14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. -James 1:14-15, NLT Emotional Affairs (EA) are wrong. They are sin as they are the breach of marriage vows to “forsake all others.” The … Continue reading “Smokescreen: Emotional Affair As “Symptom” Blameshift.”
Encouragement from Psalm 147
He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust. -Psalm 147:3,6, NLT I love how the Psalmist characterizes God. God is both tender to the hurting and strong towards the proud. He is the type who is perfect for a faithful spouse to trust. … Continue reading “Encouragement from Psalm 147”
God cares. Maybe let Him do the worrying?
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care….. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. -Matthew 10:29,31, NIV This morning I awoke from an interesting dream. In this dream, I was with family in a large, informal gathering … Continue reading “God cares. Maybe let Him do the worrying?”
Be at peace with your decision.
What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. -I Corinthians 2:12, NIV While I view divorce as a mercy for faithful spouses, I do not insist on it. I am aware that God calls us to … Continue reading “Be at peace with your decision.”
Can someone be forgiven without repentance? No.
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” -Matthew 3:1-2, NIV Can someone be forgiven without repentance? I do not think so. If it was otherwise, why did John the Baptist need to preach a message of repentance to prepare the way … Continue reading “Can someone be forgiven without repentance? No.”
Spiritual Abuse and Cheating
“What Is Spiritual Abuse? Any attempt to exert power and control over someone using religion, faith, or beliefs can be spiritual abuse.” –WebMD 7 “The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 8 But you … Continue reading “Spiritual Abuse and Cheating”
Hurt more hearts than one!
I love an–now–older Country song about dating that highlights how romantic relationships impact the whole family. It is a nice popular cultural corrective to the idea that these relationships do not touch anyone beside the couple. This is especially true when it comes to marriage and divorce. The singer is Ingrid Andress, and her song … Continue reading “Hurt more hearts than one!”
I was interviewed for a podcast! Talking Spiritual Abuse and Divorce.
Earlier this past month, I had the privilege to speak with Tracy Schorn and Sarah Gorrell on Spiritual Abuse and Infidelity for their podcast, Tell Me How You’re Mighty. The interview is now live on YouTube. Here is the (click here).
Public Teaching Needed!
But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. -I Timothy 5:20, NIV By continuing this ministry, I know I will experience the occasional judgment and condemnation of others. “He must be bitter.” “I am concerned about his new family. He you would think he would … Continue reading “Public Teaching Needed!”
Repent or else.
“Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” -Matthew 16:4, NLT On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” -Jonah 3:4, NLT Was Jesus being “unforgiving” … Continue reading “Repent or else.”