“There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. 31 Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. 32 Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man. 33 “A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. . . . Read More »
Why Is Marriage Hard?
So last week we started a new series called on relationships…more specifically, marriage called “Marriage Warning” and frankly that sounds a little ominous doesn’t it? It may even sounds a little negative or gloomy for church right? I mean we really don’t want to hear about the challenges of something that is supposed to be so beautiful and romantic right? It’s funny when we grow up and find that special someone we begin to dream of what life . . . Read More »
Why Did God Put Us Together?
I am thrilled to share with you that marriage is probably one of the most life giving relationships you can have. After 21 years with my wife, we have been through so much together. The tears, the laughter, the stress, the joy, all of it wrapped together has been amazing. I think what makes marriage so meaningful is time. Over time of love and grace and arguments, you experience life together. You build memories. You build intimacy. Kids, . . . Read More »
Toxic People Kill Community
Why is community, why are relationships, so hard? You can replace the word ‘community’ with the following; school friendships, marriage, work place, church, sports teams, etc. In each of these relationships, community can be a challenge. Why is it that in high school, someone can say you are best friends and then a month later, that person takes an instragram picture of them around a fire put with their friends and you aren’t there. That hurts. Why is . . . Read More »
Leading Your Family To Joy
Joshua 24:1 Joshua called together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He called in the elders, chiefs, judges, and officers. They presented themselves before God. 2 Then Joshua addressed all the people: “This is what GOD, the God of Israel, says: A long time ago your ancestors, Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor, lived to the east of the River Euphrates. They worshiped other gods. 3 I took your ancestor Abraham from the far side of . . . Read More »
How Do I Build Trust?
Three quick facts about relationships. 1.) Your relationships, many times, are a reflection of your true heart condition. You can’t hide who you are. Your heart condition, either healthy or wounded, will show up in your relationships. Marriage. Work. Family. Community. Etc. 2.) Real holiness is found in your ability to get along with others. 17 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, . . . Read More »
Would life be better if you moved?
Imagine if you could moved today! No stress from work. No stress from current relationships. A brand new start! Here is the problem: you are still you. The ‘you’ here will be the ‘you’ there. What relationships do is reveal who we really are on the inside. The current relationships you are in [work, community, marriage, friends, church, etc.] are revealing who you really are. AND, if you move, you will have the same experience there. Why are . . . Read More »
It Must Be Nice
So last week we started phase two of the summer series talking about “Your Money.” I always think this is an interesting topic at church because many people walk in here under the assumption that we want your money and when you aren’t looking we are going to send someone through the crowd to get your money while Ken or myself keep you busy looking the other direction from the stage. Well, that just isn’t true at all. . . . Read More »
An Honest Talk about Sex
God didn’t create Adam and Eve, leave the garden, come back surprised. “You did what?” “How did you figure that out?” “Oh, who knew you could do that?” Sex is a gift from God. But, because of our wounds, our pride, our selfishness, we take God’s gift and turn it into a curse and wound each other with it. The thing God created to bring us together becomes the thing that drives us a part. We refuse to . . . Read More »
What Makes a Great Relationship?
For wherever there is jealousy or selfish ambition, there will be disorder and every other kind of evil. TLB James 3:16 This explains every relationship you are in. Doesn’t this explain why Middle School and High School relationships can be devastating? You take 1,000 kids with jealousy and selfish ambition to spend the day together. Doesn’t this explain your relationships as an adult? You struggle to have healthy, long term, life giving relationships at work or in the . . . Read More »