Mark stood gazing at the long rows of cabbage and tomato plants emerging from the moist seedbeds in his newly constructed greenhouse. Spring was a wonderful time. The anticipation of growing sturdy, healthy plants to be transported into other soil inspired Mark to be the best of growers.
Jesus Christ came to this world to save us from our sins. “She [Mary] shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). He came to show us the way back to God. He came to give us real life, true life that is worth living. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). He came to save our homes.
Good marriages are a rarity. The promise of fidelity “till death do us part” is so quickly broken. The flame of love that glowed brightly on the wedding day so soon loses its radiance. The romance that promised lasting bliss wilts like a fading rose.
The economic meltdown dominates the news. It is a fact. It is a sobering reality. It has concrete reality and consequences. Our homes, our families, and our children are at risk.
It used to be said in England that “Every man’s home is his castle, and the King himself need knock before asking entrance.” I have traveled in England several times in the last few years. England is noted for its castles. I have visited a few. Here are my observations.
Parenting is hard work. It has demands and challenges that test the resolve and dedication of the best of parents. Sickness, handicaps, learning disorders, cultural pressures, conflicting temperaments, social adjustments, even academic excellence can frustrate parents. This is especially true if we do not know God.
Based on actual experiences
John and Deborah (not their real names) listened attentively as the guest speaker spoke from the Bible. He read from Mark 10: 2-12. He emphasized the fact that Jesus came to restore the original design of marriage that God designed at Creation. Jesus taught that marriage is the joining of heart and hand of one man and one woman in a oneflesh relationship until the death of one or the other. Breaking that bond by either party and marrying another is adultery.
In the previous two articles in this column we considered the divine structure of marriage and the home from the perspective of divine wisdom and divine holiness. This article goes on to show how marriage can relate to divine love.
It has been said, “It is one thing to father a child and it is altogether another thing to be a father to your child.” What does it mean to be a good father to our children?
Friends are people who stick by you no matter what happens. They care about you. They love you. They understand you. They rejoice with you. They suffer with you.