“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” -Jeremiah 31:33, NIV If your spouse lacks an internal moral compass, then … Continue reading “Watch out if she asks you for “rules!””
On hundreds of messages exchanged
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. -John 3:21, NIV Graphic pictures of compromising behavior seems to be almost needed to convince some pastors and Christians that a spouse is violating their … Continue reading “On hundreds of messages exchanged”
Who is his forgiveness for according to Jesus? Those who repent.
It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ -Luke 24:47, NLT Often faithful spouses are pushed to forgive with no reference to the cheater’s repentance. As these words attributed to Jesus by … Continue reading “Who is his forgiveness for according to Jesus? Those who repent.”
Nancy Ortberg shares her side re:Bill Hybels allegations
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. -Luke 8:17, NIV Today, Nancy Ortberg–who worked at Willow Creek Church as staff as well as a Board member of the Willow Creek Association for nine years–dropped a bomb of a … Continue reading “Nancy Ortberg shares her side re:Bill Hybels allegations”
Rev Bill Hybels resigns from Willow Creek Church. Storm not over.
***Update to my posts (here and here) on the Willow Creek Church and founder Rev. Bill Hybels situation where Hybels was accused of sexually inappropriate behavior*** Rev. Bill Hybels officially resigned last night from being the lead pastor at the megachurch he founded, Willow Creek Church. Here is a link to the official statement from … Continue reading “Rev Bill Hybels resigns from Willow Creek Church. Storm not over.”
Forgiveness is powerless to change historical facts!
It still feels strange for me to even speak about how my first marriage ended. I feel internal pressure and accusation as if speaking the facts means I have not forgiven her or am bitter. That’s a lie, by the way. But it is a hard one to shake growing up amidst a Christian subculture … Continue reading “Forgiveness is powerless to change historical facts!”
Cheater-Speak: “A friend.”
Faithful Spouse: Who is he then? Cheater: A friend. Can’t I have friends? This is a common cheater ploy. They attempt to minimize the nature of their relationship with the affair partner. He (or she) is presented as “a friend.” Then they might go on the offense accusing the faithful spouse … Continue reading “Cheater-Speak: “A friend.””
On curing a bad case of “The If-Onlys”
If only… …I had lost that weight. …landed that well-paying job. …spent more time at home than working. …initiated sex more. …wore sexier underwear. …was a better listener. If only…if only…if only… When you are stuck in “the if onlys,” you are stuck in trying to control something that is outside of your control–namely, the … Continue reading “On curing a bad case of “The If-Onlys””
Is enough ever enough?
Are you not to judge those inside [the church]? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” -I Corinthians 5:12b-13, NIV Is enough ever enough to stop enabling cheaters in the church? I am so thankful for God’s extravagant mercy and grace. It is what made the way for me to have … Continue reading “Is enough ever enough?”
Adultery situations make pastors uncomfortable!
He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. The Lord loves the godly. -Psalm 146:7-8, NLT Pastors are not marriage therapists. We are pastors. Our area of training and focus deals with rightly handling Scripture. We provide emotional … Continue reading “Adultery situations make pastors uncomfortable!”