Submission is a dirty word. You hear it mostly in relation to marriage but it also encompasses much more. I will go over a few areas in this devotion.
First as related to marriage it is very important that only one person be in charge of final decisions. In the military there is a chain of command and likewise in marriage you need a chain of command of sorts. This does not mean that the lady is not as important or valued as her male counterpart but that there has to be one person who makes the final call. Of course it is important to discuss decisions and treat the wife with ultimate love and respect. She is not to be trampled upon or treated like a second class citizen such as how Muslims apparently treat their females. Women are special and vital but God designed the man to be the head. Adam was created first then woman was made from him. This is not meaning she is less important. No matter how much the Women's Lib movement wants to redefine marriage, say marriage is unnecessary or feel superior to men, God had a plan for the man to take care of the wife, nurture her and be the spiritual head of the home. Submission does not imply servitude like in cave man days where the man is some big 'He Man' dragging his wife by the hair and ordering her around. Submission is beautiful when done GOD'S way and it is nothing for the godly woman to fear. The man and woman are joint heirs to the gift of life. Once they say " I do" everything becomes joint. A new family is formed. But there has to be someone who makes the final decisions after all is said and done. The Bible says in Ephesians 5:21-26 "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word." What about the lady who is married to someone who is not a believer or is but maybe does not read his Bible and know all this? Well in that case 1 Peter 3:1-2 applies and it says "Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives." Let your life be a witness. Husbands,Colossians 3:19 says "Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." Proverbs 21:19 is a reminder to wives and it says "It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife." Hey ladies let your light shine in your home for Jesus! In 1 Samuel 15:23 says "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king." Ouch rebellion like witchcraft or divination. Now that makes you think doesn't it?
Secondly submission applies to people submitting to their leaders and those in authority over them. A President, for instance, is not a King, Dictator, or Lord but he is an elected representative who is supposed to lead and serve the people, not dictate and bully them into submission. When leaders get haughty and power goes to their head and they start lording over the people, here in the United States we have a Constitution that says we can impeach them. We are to obey and submit to rulers who are fair and just. Hebrews 13:17 says "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." God will take care of the evil rulers in the end who are hurting the people. He is not pleased with those who try to be more powerful that He is. 1 Peter 2:13-14 says "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right." If a leader tries to tell you you are not allowed to speak about Christ then he is wrong. Acts 4:18-20 says "Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
A third type of submission would be in your workplace or even as a volunteer job .You are to work heartily as if working for the Lord and not be a slacker. Colossians 3:23 should be your job description and it says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." You are to be fair, honest and full of integrity. Show up on time, work hard, go beyond the call of duty and help others.Let your light shine in your place of work or where you volunteer. Be dependable. Do not cheat or steal. Do not be wasting time on the internet when you are supposed to be working. You submit by following the rules or the operating procedures or you get put on probation or fired.
A fourth form of submission is to those older than we are. Often times people poke fun of older people and call them derogatory names. Elderly people have paid their dues, so to speak, and we have much to learn from them and they have much to contribute. Just because some of them may not be familiar with today's modern technology is no reason to discount them or make fun of them. Take time to talk to older people and show respect for them. Help them do things but also realize they still have much to contribute. Many older people feel as if others think they should just go on to the cemetery. What a travesty. If your parents are still living or your grandparents, call them, write them and if nearby go spend time with them. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 says "Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity." You are not really submitting to the older person but honoring them which is a type of submission.Older people deserve respect!
A Christian leader should be submissive to those they are serving. Never lording over those underneath you to make you feel more superior to them. 1 Peter 5:3 says "not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." Be a willing listener and learn from those you teach.
Finally we are to most importantly to submit to Almighty God. James 4:7 says "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
There you have it. Somewhat lengthy but very important points to remember.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus I desire to have a submissive spirit. Forgive me when I have acted with rebellion as I know that is not pleasing to you. Help me live a life to glorify you in all areas of my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Interesting side note: I wrote the first nearly finished draft at the Tulsa Airport about 1 p.m. yesterday while waiting on a flight. While transferring it to my inbox it mysteriously disappeared into cyber space never to return. the enemy must not want some of these out there. I tried my best to recreate as much as I could remember of what I wrote the first time. I recreated this after getting off an airplane at midnight.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
SATAN IS A NERD
Oh my goodness, I am name calling! Shame on me. Not when it comes to the lying, cheating, deceitfulness, and killing of this horrible creature. I got the idea for my title today off an elderly gentleman's baseball cap that I saw as he left church in Tulsa, Oklahoma at Victory Christian Center yesterday. It was funny in a way, but also very true.
