Love Him And Cleave To The Lord!

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 KJV: Choose life! Love the Lord and put away your false gods.

Thy Maker Is Thine Husband

Rev 2:4

Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. 

                                                                            (Isa 54:4-5 KJV)

Our Creator, our Father, our Husband; our God has many relationships with us. He is intimately close to all of His Children. 

His bride is the church. Like a husband should; the Lord is always there to support his bride whether it is the church as a whole or the individual. It can give the desolate comfort in knowing that although they have been betrayed or deserted by their spouse; our Maker who is our husband will never leave us. He loves us more than is humanly possibly. He is and should always be our first love. Anything less is idolatry. It is adultery to love anything more than Him.

Rejoice! For there is no more wonderous a relationship that we could possibly have than the one that we have with our Creator, our Father, our husband who is the God of all the earth.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Living With God

Psalm 104:28-35 (KJV)

That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.

Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.

He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.

I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.

Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord.

+++

Praise the Lord for all things!  I cannot imagine living without having a relationship the God and Creator of all things. I cannot imagine living without having a relationship with Jesus the Christ who has saved me from my own sinful self. And... I cannot imagine living life; without the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.

I cannot imagine living without having a relationship with God. I can't imagine it and I pray that I never will live life without him. I pray that you never will have to endure a life not knowing God either.

Praise the Lord for he has done and continues to do marvelous things! Live life with him!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Try Jesus; You Just Might Love Him

Open The Door And Let Him In

 

Psalm 34:4-8 KJV

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

+++

There are some social media posts going around that want to know what foods you like and which ones won't you eat. I haven't found anything that I won't eat or at least try. There are a few that if I have a choice I would definitely choose something else. The reality is that unless you try it you will never know if you actually like it.

The psalmist tells us to taste and see that the Lord is good. How do you know he's not to your liking if you've never really got to know him or to be in relationship with him? How will you know if you've never opened the door to your heart even a crack to let him come in? In St. John's vision he heard:

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Rev 3:20)

He's there. He loves you. He want you to be in a loving relationship with you. He wants to help you. Trust him. Let him in. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed are you who trust in him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Live In The Light Of Christ

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

                                                                                     (1 John 1:4-10 KJV)

The light reveals all things. Yet, so many prefer that those secrets; those sins, that are committed against God and one another stay hidden. After all, if we allow those sins to come into the light it just might require us to make some changes to our lives. So in hiding our sins we choose to live in darkness and stay far from the light where we would find real joy in the presence of God.

God is light. Hiding out in the darkness will keep us from fellowship with God as we be spending more time attempting to hide our secrets rather than living in the love of God and focusing ourselves on loving Him and the people around us.  

The light shines brightly. Open your eyes and walk in the light of Christ that your sins might be forgiven and that you might be reconciled to God and to another. Live in the light that your joy might be full!

God's Peace - Pr. J. 

Fear Not

"Fear not: for I am with thee..." (Isa 43:5a KJV) 

How often we need to hear those words! Do not be afraid. God is with you. We often find ourselves in bondage to a variety of issues we are struggling to figure and work out for ourselves or someone we love. Maybe it's financial difficulties or relationship issues that are causing anxiety. The Corona Virus today has an untold number of people today in a state of fear. The level of panic in so many today absolutely astounds me. There is definitely reason to be cautious. But, caution and fear are not the same thing. Being cautious and taking precautions is the wise thing to do. Panicking only causes more problems.

There are times when we may feel overwhelmed with fear; as though we are lost in a thick forest with no clue how to find our way out. We might find ourselves journeying through the wilderness and feeling like we are making that journey quite alone. But, fear not. You are not alone. The LORD, who created and redeemed you has not deserted you. He is with you. The word of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, promises this.

Fear not for God is with you. May God grant you the peace that only He can give.  

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rest For The Weary

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.                                                                                                  (Matt 11:28 KJV)

Everyone gets weary from time to time. As I get older, it seems that I am more heavy laden than in years before. It may not seem like much to others. In fact, others may even say some of the things I take on are not mine to take on. 

