…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame,and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:2-3, NIV Jews demand … Continue reading “The Glorious Backfire”
Author: Divorce Minister
Bitterness And Adultery
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral…. – Hebrews 12:14-16a, NIV An important part … Continue reading “Bitterness And Adultery”
Furry Friends Help
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. – Luke 12:6-7, NIV I am convinced God gave us animals to teach us about Him and His love for … Continue reading “Furry Friends Help”
“I’m for the marriage.”
“I’m for the marriage.” Have you ever had a counselor or pastor tell you this right before making you feel guilty about considering divorce following your spouse’s repeated infidelities? Maybe you’ve told yourself this? Perhaps, you or they tied it to the Malachi 2 passage. “God hates divorce, and so, do I. I’m for keeping … Continue reading ““I’m for the marriage.””
Oh, Such Injustice!
There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then … Continue reading “Oh, Such Injustice!”
Encouraging Thought
While I was healing from my divorce and the abandonment of my first wife, I ran across the ministry of Brennan Manning in his writings. He was a man who struggled with the demons of alcoholism. And Manning was also an amazing man of God who preached a powerful word about grace. When I felt … Continue reading “Encouraging Thought”
Adultery Is NOT A Symptom But A Sin
Adultery is not a symptom but the disease. It is sin. Adultery is not a cry for help. Adultery is not a symptom of a bad relationship. Adultery is not a mercy blow to a miserable marriage (as if the adulterer is “taking one for the team.”) No, no, no, NO! Adultery is sin. Period. … Continue reading “Adultery Is NOT A Symptom But A Sin”
Angry And Controlling Accusations
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. -Romans 12:15, ESV Today, I am writing about the accusations concerning being angry and/or controlling. I suspect these twin accusations are not unfamiliar to those who have either found themselves cheated upon or abandoned by their spouse. Personally, I became well acquainted with both during … Continue reading “Angry And Controlling Accusations”
Not Responsible For Spouse’s Adultery
Parents are not to be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each will die for their own sin. -Deuteronomy 24:16, NIV Today, I quote some basic justice principles laid out in the Old Testament. It is actually rather clear; however, the dynamics around infidelity often put both survivor … Continue reading “Not Responsible For Spouse’s Adultery”
The Paradox Of The Open Hand
“Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” -Luke 17:33, NIV I write today about a paradox in Christianity that concerns holding God’s gifts with open hands. When we grasp at things–even good things–it does not end well. This is true unless we are grasping at … Continue reading “The Paradox Of The Open Hand”