Single Friends: May your heart get so
lost in Jesus that a man has to go to your Lord to find it.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
I AM YOUR ETERNAL HUSBAND
Dear Precious Friend,
If Jesus were to write you a personal love letter it may read something like this:
I AM YOUR ETERNAL HUSBAND
My Eternal Bride,
I want to reveal a sacred secret to you, My beloved. Although I am your God, I am also your eternal Husband. I will come soon to carry you over the threshold into eternity. My desire is to lift the veil from your eyes that you might see who you really are, My Princess, My Bride. I am the Lover of your soul. I long to get close enough to give you a glimpse of My eternal love for you. If you will seek Me with all your heart, I will reveal Myself to you in extraordinary ways. If you will come before Me and ask, I will give you a new hope in your heart that will change your view of Me, of yourself, and of the world around you forever.
Love,
Your Creator and
HusbandIf Jesus were to write you a personal love letter it may read something like this:
I AM YOUR ETERNAL HUSBAND
My Eternal Bride,
I want to reveal a sacred secret to you, My beloved. Although I am your God, I am also your eternal Husband. I will come soon to carry you over the threshold into eternity. My desire is to lift the veil from your eyes that you might see who you really are, My Princess, My Bride. I am the Lover of your soul. I long to get close enough to give you a glimpse of My eternal love for you. If you will seek Me with all your heart, I will reveal Myself to you in extraordinary ways. If you will come before Me and ask, I will give you a new hope in your heart that will change your view of Me, of yourself, and of the world around you forever.
Love,
"The Lord All-Powerful, the Holy God of Israel, rules all the earth. He is your Creator and husband, and he will rescue you." - Isaiah 54:5 (CEV)
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
HUSBANDS HOLY PARTNERSHIP
==================
“Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself.” Ephesians 5:33
“Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself.” Ephesians 5:33
To properly define the God‐ordained role of husbands, there’s no better place
to turn than Scripture. The apostle Paul instructs: “Husbands, love your
wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her
holy…. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own
bodies” (Ephesians 5:25–28). Paul also tells us “the husband is the head of
the wife as Christ is the head of the church” (Ephesians 5:23).
Here’s the bottom line of your responsibility as a husband: You are charged
with the holy, loving leadership of your wife. There is nothing dictatorial or
selfish in this prescription! Your love is to be so strong that it mirrors
Christ’s love for the church, so committed that you would unquestioningly die
to save her, and so powerful that it is indistinguishable from love of your
self.
What a challenge! And what a privilege to join with God and your wife in this
holy partnership! For as you fulfill your role as head of the house, you’ll
encounter blessings you never imagined.
(husband) Heavenly Father, You have given me an awesome and holy
responsibility to love my wife just as Christ loved the church. Help me to
follow His perfect example as I learn to increase my love for my mate. Amen.
to turn than Scripture. The apostle Paul instructs: “Husbands, love your
wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her
holy…. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own
bodies” (Ephesians 5:25–28). Paul also tells us “the husband is the head of
the wife as Christ is the head of the church” (Ephesians 5:23).
Here’s the bottom line of your responsibility as a husband: You are charged
with the holy, loving leadership of your wife. There is nothing dictatorial or
selfish in this prescription! Your love is to be so strong that it mirrors
Christ’s love for the church, so committed that you would unquestioningly die
to save her, and so powerful that it is indistinguishable from love of your
self.
What a challenge! And what a privilege to join with God and your wife in this
holy partnership! For as you fulfill your role as head of the house, you’ll
encounter blessings you never imagined.
(husband) Heavenly Father, You have given me an awesome and holy
responsibility to love my wife just as Christ loved the church. Help me to
follow His perfect example as I learn to increase my love for my mate. Amen.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN
=======
God has not called you to the easy life. Jesus promised hardship for those who followed him (Luke 8:18-20; John 16:33). Life with God is not always simple, easy, or fun, but it’s worth it. What has God told you to do that you have
been putting off? Are you afraid? Lazy? Remember that God will be with you as you go. And the life that comes from him truly is life, even if it’s not “the good life.”
God has not called you to the easy life. Jesus promised hardship for those who followed him (Luke 8:18-20; John 16:33). Life with God is not always simple, easy, or fun, but it’s worth it. What has God told you to do that you have
been putting off? Are you afraid? Lazy? Remember that God will be with you as you go. And the life that comes from him truly is life, even if it’s not “the good life.”
Monday, February 10, 2014
A CUP OF COFEE.
