Religion

Ever had a "Root Canal"? I've had plenty, and what a blessing they were! They were a bit uncomfortable sometimes, but nothing like the pain that they relieved. Also, The Incredible Dr. Pol, (when he takes a break from birthing a calf) is usually lancing an abscess on some poor animal. And as the pressure is relieved, the pain subsides. Then, as the Dr. Pol states, relief is almost instantaneous. I confess I do, at times, envy Dentists and Vets for their gifted ability to quickly relieve pain. As a Pastor (and as a friend), helping to alleviate someone's pain is a much more daunting enterprise. It's not often easy or smooth, and it is often becomes a very lengthy road to travel. Hey, I'm a guy. We like to fix things as quickly and efficiently as possible. But a measure of maturity seems to come over us when we realize that there are times and situations in this life that are simply not microwaveable.
Now when Jesus wields His sword of truth, a sword that is NOT meant to kill, but to cleanse and to renew, - the laceration that it administers releases an outward flow of all that we would cover up and fear, - all that we've sweep under the rug. And then all these crippling masses that have built up inside of us, - they are now discharged, giving off an offending aroma that is often enough to blow one into the next county. Rotting lies, arrogant pride, unfounded fears, crippling anxieties, and hollow prejudices all come pouring out, as the soul is then freed and allowed to breath once again. Ah! Clean air! And then laid out before us the welcoming arms of Peace, along with perhaps a "meet and greet" with Joy.
My effort in these pages then, is a directed attempt to "lift up the rug" and see what's been swept under there, - what's swept out of sight by both you and by me individually, and by the Church in general. And then to use a kind of "Celestial Dyson" to suck it all out of there (like a Doctor would remove a tumor), then running these malignancies through a good cleansing in a sort of spiritual bath of 'baking soda, vinegar, and bleach".
This all seems like a huge and humbling challenge I know, but that's my bold attempt here anyway. And as I learned from experience many, many years ago, "You don't know what you can do till you try." So bring it on! Let's have at it!

Marriage should be based on love, right? But does it seem as though you and your spouse are speaking two different languages? #1 "New York Times" bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman guides couples in identifying, understanding, and speaking their spouse's primary love language-quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, or physical touch.

By learning the five love languages, you and your spouse will discover your unique love languages and learn practical steps in truly loving each other. Chapters are categorized by love language for easy reference, and each one ends with simple steps to express a specific language to your spouse and guide your marriage in the right direction. A newly designed love languages assessment will help you understand and strengthen your relationship. You can build a lasting, loving marriage together.

"The 5 Love Languages"(r) is a consistent "New York Times" bestseller - with over 9 million copies sold and translated into 49 languages.

Flip-flops: the iconic symbol of long, carefree summer days, free of time clocks and responsibilities. That's how so many of us view the start of our marriage: two people so in love, so carefree, so expectant of all that the world has to offer. And yet what happens when our life does a complete flip-flop? When the idyllic picture in our brain is shattered by the harsh reality of how life really unfolds.

Fairy tale marriage--not quite! A Day in My Flip-Flops chronicles how a couple is challenged to honor their vows for nearly three decades. Being confronted with incidents and accidents during the years, testing whether they could remain steadfast to their "have and hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish" wedding vows.

This story exemplifies the promise that we are never alone. Finding solace and support in their relationship, strengthened by their faith. Read about the couple's journey; their realization and gratitude to persevere in each crisis, having the resilience that only God's intervention can provide. Join them as they anxiously await the happily-ever-after part of their story!

In this book, you're going to discover that God's son Jesus revealed a direct link between what you do today and what you will experience after you die. Astoundingly, the majority of spiritual seekers around the world -- including millions who follow Jesus -- seem to have missed what He said. Could you be one? If so, your picture of the future is missing about a billion stars. Author Bruce Wilkinson shows you what Jesus said about God's plan to reward you in eternity for what you do for Him today. What you'll discover will unlock the mystery of God's power, plan and will for your life. And you'll begin to live with the unshakable certainty that what you do today matters ... forever!

Are You Looking at Eternity through a Keyhole?

In the little book you're holding, you're going to discover that Jesus revealed a direct link between what you do today and what you will experience after you die. Astoundingly, the majority of spiritual seekers around the world--including millions who follow Jesus--seem to have missed what He said.

Could you be one? If so, your picture of the future is missing about a billion stars.

In this stirring follow-up to his bestsellers The Prayer of Jabez and Secrets of the Vine, Bruce Wilkinson shows you what Jesus said about God's plan to reward you in eternity for what you do for Him today.

What you'll discover will unlock the power and potential of your life, starting now. And you'll begin to live with the unshakable certainty that what you do today matters...forever!