Category: Marriage

Divine Blessings in Successful Marriages, etc.

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Love, Marriage, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Success, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Wednesday, 2023-01-18.
WRITTEN AT: O’Brien, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Psalm 127:1-3
TRANSLATION: GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

BIBLE TEXT: 1 If the Lord does not build the house, it is useless for the builders to work on it.
If the Lord does not protect a city, it is useless for the guard to stay alert.
2 It is useless to work hard for the food you eat by getting up early and going to bed late. The Lord gives ⌞food⌟ to those he loves while they sleep.
3 Children are an inheritance from the Lord. They are a reward from him.

APPLICATION: Solomon, known as the wisest man on earth, was also the richest man of his time and he was looked up to by leaders of neighboring countries because of his success. Solomon was also known as a man of God – obedient to God’s commands, and he honored his God in ways that man had never before witnessed such devotion and tribute. Why then do we see such division in our marriages, home life, and even in our children today? It seems a rarity to meet a couple who is still married to the spouse of their youth. In America, the records show that over 50% of first-time marriages fail. Unfortunately, Christians make up a good portion of that number. It is evident that even if you are walking close to the Lord, you will experience attack and assault on your marriage. It truly irks me to hear a young man respond, ‘I know she is another man’s wife, but I love her any way’. Unfortunately, this goes both ways, for women do the same thing, because they are intrigued by another man’s attention. In the Bible, we are told that in the same manner that God loves the church, that’s how He has enabled a man to love his wife. So as a man demonstrates that love, Satan is angered and tries his best to destroy that love. But Christians, we also know that greater is He (God) that is in us, than he (Satan) that is in the world. So, if we asked God to forgive us of our sins, and have trusted Him to do so, then we must learn to surrender our decisions to His will, and for His purpose. This includes our lifelong mate, our children – should we be blessed with one or more, our jobs and our everyday challenges. Can you see where this would really agitate Satan? God would force him to keep his hands off that which belongs to Him. That’s why we encounter conflicts, for Satan is constantly looking for our weak points. Friends, when we belong to Jesus Christ, we should take Matthew 6:33 very seriously, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and ultimately, all these other things will be added to you’. Now, as we enjoy marriage, God may bless us with little ones who could learn to be just like us. Children are a blessing from the Lord (vs 3), not an inconvenience, nor obstacles to our success in life. Because our spouse and our children are blessings from God, we should devote our attention to their happiness and give them our undivided attention. That’s a challenge for us folk! Electronic devices, old friends, hobbies, and a greed for more, more, more, is the norm for most families today. Yet in verse 2, God comforts and assures us that there is no need to labor night and day, or even long hours each day, for He is our Provider! Oh, that God would give each reader and listener the reassurance today that our priorities might be in order to achieve the success that God wants for us: God first, family second, church third and work, friends, hobbies and greedy desires to follow. To those considering marriage, let me encourage you to consider the priority I listed above for a long, happy and contented marriage. When you start off with dating, if God is first, then you will find in His Word that He wants you to wait until marriage before you give into sex with your partner. Living together is intended for a couple already joined in marriage. When you start off on the right track, with the right leader in charge of your life and willing to bless you beyond your wildest expectations, then your marriage will follow in like manner. But no matter where you are today, seek the face of the Master and ask Him to direct your path and help you get on a holy tract following His commands and living in righteousness like He exampled before you. I believe God will hear your heart’s cry and help you press that ‘reset button’ to walk in His ways until He calls you home to glory.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: I was blessed to catch a glimpse of how God will bless us, if we stop our selfish and greedy drive for success and allow Him first place in our lives. Just imagine, God is waiting to bless us, if we will let Him. I don’t believe we will find anyone else on earth that could take His place in His unselfish, unconditional desire to bless us! Oh, what a Savior!

