All

229

Episodes

Listen From Episode #1...

Do the Prayers of a Person Make a Difference in Their War Room?

Emerson recently saw the movie "War Room" and came away thinking about the topic of prayer and reflecting on the legacy of prayer in his family. Emerson believes the prayers of his grandmother, whom he never knew, as well as another godly woman, impacted his family significantly. Praying for our spouse, children, and others is something many of us are missing out on. The impact can be significant!

Do the Prayers of a Person Make a Difference in Their War Room?

Do You BOTH Take Responsibility for the Lack of Love and Respect?

This week Emerson and Jonathan discuss how good things happen to a couple when both contend they are the one responsible for the lack of love and respect in the marriage. For instance when both say, "My response is my responsibility and I could have been more loving and respectful even when you were having a bad day,” the nature of the marriage changes for the better—much better.

Do You BOTH Take Responsibility for the Lack of Love and Respect?

Experiencing The Presence of God

Emerson and Jonathan discuss how to experience the presence of God this week. As you draw near to God, you can experience God Himself. You can fully devote yourself to the Lord whether you are celibate and undistracted or married and distracted. The point is simply to draw near to God and begin to experience His awesome presence in your life. When you do, good things happen.

Experiencing The Presence of God

What Did We Know about Marriage as a Six-Year-Old but Forgot as an Adult?

Have we forgotten what we knew about marriage at age six? In response to a recent video that went viral, Emerson and Jonathan discuss the things we knew as children, such as mommy and daddy ought to be friendly with each other because all mommies and daddies ought to be friends. What we knew, why things often change, and then three practical ways friendship can enter a marriage again are discussed.

What Did We Know about Marriage as a Six-Year-Old but Forgot as an Adult?

Does Your Spouse Dictate Your Worth as a Person? Who Determines Who You Are?

In every marriage each spouse negatively affects the other, at least sometimes. When on the receiving end of the negativity, we feel disappointed, sad, hurt, grieved, frustrated, angry, and even devastated. In some instances, the pain proves nearly unbearable, such as when a spouse serves us divorce papers. We are not mechanical robots without emotions. But can a spouse make us feel worthless in the core of our being, ordaining that our life has no meaning or purpose? Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss this topic.

Does Your Spouse Dictate Your Worth as a Person? Who Determines Who You Are?

Our Marriage Hit Rock Bottom - A Wife’s Story

Listen in this week as Emerson and Jonathan discuss a wife's story about her marriage hitting rock bottom and what she did about it. Here are a few of her words - "We went to counseling, and that did not seem to help. My husband told me he loved me, but wasn’t attracted to me and didn’t feel “in love” with me...I decided to try one of your exercises. I told my husband why I respected him. I remember having to think about it all night."

Our Marriage Hit Rock Bottom - A Wife’s Story

Parenting God's Way Part 1

Hear Emerson speak on the topic of parenting this week. A powerful two part sermon on why we parent God's way, this topic will be enlightening and freeing to many people. Whether a parent in crisis, a parent who has it all together right now, a parent with grown children, or someone who is not even a parent yet, this will impact you.

Parenting God's Way Part 1

Parenting God's Way - Part 2

Listen to Emerson this week as he wraps up his message on parenting. Through three points Emerson will again help listeners understand how to parent God's way.

Parenting God's Way - Part 2

Are Our Parents To Blame For Our Issues?

Many of us look at the things in ourselves that we do not like and at the negative reactions from people we do not like, and we wonder, Do these problems exist in my life because of my parents? If they had been better parents, or had treated me better, then surely I’d be a better person with fewer personal and interpersonal problems, right? Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss this important issue.

Are Our Parents To Blame For Our Issues?

Why The Deception In Marriage?

In this episode, Emerson and Jonathan discuss six examples of the hurt the innocent party feels when discovering their husband or wife lies to them: three examples from wives and three from husbands. Reasons for the lying occurring and what should have been done are discussed. Listeners are encouraged to come up with their own answers, apply to their own relationships and share with others.

Why The Deception In Marriage?

Do You Remain Thankful During The Tough Times?

Are you thankful in the good times? Are you thankful in the difficult times? The Bible states that it is God's will that we be thankful, no matter the circumstances, although not necessarily for the circumstances. Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss this important topic during the Thanksgiving season.

Do You Remain Thankful During The Tough Times?

3 Reasons Some Counselors Are Bad At Marriage Counseling

This week Emerson and Jonathan discuss some of the difficulties in finding a good Christian marriage counselor. They discuss how some counselors have a difficult time working with couples because of an individualistic approach, how some counselors have a negative male bias, and how some counselors maintain moral neutrality, plus practical recommendations for dealing with these issues. Whether for you or someone you know, this episode will be helpful for those in or considering marital counseling.

