The Importance of Date Night
Almost every book/blog I have ever read on developing a lasting marriage and preventing sins of all kinds in the marriage relationship, has included the idea of having a regular date night. The frequency varies, but the theme is consistent: men and women who continue to date continue to mate, and continue to deepen the bonds of intimacy and attraction that first brought them together. There are all kinds of reasons people give for not having a date night. No time, no money, and no baby-sitter are among the most popular. But let me ask you this, “If your spouse …
The Experts Say (Only for the fathers of girls.)
(This is something I wrote for Kai, my ten year old daughter, while I was on my way to Israel…so guys who don’t have daughters, you’re dismissed until the next topic…) How long does it take to become an expert? The experts say it takes 7-10 years and 50,000 “chunks” of new knowledge. You can’t paint a picture in Sunday School class, sit around and in 7 years call yourself an expert. You have to gain new knowledge and continue to gather this new knowledge everyday for 7 years. Many of your friends will appear to be experts at many …
How's it going husbands?
I remember a thought I had before Nicol and I got married, when we hadn’t yet encountered any significant tests or trials, and when we certainly weren’t able to comprehend the meaning of marriage as the most effective tool in God’s sanctification tool box. My thought went something like this: Everyday, when I get out of bed, the way I’m going to start my day, the first thing I’m going to do, is kneel down beside the bed and pray for my wife and ask God to bless her and our marriage. A rather ideal thought, huh? Nicol jokes that …
Love and Donuts
I went with my son Noah to Krispy Kreme donuts to grab some glazed donuts. We got to the counter and he asked me if he could have a chocolate milk. I thought to myself “Buddy, you are going to have a sugar overload…but okay.” I said “sure”. Then he asked me if he could have two donuts. My alarm went off “warning, warning…you are about to hit sugar coma…do not, I repeat, do not let him have another donut.” I said “sure”. The alarm came back on “hello? Is there a responsible parent …
frozen Christians or freedom in Christ ?
This may not sit too well with some folks … but tough … so buckle up here it comes. More and more I truly believe children and dads are being convinced they have spiritual limitations because of their past. Fourteen years ago GOD granted me redemption and forgiveness from a life of sin and shame … yet I have noticed churches that are more like a stumbling block than a building block in regards to my process of restoration. Certain doctrinal interpretations have shackled men and fathers into reduced roles of “occasional church attenders” at best. Satan will not allow …
convenient obedience ? … no such thing
I wonder how many of you reading this have been married to the same spouse for 60 years ? My parents, Pete and Theda Hurn, celebrated 60 years on September 18th. 60 years … what a testimony for commitment … especially in this day and age. Based on where I have been, it is strange that God has placed me in a pastor’s role where I counsel men and women with marriage issues. Only the Lord could have orchestrated something as ironic as this. Sadly … here is a comment I often hear from Christian men who are considering divorce. …
Should Divorced Christians in the Same Church Take Communion?
I was thinking about Christian marriage and remarriage a little tonight and this verse popped to mind as I was considering two people who are divorced and yet both attend my church. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. – Matthew 5:23-24 I believe that a professing Christian husband and professing Christian wife are to remain together, despite their problems, as long as …
Blocking Sled
When I was in 7th grade, I was a bit overweight so when it came to playing football, they put me on the offensive line. Actually, I was a left guard. I really didn’t think I belonged there. I hated blocking and playing “bit parts” in the success of the team. I also hated the blocking sled. Most people know what a blocking sled is, but if you don’t, its just a bunch of metal that is on a “skid” platform that lineman “hit” and push in order to practice their skill. (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YL0o-kjEGA) Notice I said skill because that’s …
The Chief Task of Parenting
From an upcoming John Piper book on marriage…. The most fundamental task of a mother and father is to show God to the children. Children know their parents before they know God. This is a huge responsibility and should cause every parent to be desperate for God-like transformation. The children will have years of exposure to what the universe is like before they know there is a universe. They will experience the kind of authority there is in the universe and the kind of justice there is in the universe and the kind of love there is in the universe …
Culture War
Is the American family under attack? The following picture should answer sufficiently. Look men, being married is not always easy. But if you’re looking for the easy way out, you’re following the Evil One’s plan. God’s will for your life may vary from time to time. But Married men God’s will is clear, honor your wife. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers 1 Peter 3:7 What …
