Love Is The Answer

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25

In the movie 'Fireproof', which was released several years ago, a couple were on the verge of divorce because they had let other things take priority in their marriage. A husband was addicted to online porn and the wife was having an affair with a man at work. When the parents of the husband intervened to help save the marriage, miraculous changes occurred. God changed a heart and thus an attitude and thus love, true Biblical love, came into the picture.

Love, real true Christlike love, puts the other person first. Most of us are familiar with the 'love chapter' in the New Testament, that being 1 Corinthians 13. Take a moment and read it and meditate on what it says. More marriages could be saved if both partners were committed to not only their vows, but about 'putting on' true Christian selfless love. Marriage is about two people, a man and a woman, and many take Christian vows on their wedding day, but then fail to incorporate Christianity into their lifestyle, other than maybe on Sunday. To love like Christ we have to live like Christ. That means daily dying to self and putting the other person first.

Wherever you are at today, married or unmarried God can help you if you want to be helped. You can learn unconditional Christlike love for your spouse or for a friend. Get into God's word and search for all the scriptures you can find on love. You will be amazed how if you can commit to this the word can transform you. Give it a try!

PRAYER:I know love is the answer to most of life problems we have. Love is patient, kind, unselfish and giving. Love puts 'me' last and others first. Love is always trying to find ways to help others and show love. Help me love like you love Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I Pledge Thee My Troth

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. Ecclesiastes 5:4

In our wedding vows 37 years ago part of it said "I pledge thee my troth" and we laughed about it as it sounded like I was giving a stable away. But the troth means faithfulness or truthfulness. The word 'pledge' itself means "a solemn binding promise". It is a vow and should not be taken lightly.

Pledges are part of everyday life in America. Take the 'Pledge of Allegiance' for example. It is a serious promise you make when you recite this pledge or promise. Say it to yourself and think what it means. In Christian circles many make a 'pledge' to donate money to a radio station, ministry or a missionary. This pledge should be taken seriously as it is a promise and ministries count on your faithfulness. I will be the first to admit there have been times I forgot and felt ashamed of myself. When I was in college I 'pledged' to a sorority or joined it and pledged to be faithful as a 'sister'. Pledges are important. 

Have you made pledges you have not kept? God can forgive you so do not beat up on yourself but purpose in your heart you will not allow breaking pledges to become a habit. If you  pledge allegiance to America and don't follow it you may be guilty of treason. A pledge is a trust, a promise. If you are committing to something you want to be faithful. This is between you and God. Start today and ask God to help you keep that which you have promised.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to be faithful to my promises and pledges. This is an honorable thing to do and Christian thing to do. Help me not make excuses but to fulfill my pledges. In Jesus' name. Amen.