Category Archives: Family

Children, Humility, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Study the Word

Growing in Wisdom: Jesus as Our Example (Luke 2:39-52)

Have you ever marveled at the growth and development of a child, witnessing their journey from infancy to maturity? In Luke 2:39-52, we are granted a glimpse into Jesus’ formative years, where He embodies the perfect balance of humility and wisdom, setting an example for us all.

Reconnect: Reflecting on Luke 2:39-52, we revisit Jesus’ upbringing in Nazareth, observing His growth in wisdom and stature. As we delve into this passage, let’s glean insights from His childhood that continue to resonate with us today.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Luke 2:39-52

Return to Nazareth

     39When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. 40The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Visit to Jerusalem

     41Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; 43and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, 44but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. 46Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” 49And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” 50But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. 51And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

      52And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Rooted in Obedience to God: Mary and Joseph faithfully adhered to Jewish customs, presenting Jesus at the temple and fulfilling the requirements of the Law. Their obedience reflects a commitment to honoring God’s commands and nurturing Jesus in His identity as the Son of God.
  2. Growing in Wisdom and Favor: Despite His divine nature, Jesus underwent a process of growth and maturation, progressing in wisdom and stature before God and humanity. His example underscores the importance of continuous growth and development in our own lives, both spiritually and intellectually.
  3. Seeking Understanding in God’s House: At the age of twelve, Jesus engages in deep theological discussions with the teachers in the temple, demonstrating His profound understanding of Scripture. His inclination towards spiritual pursuits reminds us of the value of seeking wisdom and knowledge in God’s Word.

Call to Action:

  1. Cultivate Humility and Obedience: Like Jesus, let us cultivate humility and obedience in our relationship with God, surrendering to His will and faithfully following His commands.
  2. Commit to Growth and Learning: Embrace a posture of continuous growth and learning, seeking wisdom and understanding in God’s Word and through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and study.
  3. Engage in Spiritual Community: Find opportunities to engage with like-minded believers and mentors who can encourage and challenge you in your faith journey. Participate in discussions, Bible studies, and fellowship gatherings to deepen your understanding of God’s truth.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Jesus, who grew in wisdom and stature before You and humanity. Help us to emulate His humility, obedience, and commitment to learning as we navigate our own journeys of faith. May we continually seek wisdom and understanding in Your Word, drawing closer to You with each passing day. Amen.

Adultery / Sex Outside Marriage, Diligent / Hard Worker, Marriage, Money / Finances / Wealth

Wisdom’s Warning: Stewardship, Diligence, and a Guarded Heart (Proverbs 6)

Have you ever felt the weight of regret after making a hasty decision, wishing you had paused to consider the consequences beforehand?

In Proverbs 6, we encounter a series of admonitions that serve as a stern reminder of the perils of folly and the importance of heeding wisdom’s counsel.

Reconnect: As we delve into Proverbs 6, we’re confronted with the sobering realities of life’s choices and their far-reaching implications. The sage wisdom offered in this chapter serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path of righteousness and warning against the pitfalls of ignorance and folly.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Proverbs 6

     Parental Counsel

     1My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor,
Have given a pledge for a stranger,

2If you have been snared with the words of your mouth,
Have been caught with the words of your mouth,

3Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself;
Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor,
Go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor.

4Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids;

5Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter’s hand
And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6Go to the ant, O sluggard,
Observe her ways and be wise,

7Which, having no chief,
Officer or ruler,

8Prepares her food in the summer
And gathers her provision in the harvest.

9How long will you lie down, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?

10“A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest”—

11Your poverty will come in like a vagabond
And your need like an armed man.

12A worthless person, a wicked man,
Is the one who walks with a perverse mouth,

13Who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet,
Who points with his fingers;

14Who with perversity in his heart continually devises evil,
Who spreads strife.

15Therefore his calamity will come suddenly;
Instantly he will be broken and there will be no healing.

16There are six things which the LORD hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:

17Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,

18A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,

19A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.

20My son, observe the commandment of your father
And do not forsake the teaching of your mother;

21Bind them continually on your heart;
Tie them around your neck.

22When you walk about, they will guide you;
When you sleep, they will watch over you;
And when you awake, they will talk to you.

23For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light;
And reproofs for discipline are the way of life

24To keep you from the evil woman,
From the smooth tongue of the adulteress.

25Do not desire her beauty in your heart,
Nor let her capture you with her eyelids.

26For on account of a harlot one is reduced to a loaf of bread,
And an adulteress hunts for the precious life.