Satan is not a little red skinny man with a pitchfork like Halloween costumes attempt to portray him as, but he is in fact a powerful, sinister force working through human subjects, who he has deceived, in order to wreak havoc in the world we live in. He despises Christians and anything they stand for, so he hates America since it is a Christian nation. He is in fact an 'angel of light' tricking and deceiving many people. He can convince you of many things if you are not grounded in the word of God. Satan and his demons of evil like to keep people in bondage. They do not like freedom. They do not like the Bible at all for in it is power to defeat him and his demonic spirits. The good news is that we have the power to defeat Satan and his lies with the blood of Jesus and the word of God. Revelation 12:11 says "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."
Talk out loud to the devil and say "Get Thee behind me Satan!" Matthew 16:23 says " Jesus turned and said to Peter..get thee behind me Satan. You are a stumbling block to me for you do not have in mind the things of God but the things of men." Matthew 4:10 says "Jesus said to him..away from me Satan for it is written, worship the Lord and serve Him only."
In Isaiah 54:17 it says "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,and their righteousness is of thee says the Lord." Satan will try his best to get you to take his bait and many fall prey to this and do. Even some within churches are tricked by his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11 says " in order that Satan may not outwit us for we are not ignorant of his schemes." He is the ultimate creep and has tricked many unsuspecting earthly subjects to carry out his evil here on earth. We are indeed in a spiritual battle. Do not get mad at 'mere man' knowing Satan has taken them captive to do his evil bidding, but be angry at Satan and be on your knees in prayer for those he is using against righteous men to hurt us.
The anti Christ will come and will be a powerful force and lead many astray. Be aware. It says in 1 Peter 5:8-9 "Be self controlled and alert . Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to destroy. Resist him standing firm in your faith because you know your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same type of sufferings." James 4:7 tells us to "Submit yourselves then unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee from us." Satan and demons are no joke. You are either doing the work of God or the work of the enemy, think of that for a while. There is no in between. John 10:10 says "The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly."
We know who wins in the end because it says in Revelation 12:9 "This great dragon, the ancient serpent called Satan or the devil, the one deceiving the whole world, was thrown down to the earth with all his angels." John 12:31 says "Now is the time for judgment on this world,and the prince of this (Satan) will be driven out." Jesus is Lord!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know there are evil forces of darkness who seek to destroy the body of Christ and our freedoms. I stand strong in the Lord and the power of your might and resist Satan firm in my faith. I stand on the promises of God and I have victory in Jesus. I will not fear evil man and his schemes for you are with me Lord and will see me through. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link and start your Monday morning out with a praise song to the Lord. Be blessed!
http://youtu.be/wIg6RIbLz1c
PS We are in a world not of this world!!
Satan is not a little red skinny man with a pitchfork like Halloween costumes attempt to portray him as, but he is in fact a powerful, sinister force working through human subjects, who he has deceived, in order to wreak havoc in the world we live in. He despises Christians and anything they stand for, so he hates America since it is a Christian nation. He is in fact an 'angel of light' tricking and deceiving many people. He can convince you of many things if you are not grounded in the word of God. Satan and his demons of evil like to keep people in bondage. They do not like freedom. They do not like the Bible at all for in it is power to defeat him and his demonic spirits. The good news is that we have the power to defeat Satan and his lies with the blood of Jesus and the word of God. Revelation 12:11 says "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."
Talk out loud to the devil and say "Get Thee behind me Satan!" Matthew 16:23 says " Jesus turned and said to Peter..get thee behind me Satan. You are a stumbling block to me for you do not have in mind the things of God but the things of men." Matthew 4:10 says "Jesus said to him..away from me Satan for it is written, worship the Lord and serve Him only."
In Isaiah 54:17 it says "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,and their righteousness is of thee says the Lord." Satan will try his best to get you to take his bait and many fall prey to this and do. Even some within churches are tricked by his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11 says " in order that Satan may not outwit us for we are not ignorant of his schemes." He is the ultimate creep and has tricked many unsuspecting earthly subjects to carry out his evil here on earth. We are indeed in a spiritual battle. Do not get mad at 'mere man' knowing Satan has taken them captive to do his evil bidding, but be angry at Satan and be on your knees in prayer for those he is using against righteous men to hurt us.