The problem with that is that as a Christian I feel compelled to help those who are in need and so I take on more. I hope that when people are alone, I will be able to recognize that and be there for them. Yes, there are times when I may be taken advantage of. But, those rare times are not worth the giving up on others. And, who can tell if, even in being taken advantage of, others may come to know Jesus through you? 

When I am weary; I find rest; I find peace, in knowing that Christ is with me and inspiring me to do what I can for others.

There is rest for the weary. It comes with a relationship with Jesus.

May we always abide in Christ and Christ in us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Give Thanks To God Our Father

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Col 3:17 KJV)

Now, isn't that just a novel idea! That is: doing everything in the name of Jesus and giving thanks to God our Father! Living with thankful hearts and minds is a  much more peaceful way to live than being angry and frustrated that you can't have or do what you want all of the time. 

It may sound cliche'; but, just maybe it's time to look around you and give thanks for what you do have and for the people in your life who actually care about you. So often, so many people gravitate towards those who feed their egos. But, when their own egos are no longer being fed by being in relationship with you, they will turn on you in the blink of an eye.

Do everything with the loving heart of Jesus and give thanks to God your Father in heaven then you will know the true joy of living! 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness or Wealth?

"As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.

A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary. 

O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters." 

                                                                                     (Jer 17:11-13 KJV)

In the seventeenth chapter of Jeremiah we find that the hearts of the people had sin engraved on them. They trusted in things of this world. They lusted after and trust in wealth. They would do anything to get it, depriving the poor, spending their very life and breath in the pursuit of wealth and happiness. 

Who can blame them? We all desire some joy and happiness in our lives. But, the truth is that these things do not come from wealth. They do not come from having "stuff." The sooner we learn that the pursuit of money does not equate with happiness, the better off we will be. In the end we will lose any and all ill-gotten gain.

Real joy comes from being in relationship with others, with God. I have always appreciated that Thomas Jefferson changed John Locke's pursuit of life, liberty, and property, in the U.S. Constitution to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. Property does not necessarily equate with happiness. Just think about the upkeep that goes with more property.. and, the taxes! Think about what happens when greed pervades society! All kinds of sin accompanies greed. Yet, multitudes have hearts so hardened like stone that greed and envy are engraved deeply into them. And... they are miserable! They desire more, but they do not know what that more is. 

Our hard hearts are a problem for us. But, God promises that He will remove our hearts of stone so that sin will no longer be engraved on them. 

"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." (Ezek 36:25-27)

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” 

                                                                                   (Jer 17:7-8)

There is an answer to our loneliness and sorrow. The answer is Jesus Christ, our LORD, who loves us so much that He was willing to die for us. May God bless us with hearts filled with His love for Him and for one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Birds Have Nests

Birds Have Nests

"And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." (Luke 9:58 KJV)

Humankind's desire for more; for bigger and better, can sometimes be insatiable. But, what good is it if you strive to have the largest, finest homes and as you age, they become empty? What good is it to work long hours, every day of the year just to have the most and the best if in the end you leave it all behind and if you do not have time to actually live life? It seems to me that we spend a lot of time worrying about what we have and way too little time appreciating who we have. We (most of us) have family and friends. We also have Jesus. Are fancy houses better than a relationship with Jesus? Yes, we must work if we are to have a place to lay our heads. We must work to eat. (See 2 Thess 3:10-12)

Jesus did not have a fancy house. In fact, he tells us he did not even have a place to lay his head. He did not own a home of his own. His home was greater than a brick and mortar or a straw or a wooden house. His home is the entire Kingdom of God. 

"And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." 

                                                                                        (Luke 12:29-31)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Let Him In!

Open the door and let him in.

And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, 

And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.

And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.

So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

                                      (John 6:16-21 KJV)

Who wouldn't be a bit afraid if you were out in the storm and someone came walking on the water toward you? The disciples were just that. They were frightened. But, Jesus speaks to them, "It is I; be not afraid." They recognize his voice and they let him in the boat.

