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

God’s Cure for Shame – A Worship Reflection

W.H. Griffith-Thomas wrote a wonderful devotional commentary on Genesis. He sets forth God's Cure for Shame in the below: “Redemption is not only promised in Genesis 3, it is also pictured. Man attempted to cover his shame by the leaves of the fig tree, but this was far too slight a covering for so deep … Continue reading God’s Cure for Shame – A Worship Reflection

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

Receiving the Riches of Glory – 2 Corinthians 8:9

Dr. James Montgomery Boice, the late pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, captures the essence of Advent: “Jesus descended from the peak of glory to this lowly position in order that He might raise us from our lowly position to His glory.” The significance of the incarnation is not only that we know the … Continue reading Receiving the Riches of Glory – 2 Corinthians 8:9

The Delight That Removes Distress – 2 Corinthians 8:9

What is distressing to you right now? What is causing you stress? It could be a lingering illness, the shaky economy, joblessness, or spending the holidays with your extended family. How easy it is to succumb to discouragement and depression and to lose hope. How does the Lord strengthen us to face the distressing and … Continue reading The Delight That Removes Distress – 2 Corinthians 8:9

Advent Devotional #3: Receiving the Riches of Grace

Have you ever seen or read about someone who devoted themselves exclusively to the preservation of their own life and their own resources with no regard for others? How would you describe their life? I have one word: Misery! Remember the original Bah-humbug man in “A Christmas Carol ” – Ebenezer Scrooge? He was a … Continue reading Advent Devotional #3: Receiving the Riches of Grace

Advent Devotional 2: Relinquishing Riches to Make Us Rich

We all have difficulty relinquishing things that we cherish. I still remember my first ten-speed bicycle. It was a fully-equipped, Schwinn beauty that I received as a Christmas present. Not long after I received it, I allowed a friend to borrow it for a quick ride. She then proceeded to get hit by a car, … Continue reading Advent Devotional 2: Relinquishing Riches to Make Us Rich

Advent Devotional #1: A Riches to Rags Story

During Advent we remember and celebrate Jesus’s first coming when “the Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”(C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity). We also look forward to our Lord’s second coming when He fully establishes His peaceable kingdom. To grasp more fully the magnitude of Advent, we want to … Continue reading Advent Devotional #1: A Riches to Rags Story

To Be Trusted

“Trusted” serves as a compelling theme for our church's stewardship campaign this year! It leaves you wondering who is trusting whom. Are we trusting God in our investment of His resources or does God trust us with His resources? Well, like in many similar dilemmas, it is not either/or but both/and. Stewardship always involves us … Continue reading To Be Trusted

When You Meet with Ingratitude From Those You Serve

Jesus said: “I am among you as one that serves” and “I did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many.” The Apostle Paul’s idea of service is the same as our Lord’s: “Ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” So long as there is a … Continue reading When You Meet with Ingratitude From Those You Serve