Love and Marriage Pt 1

I guess this collection of wisdom impartation wouldn't be complete without something on love and marriage.  This is a pretty big topic, so I'll probably end up breaking it up into many segments.  I'll try to hit some highlights first.  Random stuff - whatever comes to mind.

#1  Some people say they are "called" to be single.  I put that in quotes because Jesus doesn't really call us to anything other than himself and his great commission.  That's simply their preference, and I must say, most people don't fit that category.  Many that claim so are downright miserable, neglecting a God-given desire to, in fact, be married.  Bottom line, if you feel yourself wanting to be married - do yourself a favor and get married.

#2  Do yourself a favor and marry your best friend.  You're going to spend the rest of your life with her, after all.  Marry that girl you can't live without.

#3  Consider your "love languages".  This was the theme of a popular book on the subject of relating to your spouse.  If you feel most loved through physical affection (like me), it certainly helps if she does too - or at least puts a priority on it.  Ignoring each other's love language will leave you miserable.  Skim the book - you'll get the idea.

More to come...

Love you!

Dad

Don't Settle

My heart aches today.  Just received word from your mom that the teenage son of dear family friends died today.  The details are not important.  What is important to recognize, however, is that this life is fleeting.  I'm approaching midlife statistically (if I'm not there already), but am not guaranteed even another breath.  People all around me die every day, some famous, some not.  All headed to the same endpoint of this life - death and the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

Life here is tragic.  Life hereafter doesn't have to be.  To keep this simple, I just want to say don't ever settle for what little a worldly life here can offer.  We are all immortal.  Our existence here is but a blip on the eternal "timeline".  How we spend the rest of our eternal lives is incomparably more important than the time spent here.

Secure your eternal destiny by placing your life, your hope, your trust in the hands of Jesus.  You may end up listening to me or not, but that is the wisdom I would lovingly impart to you, my sons, with my whole heart.  One of my greatest desires is to share that abundant life Jesus promised, glorified, fulfilled and satisfied, joyful and at peace in God's presence, forever - with you.

I love you,
Dad

Means of Grace

It's really very simple.  The answer to one's spiritual dryness, one's moral decay, one's feelings of purposelessness, anxiety, or loneliness.  The life and blessed spiritual fruit that comes from being rooted in Christ requires daily maintenance.  The world, the devil, and our own sinful inclinations aim to uproot us from God, promising "freedom" and fulfillment.  They can't deliver what was meant to only come from a connectedness to our Lord.

What maintenance am I talking about?  Things like prayer, studying/meditating on God's word, worshiping with fellow Christ followers, taking part in communion, acts of service, etc.  These kinds of things are called the "means of grace".  The means by which we experience God's grace, his abundant life and power.

Make time for these.  You may not see immediate results (sometimes you will!), but lasting change takes time and consistency.  A body builder, a magnificent oak, Rome (choose your analogy) is not made in a day.  Put in the work and you'll reap the reward.  You'll see yourself becoming a strong, confident, courageous, spirit-filled man of God.  No longer a mopey, self-pitying mess.  A man able to meet his potential.

That's all for now.  I love you guys!

Dad

PS - (27 July) - Funny.  Have been rereading some older posts.  This one seems very similar to the one from January.  Guess that means its doubly important! : )