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord for creating us and showing us how to love others, just as You have loved us. Thank You for family – spouse, children and relatives who will love us in spite of who we are. But in the Scripture today, You reminded us of what it takes to be the child, as you designed; the spouse, as You have blessed us with in our marriages; the dad and mom, in response to the child(ren) You have blessed us with; and the citizens at work, with friends, and in all relationships where we aim to example You. It is often said that we are not perfect in any of these ways, but in knowing the only Perfect One, I believe today that we can call on You to help us do a better job of portraying You to a lost and dying world. Live through us, work through us and love through us, Lord, so that the world will be reminded of the One we call Master, Lord, and Savior of the world. Help us Lord, to help others in their walk, and in their desire to be more like You. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Here’s What Makes Marriages Work

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Husbands, Marriage, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, Wives, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Monday, 2022-11-07
WRITTEN AT: Ormond Beach, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Ephesians 5:21-27
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 21 …. submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.
25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.

APPLICATION: Isn’t it interesting how people hang on to certain pieces of Scripture, and often use it out of context for their own good? For example, men will often threaten their counterparts with the phrase that wive’s are to submit to their husbands unconditionally. And while that is true, there are other parts of this Scripture that makes this all come alive and applicable. Yes, wives are to submit themselves to their husband, just as they do to the Lord. But let us examine the scriptures to determine how many times we see the Lord being referred to as ‘abusive’, ‘a drunk’, ‘high on substance abuse’, ‘a cheater’, or ‘excessive time with his guy friends’. I have no doubt that you will not find where God is referred to by any of those worldly attributes. Instead, today’s Scripture goes on to explain the role of the husband that Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, referred to in this Scripture. Notice the following: 1). The husband is the head of the wife – God did the decision making for us to help avoid arguments by husband and wife. We don’t argue that the captain is in charge of his boat, or the CEO in charge of his business, so hopefully we have no qualms with God’s decision in marriages. When God created man, He designed him in His own image. Throughout the Bible we could see that God worked with men to fight military battles, as His disciples, as ministers of the Gospel, and in various leadership roles of countries, churches and missions. Yes, God could have chosen the wife, but He didn’t. 2). God examples before mankind by demonstrating His love, sacrifice, leadership, and through His very own precious Son, that His children – the church, was most important to Him. He wants men to follow suit with His example, in being the leader of his wife and family through the good, bad and challenging times of life. Perhaps when there seems to be a strain on our marital relationship, we should step aside with God and ask for wisdom to see where we have departed from His example and His guidance as good godly leaders in our homes. 3). Be willing to sacrifice in order to see our wives be blessed and enjoy the benefits of God’s chosen child. And 4). Be willing, and plan to shower our wives with the Word of God, for this is the Truth of all God intended for us. God did this to purify His church, and so should we as we endeavor to redeem our wives. Friends, when husbands endeavor to be all that God intended for them to be, then we could expect wives to take note, respect, love and obediently follow the leadership of their godly husbands. Unfortunately, many are choosing to cohabitate and not follow the plan ordained by the God who created them. God has a plan for you my friend, please listen to His voice and be obedient to His commands. He has your very best interest at heart. In whatever role you assume today – husband or wife, I pray that God will open your eyes to all that He intended for you to do in obedience to His Word and in following His example. Show the world that God’s not dead, He’s very much alive – even in our marriages, so that He might be glorified.

BLESSING(S) NOTED: God designed us, and He has a plan in mind for how we might enjoy life together in the form that He created – husband and wife. He also placed an order to how our marriages should work. Thank God when we allow Him to make such decisions and not depend on the mess we would make of things when done in our own selfishness and pride.

PRAYER: I am so thankful for the lady You placed in my life to be my forever wife, Lord. Thank You for blessing us with 47 years of happiness, ministry and a living testimony to all who may wonder if marriage still works. Lord, I have so many friends who wish they could experience such happiness as You have blessed my wife and I with. Please Lord, touch Your people once again today. Show them that in the same way You designed and created each one, You have also designed a plan for our happiness, and a guide for our decisions so that we could portray Your goodness in every part of our lives. The unsaved need to see Jesus in our marriages also, and I’m sure they are watching for how well we, individually do in following Your commands. Please reignite a fire inside of Your children today, that Your way is always best, and that we should be obedient to the One who created us for His good purpose. Please bless marriages again today, Lord. For our future generation will carry on the work that they discover in us today. Be lifted up Lord, for You are the King of glory. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Men – Careful Not To Hinder Answers to Your Prayers

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Love, Marriage, Needs, Praise, Prayer, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Monday, 2020-11-02
WRITTEN AT: Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: 1 Peter 3:7
TRANSLATION: Living Bible (TLB)

BIBLE TEXT: 7 You husbands must be careful of your wives, being thoughtful of their needs and honoring them as the weaker sex. Remember that you and your wife are partners in receiving God’s blessings, and if you don’t treat her as you should, your prayers will not get ready answers.

