Recently, during a discussion with my close group of friends who share similar marriage challenges, a thought-provoking question arose: What if Jesus was married? This isn't just an idle theological speculation, but a deeply personal reflection on the complexities of marital relationships. It's easy to view Jesus's teachings as simplistic when you're not navigating the intricate challenges of marriage. Many of us have wrestled with this perception – that biblical guidance seems straightforward until you're in the midst of real-life marital struggles. My initial response to my own significant marriage challenges was to acknowledge my past: I entered marriage while living in sin, which undoubtedly contributed to our difficulties. However, I've come to realize that Jesus's unmarried status isn't what makes his teachings seem easy. The real issue lies deeper. A wife is a gift from God, much like children. As Proverbs 18:22 states, "He who finds a wife f...

In our success-driven world, weakness is often seen as something to hide, to overcome, to push past. Yet there's a profound paradox at the heart of spiritual growth: sometimes our greatest strengths emerge from our deepest vulnerabilities. The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where he shares God's remarkable promise: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Think about that for a moment. God's power isn't just present in our weakness—it's made perfect there. This runs counter to everything our culture teaches us about strength and success. We're told to project confidence, to never let them see us sweat, to fake it till we make it. But God's economy works differently. When we feel broken, overwhelmed, or inadequate, these aren't obstacles to God's work in our lives—they're opportunities. It's in these raw moments of vulnerability that God often does His deepest work....

I will be leading a few of us men through the 6-part study.  This is a great book and takes a very accessible approach to winning the war against us, usually starting within our thoughts. Louie Giglio's "Don't Let the Enemy Have a Seat at Your Table" isn't about literal enemies, but rather the negative thoughts and lies that infiltrate our minds, hindering our relationship with God and impacting our lives. The book provides a framework for recognizing, rejecting, and replacing these destructive thoughts with truth. Here's a summary of the key concepts: The Table of Your Mind: Giglio uses the metaphor of a table to represent our minds. We have the power to choose who sits at that table – what thoughts we entertain and dwell upon. The "enemy" refers to Satan and his tactics of deception, trying to plant seeds of doubt, fear, shame, and condemnation in our minds. Lies the Enemy Tells: The book identifies common lies the enemy uses, such as: You'r...

A Podcast on Living Out Your Faith:

The story of Gideon, tucked away in the book of Judges (chapters 6-8), offers a powerful metaphor for finding the strength to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Gideon himself wasn't a sculpted hero but an ordinary farmer threshing wheat in secret, hiding from the oppressive Midianites. Yet, God calls upon Gideon to be the unlikely champion who will liberate Israel. Here's how this narrative can guide us in finding our own "Gideon": The Underdog Anointed:  Unlike warriors like David or Joshua, Gideon lacked confidence. He questioned God's choice, stating, "I am the least in my family" (Judges 6:15). This resonates with the times we feel inadequate, the Gideon residing within ourselves feeling too small for the battles we face. But just as God declared to Gideon, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12), we can discover a hidden strength – a wellspring of courage waiting to be tapped. Divine Recognition: God app...

  In my last post, I talked about finding redemption in the broken places. Today, I want to delve a little deeper – into the nitty-gritty of living each day knowing God is in control. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not always sunshine and rainbows. Life throws curveballs, the news can be overwhelming, and sometimes you just want to scream into the void. But that's where faith comes in. It's not a magic wand that whisks away problems, but it is a foundation, a steady hand to guide you through the storm. So, how do we navigate the day-to-day knowing God's got the wheel? Here are a few pointers that have helped me: Start your day with Him:  Before the chaos of the world crashes in, carve out some quiet time for prayer and reflection. Read a scripture passage that resonates with you, write down your worries and anxieties, and simply listen for that inner peace. Practice Gratitude:  Even on the toughest days, there's always something to be thankful for. A warm cup of ...