27Can a man take fire in his bosom
And his clothes not be burned?

28Or can a man walk on hot coals
And his feet not be scorched?

29So is the one who goes in to his neighbor’s wife;
Whoever touches her will not go unpunished.

30Men do not despise a thief if he steals
To satisfy himself when he is hungry;

31But when he is found, he must repay sevenfold;
He must give all the substance of his house.

32The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense;
He who would destroy himself does it.

33Wounds and disgrace he will find,
And his reproach will not be blotted out.

34For jealousy enrages a man,
And he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35He will not accept any ransom,
Nor will he be satisfied though you give many gifts.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Danger of Surety for Others: The chapter begins with a caution against becoming ensnared by the debts of others, urging vigilance and discernment in financial matters. It emphasizes the importance of prudence and restraint, lest one find themselves bound by obligations beyond their means.
  • The Warning Against Laziness: The sage admonishes against the allure of idleness and slothfulness, highlighting the destructive consequences of neglecting one’s responsibilities. Laziness is likened to a relentless predator, prowling in search of prey and leading to poverty and ruin.
  • The Consequences of Adultery: The chapter issues a stern warning against the temptation of adultery, portraying it as a path of destruction that leads to grave consequences. The imagery used vividly illustrates the devastation wrought by infidelity, urging readers to guard their hearts and honor their commitments.

Call to Action:

As we reflect on the wisdom found in Proverbs 6, let us respond with:

  • Prudent Stewardship: Let us exercise wisdom and discernment in our financial dealings, avoiding the snare of surety and practicing prudence in our commitments.
  • Diligent Work Ethic: May we embrace a spirit of diligence and industry, recognizing the value of hard work and the perils of slothfulness. Let us fulfill our responsibilities with excellence, knowing that diligence leads to prosperity.
  • Guarded Hearts: In matters of relationships and fidelity, let us remain vigilant and guard our hearts against the temptations of adultery. May we cherish and honor our commitments, fostering trust and fidelity in our relationships.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to navigate life’s choices with prudence and discernment. Help us to heed the warnings of folly and to embrace the path of righteousness laid out before us. Strengthen us to resist temptation and to walk in integrity, honoring You in all that we do. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Arrogance, Children, Courage / Fear, Discerning / Judging, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, Greed, Hypocrisy, Parenting, Purposeful / Intentional, Selfishness, Study the Word, Tongue / Gossip / Slander

Navigating Perilous Times (2 Timothy 3)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges of the times we live in, uncertain about how to navigate through the complexities of life?

In 2 Timothy 3, the apostle Paul offers timeless wisdom for facing adversity and standing firm in faith amidst perilous circumstances.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of 2 Timothy, Paul writes to his beloved disciple Timothy, imparting crucial instructions for ministry and exhorting him to remain steadfast in the face of opposition. As we delve into chapter 3, we find Paul addressing the prevailing challenges of the last days, offering guidance that remains relevant for believers today.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

2 Timothy 3

“Difficult Times Will Come”

     1But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. 6For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. 9But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes’s and Jambres’s folly was also.

      10Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Summary Key Points:

  • Recognizing the Signs of the Times: Paul begins by describing the characteristics of people in the last days, warning that perilous times will come. He highlights traits such as selfishness, pride, and a lack of self-control, indicating the moral decay and spiritual deception that will abound in the end times.
  • Remaining Grounded in God’s Word: Amidst the prevailing darkness, Paul emphasizes the importance of Scripture as a source of truth and guidance. He reminds Timothy that all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, equipping believers for every good work.
  • Standing Firm in the Faith: Despite the challenges and opposition, Paul encourages Timothy to continue in the things he has learned and firmly believe. He underscores the necessity of holding fast to sound doctrine, remaining faithful to the teachings passed down from the apostles, and rejecting false teachings and deceptive ideologies.
  • Persevering in the Face of Adversity: Paul himself serves as an example of endurance and perseverance in the midst of trials. He recounts his own experiences of persecution and suffering for the sake of the gospel, encouraging Timothy to endure hardship and follow his example of unwavering faithfulness to Christ.

