Tag Archives: marriage

05.02.13
by

Devo: God’s Reasons for Marriage #AnchorFAM #Biblical #Marriage

Jesus was asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” He responded by describing what God had in mind for marriage in the first place:

Marriage is for procreation. Jesus said, “He who created man, created man as male and female.” God said to Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and multiply.”

Marriage is also for companionship. After God created Adam, He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” So He created Eve, the perfect companion.

Marriage is also for sexual pleasure. As the story continues, Jesus quotes God’s Words on the first marriage: “and he shall cleave to his wife and the two shall become one flesh.” Sex is not just for procreation. It’s God’s gift to a husband and wife, to enjoy in the context of marriage to the fullest.

Procreation, companionship, sexual pleasure–reminders from Jesus about why God had the idea of marriage.

Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him. (Genesis 2:18 AMP)

04.12.13
by

Devo: Save Your Mate #AnchorFAM #TriedByFire #Fireproof

A fine Christian woman, for many years, suffered spiritual abuse from her wicked husband. Although he was a good provider, loved the children, and made a good companion in every other area of life, he detested his wife’s religion. After years of spiritual suffering, she went weeping to her pastor, stating that she could take no more. She said she must either give up her experience with the Lord or divorce her husband. Her wise pastor encouraged her to wait and pray. Not too many months later, she had the privilege of leading her husband to repentance.

In the Corinthian church, there were wives and husbands who were suffering similar abuse. They talked with the apostle Paul and rather than give them a release for their burdens, he challenged them by stating: Think of it: as a wife you may be your husband’s salvation (The New English Bible). The fact is a mate most often has tremendous influence over the decisions of the one to whom they are married.

Perhaps you have relatives or friends who give you spiritual abuse. Do not despair. Take heart, for the same God that saved the jailer and his house can work in your home or circle of friends. Paul, ever realistic, does add: But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace (1 Corinthians 7:15).

For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. (1 Corinthians 7:14 ESV)

04.01.13
by

Devo: Marriage And The Future #AnchorFAM #Equality #SisterWives #Incest #Koran #Mormon

Consider the logical result of same sex marriage. If modern man suddenly decrees that what has been immoral and illegal for thousands of years in every society is now moral and legal, how can he then deny a man the right to marry two, three, or four wives (especially since Islam’s Koran teaches this is okay)?

If same-sex marriage is right and good after being wrong for thousands of years, how can society deny the right for two consenting adults who want to be married–even though they may be father and daughter, mother and son, or brother and sister? On what basis could society say this is wrong, but same-sex marriage is okay? Same-sex marriage ushers in a multitude of legal quagmires that will result in moral chaos.

Let me suggest something outrageous. Let’s trust God, Who originated marriage as a lifetime commitment between a man and a woman. That’s still, after all these years, the best way to go.

“You shall not do according to all that we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own eyes, (Deuteronomy 12:8 ESV)

03.31.13
by

Fundamental Question #Grace #Discipline #Prodigal

Your sibling did something horribly bad! They cheated on a test, no. They shaved the cat, no. They took dad’s new car for a joy ride, yeah that might work.

Not only did your sibling take the car out, but they damaged a good portion of the driver’s side. Dad is going to be extremely upset.

Your sibling thinks it was fun, funny, & that its no big deal because Dad will just get it fixed. At least that’s how you see it. You just know your sibling will take no responsibility when it comes to the consequence.

You know that you’ve gotten in trouble a lot with day. He helped you learn your lesson & be remorseful of your mistakes. But your sibling doesn’t seem that remorseful.

Ironically, you recall when you did the same thing. You took Dad’s car & got into an accident.

What do you do? 

A) Do you pretend that nothing ever happened? 

Dad won’t notice, or if he does you’re not responsible so you don’t need to say anything or do anything about it. 

B) Do you help your sibling escape the blame & consequence by creating a believable story? 

Lie to Dad. Tell him it wasn’t your siblings fault. Tell him someone must have stole it. 

C) Do you speak up to Dad & tell him the whole truth about what happened?

Your sibling might despise you, but they might just need to learn a lesson or morality & values. Wouldn’t you want to be disciplined now before you veer too far off the path? Why not do your sibling the same favor. 

•

In conclusion:

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

(Matthew 7:12-14 ESV)

Songs I find that suit this subject are;

HOW LOW

AMEN

MISCONCEPTION

WORK TO DO

SNITCH

 

03.28.13
by

A letter from Christian: Hate me now! Is that #Equal of you?

You can Hate me now! But that wouldn’t be very equal, would it? Please practice what you preach.

Dear friends, I posted earlier today about the false teachings of so called Christians & even hypocrites (a word Jesus invented for the overly religious folk).

I heard a great message on the man of Jesus (divinity aside) this morning on Focus on the Family. I read about Rob Bell saying “trust me, there’s no hell”. I even see these silly pinky = signs on social media.

