As a follower of Jesus who is convinced that God’s design for sexuality does not include homosexual relationships, I am saddened by the development outlined in this article: http://outsmartmagazine.com/2011/05/presbyterian-church-usa-vote-affirms-lgbt-clergy-called-to-serve-the-church/ From my reading of Scripture, this movement (LGBT) grieves the heart of God and undermines his expressed will and original intention of one man... one woman... together … Continue reading Should the PCUSA have cleared the way for gay pastors?
Marriage and Family
The Value of a Heaven-Inspired, Praying Mother
This coming weekend we celebrate Mother's Day. It is fitting that we pray to our faithful God that He might "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:6). This coming weekend is an opportunity for us to take time out to honor our … Continue reading The Value of a Heaven-Inspired, Praying Mother
Grace to Fulfill Our Parental Calling #4
Parents worthy of honor pass on to their children a legacy of the faithfulness of God in their family’s life and pilgrimage. Example of Joshua and his memorial stones. Joshua 4:7 declares God’s intent in having Joshua make this memorial: “So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.” We must … Continue reading Grace to Fulfill Our Parental Calling #4
Grace to Fulfill Our Parental Calling #3
Parents worthy of honor engage in the ancient practice of blessing their children. Like Jacob (Israel) of old, fathers have a power to pronounce a blessing upon their children that will impact many generations to come (cf. Gen. 48:15; 49:25-26). Generally, this type of blessing takes the form of a prayer to God. For example, … Continue reading Grace to Fulfill Our Parental Calling #3
Grace to Fulfill Our Parental Calling #2
Parents worthy of honor are energized for their task by the power of the Holy Spirit and the gospel of grace. Thus, they daily preach the gospel to themselves and are diligent to shepherd their children in the same manner. The Swiss Cheese Effect of the Ten Commandments. The Apostle Paul in Romans 7:7-8 spells … Continue reading Grace to Fulfill Our Parental Calling #2
Grace to Fulfill Our Parental Calling #1
The purpose of this post is crystallized in the last verse of the Old Testament. Malachi 4:6, reminds us that one of the purposes of the forerunner to the Messiah, was to “turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers..." The only other alternative set … Continue reading Grace to Fulfill Our Parental Calling #1
A Wise Woman: A rare find, the fixed center, and focused commitments,
Most ancient and modern cultures demean and treat women as inferior to men…objects to be used, not people to genuinely love and cherish. Not so with Jesus and not so with the wisdom writer of Proverbs. Jesus treated women with courtesy and honor and allowed women into his most intimate group of followers. In fact, … Continue reading A Wise Woman: A rare find, the fixed center, and focused commitments,
Living Wisely by Loving the Right Woman Well
The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about “Loving the Right Woman Well.” Honestly, why should we listen to a man like Solomon who, in spite of his incredible wisdom, couldn’t seem to bring order to his own love life? Here's the best answer I can offer: All truth is God’s truth and … Continue reading Living Wisely by Loving the Right Woman Well
Daddies with Daughters
My daughters frequently remind me that they think that I have control issues when it comes to their relationships with young men. It is probably true due to remembering well my own gorilla-like heart as a young man. Chuck Swindoll uses a great word-picture when giving away his own daughters in marriage. He compares it … Continue reading Daddies with Daughters
RESPECT… just a little bit
Rolling Stone magazine ranks her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All Time. As the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin is one of the most honored artists by the Grammy Awards. One of my favorite songs of hers is "Respect." It talks about her desire for a little respect. Not only do husbands … Continue reading RESPECT… just a little bit
2Cherish2Commend 