Call to Action:

Let us heed Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3 by:

  • Studying God’s Word Diligently: Like Timothy, let us immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape our beliefs, values, and actions. Let us commit to regular study and meditation on God’s Word, seeking wisdom and guidance for navigating the challenges of our times.
  • Discerning the Times: In a world marked by moral relativism and spiritual deception, let us remain vigilant and discerning, recognizing the signs of the times and standing firm in the truth of God’s Word. Let us be wary of false teachings and deceptive philosophies, holding fast to the unchanging truth of Scripture.
  • Remaining Steadfast in Faith: Despite the pressures and trials we may face, let us remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in the promises of God and relying on His strength to sustain us. Let us persevere in following Christ faithfully, knowing that He is with us always, even to the end of the age.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, grant us wisdom and discernment to navigate the challenges of the times we live in. Strengthen our faith and fortify our hearts with the truth of Your Word, that we may stand firm amidst the shifting sands of this world. Help us to remain steadfast, unwavering in our commitment to You, and empowered by Your Spirit to live lives that honor and glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Church / Body of Christ, Family, Help / Serve Others

Caring for One Another in God’s Family (1 Timothy 5:1-16)

Have you ever wondered how we, as believers, should treat one another within the family of God?

What does the Bible say about caring for widows and those in need?

Let’s explore 1 Timothy 5:1-16 to find valuable insights on these important matters.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of 1 Timothy, Paul has been providing instructions to Timothy regarding the church’s order and the conduct of its members. He emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, prayer, and godly leadership.

As we delve into 1 Timothy 5, Paul continues to provide guidance on how Timothy and the church should care for different groups within the congregation, particularly widows. This chapter sheds light on the importance of respecting one another and caring for those in need, aligning with the broader theme of maintaining the integrity and unity of the church.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

1 Timothy 5:1-16

     1Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, 2the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

      3Honor widows who are widows indeed; 4but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. 6But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

      9A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, 12thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. 13At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. 14Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; 15for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Respect and Support: The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy on how to interact with different groups within the church family. He emphasizes the importance of treating older believers as fathers and mothers, younger believers as siblings, and showing respect to all. This underscores the idea of unity and familial love among Christians.
  2. Care for Widows: Paul offers specific guidelines for caring for widows in the church. He distinguishes between widows with family support and those who are truly in need, advocating that family members should bear primary responsibility for providing for widows. The church should step in to assist only when there is no other support available.
  3. Qualifications for Assistance: Paul lays out qualifications for widows who are to be enrolled on the list for financial support from the church. These qualifications include being at least sixty years old, having a reputation for good works, and having no family to provide for them.
  4. Warning Against Idleness: Paul addresses the issue of younger widows who might become idle and gossipy if supported by the church. He encourages them to remarry and be actively involved in serving others rather than depending solely on the church’s assistance.
  5. Responsibility of Families: Paul emphasizes the importance of families caring for their own members. He asserts that failing to provide for one’s family is a denial of the faith and worse than unbelief.

Call to Action: Let us learn from 1 Timothy 5:1-16 and strive to cultivate an atmosphere of respect, care, and support within our church communities. We should actively seek ways to help those in genuine need, particularly widows, while also encouraging responsible and compassionate family support. As we engage in discussions about these principles, let us remember to pray for wisdom and guidance in applying them in our lives.

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom and discernment to care for one another within your family. Help us extend love, respect, and support to those in need, particularly widows and their families. May our actions reflect the love of Christ within our communities. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Children, Church / Body of Christ, Leadership, Marriage, Submitted / Servant

Qualities of Servant-Leaders: A Closer Look at 1 Timothy 3

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a servant-leader in the community of faith?

In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy, we discover a valuable guide that outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who aspire to serve as overseers and deacons in the early Christian church. This guidance, found in 1 Timothy 3, offers timeless wisdom for all who seek to lead and serve within the body of believers.

Reconnect: Before we delve into 1 Timothy 3, let’s remember the context. Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, a young leader in the early Christian community, to provide guidance on various matters within the church. In this chapter, Paul focuses on the qualifications and expectations for overseers and deacons.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

1 Timothy 3

Overseers and Deacons

     1It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

      8Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

      14I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

16By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:
He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Role of Overseers: Paul begins by addressing the qualifications for overseers, also known as bishops or pastors. These individuals are called to provide spiritual leadership, guidance, and oversight to the congregation. The qualities Paul highlights include being above reproach, faithful in marriage, temperate, self-controlled, hospitable, and able to teach.
  2. The Role of Deacons: Paul also outlines the qualifications for deacons, who serve alongside overseers in various practical and administrative roles within the church. Deacons are to be dignified, sincere, not given to excessive drinking, and committed to holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
  3. Family Life: In addition to personal character, Paul emphasizes the importance of family life in evaluating potential overseers and deacons. He discusses the qualities of being a good husband and father, highlighting that one’s management of their own household is a reflection of their ability to serve in the household of God.
  4. The Church as God’s Household: Throughout this passage, Paul underscores the significance of the church as God’s household. He reminds Timothy that these guidelines are meant to ensure the church functions with integrity, honor, and orderliness.