The anti Christ will come and will be a powerful force and lead many astray. Be aware. It says in 1 Peter 5:8-9 "Be self controlled and alert . Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to destroy. Resist him standing firm in your faith because you know your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same type of sufferings." James 4:7 tells us to "Submit yourselves then unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee from us." Satan and demons are no joke. You are either doing the work of God or the work of the enemy, think of that for a while. There is no in between. John 10:10 says "The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly."
We know who wins in the end because it says in Revelation 12:9 "This great dragon, the ancient serpent called Satan or the devil, the one deceiving the whole world, was thrown down to the earth with all his angels." John 12:31 says "Now is the time for judgment on this world,and the prince of this (Satan) will be driven out." Jesus is Lord!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know there are evil forces of darkness who seek to destroy the body of Christ and our freedoms. I stand strong in the Lord and the power of your might and resist Satan firm in my faith. I stand on the promises of God and I have victory in Jesus. I will not fear evil man and his schemes for you are with me Lord and will see me through. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link and start your Monday morning out with a praise song to the Lord. Be blessed!
http://youtu.be/wIg6RIbLz1c
PS We are in a world not of this world!!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
YOU NEED MORE THAN CHURCH. YOU NEED JESUS!
Do you go to church on a regular basis? Good for you! Do you think that is all that is required to get into heaven once your time on Earth is up? Do you go simply because it is expected of you? Do you feel any different when church is over or are you glad to be done for another week? Is your life any different as a result of you being in church? Do you go only because relatives expect it? Whatever the reason the saying goes "going into church will not make you into a Christian anymore than going into a garage makes you into a car."
I guess the point is, do you want to go or do you just do it because it is the right thing to do? Perhaps your heart needs to be changed. Do you know what church is for? When you go to a Bible believing church you should come out 'spiritually fed' with more of a hunger to know Jesus even better. If not, maybe ask yourself if you have ever really committed your life to the Lord or maybe the problem is you need a church where people are growing in Christ and not just stagnating.
Matthew 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled." Psalm 107:9 says " He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." In Proverbs 21:21 it says "He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor."
Hebrews 10:25 says " Let us not forsake the habit of assembling together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching."
So my friend, where is your heart at? Are you a church goer or a Jesus lover?
PRAYER: Dear Lord it is my desire to know you better by going to your 'house' to worship but also by desiring the word of God. I give you my heart today Lord. Mold me into the creature you want me to be. In Jesus name. Amen!
Click on link for an awesome praise song:
http://youtu.be/PWDU8rBBIJs
I guess the point is, do you want to go or do you just do it because it is the right thing to do? Perhaps your heart needs to be changed. Do you know what church is for? When you go to a Bible believing church you should come out 'spiritually fed' with more of a hunger to know Jesus even better. If not, maybe ask yourself if you have ever really committed your life to the Lord or maybe the problem is you need a church where people are growing in Christ and not just stagnating.
Matthew 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled." Psalm 107:9 says " He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." In Proverbs 21:21 it says "He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor."
Hebrews 10:25 says " Let us not forsake the habit of assembling together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching."
So my friend, where is your heart at? Are you a church goer or a Jesus lover?
PRAYER: Dear Lord it is my desire to know you better by going to your 'house' to worship but also by desiring the word of God. I give you my heart today Lord. Mold me into the creature you want me to be. In Jesus name. Amen!
Click on link for an awesome praise song:
http://youtu.be/PWDU8rBBIJs
Saturday, March 17, 2012
SHEEP IN WOLVES CLOTHING WILL DECEIVE US
Lying is so common to many people. To the anti Christ or his forces in our world it is the thing they do best. They lie, deceive, trick people and even make some feel they are Christians by using just the right words. Do not be fooled. These people may look good but you will know them by their 'fruits'. In the last days many confusing voices will say they read their Bible or pray or will even lie and say they are a Christian, but is their heart changed? Beware of false prophets and 'sheep in wolves clothing'. The Bible warns of false prophets and people who take others captive or deceive. They are roaming in our midst. Do not be fooled!
Colossians 2:8 says "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." Titus 1:16 says "They claim to know God but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfair for doing anything good." 1 John 2:4 says "The man who says ..I know Him, but does not do what he commands is a liar and the truth is not in him." Jude 1:4 says "For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago, have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and deny Jesus Christ our only sovereign and Lord." 2 Corinthians 2:14 says " And no wonder for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."
