Dr. Watson Misses The Obvious

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are camping. They pitch their tent under the stars and go to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night, Holmes wakes Watson. "Watson, look up at the stars and tell me what you deduce."

Watson says, "I see millions of stars, and if even a few of those have planets, it's quite likely there are some planets like Earth, and if there are a few planets like Earth out there, there might also be life."

Holmes replies, "Watson, you idiot, somebody stole our tent!"

A Child Questions Baptism

Our three-year-old daughter, Rena, sat with us during the baptismal service last Sunday night, which was a new experience for her. She exclaimed in surprise, "Why did he push that guy in the water? Why, Dad, why?" My wife tried to explain briefly and quietly, but Rena just wouldn't be satisfied. Later that night we tried to provide an answer that a child's mind could comprehend. We talked about sin and told Rena that when people decide to live for Jesus and "do good" they want everyone to know. We then explained that water symbolizes Jesus' washing people from sin; when they come out "clean," they are going to try to be "good." A moment later, we realized we'd have to work on our explanation a bit. Rena had immediately responded, "Why didn't Pastor Bob just spank him?"

From Gary Chapman's A Marriage Vine

If we follow the teachings of Jesus, the first step in improving my marriage is confessing my own failures: to God and to my spouse. But clearing out the rubble of past failures is not enough. I must now do something constructive. Excavation is always for the purpose of building. What we are building is a good marriage. The building blocks are good deeds. As I do or say something to meet my spouse's needs, I am building my marriage. As I look for their contributions and express appreciation I am creating a new atmosphere. "Darling, I haven't told you in a long time how much I appreciate the fact that you work regularly. I met a girl today whose husband will not keep a steady job. I really appreciate you."
Such words can change the attitude of a husband. If he sees you genuinely appreciate his efforts, he is motivated to do more for you. And when he does, your feelings for him become more positive. Your marriage is greatly improved

From Gary Chapman's A Marriage Vine

If you want to improve your marriage, and you are open to trying the radical teachings of Jesus, then the first step is get alone with God, and pray this prayer: "Lord, you know what I live with, and you know how they treat me. But I know that I'm not perfect and what I want to know is, where am I failing in my marriage. What am I doing and saying that I should not? What am I failing to do and say that I should?” That is a prayer that God will answer. He will show you your failures. I suggest that you write them down as God brings them to your mind.

1. I was not kind last night. I was harsh and cutting with my words.
2. I have been withdrawing lately. Not willing to talk or express interest in his life.
3. I've been acting like God is dead and hope is gone.

Write them down and confess them to God. "Lord, I know that these are wrong. I confess them to you. Thank you that Christ has paid for these sins. I ask for your forgiveness." According to scripture, the moment you ask, you are forgiven. Thank God for His forgiveness. "Now Lord, help me to do something good with my life today." You have taken the first step in improving your marriage.

From Gary Chapman's A Marriage Vine

Improving my marriage, means that I must first of all identify and confess my own failures to God. Paul talked about this when he said: "I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man" (Acts 24:16). None of us are perfect. Having a good marriage is not dependent upon being perfect, but it does require us to deal with our failures. First we confess our failures to God and experience His forgiveness. Then with the help of His Spirit, we go to our spouse and say:
"I've been thinking about us, and I have realized that you are not all of our problem. Last night I asked God to show me where I have been failing you. He gave me a pretty good list. I asked God to forgive me and I'd like to share these with you and ask you to forgive me." Now you have your spouse's attention. Something new is happening. They are all ears.
Your spouse may or may not forgive you, but your honesty, clears the wall on your side. It empties your conscience of past failures. It frees you to be constructive today. Your marriage is already better.

From Gary Chapman's A Marriage Vine

In the contemporary world, perhaps nowhere has confusion reigned more than in the area of the husband’s role in marriage. On one extreme is the concept of the dominant husband who makes all decisions and informs the wife as to what they are going to do, who does not tolerate questions from his wife or his children, and who believes that it is his responsibility to control all the major decisions regarding family life while the wife "takes care of the children." On the other extreme is the more contemporary "don’t count on me" husband who expects the wife to support the family and make all the major decisions while he is the resident sports information source and keeps his muscles bulging with workouts at the local gym so that his wife will "be proud of him."
Somewhere between these two concepts is a healthy middle road where the husband is a responsible, dependable, leading but non-domineering husband who is deeply committed to his wife and family. This is the biblical model we will focus on this week.

Dr. Watson Misses The Obvious

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are camping. They pitch their tent under the stars and go to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night, Holmes wakes Watson. "Watson, look up at the stars and tell me what you deduce."

Watson says, "I see millions of stars, and if even a few of those have planets, it's quite likely there are some planets like Earth, and if there are a few planets like Earth out there, there might also be life."

Holmes replies, "Watson, you idiot, somebody stole our tent!"