The Secret to Finding Joy

“Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” 

—Jesus

It never ceases to amaze me, how I need to be reminded again and again, that the primary cause of anxiety, depression and worry is due to an inordinate self-focus. 

Worrying about, focused on, my problems, my circumstances, my situation.

My, my, my.

That's my problem—me.

It's self-idolatry. Self-absorption.

The Holy Spirit always has a way of bringing me back to focusing on this little acronym for J.O.Y.

J-esus first.

O-thers second.

Y-ourself last.

When I take my focus off of myself, and focus on Him first and foremost, I am again thankful for who Jesus is and what He has done. He is God, and the Savior of the world. He gave His life for me that I could have eternal life in Him. He is my Savior. My Creator. My Giver of Life. My Sustainer. My Redeemer. My Everlasting Father. My Wonderful Counselor.

When I focus on others who are in need, and not on my own needs and problems, I allow God to work through me to bless them, because we, as the Body of Christ, are to be His hands, His feet, His voice to a lost and hurting world. To give a cup of cool water to every little one who is thirsty. To comfort the lonely and the hurting. To bring hope to those who are downcast and oppressed. To encourage those who have given up.

You can go virtually anywhere and not have to look very far in any direction to find someone who is in need of God's love, hope and encouragement. 

And you don't need to go to Bible college, or off to some distant country halfway around the world to find people to serve who are desperately in need. There are people living in cars right in your own town. People dying of a terminal illness in your neighborhood. Fatherless children and widows in need of God's love are right there in your own church. Broken people whose spouse just abandoned them, and desperate people who have lost all hope are everywhere. Just open your eyes and open your heart.

If you are constantly focused on Jesus and on the people that He sends you to love and serve, you simply won't have time to think about your own problems. 

And therein lies the secret.

Whoever loses his or her life for Jesus' sake will truly find the Life he or she has always been searching for. A life filled with joy and purpose.

Jesus said, 

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."  (Acts 20:35)

God's love is a sacrificial love, not a self-serving love. 

“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

Love Jesus, and love Him even more by loving others. Lose your life for His sake and you will truly find Life.

Happiness is usually determined by one's current state, circumstances, or situation. And those things can change without notice.

But true joy is not based on my current circumstances or situation. 

True joy is simply being in Christ—knowing Jesus and making Him known.

—There is no greater joy. 

God is Love and Love Never Fails.

Whatever Happened to Love?

“But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:15)

"Love Never Fails."

The Bible says so. (See 1 Corinthians 13:8). 

So why are so many "Christian" marriages failing today?  

Why are so many people acting like the angry couple pictured above—biting and devouring one another?

Whatever happened to dying to self? Whatever happened to preferring one another, putting your spouse's needs above your own? Whatever happened to the Love Chapter—1 Corinthians 13? Whatever happened to forgiveness? Whatever happened to Jesus' commandment; "Love one another as I have loved you."

Jesus said:

“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples—if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

Whatever happened to Love?

Over the past several years, and particularly over the last year or so, more and more people that we know, or have met, are treating each other with brutal unkindness in their marriages. The divorce epidemic among "Christians" continues to escalate. What a horrible 'witness' this is.

What must the "World" think of us?

We've known several people who fell into believing the sugar-coated, modern, false gospel that says, "Well, if we're just nice, and loving, and joyous, people will see that and just want what we have." 

I'm sorry to have to be the one to break the news to all the "Christian" married folks who are fighting, biting and devouring one another, divorcing each other like there's no tomorrow; but, trust me... absolutely no one "wants what you have."

What is it exactly that you "have" in your contentious, unloving marriage that you think other people would want?

Jesus said, "Love one another as I have loved you." 

Our Savior did not bite and devour the very people that He came to love and save. He gave Himself for us. He laid down His life so we could have life. He died to self. He loved us sacrificially, not thinking of His own needs, but our great need. He demonstrated what perfect love is by taking up His cross, and willingly dying to save us. Jesus gave us the perfect example of what Christ-like love truly is.

Then He said, "Go, and make disciples."

The world will know we are Jesus' disciples by our love for one another—particularly in how we who are married treat our spouses. But if you and your spouse are constantly warring against each other, biting and devouring, trying to consume one another, the world will see that you are just hypocrites, loveless impostors, religious phonies. 

And no one "wants what you have."

It's rare to walk into most Christian churches today and not hear a great sermon on loving people. The Word is full of commandments and exhortation to love one another. 

But the Bible also says, 

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)

I'll leave it at that.

*See "The Marriage Creed"  http://marriage-miracles.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-marriage-creed.html 

—God is Love and Love Never Fails.

The Real Christian Life

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

The first chapter of the Book of James is so simple and is such a clear picture of what the real Christian life is supposed to be, that I am posting it here, by itself, with no additional commentary. —God bless.

