Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor. Proverbs 25:18, NIV The lies. Lies attacking the faithful spouse’s character. Lies designed to destroy worth and humiliate. Lies hiding the true marital history. Lies manipulating counselors/pastors against the faithful spouse. Lies Lies. Lies. They are … Continue reading “Lies Like Sword Wounds”
Defending the Vulnerable!
“How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. -Psalm 82:2-4, NIV It is not a level playing field when adultery is discovered. … Continue reading “Defending the Vulnerable!”
Rebuke First
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” -Luke 17:3b-4, NIV Some may argue from these words that forgiveness does not happen unless … Continue reading “Rebuke First”
Moving day…No, literally!
Sorry for being silent…Mrs., Munchkin, and I were moving today. We are grateful for all the family who helped us move to our new more affordable place. Still have more work to do. But am glad for this move. It is much nicer than the one I took on my own over two years ago … Continue reading “Moving day…No, literally!”
When Supporting Divorce Is Viewed As Worse Than…
Today, I am responding to an write-in article posted on RELEVANT Magazine. This is an explicitly cutting edge evangelical Christian magazine designed to engage culture from a Biblical Christian perspective. Here is the link to the article: I’m Getting Divorced. Why Won’t My Church Help Me? | RELEVANT Magazine. This exchange between a man, Marc, and … Continue reading “When Supporting Divorce Is Viewed As Worse Than…”
Truth as Punishment
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”-Matthew 12:36-37, NIV When reconstructing one’s narrative, truth can be both freeing and punishing. It is punishing … Continue reading “Truth as Punishment”
Did Jesus “Nice” the Pharisees Back?
“In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness…. You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?” – Matthew 23:28,33, NIV These are Jesus’ own words to the Pharisees and other religious Jewish leaders in … Continue reading “Did Jesus “Nice” the Pharisees Back?”
A Metaphor Regarding Forgiveness
“And the second [greatest commandment] is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” -Jesus in Matthew 22:39, NIV Even with the betrayal being fresh, religious people are apt to tell a faithful spouse of their obligation to forgive their adulterous spouse. The charge of “unforgiving” or “bitter” are always close at hand for religious people … Continue reading “A Metaphor Regarding Forgiveness”
No Honor Among Thieves
To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd. -Psalm 18:25-26, NIV During the last ditch effort to save my first marriage, my (now ex) wife was constantly talking about how I needed to rebuild her trust and … Continue reading “No Honor Among Thieves”
Don’t Eat 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 “Don’t Eat Rocks”