WTF?! (Where’s The Fellowship)
All this brings me to understand the end of the world is near.

Marriage is NOT a legal union between two love birds. It was invented by God for man to understand Him more, & to become more like Jesus (the Servant).

You can’t legalize something God created. Man can’t make laws that defy laws of the creator. Such as gravity, death, emptiness, & hope. And perhaps Marriage too?

So I can not support YOU (as nice as I can say it) HYPOCRITES that promote a worldview that is contrary to GOD & His Living Word.

I’m Sorry. What I can do is this; PRAY! I will pray for your souls & hope that our Creator will find a way into your heart & mind regardless of how filthy they (like mine) are.

But He can’t just appear & force you to love Him. He gave you free will to choose Him. If He chooses you, then it’s up to you to accept his friend request. Get it?

It is all on you! So please don’t get mad because I’m not a part of your NWO / Unitarian / OWN movement. All your movement does is destroy the lives of gay (double pun intended) people. Literally. So stop it!

And another thing that bugs me. Men & women taking the rainbow as a symbol of YOUR diversity. Come on man! You’ve got to be kidding me. The rainbow is the divine sign created by God as a solemn promise, as a covenant. Read your scientific history.

Please stop taking GOD’s covenants and tainting them with your selfish, inappropriate, inconsiderate, man-made, idolizing ways! Stop worshipping creation and laws and start worshipping your Intelligent Designer, your Maker, your Creator. You know where you come from, right? I’ll give you a hint. It is not a monkey.

That is all for now. Thank you for listening.

03.18.13
by

Devo: Husbands Understand Your Wives Need Security #AnchorFAM

Part of husbands loving their wives is showing understanding toward them. God’s Word says, “Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way.” Part of understanding is knowing their need for romance. But another part of understanding your wife is meeting their need for security. God’s Word says that we are to remember they are the “weaker vessel.”

Now ladies, before you start screaming, realize that this does not mean women are weaker than men intellectually, spiritually, emotionally or relationally. Often women are stronger than men are relationally. But they are usually weaker physically. In a world where some men may not have the best intentions toward women, women can feel vulnerable and in need of protection. Providing security for your wife is a way of letting her know that you love her. It meets a great need she hopes you’ll fulfill.

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7 ESV)

03.04.13
by

God created Marriage, men created Divorce #SameSexMarriage #BiblicalMarriage

An understandable argument for same-sex marriage is that the high rate of divorce has done more to harm the family than same-sex marriage ever would. It’s a very legitimate point that exposes obvious hypocrisy in the church today.

Jesus was once asked, “Is it ever lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?” Jesus answered the question about divorce by talking about marriage, saying, “He who created them from the beginning made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh…what therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”

In short, God’s intention for marriage is “only between a man and a woman for life.” This speaks to the need for repentance in the church when it comes to marriage commitment. Jesus upheld God’s original plan for marriage, and so should we.

So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV)

03.01.13
by

Devo: Excited About God #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

Are you excited about God? Do you talk about the amazing things He has done in your life in the morning, over dinner, and when your kids go to bed? That’s the attitude the early believers had, and it was the impetus for spreading the Word in the earliest days.

Kids are attracted to great stories, and they want to be a part of something dynamic that stirs their blood. We do our kids a big favor when we make being a follower of Jesus something that is exciting and rewarding, rather than a tedious effort to follow a bunch of rules. Recognize God’s movement in your life and tell your kids about it. Make Christianity exhilarating.

When the God of heaven and earth touches your life, it is exciting! Share those stories with your kids.

We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.

Acts 4:20

02.28.13
by

Devo: Not ‘How’, But ‘What’

Our response to painful situations in life demonstrates the level of trust we have in God. This is true in our lives and the lives of our kids. God has told us many times that He allows trials to perfect us and make us more like His Son. Trials are not to be dodged or avoided as much as they are to be endured for the sake of the lesson.

Asking God the right question in the middle of a trial is an expression of your trust in Him. The question should not be, “How am I going to get out of this?”, but rather, “What am I going to get out of this?” By changing “how” to “what”, you illustrate your dependence on Him to teach you and your willingness to learn.

Teach your kids to substitute an attitude of “what can I learn?” for “how can I escape?” when they face trials.

We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose.

Romans 8:28

02.27.13
by

Devo: Counseling Available #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

In times of struggle, we often seek a counselor — a trusted friend or a confidant to talk with about our troubles or from whom we seek guidance and direction. The disciples saw Jesus as their counselor, and were worried when He said He was leaving them. It was then that Jesus promised the ultimate Counselor — the Holy Spirit.

Like the disciples, we are given a Counselor to teach and remind us what Jesus taught (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is available 24/7 and is absolutely free because Jesus paid His “fee”. He gives us the ability to understand our issues from Christ’s perspective and He exposes the false promises of the world. He offers us “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:10-16).

