We’re told in John 16:33 that we will have trials in this life. And while trials come in different forms, we can’t ignore that some come in the form of moral dilemmas and risk relational upset. For some, being invited to a baby shower for an unwed mother can be just that – a moral dilemma that risks relational tension or even the end of a relationship. If you’re facing such a dilemma, know that I can’t make this decision for you. I can, however, offer you some things to think about that might make the decision-making process easier. As with any tough decision, I encourage you to pray for wisdom and…

Marriage is a gift given to us by our gracious God with the intent of reflecting the covenantal relationship between Christ and the church (Eph. 5:31-33). If we’re being honest, though, marriage doesn’t always feel like a gift. Sometimes, marriages reflect the pain and suffering of the world rather than God’s goodness. If you feel your marriage is falling apart, I hope to offer you some ideas for getting back on track. The following ideas are too simplistic for marriages involving abuse. They are intended for those who are growing apart and need help to find their way back to one another. Click here to read the entire article at…

Grief has many faces. It can come in the form of heartache, from losing a loved one to losing a job or getting an unwanted diagnosis. Grief is not a one-size-fits-all emotion and can present itself in many ways. For instance, you might notice a lack of appetite, mood swings, personality changes, and fatigue. Because grief is complicated and sometimes life-altering, it can be a challenge, not just for the one grieving but also for their spouse. You may feel at times that you are living with a stranger and don’t know how to best care for them. My advice, above all else, is to pray. Because a husband and…

Many of us have lost loved ones who died apart from Christ. Perhaps they lived in opposition to God, denied Him, and expressed a rebellion towards all things spiritual in word and deed. Maybe they followed a false religion or were simply apathetic. Whatever the situation, saying we’re heartbroken only scratches the surface of our anguish. I don’t hesitate to say I shudder at the thought of my loved ones spending eternity separated from God. The thought of eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth is almost more than I can bear. So how does the Christ-follower grieve the death of someone who did not share in the hope of salvation?…

Have you ever noticed what happens when you focus on the negative things in your life? The heartaches or the disappointments? If you’re like me, your focus turns inward after a while, and suddenly, every aspect of life is tainted with negativity, and giving thanks seems impossible. You might struggle to find anything to give thanks for. While we need to acknowledge that life is hard and take time to process the things weighing us down, we also need to not be consumed by them. Believe me, I know that’s often easier said than done. When we lose a loved one, get a diagnosis, or bear the burdens of those…

Whether you’re a newlywed or have been married for decades, there is always room for growth in your marriage. One way to achieve growth is to meet with another married couple regularly. Romans 12:4-5 says, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” In other words, we need each other. Engaging in mentorship with another married couple can be highly beneficial as you each bring your unique needs and gifts to the table. Join me in exploring seven benefits of marriage mentorship. 1. Mentorship Can Breed…

Mother’s Day was the brainchild of a woman named Anna Jarvis. After her mother died in 1905, Anna wanted a way to honor her mother’s sacrifices for her children. Thus began her campaign for Mother’s Day, which President Woodrow Wilson officially established as a national holiday in 1914. This holiday, which was established with good intentions, has turned into a day of mixed emotions. I’ve seen these emotions displayed each year as church leaders strive to celebrate mothers while being sensitive to those who are not. As your church begins preparation for Mother’s Day, I encourage you to pray for your church leaders as they navigate these waters. If you’ve…

Every spring, a familiar discussion arises amongst Christians. This discussion concerns a bunny, plastic eggs, and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you’ve ever wondered how to (or even if you should) involve the Easter Bunny and a candy-filled basket in your resurrection celebration, you’re not alone. Rather than try and persuade you one way or the other, I’d like to touch on some of the reasons other brothers and sisters have decided to or not to partake. Hopefully, this will help you make a clear conscience decision for your family or, at the very least, give you some common language to discuss this topic with others lovingly.…