT My former father-in-law (FIL) and former mother-in-law (MIL) adhered to a 1980s version of evangelical Christianity where it was about believing certain principles. While I appreciate the evangelical efforts of those … Continue reading “Overemphasis on eternal destiny distorts true Christianity”
Look for a pastor with empathy!
Then Jesus wept. -John 11:35, NLT When looking for a pastor, I would encourage you to consider empathy and compassion as necessary traits. The “answer man” or “answer woman” is not what a hurting heart needs. Today, I read an excellent article about the importance of this trait in pastors. It was written by … Continue reading “Look for a pastor with empathy!”
Eat bread, not rocks!
The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” – Luke 4:3-4, NIV Even legitimate needs can be filled illicitly. Today’s verses come from the story of The Great Temptation. It was Jesus versus Satan. And … Continue reading “Eat bread, not rocks!”
The ingratitude of cheaters
“She cheated on you? Well, did you take her for granted?” -Cruel, Cheater-Apologist Pastor What I find interesting about accusations about ingratitude is how they seem one-sided when a cheater in involved. The faithful spouse is fair game to be criticized for not showing enough gratitude for their spouse. This is doubly the case if … Continue reading “The ingratitude of cheaters”
Strengthen through music!
When I was struggling the most, I would spend time soaking in the tub at my condominium while listening to music. The music was songs that reminded me of truths about God. They were songs to remind me of God’s love for me and to give me hope. I recommend this practice of listening to … Continue reading “Strengthen through music!”
Healing from those hypocrites
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” -Matthew 23:23, NIV Healing from Religious Hypocrites A major learning curve for … Continue reading “Healing from those hypocrites”
Your second marriage is NOT doomed!
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. -2 Timothy 1:7, KJV I am deeply troubled by how acceptable it is within Christian leadership to use fear about divorce against faithful spouses. If you are like me, you have heard the terrifying … Continue reading “Your second marriage is NOT doomed!”
Making a money transfer is no more a sin than divorce.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. -I Timothy 6:10, NIV Divorce is not sin. It is like transferring money from one account to another. The act itself is not a sin. However, the context … Continue reading “Making a money transfer is no more a sin than divorce.”
Cold and Blind Cheaters
The woman named Folly is brash. She is ignorant and doesn’t know it. -Proverbs 9:13, NLT I think cheaters have to be very spiritually and emotionally sick to do what they do. The Bible teaches that marriage makes the couple one. So, a cheater is–in effect–mortally harming himself or herself in the act of cheating. … Continue reading “Cold and Blind Cheaters”
Divorce Minister is a Gospel Ministry
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the … Continue reading “Divorce Minister is a Gospel Ministry”