Every morning, I walk
straight to my coffee mug and put a sachet of coffee in it. I'm a total coffee girl. I like a piping-hot, extra
dark roast with half and half, and I struggle to function without my first cup
of coffee. I crave that first sip and relish the warmth of the mug in my
hands. I jokingly call it my "warm,
happy friend." My mornings just wouldn't be the same without coffee!
We should have the same attitude about our faith. We should wake up each morning bursting at the seams to be with God, to be in His presence, to listen for His still small voice, to savor Him. A faith that is brewed fresh daily strengthens us, renews us, and enables us to mount up with wings like eagles, to experience the power of God in our lives, to run and not grow weary, to walk and not faint.
This energizing, percolated faith is readily available to all who ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7-8)
happy friend." My mornings just wouldn't be the same without coffee!
We should have the same attitude about our faith. We should wake up each morning bursting at the seams to be with God, to be in His presence, to listen for His still small voice, to savor Him. A faith that is brewed fresh daily strengthens us, renews us, and enables us to mount up with wings like eagles, to experience the power of God in our lives, to run and not grow weary, to walk and not faint.
This energizing, percolated faith is readily available to all who ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7-8)
Like a morning with no
coffee, there are times when we are sluggish in our faith. Times when trusting Him doesn't come
easily. Times when we need a shot of God-caffeine in our day, a spiritual
espresso. What can we do at these times? Are there things in the Scriptures that
tell us how can we strengthen
our trust-muscles and jump-start our faith? Absolutely!
One practical way to build your faith is by remembrance. When David was just a shepherd boy, he had courage to face a giant partly because he remembered the previous victories the Lord allowed him to experience. He approached King Saul with great confidence, saying: The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine (1Sam 17:36)
our trust-muscles and jump-start our faith? Absolutely!
One practical way to build your faith is by remembrance. When David was just a shepherd boy, he had courage to face a giant partly because he remembered the previous victories the Lord allowed him to experience. He approached King Saul with great confidence, saying: The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine (1Sam 17:36)
Let's Pray:
Dear God, You have brought me through so many challenging times. Please remind me of Your faithfulness in the past so that I may have a fresh shot of faith that equips me to live today in Your strength. Help me to trust You, and keep me from leaning on my own understanding. In Jesus's name, amen.
Dear God, You have brought me through so many challenging times. Please remind me of Your faithfulness in the past so that I may have a fresh shot of faith that equips me to live today in Your strength. Help me to trust You, and keep me from leaning on my own understanding. In Jesus's name, amen.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
TOTAL DEPENDENCE
================
Ezra 8:21–34
Lisa realized she needed to depend on God when she discovered she was pregnant. She was excited and happy—but the timing wasn’t perfect. Her husband had two years until he finished his degree. She was supporting both of them by
working two jobs. Whenever she thought about the future, she broke out in a cold sweat. How would they make the rent? Would she have to quit one of her jobs? Would her husband have to quit school? She decided that the best course was to pray for God to show them the way.
Ezra sets a great example for anyone facing an unknown future. Before he and a group of returning exiles began their 900-mile trek back to Jerusalem, they all fasted and prayed for a safe journey—literally, a “straight way.” They prayed for God’s favor and protection and trusted “God’s gracious hand” would
guide them.
God is also with you to guide you, regardless of your circumstances. Perhaps you’re venturing out, depending on God for the first time. Take a step of faith and follow where he leads. He will surely guide you to the next step ... and the next. You’ll discover that faith will lead you where reason may not.
Faith and reason have been compared to two travelers. Think of Faith as a woman who can walk 20 or 30 miles at a time without flagging, while Reason is a child who can only muster the strength to go two or three miles. One day Reason said to Faith, “Oh, Faith, let me walk with you.” But Faith replied,
“Oh, Reason, you can never walk with me!” Nevertheless, they set out together. When they came to a deep river, Reason said, “I can never ford this,” but Faith waded through it, singing. When they reached a high mountain, Reason despaired. But Faith carried Reason on her back. The writer of this old tale
said, “Oh, how dependent upon Faith is Reason!”
Why has God made faith the indispensable ingredient in our journey of faith? Perhaps so that we will become totally dependent upon him. Reason tells us to stay put. Faith calls us to step out, reassuring us that “no word from God will ever fail” (Luke 1:37).
Reflection
==========
How have you found that your reason some times interferes with your faith? What makes it difficult for you to depend on God?
How can prioritizing prayer in your life make a difference in preparing you for your faith journey?
