In our enthusiasm to celebrate children (a good thing), we are sometimes tempted to overlook the key Christian doctrine of original sin. A child can be raised by godly parents, yet still choose to live an ungodly life: A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. —Proverbs 13:1…
When We Can’t Walk Away
When we can walk away from toxic people, we probably and usually should. But when financial necessity, work obligations, family relationships, or even the accomplishment of our God-given mission necessitates that we find a way to live or work with a toxic person, we can learn much by following Jesus’ example with Judas. JESUS AND…
When to Walk Away: Follow Jesus’ Example
Jesus walked away from toxic people and let them walk away from Him. We can learn to follow His example. INTRODUCTION For the first fifteen years of their marriage they served the church in two dramatically different ways. Both David and Ginny had gifts for ministry, loved people, and felt honored to serve the same…
Walkaway Jesus
Since Jesus came from Heaven to walk among us, Christians tend to think that walking away from anyone, or letting anyone walk away from the truth, is a failure on our part. But Jesus walked away or let others walk away… a lot. I reread the gospels and counted every occurrence where Jesus deliberately parted…
Tending the Garden of the Soul
The Interplay of Our Spiritual Temperaments At least once a week, I’ll want to spend some time going on a prayer walk through the woods. On a regular basis, I’ll need to make sure I’m continuing to study. Perhaps I’ll need to download more teachings or order more books. Also, I should begin respecting my…
Learning to Love… Sacrificially, Passionately, and Crazily!
Dr. John Barger gave an extraordinary address to a gathering of men on December 12, 1987. The address included his testimony of how he had walked the road from being a domineering husband to a serving one. The crux of the message, however, wasn’t just that husbands can do better. We all know that. What…
To Love and to Cherish
Love is the muscle of marriage. Cherish is the heart of marriage. — Gary Thomas “To love and to cherish… till death do us part.” How many of us said these vows on the day we were married? Whether we spoke with a nervous, shaky voice or a confident, exuberant promise, most of us —…
Jesus Said, “Become Like Little Children”
Editor’s Note: It’s Sit & Listen Saturday at Devotionals Daily. Enjoy reading as well as listening to this devotion from Sacred Parenting by Gary L. Thomas – and don’t miss our exclusive $5 deal on the book! Listen on the blog or on your Alexa device by enabling the skill and then prompting, “Alexa, ask…
Is Better Better?
In God’s worldview, some values rise higher than comfort and happiness. Consider the most concise verses in the Bible on spiritual formation: We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. — Romans 5:3-4 In Paul’s mind, character gets built by learning to persevere through…
Sacred Parenting: Perfecting Holiness
Every Day Is Like an Airline Emergency Have you ever noticed the severe discrepancy behind the very few verses in the Bible that discuss the “how-to” of parenting and the hundreds of Christian books that confidently proclaim “God’s plan for parenting” (or something similar)? If the “how-to” is so important, why can’t we point to…