The surprising ways God loves us!

In reading through the book of Ruth this morning the character of the widow Naomi riveted my attention. What was it about her that caused her daughter-in-law Ruth to love her so? It is a love that is described as “better than that of seven sons.” (Ruth 5:15)

Read Full Post »

Reflections and Lessons from 40 Years of Marriage (Part 5)

This is the fifth and final installment of Reflections & Lessons from 40 Years of Marriage. Today I am focusing on two aspects of the marriage relationship, trust and the enemies of marriage, that if not properly handled can end up being deal breakers. Check out the previous four posts for the first eight points.

Read Full Post »

Reflections and Lessons from 40 Years of Marriage (Part 4)

This is the fourth installment of Reflections & Lessons from 40 Years of Marriage. Today I am focusing on the no-brainer aspects of communication in marriage. They should go without saying, but it is often the disregard of these simple nuances that end up being “the little foxes that spoil the vines.” (Song of Solomon 2:15) Check out the previous three days for the first six points.

Read Full Post »

Reflections and Lessons from 40 Years of Marriage (Part 3)

This is the third installment of Reflections & Lessons from 40 Years of Marriage. Here are some more survival principles learned from the wilderness of marriage. Check out the previous two days for the first four points. Affirm one another – Look for the good in one another and communicate what you see. Lead by example. Take the initiative to demonstrate the love of Jesus in your marriage. Be Christ to your spouse.

Read Full Post »

Reflections and Lessons from 40 Years of Marriage (Part 2)

This is the part 2 continuation of my reflections on lessons I have learned from 40 years of marriage.

Read Full Post »

Reflections and lessons from 40 years of marriage

Today Susan and I celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Here are some reflections on lessons I have learned about marriage.

Read Full Post »

You can’t handle the truth? Here’s why.

Probably the biggest obstacle we face in receiving and benefiting from truth, particularly the last 10%, is our consideration of the source.

Read Full Post »

How to hear the last 10%

Hearing the last 10% has more to do with seeking to hear with humility what God is saying than focusing on what the person is saying and/or how they are sharing it.

Read Full Post »

The last 10% – Pray it before you Say it!

It’s no secret that there are church landfills littered with the good intentions of those who have held back their last 10% and the disillusionment of those whose attempts to share it backfired or blew up in their face. Successfully saying what needs to be said to resolve conflict boils down to this: Pray it before you say it!

Read Full Post »

490 reasons and 5 ways to forgive others

Forgiveness is easy to talk about, but often difficult to do. In Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus provides five truths that simplify forgiveness and empower us to forgive others the way he has forgiven us.

Read Full Post »