Many will be deceived, it says in the last days. They will deny God's power but frequently name drop and feel just because they say 'God Bless America' or something similar people will think they are the real thing. You need to be alert to these people amongst us in this world. Pray for discernment and wisdom.
We should not wish ill or harm on these people, but instead be praying for them to come to repentance and accept Jesus as Lord. Just as there can be double agents in our world who really work for the enemy, there are double agents of sorts for Satan to, sent to lead us off the path and get us to believe lies. Be on your guard. Proverbs 24:17 says "Do not gloat when your enemy falls. When he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice." Pray for these evil people who deceive that they come to know Jesus.
Matthew 7:15 says "Watch out for false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ferocious wolves."
PRAYER: Lord thank you for the truth which will set us free. Keep me aware of any false teachers in my midst which may try to deceive me. I love you and you only Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Colossians 2:8 says "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." Titus 1:16 says "They claim to know God but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfair for doing anything good." 1 John 2:4 says "The man who says ..I know Him, but does not do what he commands is a liar and the truth is not in him." Jude 1:4 says "For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago, have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and deny Jesus Christ our only sovereign and Lord." 2 Corinthians 2:14 says " And no wonder for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."
Many will be deceived, it says in the last days. They will deny God's power but frequently name drop and feel just because they say 'God Bless America' or something similar people will think they are the real thing. You need to be alert to these people amongst us in this world. Pray for discernment and wisdom.
We should not wish ill or harm on these people, but instead be praying for them to come to repentance and accept Jesus as Lord. Just as there can be double agents in our world who really work for the enemy, there are double agents of sorts for Satan to, sent to lead us off the path and get us to believe lies. Be on your guard. Proverbs 24:17 says "Do not gloat when your enemy falls. When he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice." Pray for these evil people who deceive that they come to know Jesus.
Matthew 7:15 says "Watch out for false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ferocious wolves."
PRAYER: Lord thank you for the truth which will set us free. Keep me aware of any false teachers in my midst which may try to deceive me. I love you and you only Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Friday, March 16, 2012
PITY THE FOOL AND PRAY FOR HIM
Today in our world many people are anti church, anti religion, anti Christian, and anti God. This includes our own government, sadly, making laws against Christian beliefs. Beware, because you are messing with God and in the end He wins. In Psalm 14:1 it says "The fool says in His heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, their deeds are vile, there is no one who does good."
Also, many lie, thinking nothing of it trying to trick and deceive people. Once again, the Bible says "God hates a lying tongue". (See Proverbs 6:16-19). No lying is justified, EVER! Believers know that and non believers don't care as to them there is no consequence because obeying the Bible means nothing to them. Proverbs 26:28 says "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin."
The Bible and Jesus is a threat to many. In some foreign countries you can be executed for naming the name of Jesus. Thankfully in the USA it is not like that YET, but beware, we are on a slippery slope and making a mockery of saying "God bless America" after speeches when in fact caring nothing about God or obeying Him. It is a mockery to put your hand on the Bible to take an oath of office then to go against its' teachings. Galatians 6:7 says "Do not be deceived. God can not be mocked. Whatever a man sows that will he reap." That is the law of God. Job 4:8 says "As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it." God is not going to continue to bless a nation that turns its' back on Him. Psalm 33:12 says "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
We need to be praying for these 'mere men and women' in power who are making laws opposite what the Bible teaches. Instead of being angry at them, pity them and pray for them. Romans 12:14 says "Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse." As a believer if you know someone is going against GOD'S word, come election time, they should probably not get your vote. It does not matter if you are a life long member of some particular political party. If they take stands against God's word, then you need to speak with your vote. A government which oppresses it's people is not what our founders envisioned.
It is not mere man that is ultimately in control but it is God. He is on the throne, not a king, a prince, a dictator, or a president. Leaders and rulers may try to lord over their 'subjects' but God is not pleased. If the times today have you fearful,rejoice!! Jesus is Lord over all! Psalm 37:25 says "I was young and now I am old, yet I've never seen the righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread." So do not worry.
Psalm 16:8 says "I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 34:17 says " The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles".
PRAYER: Thank you Lord because I know you are Lord over all mankind and all creation. I know you are always behind the scenes working things out. Help me relax, keep praying, and trust you. In Jesus name. Amen.
For further reading take a coffee break and read the entire chapter of Psalm 37. There is hope in Jesus alone and no man.
