Friday, August 13, 2010

Top Ten Steps To A Strong Marriage

On Sunday night we completed our class on "Building Your Marriage to Last." There was a great group of couples who were with us to the very end. I believe that relationships were strengthened through the study of the book, and the communication that occurred in the classroom.

I asked the group, on the last night, to give me the best suggestions from the book and study. Here are their, "Top Ten Ways To Make Your Marriage Better."
1. God must be the center of your marriage
2. Deny your self interests
3. Live a Spirit filled life
4. A firm foundation in the Word of God
5. Effective communication
6. Spending quality time together
7. Praying together
8. Having patient understanding
9. Making your spouse the priority of your life
10. Understanding that marriage is a gift from God

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Trust in God

I am asked the same question on a regular basis. It is always a variation of the same thought, "Why does God allow bad things to happen?" I have yet to come up with a satisfactory answer for the individuals who ask me that question.

The Bible never seeks to answer the question of evil. It does not defend it, nor does it explain it. It simply gives us a context in which to understand evil as it exists in our world. The Bible says it a multitude of times, "Evil exists." While the Word does not take the time to explain evil, it does give us the tools to defend ourselves: "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

Jim Caldwell is the rookie head coach of the Super Bowl-bound Indianapolis Colts. He spoke to Sports Illustrated about the difficulties and challenges of being a first year coach in the NFL. He quoted author Og Mandino, "I will try, and try, and try again. Each obstacle I will consider as a mere detour to my goal and a challenge to my profession. I will persist and develop my skills as the mariner develops his, by learning to ride out the wrath of each storm."

All of us face difficulties, and sometimes they pile up to troubling heights. We become fearful and nervous. When these times come, don't ask why, or when, or what. Simply trust in Who. Trust in God who is in you and who is the greatest.