Jesus is anxious to get in the boat with you. He is knocking at the door. He is already with you and for you. But, he will not force himself on you. It is not enough to know about Jesus. Let him into your small boat so you have a chance to really get to know him. 

There are many who profess to be Christians; however, they have no real clue who this Jesus of ours is. They may have heard of him; they may know about him; but, they wouldn't recognize his voice if he spoke to them because they don't know him. There is a difference between knowing who Jesus is and knowing Jesus. Knowing Jesus is about having a relationship with him. His sheep will hear his voice and answer. His friends will hear his voice and answer. 

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev 3:20)

Answer the door and let him in so that you might have a relationship with the living God; the Almighty God, our LORD and Savior. Do not be afraid. He is there for you in the storms that you encounter. Let him into your boat, open the door, and let him in. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Message Is Found In Scripture

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

                                                                             (Rom 16:17-20 KJV)

We've all heard them; those who with smooth talk teach a false gospel. Those who tell you that God will provide you with everything you want if you would only do this thing or that thing. They neglect to tell you that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus. They neglect to tell you that there is no earthly treasure that can even begin to compare with the gift of living reconciled to God; living in relationship with Jesus.

It is no different today than it was in St. Paul's day. There is one way to tell if something proclaimed to you is the truth; know the scriptures, read them and hear them. The message proclaimed to us through the prophets is found in them. The fulfillment is found in them. Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises to us.

Do not let your itching ears lead you to believing smooth talkers whose aim is not to glorify God; but, to satisfy their own egos; their own bellies. This desire to have it our own way rather than according to the will of God will only cause dissension and divisions. It will cause much strife; much pain. It is neither wise nor safe to accept any doctrine that cannot be supported by scripture. Scripture supports scripture. 

Read your Bibles daily and have a blessed day; a blessed life in Jesus Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Make The Most Of Each Day

So teach us to count our days
   that we may gain a wise heart.

                  (Psalm 90:12 NRSV)

When I was very young, my parents often advised me not to be trying to grow up too fast. They insisted that life was short enough and I ought not be rushing it. I know the truth in that now. There are so many things that I had wanted to do that a little bit of wisdom would have helped me to accomplish had I not been so busy rushing through life. For sure, wisdom would have definitely taught me to have a much deeper relationship with the Lord much earlier in life and to listen to him much more often. 

But, the majority of my days on earth are now in the past. There is nothing I can do about them now. There is no going back. I can only thank the Lord that things that I have done that I ought not have done and those things that I did not do that I should have done have been forgiven through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. In Christ so much has had to have been washed away in order to begin a new day.

Let us make the most of each and every day loving the Lord with all of our hearts, and souls, and with all of our strength. Loving the Lord is wisdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Listen To Instruction

Those who ignore instruction despise themselves,
   but those who heed admonition gain understanding.

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
   and humility goes before honor..

                                              Prov 15:32-33 NRSV

There is no better instruction than to respect the Lord. Do not place yourself and anything else before Him. Listen closely to His Word so that you might gain understanding from the one who knows all and is all. Not listening to those who would share this wisdom will only bring us trouble.

No good will come from lifting ourselves up before Him. We must remember that He is the creator and we are the created. We are not greater than the creator. We are not greater than the redeemer.  

It is right to fear the Lord and to give Him all honor and glory. To love the Lord with all your heart is  wisdom worth listening to. There is nothing better; more pleasing than to be in a loving relationship with our creator; our redeemer; our counselor.

Humble yourself and listen to the Word. Listen to those who would help you on the Way. Do not despise them; but, listen. Listen and believe that you might gain understanding; that you might live life most fully in the presence of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Job's Sacrifice; Our Prayers

His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom. (Job 1:4-5 NIV)

Yesterday morning, as I was praying for a few generations of my family, it suddenly occurred to me that Job had done pretty much the same thing for his children. Of course, my prayers only included thanksgivings and petitions; whereas, Job's included sacrifices of burnt offerings.

It was Job's custom as is the custom of many parents and grandparents to worry about what kind of relationship their offspring have with God. Are they sinning against God? Are they cursing him in their hearts? And; if so, have they the wisdom to repent; to ask for forgiveness? Do they even recognize when they have sinned against God?

