Paul W. Powell Legacy Library

Celebrated English poet John Milton said, “Loneliness is the first thing which God’s eye named not good.” There is a loneliness in us that only God can satisfy. But there is also a type of loneliness—a longing for togetherness—that only another can satisfy. We all need the togetherness that only another human can provide. Ruth expresses t...

There is a great deal of talk about reforming or even abolishing marriage. Some psychologists are saying that marriage as it now exists is failing to meet the needs of modern society. They say we have been forcing men and women to conform to the mold of marriage, when what we should be doing is changing marriage to suit the convenience and happiness of people. So they...

The solution to most of the marital discord in today’s home is found in one line from the Bible. It is, “Take heed to your spirit” (Malachi 2:15). If our attitudes and dispositions are right, then we can live in love and peace in any relationship, including marriage. What kind of spirit do we need to develop and maintain a good marriage? 1. A trust...

Some things are harder to repair than to build originally. One of these is a broken friendship. The Bible says, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle” (Proverbs 18:19). Nothing is more valuable than our friends. Asked the secret of his life, a great man said, “I had a friend.&...

There are really only two problems in most marriages. One is the husband. The other is the wife. If these two problems are kept under control, then a marriage can be successful. Therefore, at least one half of the marital problems could be solved if men would live up to their Christian responsibilities. What are the duties of a Christian husband? First, he must be un...

In marriage it is more important to be the right person than to find the right person. If people thought more of their responsibilities and less of their rights, most marriages would be happier. Every Christian husband and wife should major in self-improvement. Christian wives should seek to develop a beautiful spirit. There are some people with a beautiful appearanc...

To a startling degree, American parents have handled their primary duty of child rearing to educational institutions or babysitters who cannot and will not do the job. Because of our divided lives, most young people are left to grow up without adequate guidance from their parents.  Parents need to wake up. Parenthood is not just biological. It is also moral and...

I am convinced that commitment, not love, is the basis for marriage. It is the fact that we promised each other before God and not some romantic feeling that keeps us together and keeps us faithful to one another. Our promises, not our feelings, are the foundation of marriage. That’s right! However, it is easier to keep the commitment if you love the pers...

The diplomacy of the White House in the days of Theodore Roosevelt was “Talk softly but carry a big stick.” In life there are times when it is necessary to carry a big stick—but there are also times when it is good to talk softly. The Bible says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous [harsh] words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1)...