Ezra 8:22–23 / I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and petitioned our God about
this, and he answered our prayer.
Ezra 8:21–34
Lisa realized she needed to depend on God when she discovered she was pregnant. She was excited and happy—but the timing wasn’t perfect. Her husband had two years until he finished his degree. She was supporting both of them by
working two jobs. Whenever she thought about the future, she broke out in a cold sweat. How would they make the rent? Would she have to quit one of her jobs? Would her husband have to quit school? She decided that the best course was to pray for God to show them the way.
Ezra sets a great example for anyone facing an unknown future. Before he and a group of returning exiles began their 900-mile trek back to Jerusalem, they all fasted and prayed for a safe journey—literally, a “straight way.” They prayed for God’s favor and protection and trusted “God’s gracious hand” would
guide them.
God is also with you to guide you, regardless of your circumstances. Perhaps you’re venturing out, depending on God for the first time. Take a step of faith and follow where he leads. He will surely guide you to the next step ... and the next. You’ll discover that faith will lead you where reason may not.
Faith and reason have been compared to two travelers. Think of Faith as a woman who can walk 20 or 30 miles at a time without flagging, while Reason is a child who can only muster the strength to go two or three miles. One day Reason said to Faith, “Oh, Faith, let me walk with you.” But Faith replied,
“Oh, Reason, you can never walk with me!” Nevertheless, they set out together. When they came to a deep river, Reason said, “I can never ford this,” but Faith waded through it, singing. When they reached a high mountain, Reason despaired. But Faith carried Reason on her back. The writer of this old tale
said, “Oh, how dependent upon Faith is Reason!”
Why has God made faith the indispensable ingredient in our journey of faith? Perhaps so that we will become totally dependent upon him. Reason tells us to stay put. Faith calls us to step out, reassuring us that “no word from God will ever fail” (Luke 1:37).
Reflection
==========
How have you found that your reason some times interferes with your faith? What makes it difficult for you to depend on God?
How can prioritizing prayer in your life make a difference in preparing you for your faith journey?
Ezra 8:22–23 / I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and petitioned our God about
this, and he answered our prayer.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
====================
“The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and thehead of Christ is God.” 1 Corinthians 11:3
Among the most controversial Scriptures are those relating to a wife’s obligation to “submit” to a husband’s leadership. This principle offends many women. Furthermore, it places power in the hands of men who sometimes misuse it. And yet, there it is, time and again: “The husband is head of the wife.” Those words can’t be brushed aside by those who rely on Scripture as their
infallible guide. But what does this “headship” really mean?
The Bible makes it clear that the husband is to be the leader in his home, yet he has no right to run roughshod over the opinions and feelings of his wife. He is to love her as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25) and to serve her unselfishly and compassionately. A man should include his wife in making
mutually satisfying decisions, always working to incorporate her perspectives and seeking compromise when possible. In situations where they simply cannot find common ground, Scripture gives the man the prerogative—and responsibility—to choose and lead. Yet in this case, he must be more sensitive
and considerate than ever, bearing in mind that he will ultimately answer to God not only for his choices, but for his treatment of his wife.
“The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and thehead of Christ is God.” 1 Corinthians 11:3
Among the most controversial Scriptures are those relating to a wife’s obligation to “submit” to a husband’s leadership. This principle offends many women. Furthermore, it places power in the hands of men who sometimes misuse it. And yet, there it is, time and again: “The husband is head of the wife.” Those words can’t be brushed aside by those who rely on Scripture as their
infallible guide. But what does this “headship” really mean?
The Bible makes it clear that the husband is to be the leader in his home, yet he has no right to run roughshod over the opinions and feelings of his wife. He is to love her as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25) and to serve her unselfishly and compassionately. A man should include his wife in making
mutually satisfying decisions, always working to incorporate her perspectives and seeking compromise when possible. In situations where they simply cannot find common ground, Scripture gives the man the prerogative—and responsibility—to choose and lead. Yet in this case, he must be more sensitive
and considerate than ever, bearing in mind that he will ultimately answer to God not only for his choices, but for his treatment of his wife.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, in Your divine plan for marriage You have asked the husband to lead and the wife to submit, and we want so much to obey You. We come humbly now, asking for Your wisdom and help to do so. Amen.
Heavenly Father, in Your divine plan for marriage You have asked the husband to lead and the wife to submit, and we want so much to obey You. We come humbly now, asking for Your wisdom and help to do so. Amen.
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