As we reflect on the qualities of servant-leaders outlined in 1 Timothy 3, we are called to examine our own lives and leadership roles within the community of faith.

Whether we aspire to formal leadership positions or simply seek to be faithful servants, let us strive to embody the qualities of character, integrity, and humility that Paul highlights.

May we continually seek to grow in our walk with Christ, knowing that our leadership, in whatever capacity, is an opportunity to serve and honor God.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts filled with gratitude for the guidance you provide through your Word. We thank you for the wisdom found in 1 Timothy 3, which sets a standard for servant-leaders in your church.

Lord, help us to cultivate the qualities of character and integrity outlined in this passage. Grant us the humility to serve others with love and selflessness. As we seek to lead by example, may your Spirit empower us to live out these qualities in our daily lives.

We also pray for our church leaders, both present and future. May they be equipped with the qualities that honor you and serve your people effectively.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion and Comment:

What aspects of the qualities outlined in 1 Timothy 3 resonate with you as important for servant-leaders?

How can these qualities be applied in various roles within the church and in daily life? Share your thoughts, engage in a discussion with friends or family, and feel free to leave your comments below.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Children, Faith / Trusting God, Jesus (hearing from God), Seeking God

Receive the Kingdom of God As a Child Would

We can easily get busy with our daily activities. Even when we are doing good or important activities, let us take care not to overlook the children.  Take time to appreciate and engage children, as Jesus did.  It is best not to think of children as a distraction, but rather as  gifts from God and as the wonderful creations they really are. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Jesus set a great example for us by making time for children even during His short and busy earthly ministry.

Mark 10:13-16

Jesus Blesses Little Children

      13And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

Children are remarkably open to accept the truth about Jesus. They listen with an open, unbiased mind. They are not yet led astray by the world and by those who make up reasons to reject God and then pressure others to reject Him also. Jesus takes the opportunity not only to show love for the children by making time for them, but also to make an important point. When he says that he the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, He is not only referring to children, but to those who receive the kingdom of God like a child.

Let us pay attention to both lessons that Jesus teaches in this scripture. Value and make time for children, even when you are busy. Secondly, challenge yourself to embrace the kingdom of God as a child, without reservation and doubt… wholeheartedly.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to appreciate and encourage little children. Help me to not look on them as a distraction, but as a treasure. Help me to embrace You and Your kingdom with the faith of a young child, without reservation and doubt. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Guide, Jesus (hearing from God), Marriage

What God Has Joined, Let No Man Separate (Marriage)

Jesus has a way of speaking clearly, but sometimes if we don’t like His instruction, we try to find ways to change it, rather than obey it. Divorce is never God’s intent. Because of the hardness of our hearts, He permits it, but that does not make it good.

Mark 10:1-12

Jesus’ Teaching about Divorce

      1Getting up, He went from there to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan; crowds gathered around Him again, and, according to His custom, He once more began to teach them.

      2Some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife. 3And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4They said, “Moses permitted a man TO WRITE A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE AND SEND her AWAY.” 5But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6“But from the beginning of creation, God MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE. 7“FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, 8AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9“What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”

      10In the house the disciples began questioning Him about this again. 11And He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her; 12and if she herself divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery.”

Divorce is painful and destructive process… like planting two small plants next to one another in a small plot of ground. After they grow together, the roots intertwine and if you try to separate them you will damage or destroy one or both of the plants in the process.

We should use wisdom and godly council and prayer before selecting a spouse. Avoid choosing based on “warm fuzzy feelings”, as that does not last. After being married, continue investing in your spouse… in knowing, loving, serving them. Each of you seek God together and individually. You will grow closer and closer to each other as you do so. Model your behavior and attitudes toward one another off of Biblical teaching. “Sacrifice” comes before “self” in a successful marriage. Follow the example of how Jesus sacrificed and suffered for the church, symbolically His bride, and how the church is called to follow after His example and instruction… His leadership.

Those who have been through divorce already can be forgiven through the death and resurrection of Christ. He paid the price for our sin. Seek to learn from whatever the situation was and not repeat it.

