From Our Hearts

Consider this a guide to help you walk through practical ways you can get the most out of your study time and to find out for yourself the meaning of scripture as well as its origin. Over time you will develop your own techniques and style in how to study the Bible, and that is how it should be!

GOD'S PURPOSE FOR MARRIAGE: Many times in our ministry we’ve listened to couples contemplating how the 50/50 model works in marriage. While it may seem logical, it is not biblical. We are complete in Christ. We are without spot or wrinkle when presented to our Holy Savior as His bride. How can that be so if we’re only half a person in marriage?

GOD'S PROVIDENCE IN OUR LIVES The story of Boaz and Ruth is such an amazing example of our relationship with the Lord. This Jewish redeemer from the tribe of Judah, who possesses the finest of qualities is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. He extends such grace to Ruth who feels so unworthy of it. Then, we discover that Boaz knew all about Ruth and her commitment before she knew anything about him! God prepared it all in advance.

FINDING ALONE TIME WITH GOD: Our salvation does not begin at death. It begins here and now. He came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus is alive and well and looking to spend time in fellowship with us.

I’ve heard many sermons and read many books that tell the tale of a dozen misfits that we admonish as biblical heroes; the apostles. None more clearly demonstrate to us just how human these men of God were than the Bible itself. Read about how Jesus used Peter's strengths and weaknesses in the Bible.

I've studied the verses of Proverbs 31 for many years. This woman has at times, both intimidated and inspired me. While it took me years to begin to understand the purpose of these passages, I have always prayed for my husband and children to fulfill Proverbs 31:28.

A successful Godly marriage comes with a price—the price of time. If you want your relationship with your beloved to be that of a biblical story, you are going to have to be willing to make time for it. In the beginning of a courtship, we purpose to make time for each other. Once the reality of bills, family, house repairs, and “what’s for dinner tonight” take hold, it is then we seem to forget there is so much more to marriage.

HOW TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD DEVOTION Romans 5:5 tells us, “And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” If we allow Him to, the Lord will use everyday things to speak His words of wisdom to our hearts. Once while I was cooking my favorite soup, He gave me a wonderful illustration to ponder. You see, the world is suffering through many illnesses lately: Covid-19, stomach viruses, allergies, colds, flu, and more. When illnesses like these surround us, it is more than enough reason to cook a big pot of life-giving chicken soup.

Redemption is an ongoing process. It has to do with so much more than our initial salvation. We need to know the answer to the question, “Does our ongoing deliverance from the power of sin come from our best efforts to keep God's law or is it also by trusting in the Lord Jesus as we did when we first met Him?”

Our nation’s founding fathers approved the wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This declaration gave the people of this newly formed country a freedom they had not experienced before. Though it took many years for it to become a holiday that is readily celebrated, it has always been a pivotal time in our nation’s history.

We are blessed to be able to live in Hawaii on a part-time basis. Besides the weather, the residents are the friendliest people in the world. Even with all the tourism, the Hawaiian people, made up of all races, are kind, courteous, and helpful. This has certainly been our experience, and others have validated our observations. The residents seem to be genuinely happy!

DEVOTION: This may be a tender topic for you, but if your love has drifted … there is hope. What if We’re Thinking About Divorce? It may surprise you to know this, but there was a time in our marriage when we each entertained thoughts of divorce. We were the proverbial flailing couple who was going down…and taking two young daughters with us. We lost sight of our direction.