OBSERVATION: Preserving our right to pray, and the assurance of having our prayers answered, are probably two of the most sacred things that a Christian has to hang on to until we meet with Jesus face to face. However, God warns through His servant Peter that men/husbands stand the chance of hindering answers to their prayers if they don’t treat their wives right. Now men, that really places a strong emphasis on our marital responsibilities. Let’s think about this for a few minutes today, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION: Ever been warned by your parent that something would be withheld if you didn’t treat your sibling right? I was brought up as the eldest of five children, so whenever things got a bit testy around us, mom would warn us of possible consequences! So as I think about our loving God threatening me with the words in verse 7, I tend to especially stop what I’m doing and pay attention. Prayer is spoken of in many areas of the Bible, and there have been some amazing answers to prayer throughout the Bible and even among Christendom today. Moses prayed and water came forward from a rock. He prayed again and the waters of the Red Sea were stopped so that the Israelite army, that he was leading, could march safely across and be saved from the oncoming Egyptian army. Peter was sinking into the water when he cried out for the help of Jesus, and with an out-stretched hand, Jesus kept Peter safe. Jesus healed the sick and even brought the dead back to life, because of the prayers of His children. As a Christian, no doubt that you have also prayed to God for some very desperate things that you felt you would lose, if not for the intervention of the Lord God. So child of God, can you even imagine being told that your prayers would be hindered unless you ……..? But stop and think for a moment how important the family is to God. He created Eve from the rib of Adam. He placed them in the Garden of Eden to live happily and at peace with one another. There have been many created since our first ancestors, and there have been numerous couples brought together and blessed with Holy Matrimony, because God wanted to see His miraculous work go on. God knew that men would need women and they would enjoy life together in spite of their differences. Now imagine how disappointed God must get when He sees us trying to destroy that union. In the marriage ceremony, there are some important words spoken by a minister of the Gospel – those whom God has put together, let no man pull asunder. So how do you imagine God must feel when a husband abuses his wife, or cheats on her, or has no respect for her? I was reminded by a pastor that it is God’s child that the husband is mistreating. How do you respond when you hear of your child being abused by a man? We are told in God’s Word that He can do ALL things. But imagine Him scolding you one morning as you pray, and telling you: ‘Yes I can answer that prayer, but because you have not loved my daughter, and because you are not treating her with love and respect, I will withhold my response until further notice’. Will that help you reconcile your differences and resume a right relationship with your wife, for Jesus’ sake? Jesus loves the little children – both wives and husbands. Can we learn to love each other in similar fashion to what our Father displays to us?

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for the wonderful women You have placed in my life, and the adoration they have shown to me. My heart’s desire is to love You more, and also to be so dedicated to following Your will, that it will be glaring to others that Your Holy Spirit is given full reign in my life. Please help me to also treat Your daughter this way, for I would humbly plead with You to always direct and correct me before allowing me to treat her less than royally. So many in this world today have decided to just cohabitate instead of following Your will to unite in marriage, while many others simply give up and seek divorce. Loving and cooperating families are becoming fewer, resulting in children also growing up without a stand for commitment. Please dear Lord, begin with Your men that You have set aside to lead our families. May we be more committed to the task and may we go out of our way to love our wives like You intended. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Marriage Without Divorce

On By Ed AlgreenIn Committed, Divorce, Marriage, Totally committed2 Comments

Post Date:

 Tuesday, 2017-02-28
SCRIPTURE

From:

 Matthew 19:3-6 (Voice)

Text:

3 So some Pharisees approached Jesus and asked Him this tricky question about divorce:

Pharisees: Is it ever lawful for a man to divorce his wife?

