Randy Newman
I was raised in an environment of skepticism, during a time of questioning, amid a culture that preferred sarcastic mocking over serious thinking. We liked simplistic slogans more than complex considerations. We loved to point out religious hypocrisy but rarely turned the light of inquiry on our own assumptions.
On top of all this, I was raised in a Jewish family who firmly believed that “Jews don’t believe in Jesus.” So, to say the least, I had many doubts about the Christian faith my friends encouraged me to consider. After all, it was hard to give much credence to...
Beth Ann Baus
1. Most of your interactions are negative.
Because life is stressful, we get tired, and most of us are not experts in communication, negative interactions are bound to happen. The question is, are they a rare occurrence or a regular part of your marriage? This doesn't have to mean you're yelling at each other, slamming doors, or throwing things. This can look like intentional disrespect, giving the cold shoulder or the silent treatment. If your interactions are regularly strained in any way, seeking help to strengthen your communication skills is wise.
2. Others express concern for your marriage.
If you've...
Tim Pollard
1. Start early.
You can begin studying the Bible together as a family the moment your child is born.
Will she understand? No. But she will grow in understanding as you spend this special time together. Your kids spend more time with you than anyone else. You get to see who your kids really are—not the ones that show up when you're in public and make you wonder, Who is that kid and where did she come from?
When your kids grow and get older, they will be able to draw from the memories of your family spending time with God. And they too will understand...
Hank Hanegraaff
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will." (Romans 12:1 - 2 NIV)
The concept of holiness is central to Scripture. Today, however, the Christian church produces truckloads of materials designed to make people healthy and happy rather...
Dolores Smyth
The End of a Friendship
You’ll never forget the first time your child eagerly rushes into a birthday party or playdate toward her friends and bursts into a flurry of instant chatter. The bonds of friendship are more than simply an enjoyable way to pass the time. In fact, friendships play a significant role in our children’s lives.
Your children may form friendships that last a lifetime but most of their friendships will be transitory. Whether a friendship ends because of an argument, a change in behavior, or a move, friendship “breakups” can leave kids feeling betrayed and lonely.
During these moments of...
Alisha Headley
1. Wrestle with God before wrestling with your spouse.
One of the most valuable things I have learned about dealing with frustration in my marriage is it’s important to wrestle with God before wrestling with your spouse. It’s so easy to fly off the handle and react out of feelings and emotions that can ultimately cause a dent in your marriage.
To wrestle it out with God first means to literally leave the conversation with your spouse, walk away, and go into your private place and meet with God. It is there that you can unleash your emotions and feelings...
Jennifer Waddle
. Spend One-On-One Time with Them Every Day
Now, I already know what you’re thinking. There’s not enough time or energy in the day to spend one-on-one time with each child. I get it. From the early morning hustle to bedtime routines, most of us struggle to get dinner on the table, let alone spend individual time with our children. However, it doesn’t take much effort to single out each child for some quality one-on-one time.
I still remember one night when I was tucking my second-born son into bed. He was the quiet one who always seemed to fly...
The biblical account of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22) is one of the most theologically complex and debated passages. Here are some of the key interpretations and understandings of why God might have asked this of Abraham:
A Test of Faith and Obedience: The most common interpretation within Judaism and Christianity is that this was a profound test of Abraham's faith and his willingness to obey God, even when the command seemed utterly contradictory to God's promises and Abraham's own paternal love. By being willing to offer his most prized possession, Abraham demonstrated an unparalleled...
Barbara Latta
To Feel Loved We Must Know that Our Guilt Was Paid For
We are born guilty because of our fallen nature; but because of what Christ did, we are not held accountable. Our guilt has been paid for.
When we are born again, we receive a new nature. The dead spirit is gone (2 Corinthians 5:17). Yet we still have a mind that defaults to the old nature. Our spirit is reborn, but our thinking must be re-programmed to discover what God has done for us and how we are to live in our new life (Romans 12:1-2).
Our conscience is...
Jennifer Waddle
1. Commit to Listening to the Right Voice
You can find just about any type of marital advice on the internet, by typing in specific keywords and hitting “enter.” However, there is no better instruction than that which is offered by the Word of God.
When couples commit to spending time in the Scriptures, and seeking God’s voice above all others, they are less likely to fall for the lies of the enemy. When Satan comes crawling around, whispering, “Did God really say,” couples can immediately detect the deception and combat it with truth.
Commit to listening to the right voice—the...