James 1:2-27

Trials and Temptations

2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the Word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.

Listening and Doing

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”


—God is Love and Love Never Fails

The Pretribulation Rapture - The Great Escape

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” 

—Jesus

(Luke 21:34-36)

Nothing seems to cause people to debate one another more than topics like The Rapture.

And in case you've never heard of the Rapture, it is the biblical doctrine of Jesus Christ coming and suddenly, instantly, catching up all born again Christian believers, and taking them safely to Heaven to be with Him; prior to God pouring out His wrath on a Christ-rejecting, sinful world during the Tribulation period, (also sometimes referred to as the Last Days, the End Times, The Great Tribulation, or the End of Days). 

The Tribulation period is seven years—the final seven years of the "world as we know it." 

Many today hotly contend that the Rapture will not happen until halfway through this seven year period, or, not until the end of the seven years is up. 

Personally, I'm a firm believer in what's referred to as the Pretribulation Rapture; meaning, the Rapture occurs prior to the start of the seven year Tribulation. Of this I am fully convinced in my own mind. Essentially, the Pretribulation Rapture is The Great Escape.

And only the Pretribulation Rapture allows for the unknown time of the Lord’s return.

According to Daniel’s prophecy (See Daniel 9:24-27), three and a half biblical years (a Biblical year being three hundred sixty days) from the day Antichrist enters the temple and demands worship midway through the Tribulation, the Lord will return. Consequently, if believers were on earth during the Tribulation, they would be able to predict the exact time of the Second Coming—three and a half biblical years, or forty-two months, or one thousand two hundred sixty days after Antichrist enters the temple. The problem is, 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and Matthew 24:36 make it clear that no one knows the day or hour of His coming. Therefore, it follows that Christian believers must be absent at this time.

Another amazing proof that the Church does not go through the Tribulation, but is with Jesus in Heaven, and then comes back to earth at the Second Coming, is found in Revelation 19:11-14,

"Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses."

We (The Church/Bride of Christ) come, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, riding on white horses back to earth with Jesus at the Second Coming. And it is the Jews - the remnant of Israel, who will still be here.

"And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends." (Zechariah 13:6)

Jesus said only to the Jews (not to the Church): "And you will see Me no more until you say, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."

Further proof that we the Church saints all come back to earth with Jesus:

"So that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ WITH ALL HIS SAINTS." (1 Thessalonians 3:13). (My emphasis)

The Jewish remnant are the only remaining covenant people to whom Jesus is coming to fulfill His covenant with at the Second Coming. They are blinded now. But when they see Him coming on the clouds of Heaven, in power and great glory, then will their eyes be opened, and then will they finally say, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

There is undeniable, overwhelming proof in the scriptures of the Pretribulation Rapture, to all those whose hearts are open to receive it.

One of the many other reasons I am fully convinced of this truth, is the amazing promise Jesus made to His faithful church in Revelation 3:10. (See Love Never Fails: "The Promise" July 8, 2013) http://marriage-miracles.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-promise.html

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)

"Keep you from" means to literally be kept out, or completely taken out of a time, or place.

"Well, people looking for a Pretribulation Rapture is escapism!" you may argue.

Exactly!

Jesus had been teaching in the Temple and had told people to pray that they be counted worthy to escape the Tribulation (the "hour of trial").

Let's read our opening scripture passage from Jesus again:

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

Why would Jesus give people the command to "pray always" that they be "counted worthy to escape" all the dreadful things that are going to be poured out on all people on earth during The Tribulation, if He meant for His people to be here and go through The Tribulation?

Escape to where? Where was Jesus talking about?

He gave the answer by saying, "And to stand before the Son of Man."  Where is Jesus right now? In Heaven. Jesus will not be on earth during the Tribulation. So if He was talking to unsaved Jews only when He gave the command to pray that they be counted worthy to escape the Tribulation, the only place to escape to, to be able to stand before the Son of Man would be in Heaven; where Jesus is.

So how can one "escape" the Tribulation and enter Heaven?

We're saved by grace alone. No one in of himself is "worthy" of anything but eternal hell. We're all sinners.

But to be counted "worthy to escape" all the things that happen in The Tribulation and to stand before the Son of Man, one must first believe in Jesus as Savior by faith, and be born again by the Holy Spirit. You can pray all you want to be spared from the Tribulation, but if you don't know Jesus and are not born again by the Spirit, your prayers will not help you one bit.

No amount of praying apart from knowing Jesus will save you. You must be born again.

“Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.” (John 3:3-7)

But Jesus also says that to escape the hour of trial, you must be watching for His return, and be found faithful; not partying, not drunk, and not weighed down with the cares of this life.