3 Reasons Some Counselors Are Bad At Marriage Counseling

What’s Wrong With Thinking Another Person Is Right?

Do you believe one spouse’s report without ever hearing the other spouse tell their side of the story? Why? Although a question about marriage, listen in as Emerson and Jonathan discuss this question and how the answer is applicable to all walks of life. How most know that we must hear both sides in a court of law, how the Bible teaches us why, and where we read in Proverbs 18:17 and other scriptures, "The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him." It is a basic truth: when only one person tells their side of the story it seems convincing. However, when another questions and even counters, a different picture emerges.

What’s Wrong With Thinking Another Person Is Right?

When We Address a Man’s Needs - Why Do Some Women Hijack the Discussion?

Some feel that when we talk about what is true of most males we are implying this is untrue of women. When some ladies feel this way, they change the focus to the woman. Why? Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss a difficult topic following and expanding upon a recent blog. WARNING: this may be difficult for some to hear and we aren't talking about the volume.

When We Address a Man’s Needs - Why Do Some Women Hijack the Discussion?

Are You Offended by the Inoffensive?

Though a person appears to be unloving and disrespectful, to the point where I even feel unloved and disrespected, could I have actually misinterpreted the appearance? When I feel offended by another, does that mean the other person is automatically an offensive person, or could I feel offended by something that in fact is inoffensive? Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss this topic.

Are You Offended by the Inoffensive?

Three Reasons Some Do Not Have a Filter On Their Words

Some of us need a filter on our speech when we communicate. When we lack a filter we undermine our effectiveness in communicating with people. With whom we communicate falls into three groups: family and friends, coworkers and neighbors, or acquaintances and strangers. This filter consists of asking three questions before communicating: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss an important topic.

Three Reasons Some Do Not Have a Filter On Their Words

9 Ways To Fuel Disagreements Into a Feud

Over time, two people can hurt, frustrate, confuse, and anger the other. She feels that her differing opinion and convictions do not matter to him as much as his own ideas matter. Or, he feels that his differing outlook and beliefs have little importance to her compared to how she feels about her views. Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss how individuals begin to feel that their ideas do not matter and that they do not matter on the heels of another disagreement, but how they must guard against the 9 Ways to Fuel Disagreements Into a Feud.

9 Ways To Fuel Disagreements Into a Feud

Losing Makes Us a Winner! How To Be Resolute

From third grade to eighth grade Emerson was overweight. He wore Husky pants. His legs rubbed together when he ran. His belly hung over the front of his pants. Sometimes people called him “fatty.” He would often cry. The Bible says, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7–8). Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they talk about being resolute in the new year.

Losing Makes Us a Winner! How To Be Resolute

True or False: What Is Desirable In A Man Is His Kindness?

Is it true that what is wanted in a person is for this individual to be friendly, generous, and considerate? Yes. Proverbs 19:22 states, "What is desirable in a man is his kindness." Why is this a desirable trait? People know they will respond to a kind individual. Kindness motivates people to act. Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss the topic of kindness.

True or False: What Is Desirable In A Man Is His Kindness?

What Does Regularly Playing the Lotto Do to the Soul?

In this week's episode Emerson and Jonathan discuss a number of issues pertaining to playing the lotto and money. Here are some of the topics: two types of people who buy lotto tickets; the addicted poor; lovers of money or lovers of God; wandering from the faith; and what are people's true beliefs.

What Does Regularly Playing the Lotto Do to the Soul?

After An Affair Is Ongoing Contact With the Other Person Ok?

Over the years Emerson has received hundred of emails regarding affairs, often from the betrayed spouse asking what they should do. Both Emerson and Jonathan have also listened to countless stories of infidelity as they counsel individuals and couples. Join them this week as they explore a response Emerson wrote to a man who wondered if he was handling things correctly following an affair. This message is applicable for husband and wife, both the betrayed and the betrayer.

After An Affair Is Ongoing Contact With the Other Person Ok?

Is Your Wife Really Trying To Be Negative and Disrespectful?

A husband wrote, “My wife and I have been married for almost two years. . . . Our disagreements are centered on her emotional outbursts and my lack of emotion. . . . I do love the emotion my wife has and I know God has us together to love and respect each other as we seek to glorify him, but I struggle when my wife justifies some behavior as her uncontrollable emotional reaction. I am not looking for something to condemn her with, instead I would like your viewpoint on how one best handles this type of ongoing disagreement.” Emerson responds in this week's episode.

Is Your Wife Really Trying To Be Negative and Disrespectful?

What is the Issue When the Issue Isn’t the Issue?

