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1. Sometimes we think our relationships are simply a straight line between us and the other person. Is there a relationship you want to work on? |
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2. But every relationship has a god. The relationship is a triangle, not a line. EVERY marriage, friendship, family, business, etc. HAS A GOD. Maybe that god is money, career, the kids, partying, exercise, the house, grades, sports, even each other! Anytime two or more people gather, a god(s) is present. Let's not fool ourselves, even the Communists, who claimed to be atheists, created gods (Stalin, Lenin, Nukes). So who is the God of your relationship? May I suggest, that if it isn't the one True God, Jesus, the relationship will be challenged? Whether we believe Jesus was the Son of God or not, can we deny he was a perfect example for our relationships? How big a role do Jesus' teachings play in your Relationship in this example? |
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3. When we move further away from God, we find ourselves moving further away from each other. If we move too far away, the relationship may falter, shake, break. |
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4. But if we draw nearer to God, we find ourselves GETTING CLOSER TO EACH OTHER. A stronger bond is formed. Note: We canNOT make each other a god and worship each other (husband-wife, parent-child, leader-team member). We are all broken people. When we do this, we set ourselves up for failure and disappointment. A wise Pastor (Arthur Rouner) counseled Jess and I before we got married to, "Find something, some god bigger than yourselves, to build your marriage upon." He promised, "If you do, you will find a marriage full of joy, FORGIVENESS and strength. If you don't, you will find yourselves broken in two." |
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5. That's it! We just did it!!! You and I just got closer, right? That's what this blog is all about!!! * As my smart wife always tells me, "It's always better when we include God!" :) |
A final thought from our teachings this week...
We Become More Like the God We Serve.
One of our favorite songs right now, Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLy-B9LuqMo
(click or paste this link)
We Become More Like the God We Serve.
One of our favorite songs right now, Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLy-B9LuqMo
(click or paste this link)
Wow!! What an easy concept, but such an easy concept to stray away from. Thanks for sharing! You're changing lives every day in ways you don't even know:) Congratulations on Japan! Hopefully you'll get a little free time for sushi:)
ReplyDeleteOK, riddle me this - as we get closer to God why are we getting farther apart? Indy, then Hawaii and now Japan...please work harder on your relationship with our savior so we can be closer again:) Good stuff!!!
ReplyDeleteOK, finally figured out why my comments were not posting - glory to God!
This was really powerful for me and Jonni. We came into this experience wanting to get closer to each other and closer to God. As I get closer to Christ and follow His teachings more closely I automatically become closer to Jonni. God made things so simple, we're the ones who complicate relationships.
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