Chapter 2 of Song of Solomon is made up of two main conversational pieces: Connection and Conflict. Those are two necessities to make any relationship work well.
Connection: You can tell that this couple is deeply in love with each other. (2:4) "his banner over me was love". Banner was a military term. When soldiers were on the battlefield and all scattered out, one of the men would raise a banner so all of the soldiers could come together and meet under the banner. It represented safety, security, unity and hope. The men would fight there way to get back to the banner. Men, are you man enough to be the banner for your marriage? If you can't keep a job, clean your room or have any gas money, then you are not ready for a wife... not even a pet. Allow God to take you through life and produce character in you to prepare you for marriage. Instead of strong banners we have deflated balloons out there. Application men, connect to a good church, get a job and repent of your sins. Women, don't settle, connect with a real man, a real leader and get a good banner.
Conflict: (2:15)"...catch the foxes, the little foxes that spoil our vineyards". I remember my first year of marriage lying on the hardwood kitchen floor crying my eyes out and feeling numb. It was so bad that I was even drooling on the floor. What happened? The little foxes destroyed my marriage. It was the first and only time that divorce was heavily considered. In the day of Solomon they would spend a lot of time cultivating their vineyards. After hours, days, weeks and even months, foxes would get in and jack the whole thing up by stealing the fruit and destroying the vineyards. Make sure that in your relationships that you have open, clear communication. Confess your weaknesses and sins. Walk upright and never lie to your spouse.
There much more to unpack in Chapter 2, I thought that I would throw out a few highlights. We are starting chapter 3 at Awaken this Sunday at 10:30 at the YMCA in Hixson. I Hope this was helpful and you could benefit from Song of Solomon.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
... And Their Wives Left
One guy was stuck on porn and his wife finally found out his grueling secret. He was so addicted that it meant more to him than she did. After eight months of battle she left.
Seeing it from his father, Jim bullied his wife; cutting her down in front of his friends and so on. She cried at night while he slept beside her. After 12 years, she left.
Everything looked fine in public, but behind the scenes he really did not care. She cooked. She cleaned. She got the kids ready. She taught the kids. She paid the bills. She even changed the oil. Once all five of the kids were out of the house, she left after 32 years.
Bars, beer and the night life filled his life. It was like that before they got married, but she thought it would change after they were married. It didn't. After 3 short months, she left.
The divorce rate in America sucks. It seems and looks as if no one knows about commitment, love, loyalty, sacrifice and selflessness anymore. A lot of them never had a role model, mentor or even a clue. Around the country though, things are starting to change. There are men of God and churches of God leading healthy marriages, because they are reading and living what the Bible says.
We will talk about the roles of the husband and wife in their roles at Awaken January 24th and 31st. We meet at the YMCA in Hixson and are currently at once service that starts at 10:30am. www.awakencc.org
Seeing it from his father, Jim bullied his wife; cutting her down in front of his friends and so on. She cried at night while he slept beside her. After 12 years, she left.
Everything looked fine in public, but behind the scenes he really did not care. She cooked. She cleaned. She got the kids ready. She taught the kids. She paid the bills. She even changed the oil. Once all five of the kids were out of the house, she left after 32 years.
Bars, beer and the night life filled his life. It was like that before they got married, but she thought it would change after they were married. It didn't. After 3 short months, she left.
The divorce rate in America sucks. It seems and looks as if no one knows about commitment, love, loyalty, sacrifice and selflessness anymore. A lot of them never had a role model, mentor or even a clue. Around the country though, things are starting to change. There are men of God and churches of God leading healthy marriages, because they are reading and living what the Bible says.
We will talk about the roles of the husband and wife in their roles at Awaken January 24th and 31st. We meet at the YMCA in Hixson and are currently at once service that starts at 10:30am. www.awakencc.org
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
What is a Family?
What is a family? It seems like there use to be an obvious answer to that question, but in this day in and age people see a different answer to that question. Some say specifically a man and a woman that are married with kids. Some say people who live together. Someone you care about. Man with man. Woman with woman. Blood relatives. People who love each other. Many opinions.
It is astonishing how many definitions, values and beliefs that people put into what they think a family is. If you are a follower of Jesus, then you look to the Bible for that definition. If not, then you can look to whatever or whoever you want to and hold whatever kind of beliefs you want to. As a follower of Christ, the Bible lays out the best definitions of what a family is and how it should function.
In the month of January we will talk about Family and the roles in a family at Awaken.
01/03 - What is a family? What is a family not?
01/10 - Role of the wife...
01/17 - Role of the husband....
01/24 - Role of the kids....
01/31 - What is your Vision for you family?
What does a family look like to you? Come join us in January and get you family back on track. This will be an encouraging series. We hope to challenge to live out a biblical family, see husbands mature and become men and Biblical leaders, wives encouraged and lifted up and learn how to raise kids.
Here are a few definitions of family: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/family
It is astonishing how many definitions, values and beliefs that people put into what they think a family is. If you are a follower of Jesus, then you look to the Bible for that definition. If not, then you can look to whatever or whoever you want to and hold whatever kind of beliefs you want to. As a follower of Christ, the Bible lays out the best definitions of what a family is and how it should function.