Drawing upon principles of the Crazy Cycle Emerson responds separately to a wife and to a husband about two different issues. He helps them understand that they need to approach their spouse with love and respect, which is an issue, while still addressing the topic at hand. This episode will help listeners discern what really is the issue when an issue is being discussed.

What is the Issue When the Issue Isn’t the Issue?

God Joined you together - What Does This Mean?

Does God intend to direct our steps to one and only one person that He designed from eternity past to be our soul-mate? Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss the topic of a soul-mate. Whether you are a person looking to get married or have been married for many years but think you married the wrong person, this episode will provide insight.

God Joined you together - What Does This Mean?

3 Goals in Dating That Lead to a Successful Marriage - Part 1

This three part series is perfect for anyone who is dating or unmarried, but also for anyone who knows someone that is. Additionally, do you have children or plan on having children? This can help you in your conversations with them about marriage. In thinking about his own daughter's upcoming marriage Emerson composed his thoughts on preparing for marriage, which includes being a mature person, looking for a mature person, and being motivated by Christ's mission as a couple.

3 Goals in Dating That Lead to a Successful Marriage - Part 1

3 Goals in Dating That Lead to a Successful Marriage - Part 2

Emerson and Jonathan continue this three part series on what leads to a successful marriage. In Part 1 they looked at being a mature person. In Part 2 they look at finding a mature person. This three part series is perfect for anyone who is dating or unmarried, but also for anyone who knows someone that is. Additionally, do you have children or plan on having children? This can help you in your conversations with them about marriage.

3 Goals in Dating That Lead to a Successful Marriage - Part 2

3 Goals in Dating That Lead to a Successful Marriage - Part 3

In Part 3 of this series on dating Emerson looks back briefly at becoming a mature person and looking for a mature person but that for Christians a third component is needed, Doing God's Will As a Couple. When we do not have a purpose beyond ourselves, we end up focusing only on ourselves. When we do not think of something bigger than ourselves, we will only think of ourselves. When nothing is more important than ourselves, than we alone are important. However, when we fight for something bigger than ourselves, we fight with each other less! That may not be the most noble of reasons to follow Christ but it certainly leads to marital satisfaction!

3 Goals in Dating That Lead to a Successful Marriage - Part 3

Are Wives HyperSensitive or Just Highly Sensitive to A Husband’s Unclear Comments?

Typically speaking, most husbands are assured of their wives love. Women are virtuous and excellent caregivers. Because of a wife’s loving and nurturing nature few men have an undercurrent of curiosity and insecurity about a wife’s love. Women love to love, and men know this. However, with many wives there is an undercurrent of curiosity and insecurity that they possess in their souls that their husbands do not possess: “Does he really love me as much as I love him?” Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss this topic. Husbands: If you use this information against your wife, claiming she is hyper-sensitive, and you say it in an unloving way, then you are in the fact the insensitive one.

Are Wives HyperSensitive or Just Highly Sensitive to A Husband’s Unclear Comments?

Are Husbands Hyper-Sensitive or Just Highly-Sensitive to Disrespect?

Some husbands are hyper-sensitive to anything that strikes them as disrespectful. They overreact to their good willed wives who do not intend any such disrespect. Sadly, these men read disrespect into her every question, concern, or disagreement. Some husbands are just sensitive to undeserving disrespect. Though they humbly appeal to their wives to halt the rudeness toward them as men, husbands and fathers, these women claim the husbands are overly sensitive. Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss this important issue. See episode 088 to hear this topic as it pertains to wives.

Are Husbands Hyper-Sensitive or Just Highly-Sensitive to Disrespect?

19 Love and Respect Truisms and Principles to Live By

Join Emerson and Jonathan this week as they discuss 19 simple, yet sometimes difficult to do, principles from the Love and Respect message. From monitoring your thoughts and feelings in interactions with your spouse, to what to say and do, practicing a few of these can improve your marriage.

19 Love and Respect Truisms and Principles to Live By

Most Popular

Episodes That Others Find Meaningful

The Energizing Cycle Part II

Why The Deception In Marriage?

The Midlife Crisis of The Christian: Am I Really Happy With Who I Am as a Person

Three Ways To Murder Your Marriage Part 1

Parenting: Chronic Anger or Chronic Appeasement? Part II

Emerson Recommends

Some of Emerson's Favorites

The Crazy Cycle

What if Love and Respect Do Not Work With My Spouse?

The Rewarded Cycle

Why Confess Our Unloving and Disrespectful Comments?

After The "Oops" Just Apologize And Make It Right

Collections

Articles, Podcasts, Ask Emerson on a concept or theme

View More Collections

Unconditional Love and Respect In Marriage

The Rewarded Cycle

Sexual Intimacy

Women Need Respect and Men Need Love