"MARRIAGE"

Isn't God good, he thought of everything?

The institution of marriage is so very important to the Father that He wrote about it. As a loving Father He wants to share His heart with us in the same manner that we wish to share with our offspring.

MARRIAGE IS PERMANENT (Matthew 19:6) "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate".

If you are married or planning to be married, you must be willing to keep the commitment that makes the two of you one? The goal in marriage should be more than friendship; it should be oneness. Marriage is based on principled practice of love, not on feelings. Ephesians 5:21-33 will open your understanding to this fact. The Word of God teaches there must be lines of authority, even in marriage, there should not be lines of superiority. God created men and women with unique and complementary characteristics. One sex is not better than the other. We must not let the issue of authority and submission become a wedge to destroy oneness in marriage. Instead, we should strive to strengthen our marriages and to glorify God.

Ideally, only death should dissolve marriage (Romans 7:2-3) Unfortunately men and women go into marriage with an escape plan. It's as if some say, if this marriage thing gets uncomfortable or hard work I'm gone. Commitment is essential to a successful marriage (Genesis 24:58-60). My wife and I are still discovering things about each other, going on forty years of marriage. We should take a page from Solomon when it comes to the language of love.

Listen there is nothing more vital than encouraging and appreciating the person you love. Be sure to tell your spouse "I Love You" every day, and show that love by your actions. It's truly sad, just how many married couples are just living together. Christian marriage involves mutual submission, subordinating our personal desires for the good of the loved one, and submitting ourselves to Christ as Lord. I confess that there have been a few times in the past 40 years that I have not been at my best, nor did I always make the best decision. Please listen, this is a significant statement about judging others. We must realize the importance of compassion and forgiveness... When others are caught in sin, are you quick to pass judgment? To do so is to act as though you have never sinned. It is God's role to judge, not ours. Our role is to show forgiveness and compassion. When your spouse hurts you and your feelings it's essential to forgive ASAP.

"Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him".

Being there for your spouse, the love of your "Youth" is paramount.
Proverbs 5:15 "Drink waters from your own cistern and fresh water from your own well". Enjoy the spouse God has given you. Now, in desert lands, water is precious, and a well is a family's most important possession.

We are to look to each other for lifelong satisfaction and companionship. God designed marriage and sanctified it, and only within this covenant relationship can we find real Love and Fulfillment. Life is rough enough with out a partner... DAILY PRESCRIPTION: "Communicating Love and expressing Admiration in both Words and Actions can enhance every marriage".

Have a great day in the Lord, until next time,

Jim