Read more and find resources to support healthy marriage on our website Marriage page.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please bless Your people in marriage. Lead and guide them to make wise choices that are pleasing to You. For those facing difficulty in marriage, please help guide them. Help them to be selfless and sacrificing, putting their spouse ahead of themselves. Help them to seek to draw near to You, and in so doing, grow nearer to each other. For those in situations for which their lives are in danger, please protect and guide them as they face such a harsh situation and seek to make the right decision to find safety. For those who have already been involved in divorce, please forgive them and help them to heal and deal graciously with the resulting complexity of relationships that often comes from divorce, especially if children are involved. Help Your people to stand out from the culture around them in regards to marriage, rather than blend in, so that You would receive glory. Amen.

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

—-

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Love, Marriage, Seeking God, Song of Solomon

Long for Your Spouse and for God

I find Song of Solomon 8 a bit hard to fully digest and understand at first. I believe it is at once showing us a passionate and virtuous love between bride and groom and also an allegory for our love for Christ as the true body of Christ.

It begins with an innocence that seems to wish that her love had not the trappings of being king, so that she could love him more privately and without anyone despising her.

It includes some additional allegories, one in verse 8 about the younger daughter who may soon be of courting age.  The story highlights that should the girl be virtuous and avoid men’s advances, she will be honored. Should she be weak and susceptible to temptation, then they will try to protect her. This can also apply to us in a spiritual sense in our relationship with Yeshua. Let us not commit spiritual sin by participating with other false beliefs or false gods. Let us be pure and set aside for our Lord.

Another allegory begins later in verse 11 concerning vineyards. It would appear a reference perhaps to our being good stewards to all our Lord provides to us to manage in this life. All that we have belongs to Him. Let us use it well and consistently with His desires and instructions. Let us not be greedy and driven only by our own desires.

At the close, we see again how she can hardly wait for her love to come. Oh that we should be so anxious for our Lord to come and be with us… that we should put that focus in our prayer, Bible study, and worship time as priority above other daily activities.

Song of Solomon 8

The Lovers Speak

    1“Oh that you were like a brother to me
Who nursed at my mother’s breasts.
If I found you outdoors, I would kiss you;
No one would despise me, either.

      2“I would lead you and bring you
Into the house of my mother, who used to instruct me;
I would give you spiced wine to drink from the juice of my pomegranates.

      3“Let his left hand be under my head
And his right hand embrace me.”

      4“I want you to swear, O daughters of Jerusalem,
Do not arouse or awaken my love
Until she pleases.”

      5“Who is this coming up from the wilderness
Leaning on her beloved?”

“Beneath the apple tree I awakened you;
There your mother was in labor with you,
There she was in labor and gave you birth.

      6“Put me like a seal over your heart,
Like a seal on your arm.
For love is as strong as death,
Jealousy is as severe as Sheol;
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
The very flame of the LORD.

      7“Many waters cannot quench love,
Nor will rivers overflow it;
If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love,
It would be utterly despised.”

      8“We have a little sister,
And she has no breasts;
What shall we do for our sister
On the day when she is spoken for?

      9“If she is a wall,
We will build on her a battlement of silver;
But if she is a door,
We will barricade her with planks of cedar.”

      10“I was a wall, and my breasts were like towers;
Then I became in his eyes as one who finds peace.

      11“Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon;
He entrusted the vineyard to caretakers.
Each one was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit.

      12“My very own vineyard is at my disposal;
The thousand shekels are for you, Solomon,
And two hundred are for those who take care of its fruit.”

      13“O you who sit in the gardens,
My companions are listening for your voice—
Let me hear it!”

      14“Hurry, my beloved,
And be like a gazelle or a young stag
On the mountains of spices.”

Ask the Lord to help you want more of Him… more worship, more prayer time, more Bible study. Ask Him to make it a desire of your heart and not just another task to be done each day. Let it be exciting to us as if waiting on the one we love to come to see us.

At the same time, for those of us who are married, let us also ask Him to help us continue to long for our spouse in this way that we should cherish our time together and not take it for granted. It is also important that we lead our hearts in how we think about and long for our spouse! Focus on what is good and what is exciting about them.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Marriage

Stay Passionate About One Another in Marriage

Song of Solomon demonstrates a very clear passionate form of love to be shared between a husband and wife. They appreciate physical beauty and this is good. Many today try to downplay the value of physical beauty, but we should take care neither to overplay or ignore its importance. Try to see past the specific metaphors. They may not make sense to us in our culture and time today, but you can clearly tell that the couple is passionate about one another.  If there is one lesson to take in this regard, perhaps it is a powerful reminder that the Bible was written for us, but not to us. It was written to a Jewish culture of several thousand years ago. To fully understand as YHWH intended, we must seek to understand not just the translated words, but also the cultural significance to the audience at the time it was written.