Considering that I might sound like Job praying for his offspring; it brought just a bit of fear into my heart, as for all of Job's praying his story was not a happy one. For all of his sacrificing, he lost everything that he owned. His children were all killed when a windstorm destroyed the house that they were partying in. 

We hear, in Job's story, only the outcome of his children's lives here on earth. We hear nothing about the fate of their immortal souls. Who can tell about that, other than God?

Job had worried about the relationship his children had with God. He had made sacrifices for them; just in case! The truth is that no matter how much we worry about our offspring we cannot do a thing to save them. Assuredly, we can pray  But, there is no offering; no sacrifice that we can make that will save them. The Good News is that God is concerned about the eternal fate of our children. He is so concerned that he sent his only begotten son to be the sacrifice for our sins and for the sins of our offspring.

May God bless our children and all the generations to come with the wisdom to seek him before all things so that they might live in peacefully in his presence for all of eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Live In Love

 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. " (John 15:9-13 NIV)

Love can be pretty tough. There are ups and downs in any relationship. A lot of the downs come when we are called to give more of ourselves than we're prepared to give. We balk at the idea of sacrificing too much for the sake of others.

But, Jesus did not hesitate. He knew he was heading to a tortuous death for our sakes. His love is so great for humankind; for you and for me, that he was willing to endure anything for the sake of his love for us.

Does not a love like that deserve to be returned at least to the degree that it is humanly possible? Jesus asked us (no, commands us) to remain in his love for us. We are to live in his love; both loving him and others as he loves others. He promises that as we live in his love our joy will be complete.

May God bless you with the knowledge of his love for you and for all people. May he give you the strength, the courage, and the wisdom to strive to love even as he loves.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Be Reconciled In Peace

"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." (Lev 19:18 NIV)

What good is it to be angry with others? There is a righteous anger that strives to set things right peacefully without any vengeful intent. But, there is the most prevalent anger that causes even more anger and unrighteousness to occur. This unrighteous anger will only destroy us as we seek to destroy others. 

It is better to live in peace than in constant anxiety, fear, or anger. When unrighteous anger prevails there is no room; no time, for love. There is no room in our hearts or the time for a relationship with God and with others.

To be reconciled to God and one another is the very reason that Jesus died for us. He died so that our sins might be forgiven; so that the divide between us would fall; so that we could live united peacefully in God's presence now and for all eternity.

Let his death not be in vain. Let us live in peace not striving for vengeance out of anger.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Love Does No Evil

"...and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 

                                                                           (1 Corinth 13:2b-7 NIV)

Who can love as Paul encourages the Corinthians to love?  God can. Our Lord, Jesus, loves the world enough to die for it; to willingly be a sacrifice for us so that we might live in our loving Father's presence for all of eternity. Only God loves perfectly; but, that does not mean we should not follow the example of Jesus and try to love as He loves.

Many brides and grooms listen to these words from Paul's letter to the Corinthians at their wedding ceremonies. They are in love. Unfortunately, some are just in love with the idea of love. Their "loving" relationships do not last. One or both persons often end up neglected or used or abused in many ways. Their lives after the wedding often do not reflect the kind of self-less love that they committed to as they made their vows to one another. Way too often, one or both of them forgot that God has joined them together to be one and they go off pursuing their own good; their own pleasures, as they neglect or even abuse the one they vowed to love 'till death parts them. This is not love. Love may be blind as they say. But, love should never be blind to the hurts we cause the ones we claim to love. In a loving relationship both persons will strive to love and support the other. 

Whether it is spouse, a friend, or even just an acquaintance, we are to love one another with our whole hearts and minds. We do not put ourselves before others. We do not make them feel less them. We do not do anything that would make them to cause hope. We seek to support them because of our godly love for them.  

Genuine love is not self-seeking. Genuine love comes from God. Genuine love is love that is willing to put aside one's own selfish pursuits for the love of others. Love does not put self first. 

