Marriage, Christ, and the Church

Marriage, Christ, and the Church For many of us, marriage is something for the future. But it’s not too early to understand God’s vision for marriage, letting it change not only your motives in marriage, but also for marriage—and any romantic relationship. After all, God’s vision for marriage is closely related to His vision for the church. You may have heard the church described as the “bride of Christ.” In today’s scripture, Paul looks deeper into this metaphor and shows how marriage parallels the relationship between Jesus and His bride. When we consider that God authored marriage and made it an example of the depth of Jesus’ love, it’s easy to see how loving our spouse correlates to loving the church and being Christlike. So when we think about sacrifice in marriage, every act of submission to one another in love turns into a reflection of Jesus giving Himself up for the church. Every kindness to our loved one, every forgiven wrong, is a display of Jesus’ endless grace toward us. Our faithfulness in hardships mirrors Jesus’ faithfulness to His bride. How can we make this image the basis of all our relationships? Married or not, by being Christlike in our love, we display the glory of Christ.

A Prayer for Valentine's Day

A Prayer for Valentine's Day Single and alone on Valentine’s Day, huh? Not sure there’s much more to say about that. What is it about being single on this manufactured holiday that makes us wonder if we will ever find someone? Maybe it’s the pressure. Maybe it’s the weird things people say or the awkward looks they give when they ask, “What are you doing tonight?” And we respond with, “going to hang out with some friends” or “going home and watching a movie.” Even if we felt completely okay with being single, the look on their faces makes us doubt our “okayness.” Well, the good news is that you’re not alone on Valentine’s Day. There’s a really good God, who is the embodiment of true Love, and he’s with all of us single people. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” (1 John 4:18a). So if you’re feeling extra alone today, here’s our full Valentine’s Day prayer (even for those of you in relationships, it comes with a healthy dose of reminders):

Are you lonely?

Are you lonely? As I’m writing this, I’m in a hotel room, trying to get home to my wife. Several flights have been canceled because of a crisis in the country, and I’m not exactly sure when I’ll be able to get home. That leaves me, at this moment, feeling unbelievably homesick. There are moments when life feels that way, right? We long for something more—something like home. I remember planting trees in college, trying to make enough money to get back to school. The area was remote, and I was exhausted and lonely. I finally made it to a hotel room, called my parents, and just the sound of my mom and dad’s reassuring voices reminded me that I wasn’t always going to feel lost—at some point, I’d find my way home. Jesus knew this longing. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16, NIV) He would “call home,” reconnecting with His Father. My friend, we are citizens of heaven. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20, NIV) Even though we live here on Earth, our hearts ache for the place where we truly belong. That sense of homesickness—that feeling that we don’t belong here—isn’t weakness. It’s evidence that we were made for eternity. And until that day, we live with the promise of God’s presence: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5, NIV) I’m hoping to find my way home today. But even if I don’t, I know that God will walk with me every single step of the way. Jesus, thank You for understanding this ache of homesickness that we often feel—a longing for a place where everything will be whole again. When we feel far from peace, remind us that You are near, and that one day, we’ll all be home with You. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen. You may feel lonely, but I promise you there’s probably someone else—especially as we approach Valentine’s Day tomorrow—who feels lonely too. If you reach out to them today, you could be the Jesus that I know. Never forget, my friend, you are a miracle. Your friend, Grant Fishbook ____________________

Patient Endurance

Patient Endurance When we become Christians, we might be tempted to cling to a false belief that our lives will be problem-free. But the truth is: everyone experiences suffering. However, when you belong to Jesus, you don’t go through painful situations alone. And whatever hardships you face, it’s not the end of your story.  God sees us on the best and worst days of our lives, but His love for us does not change.  He understands our deepest suffering because He experienced it Himself when He became Immanuel, “God with us.” When we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, God can show us how to find rest. When we give our burdens to Him, He can refresh our heavy hearts.  God can handle our pain because He understands our hardships.  He is trustworthy and faithful. Even when our circumstances feel dark and hopeless, we can trust that He will carry us through every situation. Suffering is a part of being human, but we honor God by handing our hardships over to Him, and looking for the ways that He's at work in our situations.  Today, spend some time with God and talk to Him about your hurts. Ask Him to comfort you, and tell Him what you need in order to face your circumstances with courage and strength.

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I just finished day 7 of the @YouVersion plan 'Journey Through Jeremiah & Lamentations'. Check it out here:

I just finished day 7 of the @YouVersion plan 'Journey Through Jeremiah & Lamentations'. Check it out here:

Rejoice in Suffering

Rejoice in Suffering How could Paul rejoice in suffering? Because he was doing it for something much greater than himself— the church. Paul’s heart was focused on the gospel— the good news—which says that God has reconciled us to Him and made us “without blemish and free from accusation” (Colossians 1:22). This was so revolutionary that it overwhelmed his pain to the point that he rejoiced! Paul’s instinct of self-preservation had faded away and was replaced by a “kingdom perspective.” He was prepared to lay his life down with expectancy that others would see who Christ is and what He has done for humanity. We too can get rid of our instinct for self-preservation. That comes by knowing that any amount of suffering is completely worth the trade. Because Paul had this perspective, he could rejoice in the suffering that comes with death to self and life to Christ. All believers will face suffering at some time in their lives. But when we’re in the midst of pain, let’s rejoice and take the opportunity to proclaim Christ, knowing that His body of believers will thrive and grow from our selflessness.