Song of Solomon 7

Admiration by the Bridegroom

     1“How beautiful are your feet in sandals,
O prince’s daughter!
The curves of your hips are like jewels,
The work of the hands of an artist.

      2“Your navel is like a round goblet
Which never lacks mixed wine;
Your belly is like a heap of wheat
Fenced about with lilies.

      3“Your two breasts are like two fawns,
Twins of a gazelle.

      4“Your neck is like a tower of ivory,
Your eyes like the pools in Heshbon
By the gate of Bath-rabbim;
Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon,
Which faces toward Damascus.

      5“Your head crowns you like Carmel,
And the flowing locks of your head are like purple threads;
The king is captivated by your tresses.

      6“How beautiful and how delightful you are,
My love, with all your charms!

      7“Your stature is like a palm tree,
And your breasts are like its clusters.

      8“I said, ‘I will climb the palm tree,
I will take hold of its fruit stalks.’
Oh, may your breasts be like clusters of the vine,
And the fragrance of your breath like apples,

      9And your mouth like the best wine!”

“It goes down smoothly for my beloved,
Flowing gently through the lips of those who fall asleep.

The Union of Love

     10“I am my beloved’s,
And his desire is for me.

      11“Come, my beloved, let us go out into the country,
Let us spend the night in the villages.

      12“Let us rise early and go to the vineyards;
Let us see whether the vine has budded
And its blossoms have opened,
And whether the pomegranates have bloomed.
There I will give you my love.

      13“The mandrakes have given forth fragrance;
And over our doors are all choice fruits,
Both new and old,
Which I have saved up for you, my beloved.

A husband and wife should embrace being passionate about one another. Strive not to drift to being just friendly roommates. Continue to seek to know, love, and serve one another with passion. This is God’s intention for us in marriage.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Marriage

Mutual Delight In Each Other

Sometimes our culture chooses to portray sex and sexual attraction outside of marriage as “exciting” and sex inside marriage as nonexistent or boring. Some in the church even get misled into thinking somehow they are not supposed to be excited about it. God created sex as a gift in our relationship between husband and wife. We are to enjoy it and through it, we are to strengthen our bond of intimacy. We are supposed to find delight in each other in this way.

Song of Solomon 6

Mutual Delight in Each Other

1“Where has your beloved gone,
O most beautiful among women?
Where has your beloved turned,
That we may seek him with you?”

      2“My beloved has gone down to his garden,
To the beds of balsam,
To pasture his flock in the gardens
And gather lilies.

      3“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine,
He who pastures his flock among the lilies.”

      4“You are as beautiful as Tirzah, my darling,
As lovely as Jerusalem,
As awesome as an army with banners.

      5“Turn your eyes away from me,
For they have confused me;
Your hair is like a flock of goats
That have descended from Gilead.

      6“Your teeth are like a flock of ewes
Which have come up from their washing,
All of which bear twins,
And not one among them has lost her young.

      7“Your temples are like a slice of a pomegranate
Behind your veil.

      8“There are sixty queens and eighty concubines,
And maidens without number;

      9But my dove, my perfect one, is unique:
She is her mother’s only daughter;
She is the pure child of the one who bore her.
The maidens saw her and called her blessed,
The queens and the concubines also, and they praised her, saying,

      10‘Who is this that grows like the dawn,
As beautiful as the full moon,
As pure as the sun,
As awesome as an army with banners?’

      11“I went down to the orchard of nut trees
To see the blossoms of the valley,
To see whether the vine had budded
Or the pomegranates had bloomed.

      12“Before I was aware, my soul set me
Over the chariots of my noble people.”

      13“Come back, come back, O Shulammite;
Come back, come back, that we may gaze at you!”

“Why should you gaze at the Shulammite,
As at the dance of the two companies?

In fact, sex in marriage is so important that we are told not to withhold it from one another. It is to be given and enjoyed freely, not withheld for power or to force someone to agree to something else. The Biblical view is really anchored in the concept that the two have become one. They are no longer separate individuals.

1 Corinthians 7:3-5

3The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Do not deprive one another such that Satan can utilize that opportunity to tempt you into sin. Do not use sex or withholding of sex as a negotiating tactic. Enjoy sex together as husband and wife and let it strengthen your intimacy.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.