Jesus: 4 Haven’t you read that in the beginning God created humanity male and female? Don’t you remember what the story of our creation tells us about marriage? 5 “For this reason, a man will leave his mother and father and cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 6 If a husband and wife are one flesh, how can they divorce? Divorce would be a bloody amputation, would it not? “What God has brought together, let no man separate.”
OBSERVATION:
To question charges for a driving infraction, one would go before a judge. To question about a Christian wedding, or marital problems, where God was invited to be a part of that three-party agreement, one would go to God, and/or His Word to understand the implications. This was the case with the Pharisees, for they wanted to know about the implications of breaking that three-party agreement. As in other areas of questioning Jesus, He quoted scripture to answer man’s questions.
APPLICATION:
Some of you might skip right over this devotional after reading the subject, because you are afraid that there may be so much of my own feelings debated in this blog that you really don’t want to hear it, perhaps again. One of the beauties of reading through the Bible, vs choosing specific topics, is that you will come across every topic addressed in the Bible. Of course you can choose to ignore some topics and just move on, but what I share with you each morning friends, are things that I feel God lays on my heart. I am convinced that these things first speak to my own heart, but I believe that God has me share these thoughts so that He might also use my thoughts to penetrate your heart and speak Truth to you. Sin has become so rampant in our world, and most people have become so tolerable of sin, that we often find ways to condone many things, among Christian circles and even in our churches. I am convinced that the Bible is our Rule Book, and it makes no consideration for the acts of sinful man, but instead gives us the words of God that addresses all of our actions, thoughts and questions. The main reason we (Christians) should have for going to a counselor, or a pastor, is to seek help in finding out how the Word of God addresses our situation. Remember, it’s our Rule Book! Unfortunately, we concoct enough to build our case as to why we believe we are right, because we want someone to validate, or take our side, so that our sin won’t hurt so badly. Friends, I believe that the moment we feel like sin is affecting either spouse, we must address it then – urgently. For sin is similar to a boil, it starts out small and it will irate just a little, but very soon it becomes an eating sore where it erodes the area of our body and infects our whole being. Friends, I am happily married, so it may seem like it must be easy for me to say all of the above, but may I remind you that sin affects us all, and it is only through a close, daily, and committed relationship with God that we stand a chance of learning from Him, seeking His help with life and His direction for every walk of life. Although some of you might be perfect in this area, I must admit that this is a daily walk for me. I need Christ in all areas of my life, and I need His help and guidance every day and in every aspect of life. May I recommend that you do the same, for I strongly believe that it is through Christ alone that we can live a life that would come close to imitating Him. I would also like to extend an invitation to all those who live near Sebring, Florida, to attend a monthly group meeting for couples at Bible Fellowship Church, Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL, the 4th Sunday of every month at 5:00pm. This might encourage you in your marriage, or you might encourage some else. Why not join us and allow God to do His work in your marriage!
PRAYER:
Father, thank You for loving us enough to create areas of happiness in our lives, then to provide the Rule Book on how we might best participate and enjoy all that You have created for us. Thank You for our spouses and for the happiness, contentment and friendship that we enjoy together in having You at the center of our lives and our relationships. Please forgive us for the many times that we have tried to have our own way and do our own thing. Although this often ends in disaster, we thank You for intervening in time to save our marriages. Please continue to impress upon Your children the importance of a daily encounter with You, so that we might become more aligned with Your ways and Your rules for life. We want to be more like You Jesus, so we humbly place ourselves at Your feet for a deep infilling of Your Holy Spirit. Use us for Your glory until we see You face to face. AMEN!
FOOTNOTE:
There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’.  If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

A Woman Who is Worth More Than Precious Gems!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Commitment, Dedicated, Love, MarriageLeave a comment

Friday, 2016-10-28

Scripture

Bible Reference: Proverbs 31:10–12

Bible Text:  10 If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems! 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will richly satisfy his needs. 12 She will not hinder him but help him all her life.