And this ties directly in with Jesus' promise to the faithful church in Revelation chapter 3:

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 3:8, 10)

Jesus said to the faithful church; "You have kept My word, and have not denied My name." Those who are counted worthy by Jesus to escape the Tribulation have obeyed God's Word. They have not denied His name, (deity, authority, holy character). 

This should be pause for many today, to examine ourselves, to see if we are truly in the faith. 

Are you waking in obedience to the Lord today? Keeping His commands? Loving Him by your faithful obedience?

Jesus said, 

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me." (John 14:21)

In reading these passages it seems pretty clear that if we are sons of disobedience, living and practicing sin, and unrepentant, that the Tribulation will come upon us unexpectedly, as a snare, as it will upon every person left here on earth after the Rapture.

It's easy to call yourself a "Christian" but, if you're living in sin, you'll be living in the Tribulation period. The following verse is pretty chilling:

“These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” (Revelation 2:18-23)

The first thing to note here, is this warning from Jesus is to one of the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation—the church of Thyatira. Second, notice He acknowledges their works of "love, service and faith." 

Nevertheless, He still has a few things against this corrupt church. In the midst of their love, service and faith, they were living in and practicing sexual immorality and adultery. He calls them out on this, and then gives a stern warning that if they will not repent, they will be cast into a sickbed of great tribulation. Since Jesus did not specify who He meant by, "I will kill her children with death" you will have to contemplate for yourself who He was referring to here, and how they will be killed.

How do I know that this warning was not meant only for the church in Thyatira? The Holy Spirit closes out His message to the Corrupt Church, with the same words as He does to each of the remaining six churches with the following command:

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 2:29)

Sexual immorality is a killer. 

Whether you're having sex outside of marriage with someone other than your spouse, or your single and shacking up with another person, you're practicing and living in sin. And you don't have to actually be doing the act. Jesus said if you even look on another person with lust, you have already committed adultery in your heart. If you're living a lifestyle of surfing pornography on the Internet and refuse to repent, Jesus spells it out that you will be cast into a sickbed of great tribulation. You will not be counted worthy to escape the tribulation coming upon the whole world that will test and try every human being on earth.

If you're openly carousing, in drunkenness, and sinning sexually, don't think for a moment that you will be counted worthy to escape the horrors of the Tribulation. 

Jesus said: "Take heed to yourselves."

But He gives all a space of time to repent. He is loving, patient, merciful and compassionate.

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:19-21)

—God is Love and Love Never Fails.

The Pretribulation Rapture - The Promise

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” 

–Jesus  

(Revelation 3:10)

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that things are heating up here on earth. 

Crime is spiraling out of control in most cities. Gun control laws are not slowing the murder rates in places such as Chicago, where murder is at an all-time high. Drug trafficking continues to rise. Families continue to split apart through adultery, selfishness and divorce. Traditional values once embraced by the majority have been overrun by a perverse culture gone wild. What was once thought to be ungodly and immoral is now accepted, hailed and embraced by the liberal majority as "good" and "normal."

The global climate is warming up. Huge glaciers and ice caps continue to melt at unprecedented rates. Storms and weather patterns across the world are changing and intensifying. Wildfires are more common. Some of the world's top scientists are saying, if we continue to use up our natural resources at the current rate of consumption, the planet only has about twenty five to thirty good years left.

The global economy is on shaky ground. Some countries have had to be bailed out by the stronger, more affluent nations. The economic future of the world is uncertain. War and uprisings in the middle east continue to escalate. Super power nations like Russia only compounding the problem. Nation rising against nation. 

Fear, paranoia, and conspiracy theories abound.

Where will it end?

No matter what you believe, most people are uneasy. Everyone knows things are not as they should be.

Most have probably heard of things such as Armageddon, the Rapture, or Pretribulation Rapture, The Great Tribulation, the End Times, the Last Days, or the end of the world. Countless movies and television shows have focused on these topics over the last few years. People are curious, worried, and uncertain as to what the future holds for them.

The Bible teaches of a period called The Tribulation; which are the last seven years of the world as we know it. It will be a time of trouble, horror, suffering and tribulation, such as the world has never seen, nor will ever see again; especially the last 3.5 years of the Tribulation, known as the Great Tribulation.

I would not want to be on earth during The Tribulation for anything in the world. And as a follower of Christ, I won't have to be. Nor will you, if you love Jesus Christ, and believe fully upon Him alone for your salvation.

Jesus made an amazing promise to the faithful Church in the last days:

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 3:8, 10) 

The "hour of trial" spoken of here refers to the Tribulation period, which, as Jesus stated, will "come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on earth."

And the troubles and tribulation the people of earth are experiencing today is just a whisper of what is to come. People have no idea of what is coming.