Oh, Lord, without love we are nothing. If only the world would only learn to love as you love. Help us to selflessly love one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Greatest Treasure Is God Himself!

What greater treasures is there than being

reconciled to God through Jesus the Christ?

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matt 6:19-21 NRSV 

Where do you invest your time; your talents; all the treasures that God has given you? Are you using them for the glory of God? Are you using them, not only to take care of your own needs; but, for the betterment of people around you. Some things are necessary: food, shelter, heat, clothing. Others things are not. They are luxuries. They can be excess baggage that steal away our time and our opportunity to be in a caring and loving relationship with God and with others.. 

The greatest treasure of God is being able to live in relationship with God and our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Kingdom of God. May God help us all to seek His Kingdom that we might know what a treasure living in His presence really is.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Marriage: A Major Commitment

"A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord." (1 Corinth 7:39 NIV) 

Today, my husband and I celebrate the 46th anniversary of our marriage. For the first couple of decades it was pretty up and down. There were times that the only thing that kept us together was the verse from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. The only thing that kept us together was our promise "till death parts us." Marriage is not always "a piece of cake" or a "walk in the park." In fact, it can be quite difficult at times. There will be times that you will not feel "in love" or that you even love the person in any way, shape, or form. Depending on the feeling of love to keep a marriage together is not going to cut it. A genuine commitment is what will keep the marriage together and growing. A genuine commitment to love one another will help the love in a marriage grow.  

The only way to stay together is to stay together no matter what happens. I am not advocating for anyone who is in an abusive relationship to continue to be abused. There are times when two people are also so unequally yoked that they must separate or they risk destroying each other's lives. What I am advocating is that people take a serious look at who it is they are planning to marry. If you are a Christian, it would be very wise to marry a Christian. Paul reminds us in the sixth chapter of 2 Corinthians that we are not to be yoked with unbelievers. It's not a good thing for a Christian to plan to live the rest of their lives with an unbeliever. You will be tried and tested more than you can even imagine. You may even turn your back on Jesus after years of being worn down. 

And... as to this foolishness of sleeping with anyone and in some cases anything... well, that is way more than foolishness. This lifestyle will destroy your life. You will carry a piece of every person you sleep with for the rest of your days even after you finally find the person you will spend the rest of your days here on earth with. When God joined Adam and Eve they became one. When we are united with another, we become one. You may leave that person. You may move on to another. But, you will always be connected to everyone before.

It is a common misperception that we must have a piece of paper to be joined with another in the eyes of God. He sees all. He sees who you are with today and will see who you are with tomorrow. He sees who you are joining yourself to. He doesn't need the state to tell Him who is married and who is not.

Prior to the 16th century, Christian churches did not require any kind of permission from the state for a couple to be married. All that it took was the couple committing (exchanging vows) to live as man and wife and they were married in the eyes of the church. Sadly today, we have come to believe that the only commitment that is valid is the one that we agree to when we sign on the line. Marriage is way more than a written commitment. It is a commitment, for sure. It is a permanent commitment. By using the state authorization to marry, we have given ourselves an escape route. If the marriage doesn't work, we can go through the state so that our marriage is legally dissolved and we are absolved or so we think. The question we must ask ourselves is if it is really dissolved just because the state says so. When we claim that the only valid marriage is one that is authorized by the state we attempt to justify any promiscuous behavior prior to the marriage or after. We attempt to circumvent God's good plan; His will for us. 

I am also aware that there are many who would use what I have just said about not needing the state to approve our unions as an excuse to not make a commitment at all. When I hear people saying I don't believe in marriage meaning they don't believe in legal marriage, I usually also grasp that they mean that they don't want to have to go through the trouble of a legal divorce when they're done with their latest partner. Beware then of those who say they love you but are unwilling to risk making commitments.

There is a big difference between what is legal in this country and what is good and right according to scripture. If you want a good life; if you want peace in your life and you must be with someone then wait for the right person. Jumping around, trying out new partners is really only going to cause you grief. Who has time for that kind of grief? Be faithful to your spouse and be faithful to the one true God. 

May God bless your relationship with your spouse and even more importantly with Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J