When Children Become Favorites
The Destructive Power of Favoritism Scripture Focus “The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.” — Genesis 25:27–28 Opening Vignette It started […]
Pray About It Together
Turning Shared Pain Toward God Scripture Focus “Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.” — Genesis 25:21 Opening Vignette For months, Rachel had watched her father slowly decline. The man who had always seemed strong and independent was becoming […]
When Love Becomes Home
Creating a Safe Place for Each Other Scripture Focus “Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.” — Genesis 24:67 Opening Vignette When Jim walked through the door, Susan immediately knew something was wrong. “How did […]
Becoming the Answer to Someone’s Prayer
Character Matters More Than Appearance Scripture Focus “May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac.” — Genesis 24:14 “After she […]
Let God Lead The Way
Seeking God’s Direction for Your Marriage Scripture Focus “Then he prayed, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.’” — Genesis 24:12 “As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey.” — Genesis 24:27 Opening Vignette Mark and Julie had narrowed their decision to […]
Growing Together Through Imperfection
When Old Struggles Show Up Again Scripture Focus “Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, ‘She is my sister.’ So, Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.” — Genesis 20:2 “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:6 Opening […]
The Long Shadow of Shortcuts
Scripture Focus “Then Sarah said to Abraham, ‘Drive out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be an heir with my son Isaac.’” — Genesis 21:10 “God heard the boy crying…’Do not be afraid…I will make him into a great nation.’” — Genesis 21:17–18 Opening Vignette Mike and Jennifer had been […]
Learning to Laugh Again – When God Turns Doubt into Delight
Scripture Focus “So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?’” — Genesis 18:12 “Sarah said, ‘God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.’” — Genesis 21:6 Opening Vignette There was a time when Jason and Melissa couldn’t stop dreaming together. They talked about their future…visualizing the […]
When Success Doesn’t Solve the Problem
When Getting What You Want Isn’t What You Need Scripture Focus “He (Abram) went in to Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.” Genesis 16:4 “Then Sarai said to Abram, ‘May the wrong done me be upon you …’” Genesis 16:5 Opening Vignette For years, Kevin and Lisa had dreamed of owning a larger home. […]
Pray Before You Decide: Seeking God’s Wisdom Together
Scripture Focus “So, Sarai said to Abram, ‘Now behold, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my servant; perhaps I will obtain children through her.’ And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.” — Genesis 16:2 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5 Opening Vignette David and […]