Jimmy’s Table Podcast

Why do bad things happen to good people? How can we explain suffering? What about when we can't explain the reasons for our suffering? In today's podcast, I attempt to wrestle with some of the hardest questions in life regarding the dark times we face...

Fears about coronavirus, plunges in the stock market, and political turmoil make the world feel a bit apocalyptic. In today's podcast, I examine Revelation 18, and how we ought to live as an apocalyptic people...

Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover is a popular self-help program for getting out of debt and becoming wealthy. Biblically and financially, however, it has some flaws. In today's podcast, I critique some areas where I feel Dave Ramsey gets it wrong...

What is art? Art is the "unique flavor" that we bring to this world that helps free people from the cages they live in. In today's podcast, I talk to musician John Howey about the nature of art, its place in our culture, and in the church.

I realized after I published my most recent podcast this week that Valentine's Day was coming up, and I missed a great opportunity to put together a little something on the the issue of love and marriage. So, at the suggestion of my wife Meagan, I have decided to publish an extra "bonus episode" this week with my podcast.

The following are 3 simple keys to a better marriage. Be sure to listen to the podcast for my full take on these things. I've also mixed in some Princess Bride references. In case you never saw this movie classic, here's a video for some humorous context:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3odMTPuzLwY

Change Your Perspective

We need a re-orientation in our perspective on marriage. Some of you act like marriage isn't much different than simply have a roomate. In marriage we become, according to the Bible, "one flesh." So if we are one flesh, let's act like it.

While we have not lost our individuality in a marriage, I am my own person and so is my wife, in marriage I have surrendered my life to my wife and vice versa. Everything I do should be done in consideration of my spouse. Career choices, ministry choices, financial choices, and even what I do with my spare time should be done in consideration how it impacts my wife.

Whatever it takes, get on the same page with one another spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, financially, and in all other arenas in your life. Build consensus, like in a partnership. And whatever you decide to do, don't do it in an, "ugh, I gotta do this..." begrudging sorta manner. Rather, rejoice in the opportunity of what you "get to do" with your spouse and on their behalf. On some days this may be easier than others, but it is an attitude we should ultimately take on.

Be Life-Long Newlyweds

When I was in college, and old pastor friend of mine told me that whatever I did when I became married one day, make sure to always pursue my wife and never stop dating her.

It's easy for marriage to get on auto-pilot, and to simply coast. The everyday comings and goings of life threaten to put the flame in your marriage out. Jobs, kids, medical issues, finances, and other such things will interrupt the flow of everything.

But, whatever happens, don't let these things get between you and your wife. You made a choice to marry your spouse. Such wasn't merely a one time decision. It's a life long decision that you get to repeat every moment of every day. Be intentional about your marriage.

Don't let a day pass where you don't kiss your spouse. Make it a point to go on dates as frequently as you can--- whatever that date looks like, even if it's just the choice to run errands together. Do special things for each other, like pick-up flowers, make a special meal, etc.. And while things may never be as exciting as when you first got married, things can still be quite fresh and exciting, just like when you first got married.

Walk In Forgiveness

You are going to do things that upset each other. You might even manage to do this multiple times in one day. Whatever the case, make it a choice to forgive one another. And do that daily. Refuse to mull over and replay arguments in your head. Don't speak harshly to them. Rather, realize we are all a work in progress, and personality hiccups and flaws may take years to iron out. Be patient, gentle, and treat one another with kindness.

Deliberately praise your spouse and tell them and others about how awesome they are. Don't backbite and gossip about your spouse and put them down, either to their face or to friends, family, and coworkers. Your spouse shouldn't find out what's wrong with them from the lips of someone else. Sing their praises instead, and let that get back to them.

Related Podcasts

Marriage Is Stupidly Easy – Episode #2Our Story: God Blessed The Broken Road – Episode #20 The Celebration Of Singleness Over Marriage- Episode #21

I realized after I published my most recent podcast this week that Valentine's Day was coming up, and I missed a great opportunity to put together a little something on the the issue of love and marriage. So, at the suggestion of my wife Meagan, I have decided to publish an extra "bonus episode" this week with my podcast.

The following are 3 simple keys to a better marriage. Be sure to listen to the podcast for my full take on these things. I've also mixed in some Princess Bride references. In case you never saw this movie classic, here's a video for some humorous context:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3odMTPuzLwY

Change Your Perspective

We need a re-orientation in our perspective on marriage. Some of you act like marriage isn't much different than simply have a roomate. In marriage we become, according to the Bible, "one flesh." So if we are one flesh, let's act like it.

While we have not lost our individuality in a marriage, I am my own person and so is my wife, in marriage I have surrendered my life to my wife and vice versa. Everything I do should be done in consideration of my spouse. Career choices, ministry choices, financial choices, and even what I do with my spare time should be done in consideration how it impacts my wife.

Whatever it takes, get on the same page with one another spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, financially, and in all other arenas in your life. Build consensus, like in a partnership. And whatever you decide to do, don't do it in an, "ugh, I gotta do this..." begrudging sorta manner. Rather, rejoice in the opportunity of what you "get to do" with your spouse and on their behalf. On some days this may be easier than others, but it is an attitude we should ultimately take on.

Be Life-Long Newlyweds

When I was in college, and old pastor friend of mine told me that whatever I did when I became married one day, make sure to always pursue my wife and never stop dating her.

It's easy for marriage to get on auto-pilot, and to simply coast. The everyday comings and goings of life threaten to put the flame in your marriage out. Jobs, kids, medical issues, finances, and other such things will interrupt the flow of everything.

But, whatever happens, don't let these things get between you and your wife. You made a choice to marry your spouse. Such wasn't merely a one time decision. It's a life long decision that you get to repeat every moment of every day. Be intentional about your marriage.

Don't let a day pass where you don't kiss your spouse. Make it a point to go on dates as frequently as you can--- whatever that date looks like, even if it's just the choice to run errands together. Do special things for each other, like pick-up flowers, make a special meal, etc.. And while things may never be as exciting as when you first got married, things can still be quite fresh and exciting, just like when you first got married.

Walk In Forgiveness

You are going to do things that upset each other. You might even manage to do this multiple times in one day. Whatever the case, make it a choice to forgive one another. And do that daily. Refuse to mull over and replay arguments in your head. Don't speak harshly to them. Rather, realize we are all a work in progress, and personality hiccups and flaws may take years to iron out. Be patient, gentle, and treat one another with kindness.

Deliberately praise your spouse and tell them and others about how awesome they are. Don't backbite and gossip about your spouse and put them down, either to their face or to friends, family, and coworkers.

"Power" is about the ability to exercise your will over others without restraint. Sometimes this is through brute force, but other times, it comes by climbing certain social hierarchies, whether it be in academics, business, politics, or religion. I believe Jesus has called us to flip our power dynamics upside down...

"Power" is about the ability to exercise your will over others without restraint. Sometimes this is through brute force, but other times, it comes by climbing certain social hierarchies, whether it be in academics, business, politics, or religion. I believe Jesus has called us to flip our power dynamics upside down...

Over the years I've been quite the argumentative type. While this was once a badge of honor to me, the longer I live the more I've begun to see this isn't a positive quality to have. Today's podcast is dedicated to better learning the art of discussion, and preventing heated arguments.

Over the years I've been quite the argumentative type. While this was once a badge of honor to me, the longer I live the more I've begun to see this isn't a positive quality to have. Today's podcast is dedicated to better learning the art of discussion, and preventing heated arguments.