" MARRIAGE (I DO) "

Getting hitched, yes I know that we have visited " Marriage " in the past. But this we're going to make a quick visit. " What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate." Marriage, wedlock from God's perspective, a covenant between a man and a woman that binds them together for life. God performed the very first marriage in Eden, and Jesus sanctioned marriage by being present at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. In Jewish law and culture, there were two stages in marriage: 1- Betrothal (q.v.) and 2- The ceremony of the husband taking the bride to his home. " Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage should be kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." Let your marriage grow strong by protecting your relationship from too many outside pressures and distractions - especially in the beginning. And don't expect or demand so much from newlyweds that they have inadequate time or energy to establish their marriage. LAST POINT: (1 Corinthians 7:15-16) Now I believe that this verse is misused by some as a loophole to get out of marriage. But Paul's statements were given to encourage the Christian spouse to try to get along with the unbeliever and make the marriage work. If, however, the unbelieving spouse insisted on leaving, Paul said to let him or her go. The only alternative would be for the Christian to deny his or her faith to preserve the marriage, and that would be worse than dissolving the marriage. Paul's chief purpose in writing this was to urge the married couples to seek unity, not separation. Until N

" WHAT'S YOUR REPUTATION LIKE?

REPUTATION: Overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general (2) place in public esteem or regard. A reputation can be developed through consistency. I'm reminded of Ruth, her life exhibited admirable qualities: She was Hard Working, Loving, Kind, Faithful, and Brave. Now, these qualities gained for her a good reputation, but only because she displayed them Consistently in all areas of her life. Wherever Ruth went or whatever she did, her character remained the same. Your reputation is formed by the people who watch you at work, in town, at home, in church. A good reputation comes by consistently living out the qualities you believe in - no matter what group of people or surroundings you are in. I'm also of the mindset that a good reputation comes through serving God. Now, take Abraham for example, when he was in a foreign land looking for a place to bury his wife. Strangers offered to help him because he was " A Mighty Prince," and They Respected Him. Although Abraham had not established roots in the area, his reputation was above reproach. Those who invest their time and money in serving God often earn a pleasant return on their investment - a good reputation and the respect of others, Until Next Time... Jim,

" WAITING PATIENTLY TAKES WORK "

As a parent, grandparent and great grandparent I get to say this. It is natural for children to trust their parents, even though parents sometimes fail to keep their promises. Our heavenly father, however, never makes promises he won't keep. Nevertheless, his plan may take more time than we expect. Rather than acting like impatient children as we wait for God's will to unfold, we should place our confidence in God's goodness and wisdom. In his kindness, God holds back his judgment, giving people time to repent. it is easy to mistake God's patience for approval of the wrong way we are living. Self-evaluation is difficult, and it is even more difficult to expose our conduct to God and let him tell us where we need to change. But as Christians, we must pray constantly that God will point out our sins, so that he can heal them. Unfortunately, we are more likely to be amazed at God's patience with others than humbled at his patience with us. LAST POINT: I can't say it enough, God is waiting for us to turn to him. (Luke 15:20) " So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." Now, in this accounting, the father watched and waited much like, our loving creator. God's love is constant and patient and welcoming. He will search for us and give us opportunities to respond, but he will not force us to come to him. God waits patiently for us to come to our senses. Until Next Time... Jim,

" KNOW YOUR ENEMIES "

Are you aware that seventy-two Psalms, almost half the book speaks about enemies? Now enemies are those who oppose not only us but also God's way of living. I'm of the mind, or viewpoint that temptations such as money, success, prestige, and even lust as our enemies. And our greatest enemy is Satan. David asked God to keep his enemies from overcoming him because they opposed what God stood for. If his enemies succeeded, David feared that many would think that living for God was futile. David did not question his own faith, he knew that God would triumph. But he didn't want his enemies success to be an obstacle to the faith of others. Now, what are your thoughts, can a Christian dislike their enemies? In 1John 2:9-11 is not talking about disliking a disagreeable Christian brother or sister. From my life experience, there are always people in whom we will not like as well as another. John's word focus on the attitude that causes us to ignore or despise others, to treat them as irritants competitors, or enemies. Christian love is not a feeling but a choice. We can choose to be concerned with peoples' well-being and treat them with respect, whether or not we feel affection toward them. If we choose to love others, God will help us express our love. Until Next Time... Jim,