“4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” -Luke 13:4-5, KJV Repentance is clearly assumed as necessary before forgiveness and salvation according to Jesus’ … Continue reading “Repentance is key to godly forgiveness”
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to my faithful spouses in the USA! I know this day may be a tough day for some of you. However, I would encourage both acknowledging those feelings exist AND thinking about what gives you gratitude as part of developing the spiritual discipline of thanksgiving. So, in the spirit of the holiday and … Continue reading “Happy Thanksgiving!”
It takes effort to deceive.
She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful. -Proverbs 23:28, NLT For those inclined to believe a cheater is a victim of his or her circumstances, it is worth noting the effort necessary to cover up the infidelity. In fact, I think the aftermath of the cheating is actually the … Continue reading “It takes effort to deceive.”
Thanksgiving as a spiritual discipline
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. -I Thessalonians 5:18, NLT Why would the author of I Thessalonians command us to be thankful unless this was something we have to choose to do? The temptation is to allow life’s circumstances to dictate the spiritual climate of our … Continue reading “Thanksgiving as a spiritual discipline”
You will always be treated as “The Problem.”
When a cheater is done with their spouse, they will treat the spouse as “The Problem.” This is a dangerous time for the faithful spouse because this is when they experience the full contempt of the cheater. Sadly, many pastors and other counselors egg the cheater to say more contemptuous things about the faithful spouse … Continue reading “You will always be treated as “The Problem.””
Strong medicine!
“Nice” does not work with someone who has doubled down on destruction. If someone is about to run off a cliff, we don’t worry about saying a “harsh” word but rather–those who care–shout to get them to stop running. That is loving. Quietly objecting is not. Someone who is cheating is stuck on the short-term. … Continue reading “Strong medicine!”
Pushing Soul Rape Victims Back To the Perpetrators
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” … Continue reading “Pushing Soul Rape Victims Back To the Perpetrators”
Necessity of faith
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. -Hebrews 11:1, NIV But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. -Hebrews 11:6, KJV Faith … Continue reading “Necessity of faith”
A song as a prayer
When I was in the darkest hours, I found praise music was a helpful way to strengthen my soul. These songs were sung in faith. We need to remember God’s character especially when we cannot see His goodness in the moment. I do not know where you are in your journey today. Maybe you are … Continue reading “A song as a prayer”
Example of the Ninevehites
“The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here–but you refuse to repent.” -Matthew 12:41, NLT Does repentance seem necessary for forgiveness (and salvation) according to these words from Jesus … Continue reading “Example of the Ninevehites”