In the month of January we will talk about Family and the roles in a family at Awaken.
01/03 - What is a family? What is a family not?
01/10 - Role of the wife...
01/17 - Role of the husband....
01/24 - Role of the kids....
01/31 - What is your Vision for you family?
What does a family look like to you? Come join us in January and get you family back on track. This will be an encouraging series. We hope to challenge to live out a biblical family, see husbands mature and become men and Biblical leaders, wives encouraged and lifted up and learn how to raise kids.
Here are a few definitions of family: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/family
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Family
Just chilling with my family on vacation. Life has been pretty busy so its good to just lay back and take it easy for a week. Pretty fun vacation so far. We kicked it off with a staff retreat and after everyone left we have been hanging by the pool and the big jacuzzi tub. I take my family (especially my wife) for granted a lot. I have a sweet, beautiful wife who loves me and supports me in everything I do. Kylie, 2, is so sweet and is learning a lot. She asks lots of questions. She just nailed down her months of the ear and is now working on the days of the week. Abigail, 1, is a mess! She is the sweetest/cutest thing around, but is so bad and has a strong wheel. She's a mess.
I thank God for the blessings that he has given me in my life. I hope this week will help me be mindful of my family throughout my days, weeks and years to come. I pray that I can be the biblical husband and father that I need to be.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Failures
The more that I look at my life, the more I realize that I have to trust in Christ. I mess up a lot. I fail a lot. I try to be a solid Christian, Husband, Father and Pastor, but many times I fail. I am continuing to realize that I will not be perfect in any of these areas and that I need to trust in Christ to help me be the man I need to be. The more I am seeking Jesus the better I do at these things and the more I stop wasting my time on things that do not matter. Its almost a formula for me: Trust in Christ = do things well and efficient. Don't seek Christ and waste time on meaningless things.
I have been really busy in life the last few months and have taken the latter part of that "formula". This past week I have been seeking Christ more and I can tell a difference in my life.
I have been really busy in life the last few months and have taken the latter part of that "formula". This past week I have been seeking Christ more and I can tell a difference in my life.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Life and Awaken Update
It has been awhile since my last post. Life has been pretty busy. Here's whats been going on lately:
*Just started working at T-Mobile call center.
*planting trees in our yard.
*been hanging with the family a lot lately.
*Getting ready to move locations for Awaken.
*Ready for Mark and Michelle (worship leaders)
to get in town (around June 8) so we can finally meet and hang out.
*(June 1st) see if we get a grant for Awaken.
*still selling cars to make some $ on the side.
*Need to spend more quality time with Jesus.
*Many people committed to Awaken and plugged in already.
*Abigail should be walking in the next few months.
*Kylie is crazy as always and has been dancing to funny songs.
*Faith's getting out more hanging out with friends.
*Ready for Awaken hangout at Chester Frost this Sunday.
*Just started working at T-Mobile call center.
*planting trees in our yard.
*been hanging with the family a lot lately.
*Getting ready to move locations for Awaken.
*Ready for Mark and Michelle (worship leaders)
to get in town (around June 8) so we can finally meet and hang out.
*(June 1st) see if we get a grant for Awaken.
*still selling cars to make some $ on the side.
*Need to spend more quality time with Jesus.
*Many people committed to Awaken and plugged in already.
*Abigail should be walking in the next few months.
*Kylie is crazy as always and has been dancing to funny songs.
*Faith's getting out more hanging out with friends.
*Ready for Awaken hangout at Chester Frost this Sunday.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
So much to say...
I usually have a lot to say in my blogs. A lot has been going on in my life and I have not had time to say it. Here is a breakdown of whats going on in my life:
1. Getting more more valuable time with family.
2. Just had 5th Awaken meeting. 6 more guest.
3. Getting ready for 3 church planting conferences in a row. (Nashville and ATL)
4. Looking at hiring another Pastor at Awaken.
5. Getting more workouts in. push ups and running.
6. About finished with "Vintage Church" by Mark Driscol. Good Read.
7. Staying busy and have a desire to Love God and a lot of people.
So much to say...
1. Getting more more valuable time with family.
2. Just had 5th Awaken meeting. 6 more guest.
3. Getting ready for 3 church planting conferences in a row. (Nashville and ATL)
4. Looking at hiring another Pastor at Awaken.
5. Getting more workouts in. push ups and running.
6. About finished with "Vintage Church" by Mark Driscol. Good Read.
7. Staying busy and have a desire to Love God and a lot of people.
So much to say...
Friday, January 30, 2009
Staying busy: Update on life.
I am usually a daily blogger, but have taken a few days off because I have been staying busy.
Family: Our family is doing well. Faith is getting out of the house more which is good. It gets lonely being in the house with two little kids all day. I am glad she can get out a little more and have some freedom. Kylie is speaking a lot and singing songs that I have never heard before. She is going to the potty a lot always making us laugh. Abigail keeps growing teeth (is that the right phrase?) and being sweet as ever. I have been able to spend a little more time at home the last few days which has been so refreshing.