Jesus said of this time of Tribulation:

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matthew 24:21)

You can debate and argue the particulars of eschatology (end times doctrine) all you want. One thing I know is that Jesus made this promise to the faithful Church in Revelation 3:10, and I am taking Him at His word. And I will not be here when God begins to pour out His judgment on a Christ-rejecting, sinful world.

But the Good News is, no one has to be here to receive the wrath of God's judgment during the Tribulation period. Jesus made the way of escape for all when He went to the Cross to pay for the penalty of the sins of man. And we are all guilty. No one is "good" except God. No one is sinless except Jesus Christ.

Jesus—the Son of God said:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” (John 3:16-20) 

Jesus made the way for all. He is the Way for all. The gift of eternal life is free. Jesus Himself is eternal life. But you have to choose to receive Him.

—You can choose to receive the Penalty.

—Or you can choose to receive the Promise.

The choice is yours. Therefore, choose Life.

—God is Love and Love Never Fails.

The Marriage Creed

"A new commandment I give to you: love one another—as I have loved you."

—Jesus

My wedding ring is a perfect picture of our marriage. 

After over twenty-six years, even though it has taken some hits, has some battle scars, and is missing a few gemstones; praise God—the circle remains unbroken.

This morning I was remembering a wedding gift that my parents gave us when we were first married.  It was a little plaque called "The Marriage Creed."  I have no idea what ever happened to it, but the central message of the Marriage Creed has remained with us.  

I imagine in our frustration of trying to make a troubled marriage work, that the plaque probably got stuffed in a box somewhere and put away in the attic, because, no matter how hard we tried in our own strength and best intentions, we couldn't keep the 'ten commandments' of the marriage creed perfectly.

Without God's help and Him changing our hearts—we failed, and did so miserably.

Here are the timeless words that are inscribed on that little marriage plaque.

The Marriage Creed:

1.  Comfort Each Other

Provide a refuge and sanctuary for each other from the chill winds of the world. Your marriage is a hearth, from whence comes the peace, harmony and warmth of soul and spirit.

2.  Caress as You Would Be Caressed

Warm your loved one's body with your healing touch. Remember that as babies can die from a lack of touching, so can marriage wither from a lack of closeness.

3.  Be a Friend and a Partner

Friendship can be a peaceful island, separate and apart, in a world of turmoil and strife. Reflect upon the tranquility of the many future years you can share with a true friend and beware of becoming battling enemies under the same roof.

4.  Be Open With Each Other

Bind not yourselves in the secretness that causes suspicion and doubt. Trust and reveal yourselves to each other, even as the budding rose opens to reveal its fragrance and beauty.

5.  Listen To Each Other

And hear not only words, but also the non-language of tone, mood, and expression. Learn to listen to understand—rather than listening to argue.

6.  Respect Each Other

Remember that each is a person of flesh and blood, entitled to his or her own choices and mistakes. Each owns himself, and has the right to equality.

7.  Allow The Other To Be An Individual

Seek not to create for each other a new mold that can only fit with much discomfort and pain. Accept the other as they are, as you would have yourself accepted.

8.  Give Each Other Approval

Remember criticism divides, while compliments encourage confidence in the other. Hasten not to point out the other's mistakes, for each will soon discover his own.

9.  Cherish Your Union

Let no one come between your togetherness; not child, not friend, nor worldly goods. Yet maintain enough separateness to allow each other his—or her—own unique oneness.

10.  Love One Another

Love (God's Love) is your river of life—your eternal source of recreating yourselves. Above all else, love one another.

The heart of the message here, is of unselfish love given sacrificially to one's spouse. "Prefer one another, and seek the good of each other over your own good."

For husbands, we are to lead in love.  Ephesians chapter 5:25-32 lines it out for us perfectly:

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church; for we are members of His body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery; but I am talking about Christ and the church."

So many husbands today are not giving themselves in love for their wives. 

Far too many men live as if their first "ministry" is their job.  This is so hurtful and destructive, and is not God's will.  Men, your first ministry before God is to sacrificially love and serve your wife.  Then your children come next (See # 9 in the Marriage Creed).  Everything else, including your job and/or any kind of "church ministry" comes after your wife and children.

Gentlemen; let the circle be unbroken. Let nothing come between you and your bride.

God gave you His own precious daughter—to be your wife to love and serve.  

And one day, we will all stand before Christ and give an account of how well we loved and served our wives with God's sacrificial love.

Lead courageously, lead compassionately, and lead in God's love.

Jesus said:

"A new commandment I give unto you:  Love one another—as I have loved you."

You also might like "Whatever Happened to Love" ~ http://marriage-miracles.blogspot.com/2013/07/whatever-happened-to-love.html


—God is Love, and Love Never Fails.