Which of the following are similar to the ways you've served Christ in your family? [check all that apply]
• Taught your kids to see God's glory in nature
• Washed the dishes without being asked
• Played a board game with your kids
• Encouraged your wife to finish her master's degree
• Attended a child's open house at school
• Worked fewer hours to be with your family
• Set an example of a godly prayer life for your children
• Held a crying child
• Swung on the tire swing with your daughter
• Told your wife why you're still in love with her
• Told your son he's got what it takes
• Coached soccer
• Let you child correct you now and then
• Fixed the vacuum cleaner
• Taught your sons to ride a bike
• Listened patiently to a complaint of your wife
• Taped your child's artwork to your office wall
• Admitted to your kids that you were wrong
• Told your children how Christ entered your life
• Cleaned up vomit
• Taught your children to love books
• Been romantic without expecting sex
• Told your daughter she's smart/beautiful
• Set standards for your kids and stuck to them
• Dealt graciously with a busybody neighbor
• Peeled carrots
• Watched movies together
Rite of Restoration Theme of the Week: Slipknot Wednesday, October 13, 2004
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Men of IntegritySeptember/October 2004Rite of RestorationTheme of the Week: SlipknotWednesday, October 1375
Key Bible Verse: Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage (Hebrews 13:4). Bonus Reading:Malachi 2:14–16
Steve and Michelle finally agreed to the plan. Steve found another place to live. We kept working with them and gave them counseling and support. God opened their eyes to spiritual realities. Then something wonderful happened. As our Tuesday evening prayer meeting drew to a close, I said, "Before you all leave, I have a surprise for you tonight. Everybody stand, please."
The congregation rose … and the organist began the stately chords of Lohengrin's "Wedding March." The rear doors opened and the smiling bride, in a tea-length dress and holding flowers, moved forward. The 1,500 witnesses broke into wild applause. Steve, who'd been sitting near me on the front row, stood for the ceremony, as they were united in Christ.
Several times during the proceedings, their quiet weeping for joy became so loud it could be heard through my microphone. They managed to say their vows nevertheless. After the recessional I said to the audience, "You know, that couple just recently came to the Lord." I didn't go into the unseemly details of their past, but most people could figure it out. They knew full well the grace and power of God to make crooked things straight.
—Jim Cymbala in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire
My Response: How can I affirm someone who is making something crooked straight?
Thought to Apply: What would you not give to have the word "sex" set free from every trace of fear, guilt, shame, and impurity?
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