Church: Awaken is going extremely well. Still looking for our next location since we grew out of the house we were meeting in. I get tempted to go to weekly meetings, but need to be patient and see how things go.
Job: I am in the interview process at a job and hopefully we can get on there so we can pay our bills.
God: God is doing some amazing things in the life of my bride and me. He keeps drawing us closer to Himself in a way that has never happen. We look forward to see what He wants to do with our lives.
Family: Our family is doing well. Faith is getting out of the house more which is good. It gets lonely being in the house with two little kids all day. I am glad she can get out a little more and have some freedom. Kylie is speaking a lot and singing songs that I have never heard before. She is going to the potty a lot always making us laugh. Abigail keeps growing teeth (is that the right phrase?) and being sweet as ever. I have been able to spend a little more time at home the last few days which has been so refreshing.
Church: Awaken is going extremely well. Still looking for our next location since we grew out of the house we were meeting in. I get tempted to go to weekly meetings, but need to be patient and see how things go.
Job: I am in the interview process at a job and hopefully we can get on there so we can pay our bills.
God: God is doing some amazing things in the life of my bride and me. He keeps drawing us closer to Himself in a way that has never happen. We look forward to see what He wants to do with our lives.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Not Alone
It is comforting to know that I am not alone and that Christ has called my family. My family and I have taken on what seems like an impossible challenge; starting a church. First of all why do we want to start a church? Is it because we need "another" church in our city of Chattanooga? Nope. Not at all. We have plenty. Then why?
First, I feel called to be a pastor and preach, build relationships and cast vision to a church. Second, most churches would not accept me if I gave them my resume. Third, many churches are already in a system that I do not personally think are very effective. Are theses churches good and have nice people? Sure! I just think lack of authentic community exist in many churches in our city. There has to be a place, a church, where people can be real, confess struggles, not act like they are perfect, truly love one another. Jesus said that the world would come to know him because of our love for one another. If we do not know each other, then how can we truly love one another, and if we do not truly love one another, then how will the world come to Christ through us loving each other? They don't. Many won't.
That is why in the book "UnChristian" stats are filled with why people do not go to church. Particularly the 16-29 year old age. Here is a glimpse of what they say, "Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. But according to the latest report card, something has gone terribly wrong. Using descriptions like “hypocritical,” “insensitive,” and “judgmental,” young Americans share an impression of Christians that’s nothing short of . . . unChristian".
At Awaken, we honestly want to build authentic relationships with everyone that walks through our doors. Our purpose is to build believers in Christ and reach a community that is far from God. One way, a big way to do this is by love for one another.
This is the reason that we are doing what we are doing and we are not alone, Christ has called us.
If you want to be a part of a church like this we would love to invite you to our next meeting on 1.25.09. E-mail me at justin@awakencc.org if you are interested.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Christmas
We had a great time during Christmas. My brother -in-law and I went skiing and snowboarding for just the second time. We went down a double black diamond. Well not on our at least on our face.
It was great to spend time with both sides of our family.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
On Vacation
We just set up shop in Gatlinburg. I am with my wife and her side of the family for Christmas vacation. We are enjoying a week away. I will be out of the blog world for a few days. Merry Christmas.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Faith's Birthday
Today is my beautiful bride's birthday. I love my wife so much.
I bought my wife a CD player and a few CD's for her to listen to. She mentioned she wanted that so it can change the feel around the house during the day. My wife is a stay at home mom, which I believe is one of the hardest yet most rewarding jobs in the world. I hope this small gift can brighten her days.
Faith I love you and am proud of what a great mom and wife you are. Happy Birthday!
I bought my wife a CD player and a few CD's for her to listen to. She mentioned she wanted that so it can change the feel around the house during the day. My wife is a stay at home mom, which I believe is one of the hardest yet most rewarding jobs in the world. I hope this small gift can brighten her days.
Faith I love you and am proud of what a great mom and wife you are. Happy Birthday!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Break
I am looking forword to going on vacation next week. It will be good to reconnect with family, ski and just relax with the fam.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
We were adopted
I love how the Bible tells us that we were adopted. God chose us because He loves us. That is a great reality.
The next few months will be trying for our family financially. The church plant takes a lot of time, yet not very rewarding financially. We pray that many individuals and churches would come along side us as we seek to reach a lost generation.
There were two families that decided to adopt our family for Christmas. They new we wanted to honor God with our church plant, so they blessed us with a ton of diapers, lots of formula, a good amount of cash a a couple of toys. We were so blessed. It was so overwhelming to receive such a gift from two families that we do not even know.
We thank God for His faithfulness during times of faith and risk. We also thank the two families that came together to bless us.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Time with Family
My days and nights are busy! Working a lot. God has taught me a lot about spending valuable time with my family. It felt good to have time holding Abigail and playing with her tonight. How are things with your family? Do you have a problem with a mom, dad, brother, sister or an in-law? Try to work on your relationships and enjoy your time together.
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