via TJC
This and next week TJC is addressing core items we consider “absolutes”; those items often discussed and addressed in cultural dialogs, where we align with God’s word. We all know people whose life experience and decisions are different and we know God loves us all the same, however His Word is not up for debate as a Kingdom Man/Family.
If you do not agree please respond in our comment section as we would love to have a “curious conversation” and listen to you.
What I know for certain in this wild, ten-year ride are these two things:
God made a covenant with me (with all of us), and I made a covenant with my wife in front of Him and in His Name and
It can be extremely hard, and yet it doesn’t have to be. Involving Jesus, especially in much needed times of divine intervention, will keep a relationship from breaking despite how difficult things become.
When seemingly, there is no answer, stop and pray, even if it is a “foxhole” prayer in the middle of battle. It may sound simple-minded to some for me to say this, but every time I’ve spoken a foxhole prayer when she and I are going at it, I have been outright baffled by his response, the answer that came, and that my marriage lived to see another day.
The more I learn, the more I understand that marriage can be a barrier to all that is wrong in this world. It is a hedge and not simply because we continue to stay committed to one another, but because we stay committed to a God who can keep us united and close the gaps that would otherwise allow the enemy to break through and steal, kill, and destroy.
They went after Jesus, and he said they hated Him first. We should understand that as men of God, husbands, fathers, and leaders, they will come after us and hate us for the natural role we’ve been assigned and have chosen to carry out.
About a week ago, I received an email from my wife that was loaded with information, and I didn’t know what to do with it. Then, on Friday, we went to dinner to celebrate ten years. It was the most interesting dinner conversation I ever had. We continue to run into the “ah-ha” moment where we realize we really have a great thing going. She said, “Gosh darn, it's hard to love you, but gosh darn, I love you so much.” I replied you’re stubborn and arrogant, and I sometimes want to… dang, I love you too. I can’t explain what switch flipped or how but for God.
We came skidding in on the runway of 10 years with malfunctioning landing gear, an engine on fire, and some much-needed refueling and repair, but the plane didn’t break apart on landing.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevails against him, two shall withstand him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Daily Battle Order; DO NOT GIVE UP! DO NOT GIVE IN! The enemy will always and most certainly attack the protective barrier of marriage that can make society whole. Have the dialog with your wife and adult children - share your perspective on marriage is a covenant and not a breakable contract.
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