God's desire is that disappointment and suffering would turn individuals to Himself. But too often, well-meaning individuals use marriage as the fix. They offer sex as a solution. They hold out respect (biblical?) ....
When Disappointment Turns Destructive
When a person with authority or power experiences difficulties or disappointment and responds in the flesh, we can expect a destructive marriage. It's important to note that a destructive marriage is not experienced by both individuals. It is perpetrated by one and experienced by the other.
Glory
I used to get bogged down reading that great chunk of the Bible known as the prophets. 27%--just over 1/4--of the Bible is predictive. Some were fulfilled in the first coming of Christ. Others are being fulfilled today, but the majority are still to come. I struggled reading judgement after judgement as I worked my … Continue reading Glory
Godly Men: It’s Time to Jump off the Bandwagon
If you are a godly man, perhaps you struggle to identify, verbalize, and act on domestic abuse because of the onslaught against you personally. You are afraid. Hurt. Threatened. Confused. Welcome.
The Heart of Communication
Many times women and well-meaning individuals mention communication as the problem that hinders marriage. She is withdrawn instead of vulnerable. He communicates in anger or not at all. Communication is a symptom, not a root problem. Addressing broken patterns and outward fruit it does nothing more than teach someone to sin better or practice sin … Continue reading The Heart of Communication
Why You Don’t Know
It's common that individuals who come in regular contact with a woman experiencing domestic abuse don't know about it. She doesn't want you to. And you won't see it. Why?
How Do I Know?
Life is hard. Marriage takes work. So if a woman is miserable and thinks her life is normal, how would she know if something more is going on?
The Wisdom of Solomon
Jesus is all for saving souls. If one party has no concern for the life and safety of another, especially at cost to himself, you are likely dealing with a corpse. That is not a marriage problem, but a personal problem that requires evangelism and practical consequences/training.
God’s IQ Test
Faith in Jesus Christ makes us all sons of God. Not daughters and sons. Not children. Sons. Every individual who puts her faith in Christ has the standing of a son in God's kingdom.
Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain
Offering platitudes and reminders of God's sovereignty, goodness, and grace as a means of minimizing pain is one way we use the Lord's name in vain. How often do we wave the magic wand of Jesus' name to bring relief from suffering? Not relief for the individual in need as much as for ourselves?