Also, many lie, thinking nothing of it trying to trick and deceive people. Once again, the Bible says "God hates a lying tongue". (See Proverbs 6:16-19). No lying is justified, EVER! Believers know that and non believers don't care as to them there is no consequence because obeying the Bible means nothing to them. Proverbs 26:28 says "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin."
The Bible and Jesus is a threat to many. In some foreign countries you can be executed for naming the name of Jesus. Thankfully in the USA it is not like that YET, but beware, we are on a slippery slope and making a mockery of saying "God bless America" after speeches when in fact caring nothing about God or obeying Him. It is a mockery to put your hand on the Bible to take an oath of office then to go against its' teachings. Galatians 6:7 says "Do not be deceived. God can not be mocked. Whatever a man sows that will he reap." That is the law of God. Job 4:8 says "As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it." God is not going to continue to bless a nation that turns its' back on Him. Psalm 33:12 says "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
We need to be praying for these 'mere men and women' in power who are making laws opposite what the Bible teaches. Instead of being angry at them, pity them and pray for them. Romans 12:14 says "Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse." As a believer if you know someone is going against GOD'S word, come election time, they should probably not get your vote. It does not matter if you are a life long member of some particular political party. If they take stands against God's word, then you need to speak with your vote. A government which oppresses it's people is not what our founders envisioned.
It is not mere man that is ultimately in control but it is God. He is on the throne, not a king, a prince, a dictator, or a president. Leaders and rulers may try to lord over their 'subjects' but God is not pleased. If the times today have you fearful,rejoice!! Jesus is Lord over all! Psalm 37:25 says "I was young and now I am old, yet I've never seen the righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread." So do not worry.
Psalm 16:8 says "I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 34:17 says " The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles".
PRAYER: Thank you Lord because I know you are Lord over all mankind and all creation. I know you are always behind the scenes working things out. Help me relax, keep praying, and trust you. In Jesus name. Amen.
For further reading take a coffee break and read the entire chapter of Psalm 37. There is hope in Jesus alone and no man.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
MARRIAGE GOD'S WAY....A GOOD THING!
In the Bible when God created the heavens and the earth he created man from the dust of the earth. Then he took a rib from the man's side and formed woman. He said it was not good for man to be alone. He made a helpmate suitable for Him in the form of woman. He did not create Adam and Steve but Adam and Eve to love each other and have children to populate the earth. After making all His creation He rested on the 7th day and said "It is good!'
Besides marriage being a man and a woman it is about commitment. When a person says "I do" what they are also saying is I will honor and respect you too. Not everyone will get married, but the fact remains as much as our modern society wants to dispute it, marriage is one man and one woman and there should not be some easy 'escape clause' when troubles come.
It was made for procreation which only a man and a woman can do. When you marry you make a vow before God, or you should, since marriage was created by Him. It is sad to be at a wedding where God and the Bible have been left out. Jesus should be Lord and center of your marriage relationship. Marriage is in fact ordained by God.
When a marriage is controlled by parents of either the bride or groom there is trouble brewing. The husband leaves and cleaves as does the wife. Parents out there back off and let your married adult children live their lives without trying to control them.
The marriage vows are clear when it says "leave and cleave" in Genesis 2:24. If you don't trouble is a brewing. Also the marriage bed should be undefiled it says in Hebrews 13:4. "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."
Satan will attempt to pervert love. Look at the Hollywood movies. Is that the ideal we strive for or do we strive for what it says in 1 Corinthians 13? Read that chapter when you get a moment. It is used at lots of weddings.
Matthew 19:4-6 says “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
God says in Malachi 2:6 " I hate divorce". Divorce is a tearing away of a joined unit. It is wise to totally understand what marriage is and perhaps even have more marital counseling as many factors can influence the marriage. It is more than kissing and sex. Life takes over and the man and woman need to learn to live together in harmony and in agreement over many issues from finances, vacations, religion, to bearing children some day. Two different backgrounds come together similar to two streams coming together to form a river. There may be some turmoil but you are forming a brand new family and a brand new life. It is exciting!
For further reading see Ephesians 5:21-33. Be blessed. Marriage is indeed a GOOD thing just like God said especially if you marry your best friend!
PRAYER: Lord God I want to be a representative for you whether single or married and if married I want to keep you in the center of my marriage. No matter how my spouse treats me I will love him or her unconditionally. Help me to overlook faults and seek to love with the kind of love you desire me to. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link to enjoy an older song that used to be played at weddings lots.
http://youtu.be/utdPh1Ec1Ws
Note: big time spiritual warfare on this one. First it ends up mysteriously in my trash folder then I could not get it to line up right. But good news is I found it and no matter what the format looks like it is going out.
