God knows who you really are, does your spouse?

In Psalms 138:1 we are powerfully reminded how God knows our inner being more than anyone else. "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise. you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely."

In the journey of marriage, it is essential to bring our authentic selves into the relationship. Yet, do we truly do this?  Do we actually open up about the aspects of ourselves that shine as well as those we find challenging?  God's intimate knowledge of our inner being calls us to embrace both vulnerability and honesty with our spouses.  I invite you to reflect and think about any aspects of your character that you are still hiding from your spouse.  Being authentic with your spouse will not only deepen your connection but also, with God's help, those areas of your life you find challenging will start to ease up as you grow to trust your spouse.

I urge you to take a moment to reflect on any parts of your character that you might be holding back from your partner. Being genuine with each other not only enhances your connection but, with God’s grace, can also help you overcome any difficulties you face. Embrace this opportunity to grow together!

Whom shall I send?

In the Bible there are amazing stories of God choosing a person to bring his message. Abraham, Moses, Gideon, David, Peter and many more. Each one in the natural unqualified; but when God spoke they listened and chose to follow his orders.

Fear and adversity had given way to obedience and courage. What things in your life are you afraid to confront? The Bible says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.Joshua 1:9 NIV

God doesn’t say it’s a suggestion, it’s a command. His word is a reminder that we are His children, and as a loving father, He gives us the confidence by telling us He is with us no matter how the odds look. Our Father rules the natural and unnatural.

Be strong and courageous, my brothers and sisters for no challenge we face in life and in marriage too big for our Father to help you overcome.

Walking the walk

As Christians, we know that the men and women of God will fall because the only one that was sinless was Jesus.  We put faith in our pastors as they too, get up every morning to fight an enemy that is well aware of their weaknesses, which we know nothing about. 

If you are blessed to get fed weekly from a pulpit, remember to remove that man or woman and focus on the message, not the messenger.  Stop glamorizing these flawed humans, stop being a groupie and a cheerleader about their life.  Focus on the word, not the human.

While these men and women are trusted into ministry and we do all hold them at a high standard, yes, but they are not Jesus, the enemy will continue to prey on them because he knows that is the quickest way to discourage both new and seasoned believers. 

Yes, moral failure needs to be exposed because we serve a God of excellence but please stop making your religious walk about church clicks and glamorize those in leadership, make it about the word instead so that when you hear about these things you can separate the two without affecting your walk and allowing the enemy to use those situations from discouraging you and your family from the spiritual walk ahead of you.

Broken Beautiful

The other day there was an issue that came up and for some reason I remembered this famous mother goose poem. 

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall;

All the king's horses and all the king's men

Couldn't put Humpty together again.

As men we bear the responsibility to make our wives feel that we are their security. Security and trust in a relationship are the glue that holds everything together. 

What happens when we fail and fall? 

As men, we try not to hurt our spouses by saying little lies that we believe will have no consequences, but that is so far from the truth.  Our words have repercussion and just like the little rhyme says they couldn’t put humpty back together again. I know what you’re thinking, it’s a little extreme, but understand that once that trust is shattered you might put it back together but it will never be the same as before. 

So, I challenge you to be mindful when tempted to speak a little white lie. A simple lie can steal the security of your wife.   Many long marriages have cracks but they continue in perfect imperfection because there is a belief that together they can handle what ever the issue is.  It’s in the cracks that we can look back and admire the marriages that have weathered the storms. 

My brothers and sisters in Christ, renew your mind every day and cherish what God has given to you, especially your spouse. 

Humpty couldn’t be put back together by all the king’s men, but we know it’s the King of Kings that we serve, and no matter how broken we are, HE can put it back together for his purpose again. 

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:22-23 NIV