Bible Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

My Take

Throughout the Bible we see where crowds are usually counted based on the number of men in the crowd, even if women and children are present. We basically see where women are kept in the background of many Bible stories and especially in ancient church leadership. In fact, one may sometimes wonder if they were considered ‘second-class’ citizens. In my study today I came across two instances where we are reminded that women are super important to the kingdom of heaven, to their husbands, to their children, and to the church. In my new testament reading in Romans 16, Paul commended a female deacon, Phoebe, and He encouraged his friends to honor Phoebe as one who is worthy among the people of God. In Proverbs 31 we see where a good portion of that chapter is devoted to expressing the value of women to God, to their husbands, to their children and to their communities. In Proverbs 31:23, we are reminded that men worthy of being community leaders, can successfully fulfill his responsibilities when he is blessed with a good wife who knows the Lord, and is honorable in her home, for she not only supports her husband in clothing and feeding him, but in her prayers for his success also. Friends, I pray that not one man will stand and boast about how good or successful he is, because invariably you will find that he has the support of a praying mom and/or a supportive, loving, encouraging and praying wife. I have found that as I express love and worth to my wife, she in turn offers prayer, support and encouragement for my success. I am reminded from the Word of God, that Jesus expects for me to love and care for my wife, like He loves and cares for His church. He expressed that love through the biggest sacrifice recorded in history, for he gave of his own life, so that we may have access to the only One capable of forgiveness for our sins. With the purity that comes with a heart cleansed by Jesus Christ, we are acceptable for entry into heaven, and an audience with the Father. Our short lives here on this earth are filled with steps that lead us to our ultimate destination where we will spend eternity. In a major portion of this life, we (men) are surrounded by women who are ordained by God to care for us, push us towards success, support us in leadership, care for and love our children and pray for our walk with the Lord. We, in turn, must be willing to do whatever it takes, including total sacrifice as Jesus did for us, to bring fulfillment, happiness, and godly leadership into their lives so that they might also be honorable before God. This is a two-way thing Brothers! While Christ is very worthy of fulfilling the requests brought to Him by our wives, He expects us to do our part as worthwhile, God-filled husbands, to make them the virtuous women that He desires. Men, are you prepared to rededicate Your life to Jesus and ask Him to help you to rededicate the commitment, love and protection your wife needs from you?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we have been reminded of the love You showed for us on Calvary, the love expected of husbands towards their wives, and how all of this could lead to helping our wives be the virtuous women that You desire in Your kingdom, in our lives and in this world. There’s great responsibility from all involved, but this leads to a beautiful relationship between husband and wife, and fully dedicated lives by both before a lost world, all for Your glory. Based on my study, I truly believe that this is Your desire for us. Please help us to be obedient and willing servants so that others may see, hear and believe on You. I ask these things all for your glory, AMEN!

Footnote

If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to www.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!

Love The One You Got!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Love, Marriage, Surrender1 Comment

The Holy Bible

18So be happy with your wife and find your joy with the woman you married- 19pretty and graceful as a deer. Let her charms keep you happy; let her surround you with her love. 20Why should you give your love to another woman, my son? Why should you prefer the charms of another man’s wife? 21The Lord sees everything you do. Wherever you go, he is watching.

(Bible Translation and Location: Good News Translation – Proverbs 5:18-21)

Thoughts:

There’s an old hip-hop song with the same title I gave to our devotional today, because as I meditated on these verses this song came to mind, so I didn’t intentionally use bad English!!! However, God not only spoke to a man that He made to be the wisest man on earth, but He also inspired him to write down these wise words to share with folk that came along after he (Solomon) died. God, in His wisdom, knew that you and I should be told from His Word how to truly live holy and happy lives, even when it concerns our lives with our spouses. Now friends, there are a few things in here that really step on the toes of some that have supposedly convinced themselves of what God should have included in His Word, so they may become offended, but I would encourage them to politely and respectfully pray to God about those things. These verses follow verse 15 where Solomon gave us these words of wisdom: “Be faithful to your own wife and give your love to her alone”, so I believe that what God is drawing to our attention in order to have happy marriages, is that:

  1. Men must be the husband of one wife and find your joy with her – Notice the verse didn’t indicate “one of your wives” or “one of your women”. Also note that the verse didn’t say that you will find joy waiting for you, but rather you will “find joy”. That gives me the impression that we must seek after it, or work at it. If you sow in happiness, you will reap joy! Please note that to find joy with your wife, you cannot have other women trying to win your affection, otherwise you could never give your wife the attention and love that she, and you, deserve;
  2. Pretty and graceful as a deer – I’m sure that no one ever married a woman because she just wasn’t pretty in your eyes. So if she was pretty when you married her, and you have tried in every way to find joy with her every step along the way, why might she not be pretty now? I am reminded of something an elderly gentlemen told me at one time when I was finding fault with a vehicle I owned. He said, it is so interesting the fault we will find with our current vehicle when we have our minds set on a new one we want to buy! Funny, but very true words that also apply to our view of our wives! They are very pretty until we set our eyes on someone else that we are becoming attracted to. One word of advice to husbands and wives, don’t look elsewhere because you feel your spouse has lost their beauty, you are also growing old at the same rate of your spouse, and you may not be getting any more handsome either!!
  3. God is watching – God not only hears the words we speak, but He also knows our thoughts. You absolutely cannot straighten Him out with the poor excuses you give your spouse, so live upright, honest, loving and happy lives like God intended for you.

Friends, I am not a Marriage Counselor, but I am a Christian and would be happy to rejoice with you on any happy stories this devotional may have reminded you of, or if there is an area that you are struggling with, I would be happy to pray with you. So I encourage you to use the information in the footnote to contact me and allow me to pray with you about your marriage or your relationship with the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, unlike anything we can see, or ever imagine, about the condition of marriages and Christian life in general today, I am convinced that You see and know every little detail. I humbly ask that You help us to overcome our carnal minds and worldly desires. Please help us to keep our minds fixed on You, and make decisions inspired by You and for Your glory. Happy marriages will result in happy couples who will have happy children. This is not the case today, even from our eyes dear Lord, so we know that You see the weaknesses evident in Your children who claim You, especially when it is convenient or needed. Please touch the hearts and minds of Your children today, beginning with me. I believe that as we draw close to You and refocus our desire to please You in all walks of our lives, then we will live according to Your Word, without It becoming burdensome to us. Our marriages and our families are in trouble Lord. We need You more today than ever before, to heal our land, revive Your very own children, and to melt the hearts of those spouses that do not know You as Lord. Marriage is instituted and blessed by You, and I question how this could be possible if a spouse raises the stop sign to not allow You in. We need You Lord! I know that You have this under control, please give me peace to leave You at Your job, knowing that You are the Master of all things! I love You Lord, and I ask all of these things believing, and in the precious name of Jesus, Amen!

FOOTNOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to blogger.nuggetsfromgodsword.org and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day‘s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, Sebring, FL!

Be Completely United

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Faith, Follow Jesus, Forgiveness, Fruit of the Spirit, Getting Along, God our Helper, Helper, Holy Spirit, Imitator of Christ, Love your Neighbor, Marriage, Our Help comes from God, Pleasing to God, Power, Reaching the Lost, Reflecting Christ, Stregth, Surrender, WitnessingLeave a comment

The Bible – The Good news Translation

1 Corinthians 1:10

10 By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my brothers and sisters, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose.

Thoughts:

I bet that as you read the above verse you may have thought that it was something that I came up with concerning your church, or perhaps telling you gossip from my church, right? I agree with you friends, however this is obviously one of those verses that Christians today throw over their shoulders and let it go on to apply to the church on the next block for whom it was truly written!! In our secular jobs we often remark that the most challenging part of our job is dealing with the people/staff. I would imagine that for our pastors the most challenging part of leading a small, or a large church is the same – dealing with the folk who cause upheaval that could quickly lead to division. Paul addressed two important areas that we should consider as we think about what we might do to prevent division:

  1. To agree in what you say – I believe that if we did like one pastor suggested when he said “Let the main thing be the main thing” then we would quickly refocus our minds, and subsequently our conversation, to the mighty works of God among the congregation; the Word of God that speaks to us in powerful ways today, as it did in the days we read about in the Word; the blessings that God has bestowed on us instead of the small aches and pains that we might feel; the great teachers that God has provided to share knowledge with us instead of the small insignificant, humanly faults they may have; and the heartfelt desire to see our family members saved; and
  2. Be completely united – Do you know what happens in marriages when a husband and wife cannot be completely united in one thought and purpose? Don’t you imagine that the same thing would happen if we bring that type of behavior into the church? Independent thinking is important friend, but in a heart of compassion and love and caring about the good of others, we must learn to be understanding, appreciative and patient in what others have to say also. We are not all at the same maturity level, so sometimes we will find that someone else may have a different idea about a topic than we do. They may not be wrong – in fact they may be trying to say the same things as you are saying, just using different terminology. We must learn to not only talk, but also to listen, and try to appreciate the heart of the person speaking.

I heard a preacher approach this subject recently and he advised that should a third party be brought up in a conversation you are having with another church member, stop the conversation until such time that the other party could join you in the conversation! Great advice to avoid the issues that Paul was addressing with the Corinthian church, and to help with the unity of our churches today! These are tips on how we can help keep unity in our church today, are you willing to do your part friend? Let’s ask God for the strength to do His will, even in our relationships with others who should know better!

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your patience with Your people as we try to get along here on this earth and live in such a way that we would be a witness of You to our lost family and friends. Lord, please remind us often that we will never impact the lost when we act just like them. If we are different, and if we belong to the King of Love, the King of compassion and the King of all Kings then it is time for us to leave the things of this world behind and center our hearts and minds on You, and not our personal desires and selfish ways. More of You in this old world will force out the ways of Satan that has become so prevalent, even among Christians. Please have Your will in my life dear Lord, and may my friends also see the need for a similar prayer today, is my humble plea, that I ask in the precious name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, AMEN!

 

NOTE: If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

Our Witness Should Lead Others To Christ

On By Ed AlgreenIn Bible Believing, Christian, Follow Jesus, Holy Spirit, Imitator of Christ, Marriage, Our Help comes from God, Praise, Reaching the Lost, Reflecting ChristLeave a comment

The Bible –New Century Version

Psalm 40:2-3

2           He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the sticky mud. He stood me on a rock and made my feet steady.

3           He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many people will see this and worship him. Then they will trust the Lord.

 Thoughts:

 We can easily identify a single man by his playfulness with no one girl. We can generally identify a married man by his devotion to his wife and his unselfish attitude in doing everything to make her happy. We can generally identify a sinner by the unconcern for anything spiritual; their ungodly character; their ungodly, and often disrespectful speech and of course their lack of interest in trying to be in the presence of Christian believers. What is often confusing is when we hear folk that meet most of the criteria just stated, yet they will tell someone that they are a ‘Christian’ or they attend church regularly. As a follower of Christ, we must often return to the cross and, like David, thank God for what He brought us through and where He brought us from. If we don’t do this we may tend to boast about what we did to achieve our rightness with God. While at the foot of the cross we should remind ourselves of the joyful song that we exuded at the time of our conversion, and ask God to refresh that song in our heart so that we may glow with His presence and His glory. When others see Jesus, yes even His qualities in us, they will burst in to worship to God! For those who have only heard of Jesus, they will trust in Him and seek His favor. So I guess my challenge to believers today is: Does others see enough difference in us that they would want any part of what incents us, what drives us or what motivates us? Are we singing the praises of a King’s kid, or are we portrayed to others as a beggar with lots of needs and having never been lovingly and spiritually touched by the Master? We will exude what is prominent inside of us. Why not put more of Jesus in, through daily time in the Word, prayer and communion with God?

 Prayer:

 I’m Yours Lord. May others see and be blessed in recognizing that You are mine also. May Your will, Your love and Your character be prominent in me so that You may be lifted up and that others may be drawn to You. Touch hardened hearts today so that they may not shy away from recognizing and accepting You. Touch the hearts of Your kids so that your glory may shine through every fiber of our lives and influence this world for You. Lord, may You be glorified today in all things that we do or say, for it is in Your precious and worthy name that I ask, AMEN!