Besides marriage being a man and a woman it is about commitment. When a person says "I do" what they are also saying is I will honor and respect you too. Not everyone will get married, but the fact remains as much as our modern society wants to dispute it, marriage is one man and one woman and there should not be some easy 'escape clause' when troubles come.
It was made for procreation which only a man and a woman can do. When you marry you make a vow before God, or you should, since marriage was created by Him. It is sad to be at a wedding where God and the Bible have been left out. Jesus should be Lord and center of your marriage relationship. Marriage is in fact ordained by God.
When a marriage is controlled by parents of either the bride or groom there is trouble brewing. The husband leaves and cleaves as does the wife. Parents out there back off and let your married adult children live their lives without trying to control them.
The marriage vows are clear when it says "leave and cleave" in Genesis 2:24. If you don't trouble is a brewing. Also the marriage bed should be undefiled it says in Hebrews 13:4. "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."
Satan will attempt to pervert love. Look at the Hollywood movies. Is that the ideal we strive for or do we strive for what it says in 1 Corinthians 13? Read that chapter when you get a moment. It is used at lots of weddings.
Matthew 19:4-6 says “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
God says in Malachi 2:6 " I hate divorce". Divorce is a tearing away of a joined unit. It is wise to totally understand what marriage is and perhaps even have more marital counseling as many factors can influence the marriage. It is more than kissing and sex. Life takes over and the man and woman need to learn to live together in harmony and in agreement over many issues from finances, vacations, religion, to bearing children some day. Two different backgrounds come together similar to two streams coming together to form a river. There may be some turmoil but you are forming a brand new family and a brand new life. It is exciting!
For further reading see Ephesians 5:21-33. Be blessed. Marriage is indeed a GOOD thing just like God said especially if you marry your best friend!
PRAYER: Lord God I want to be a representative for you whether single or married and if married I want to keep you in the center of my marriage. No matter how my spouse treats me I will love him or her unconditionally. Help me to overlook faults and seek to love with the kind of love you desire me to. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link to enjoy an older song that used to be played at weddings lots.
http://youtu.be/utdPh1Ec1Ws
Note: big time spiritual warfare on this one. First it ends up mysteriously in my trash folder then I could not get it to line up right. But good news is I found it and no matter what the format looks like it is going out.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
BAAA BAAA
How many have been to a farm or petting zoo and observed the cute sheep? When I lived in Arizona the first time in 1984-85 we were on an Air Force Base at the Eastern edge of the city of Mesa. Presently, in 2012 ,that area, is city itself, due to immense population growth. Back then it was countryside and you could witness 'shepherds' taking sheep up to the mountains for the summer to get them out of the heat of the valley. It was impressive indeed. Of course they were not dressed in the attire we picture from Bible days but they were stilling control of their herd and these sheep knew it.
We are like sheep without a shepherd and we need our 'shepherd' Jesus to lead us and guide us so we do not fall off into the 'ravines of life'. If we follow Him and stay on course we will be safe and well provided for but if we are stubborn and go our own way we will be in danger of getting hurt similar to real sheep.
John 14:27 says My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:4 says "
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice."
Isaiah 53:6 says "we all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way. And the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Sheep can be stupid creatures and want to do their own thing. That is why they need to follow the shepherds' wisdom and guidance to remain safe. We too need to follow our shepherd, Jesus, to stay safe and protected from the evils in this world.
PRAYER: Lord at times I have been stubborn and have not listened to you or read the Bible. Sometimes I go my own way and pay the price. Forgive me Lord. I want you to be my shepherd. In Jesus name. Amen.
We are like sheep without a shepherd and we need our 'shepherd' Jesus to lead us and guide us so we do not fall off into the 'ravines of life'. If we follow Him and stay on course we will be safe and well provided for but if we are stubborn and go our own way we will be in danger of getting hurt similar to real sheep.
John 14:27 says My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:4 says "
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice."
Isaiah 53:6 says "we all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way. And the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Sheep can be stupid creatures and want to do their own thing. That is why they need to follow the shepherds' wisdom and guidance to remain safe. We too need to follow our shepherd, Jesus, to stay safe and protected from the evils in this world.
PRAYER: Lord at times I have been stubborn and have not listened to you or read the Bible. Sometimes I go my own way and pay the price. Forgive me Lord. I want you to be my shepherd. In Jesus name. Amen.
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