Do you take advantage of the best counselor in heaven or earth? He is available to you when you trust Christ for your salvation.

But I tell you I am going to do what is best for you. This is why I am going away. The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you.

The Spirit will come and show the people of this world the truth about sin and God’s justice and the judgment. 
John 16:7-8
02.26.13
by

Devo: Complaining and Arguing #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

Traffic, gas prices, long lines, screaming children, demanding bosses. Each day offers lots of opportunities to gripe, complain and argue. Do you take the bait?

Most times we respond to these situations poorly and without thinking, but consider the fact that these can be opportunities to demonstrate our trust in a powerful, loving God. When we approach trials from God’s eternal perspective, they can become opportunities to show our kids that satisfaction and peace are not based on the world’s response to us, but rather our response to the world. Show them you are willing to accept inconveniences without complaining or arguing and make the best of each day regardless. This attitude is a “light” to your children.

Let’s stop complaining and arguing, and show our children we trust in God’s plan.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world.

Philippians 2:14-15

02.25.13
by

Devo: True Leadership #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

This passage referred to the responsibility of leaders to study and rely upon the law of God as they governed. It kept them humble, centered on God, and guided their decisions so they would not stray from His path. Of course, this wasn’t easy and the Israelite leaders failed many times. When they strayed, God faithfully delivered consequences for their failures.

God’s advice for leaders hasn’t changed! As the leader of your family, recognize your need to learn from God’s Word. When we sacrifice personal study and meditation, we tend to lose our godly focus quickly, both for ourselves and for our family as well. Are consequences far behind?

Part of being a good leader is turning to your Leader for guidance every day.

 

Each day the king must read and obey these laws, so that he will learn to worship the Lord with fear and trembling and not think that he’s better than everyone else.

If the king completely obeys the Lord’s commands, he and his descendants will rule Israel for many years.
Deuteronomy 17:19-20
02.22.13
by

Devo: God’s Workmanship #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign #Poiema

The Greek word for workmanship is poiema, from which we get our word “poem”. It is used also in Romans 1:20 where Paul explains that God’s eternal power and divine nature can be seen in nature, His poiema. Paul tells us that all of creation contains works of incredible art created by God to demonstrate and reflect His glory, and that our kids are part of the art show!

If God was willing to put that kind of love and care into creating our children and preparing a path for them to follow “for good works”, doesn’t it make sense that we should work to find God’s path for our kids and surrender any path we may have dreamed up without Him?

God is the great artist and He is preparing a work far greater than any of us can see. It involves all of us. And we can participate by finding the role he created for each of us in His great design. Let’s resolve to stop trying to make our own primitive finger painting, and join the rest of God’s creation in His work.

Let’s surrender our independent plans and assume our role in the greatest work of art ever created!

God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. This is why he sent Christ to make us what we are.

Ephesians 2:10

02.21.13
by

Devo: Price and Value #AnchorFAM #ParentingByDesign

Do you ever get caught up in gawking at the “lifestyles of the rich and famous”? The media offers us a front row seat to the excesses of the super rich. Their houses, cars, clothes, and hobbies are all paraded before us as examples of “success”. Hasn’t it always been true that “men praise you when you prosper”?

In light of the world’s preoccupation with achieving “the good life”, isn’t it ironic that anything with a price, no matter how extravagant or expensive, will have zero eternal value? Help your kids fight materialism by focusing on eternal significance. The most effective way to communicate this message is not with your words, but with your example. Take a moment and ask God to reveal any blind spots you might have in this area. Commit to making one change, no matter how small, that more effectively demonstrates what you truly value.

Teach your children not to confuse price with value.


Don’t let it bother you

when others get rich
and live in luxury.
   Soon they will die
and all their wealth
will be left behind.
 
   We humans are praised
when we do well,
and all of us are glad
to be alive.
   But we each will go down
to our ancestors,
never again to see
the light of day.
Psalms 49:16-19
02.20.13
by

It Takes a Village: Grandchildren Aren’t Just for Spoiling #AnchorFAM

From what I hear, grandchildren are God’s reward for making it through all the years of worry your children caused you. You can play with grandchildren–and give them back when it’s time for diaper changes or bedtime routines. Having grandchildren is like a mulligan from God–you can make up for some of your parenting mistakes by doing it better with them.

While you now enjoy a break from the physical work, God still has important spiritual work for you. “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9).

Here’s a special salute to all the grandparents who for whatever reason have to (get to) raise their grandchildren. What a gift of love! You rock!

This is also for everyone over 60–the world needs honorary gramps and grannies. With the stories you tell children, you have a fabulous opportunity to share the good news of God’s forgiving love. The offerings and gifts you give keep the Word moving in the ministries you invest in. Even from your nursing home, your prayers can reach around the globe and change lives.

The seniors who gave you extra mentoring and love when you were little are eagerly awaiting your arrival in heaven. Well done, good and faithful servant!

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—