Tag Archives: Marriage

2-25-16 “Peace”

Storms can be scary and destructive. Hot/cold air collisions and seasonal change can produce some nasty weather. In our personal life, it’s also true that changing winds can bring a storm. In the Gospels, there’s a pivotal moment where the … Continue reading

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2-24-16 “Tiny”

Big results in God’s kingdom often start very small. Jesus explained it this way: “To what shall we liken the Kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is … Continue reading

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2-20-16 “Burdens”

Sometimes the journey of faith is filled with “stumped toes” and “skinned knees”. Do you ever feel like sitting down, tending to your wounds, and giving up? If so, you’re not alone. Jesus understands the struggles we face. Think about … Continue reading

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2-19-16 “Humility”

Humility is different than weakness. A person can be in a position of weakness, or forced into submission, and still not have humility. Humility only comes when there is a decision of the will. A strong will can be a … Continue reading

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2-16-16 “Pathways”

The life of a disciple is not readily understood or embraced by popular culture. Consider how Jesus described the contrast: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and … Continue reading

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2-15-16 “Judged”

No one likes being judged; especially when it’s based on someone else’s standards. Jesus gave a rule we call “golden” that says:  “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law … Continue reading

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2-13-16 “Worry”

Do you ever get anxious and try to “look over God’s shoulder” to see if He’s “reading the instructions” correctly? Jesus spoke on several occasions about the subject of worry. As He pointed out the lifestyle of the birds and … Continue reading

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2-12-16 “Eyes”

What catches your eye? What draws your attention and focus? Jesus spoke of the eye as a lamp…or not: “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of … Continue reading

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2-11-16 “Treasure”

What captures your heart? What pursuit, activity, person or possession do you treasure? Consider Jesus’ words about the heart’s allegiance: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and … Continue reading

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2-9-16 “Glory”

How do we pray “In this manner…concerning glory.”? The last phrase in Jesus’ model prayer is: “…For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:13b Acknowledging that the kingdom, the power, and the glory all … Continue reading

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2-8-16 “Delivered”

How do we pray “In this manner…to be delivered”? The fifth phrase in Jesus’ model prayer is: “…And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13a The enemy is formidable and dangerous; however, … Continue reading

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2-7-16 “Forgiving”

The fourth phrase in Jesus’ model prayer is: “…And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12 Genuinely asking for someone’s forgiveness goes against pride. It’s based on contrition and repentance; whereas superficial requests are self-centered … Continue reading

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What in the World is Going On?

With cultural values changing almost daily, maybe you’re thinking, “What in the world is going on?” If so, check out this short video on the effects of postmodern thought:

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A Golden Nugget to Pass Along

My inbox reminds me of a certain space on our kitchen counter where things appear “out of nowhere”. However, today one of the many emails was a golden nugget from Chuck Swindoll. It came via his blog to pastors, but … Continue reading

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Work & Rest: 2 Helpful Questions for Finding Balance

Is your candle burning at both ends and melting in the middle too? I think a lot of us would have to say yes (at least sometimes). Truth is, balancing work and rest in our modern environment is challenging. A … Continue reading

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Hot on Sunday, Cold on Monday

As I’m preparing to lead small group discussions this week (using The Gospel Project material), I’m pondering a principle that helps me visualize properly relating to people. Whether it’s personal, professional, or in small group; there are some interesting applications. … Continue reading

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Great Stuff to Pray for your Children and Others you Love

Ever worry about your kids or someone you’ve invested in spiritually? Maybe you’ve experienced the nagging feeling of nervousness about their decision-making and choices? I have (and to be honest, will continue to wrestle with it as our kids get … Continue reading

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5 Things Christians can be “For”

In a culture attempting to define Christians as those “against” various issues, I’m finding it helpful to focus on what the Bible tells me to be “for”. Here’s a short list of 5: 1. The Gospel as “Good News” – … Continue reading

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Do You Have Marriage “Ground Rules”?

In conversations with couples, I’ve found an interesting thing. Many have never discussed the “Ground Rules” of their marriage and home. There may be hopes and expectations, but that’s simply not enough. If you don’t have some predetermined boundaries, then … Continue reading

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Angry Like Jesus

Can anger ever be good? I mean in Psalm 4, verse 5 David instructs the reader to be angry without sin right? So, I wondered, “Did Jesus ever get angry?” The answer of course is yes. As a matter of … Continue reading

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