 

Note: **If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray.

‘Til Death Do Us Part!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Christian, Divorce, Listen to the Word of God, Love, Marriage, Our Help comes from God, Righteousness, SeparationLeave a comment

SCRIPTURE

Studied: Mark 10

OBSERVATION (What is God saying here?)

Mark 10:1-12 ~ After Jesus left, he went to Judea and then on to the other side of the Jordan River. Once again large crowds came to him, and as usual, he taught them. Some Pharisees wanted to test Jesus. So they came up to him and asked if it was right for a man to divorce his wife. Jesus asked them, “What does the Law of Moses say about that?” They answered, “Moses allows a man to write out divorce papers and send his wife away.” Jesus replied, “Moses gave you this law because you are so heartless. But in the beginning God made a man and a woman. That’s why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. He becomes like one person with his wife. Then they are no longer two people, but one. And no one should separate a couple that God has joined together.” When Jesus and his disciples were back in the house, they asked him about what he had said. He told them, “A man who divorces his wife and marries someone else is unfaithful to his wife. A woman who divorces her husband and marries again is also unfaithful.” (CEV)

APPLICATION (How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

I believe that most of us have encountered divorce in some part of our family, either directly or indirectly through a family member. I don’t believe that it is ever pretty, or mutually agreeable, because someone often gets hurt, in fact I would dare say that many times many people get hurt. I am not here to judge anyone who makes such a decision, but I feel like this is something that perhaps someone who may be considering divorce today may need to hear. In fact, if I skip over this ‘Nugget’ in Mark 10 I believe that I could be considered like the folk that Moses dealt with in his day, I could be accused of being heartless. To those that are struggling in their marital relationship today I would ask that you consider the following tips that I discerned from God’s Word, and the sensitivity of this was heightened this morning when I read this passage:

  • God made us in His own image – I don’t believe that this pertains only to bodily form, or not just in character like Him, but in whole I believe that He made us to be imitators of Him in every way. For instance, He is known as ‘love’. He taught us to love like He does. He loved us so much that He sacrificed His one and only Son so that we may have…. If we are to be imitators of Him, why would we turn our heads on a spouse that God has blessed us with? God never faltered in His love for us, why would we falter in our love for our spouse?
  • Is your marriage in trouble because you believe that you found someone else better looking? Remember that beauty comes from within, not outward beauty.
  • Is your marriage in trouble because your spouse is cheating on you? Look deep inside and try to determine why you have allowed this. Is it because of Neglect? Not showing your love? Not praising them when appropriate?
  • Is your marriage in trouble because you have been distracted with someone else of the opposite sex in your circle of friends or coworkers? In your marriage vows you promised to pledge your allegiance and love to only your spouse. Don’t put yourself in the position of allowing someone else to interfere in your vow and in your marital relationship.
  • Is your marriage in trouble because you never included God in your union with each other? It is not too late. Go to God in prayer, with your spouse, asking God to be a part of your union and to help you maintain a strong, loving and happy relationship with Him and with each other. Remember, God is bigger than all of our troubles and when you welcome Him to be a part of your life, He can work miracles in your situation. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you.

As your relationships are mended you will find much less stress in your life. In fact, with a happy and loving relationship with each other and God, you will find that you can deal with everything else! Let God be a part, won’t you?

PRAYER (With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord Jesus, I thank You for being a part of my marriage. I thank You for holding our hands and helping us to overcome those times when we struggled and when we doubted Your presence. You have truly been an inspiration in our lives and in our marriage and I pray that You will continue to bless our marriage, because I know that old Satan could easily interfere if we let our guards down or if we exclude You, our source of power and strength. May we be a blessing to others that may be struggling in their marriage? May Your love and Your light shine so brightly in us that others may be touched and encouraged? May You receive honor and glory for anything and everything accomplished as a result of our union. Please continue to be instrumental in our individual lives and in our marriage. Thank You Lord Jesus!