In Matthew 5:27–30, Jesus takes us beneath the surface of our lives and into the hidden world of the heart. We may measure ourselves by outward behavior, but God measures us by inward desire. “Everyone who looks…with lustful intent has already committed adultery in his heart.” Lust is not a small, private indulgence—it is misdirected … Continue reading The Battle Beneath the Surface
Marriage and Family
A Prayer for Fathers on Father’s Day
A Pastoral Prayer for Fathers on Father's Day Here are a few things to pray for the men in your life who are fathers.
MEN: How is God calling you to lead your family?
When a man senses a primary God-given responsibility for… the spiritual life of the family gathering the family for devotions, taking them to church, calling for prayer at meals, for the discipline and education of the children, the stewardship of money, the provision of food, the safety of the home, the healing of discord, he … Continue reading MEN: How is God calling you to lead your family?
When The Time Comes to Divide the Family Estate
"When Providence has removed your parents by death, the best methods ought to be taken, not only for preventing quarrels among the children (which often happens over the dividing of the estate), but for the preserving of love so that unity may continue even when that center of unity is taken away." - Matthew Henry, Presbyterian pastor … Continue reading When The Time Comes to Divide the Family Estate
Cultivating a Healthy Marriage – Clothed with Kindness
Colossians 3:12-17 declares that our Lord has given us a wardrobe to wear that will enable us to fulfill the vows that we make to the Lord and to each other on our wedding day. All of us are naturally inclined to go to the wardrobe of the FLESH. This wardrobe produces in us and in our relationships such destructive … Continue reading Cultivating a Healthy Marriage – Clothed with Kindness
Take Courage! There Are No Exemplary Families in the Bible
It is easy to despair when we realize how far we fall short as husbands, wives, fathers and mothers. Below is an excerpt from Eugene Peterson’s book Like Dew Your Youth: Growing Up with Your Teenager (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998). It has been a source of tremendous encouragement for me … Continue reading Take Courage! There Are No Exemplary Families in the Bible
What Does It Look Like to Cherish Your Bride?
Cherishing Your Bride The Lord has been challenging me lately to become more intentional in cherishing my wife. It is easy for our wives to feel undervalued because we can so easily take them for granted. Our wives are like beautiful orchids that demand tender care and wise attention. Therefore, we must proactively work to … Continue reading What Does It Look Like to Cherish Your Bride?
What Marriage Is
Marriage is not a federation of two sovereign states. It is a union – domestic, social, spiritual, physical. It is a fusion of two hearts – the union of two lives – The coming together of two tributaries, which, after being joined in marriage, will flow in the same channel, in the same direction… carrying … Continue reading What Marriage Is
A Wonderful 75 Minute Investment in Your Marriage or Future Marriage
"Cultivating a Healthy Marriage: Part One" The above link will lead you to a recording of a seminar led by Tim and Kathy Keller. Presently, it is free to download from the Redeemer Presbyterian Church's resource website. If I could only recommend one resource to couples for marriage enrichment or marriage preparation, this would be … Continue reading A Wonderful 75 Minute Investment in Your Marriage or Future Marriage
How Do You Develop a Spiritual Friendship in Marriage?
Click here for a link to a PDF file entitled "Developing Spiritual Friendship in Marriage
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