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Foundation of Marriage

Living Light Daily Devotional The Foundation of Marriage By Touching Lives with Dr. James Merritt “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 Biblically speaking there are three human institutions that stand apart from all others: The family, the Church, and the State. God could have created any one of those first, but He started with marriage and the reason goes back to the very beginning. From the beginning of time, God injected the bloodstream of humanity with the DNA of relationships. God created us in such a way that our lives are meant to revolve around two primary relationships: Our vertical relationship with God and our horizontal relationships with others. He did it in that order. Why did God create Adam alone first? Why not create Adam and Eve at the same time? He wanted man’s primary relationship to be first with Him. God modeled this for us in Adam. He then gave him a wife, because God wanted man’s second relationship to be family. Adam and Eve produced the first child. God was making a statement. What was that statement? Marriage is the foundation of the family. The family is the foundation of the community. The community is the foundation of the state. The state is the foundation of the nation. Happy marriages bring strength, stability, and serenity to a nation. So what are the keys that will unlock the door to a happy marriage? Believe it or not, there are only two. Happy marriages are made up of two people: A happy husband and a happy wife. The question is: How can both of them be happy in marriage? The answer is not a mystery. God has told us what it takes for a wife and a husband to be happy and to make each other happy. In the midst of a culture wracked with divorce, infidelity, and prostitution, God spoke His truth regarding marriage through the Apostle Paul nearly 2,000 years ago. His letter, called Ephesians, contains God’s prescription for a happy marriage. This prescription requires full dependence on Christ from both the husband and the wife. Neither can fulfill their God-given roles in marriage without His help through the Holy Spirit. God prefaces the explanation of these roles with this command: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” The foundation for a happy marriage is a willingness to submit to one another…to consider the other before you. And the willingness to love in this way is borne from a reverence for God and His Word. Dear Lord, teach me to submit to those you have placed over me. Give me a spirit of thankfulness as I strive to serve those around me. Thank you Jesus for submitting yourself to the Father, even submitting to death on a cross for me. Amen. Read in browser » Recent Articles: Wholehearted Very Good First Love Deus Ex Machina A Clear Conscious Prayer Request Email TL Staff Donate Now Share Tweet Forward This email was sent to hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Touching Lives, Inc. · 1800 Satellite Blvd · Duluth, GA 30097 · USA

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What Does Matthew 19:26 Mean?

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Matthew 19:26 ◄ What Does Matthew 19:26 Mean? ► And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26(NASB) Verse Thoughts The gracious words that fell from the lips of the Lord Jesus confound the minds of many today, just as they astonished Christ’s disciples when they were first uttered. It was after Jesus addressed a wealthy young man on the issue of his riches being the obstacle he faced, if he wanted to enter the kingdom of heaven, that the disciples asked, “who then can be saved?” Jesus had challenged the young man to sell all he had, and give the proceeds to the poor. His love of money caused him to go away with a sorrowful heart, for he had many great possessions. It was then that the Lord Jesus turned to His disciples, “and looking at them, intently, He said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” With man, it is impossible to be saved – but with God, all things are possible, including the salvation of sinners. Jesus was teaching that good works aren’t sufficient to gain salvation and riches can’t buy salvation. Nothing we can do can earn salvation and nothing we can give can purchase salvation. Salvation is a free gift of God’s GRACE to guilty sinners – through faith in Christ. Period. Jesus had taken the time to listen to the question of the rich young ruler, who dearly desired to enter the kingdom. Only saved people can enter, but the young ruler thought his good works and keeping the Law should be sufficient, and asked if there was anything else he must DO – but nothing man does can achieve PERFECT goodness. Jesus used the man’s own words to show him that God alone is good. He used the moral law, given to Moses, to show the young man, that there are elements of evil in the heart of everyone – including himself. Even if we are morally upright, generous, kind to others and an example to all we meet – there is always something lacking in the heart of fallen man, for there is no one that is completely good – not even one. The Law was a schoolmaster God used to point His people to Christ, and Jesus used the Law to show this young man that no one can enter heaven on their own merit. Israel as a nation and this young man as an individual, were to discover that they could not keep all 613 requirements of the Law, for if a person keeps the Law, but fails in one point, he is guilty of breaking ALL of it – ie he is a sinner, and falls short of the righteous requirement of the Law. He is a sinner who cannot enter the kingdom except by faith in Christ’s sacrificial work. And the young man loved his riches more than God. The rich young ruler was zealous in keeping the commandments and he was righteous in all his ways – as man counts goodness. “All these commands I have kept. he said, What am I still lacking?” he asked. He may not have murdered or stolen anything. He may have honoured his parents and shown great generosity. But he loved his wealth more than he loved the Lord. ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the great and foremost commandment, which the young man broke – excluding him from the kingdom. We enter the kingdom by faith not by what we DO. Neither the multiplied wealth of humanity nor the proliferation of man’s exemplary actions are sufficient payment to gain eternal life, for the heart of humanity is incapable of ridding itself of fleshly desires and love of the world. Salvation is a supernatural act of the omnipotent God, given to those who are saved by faith. The rich young man, like all of humanity, had ONE way to enter the kingdom. Forgiveness of sin and life in the Kingdom is granted through faith in Christ alone. His question should not have been what must I DO, but in Whom must I believe? Salvation is impossible with man, but praise God that it is possible with Him. This is a biblical principle that the best and worst of human-kind must accept if they are to be saved. Eternal life and inheriting the kingdom is a human impossibility, but with God, it is not only possible, but a free gift of God’s grace, which is generously bestowed on all who believe in Christ’s finished work on Calvary’ cross. Those who believe are not condemned but those who do not are condemned already – because they have not believed on the only begotten Son of God. How careful the wealthy man should be, that he relies on God as Saviour, and not on his accumulated riches. How important that the good man does not rely on his philanthropic works, but trusts in Christ. How careful the poor man should be that he does not develop an envious attitude towards his wealthy neighbour, but trusts in God to provide for both his temporal and eternal needs. How important that we ALL recognise our spiritual poverty and that riches that are found through faith in Christ. The impossible task of our eternal salvation was made possible by God. So too – the impossible task of living a godly life, in our own strength, is only possible when a man or woman looks to Him and places their trust in Him alone. My Prayer Father I thank You that what is impossible for me is possible for You, due to the merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour. Please help me to trust You in all things and not to have confidence in my own abilities and resources, in Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Matthew 19:14 Next: Matthew 21:13 ► Choose a Verse from Matthew 19 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930 2 Peter 1:17 Colossians 3:22 1 John 2:7 Psalm 15:1 Follow us Matthew 19:26 Further Study Matthew 19:26 in the Parallel Bible Matthew 19:26 in the Thematic Bible Matthew 19:26 Cross References Matthew 19:26 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Matthew 19:26 Sermons Matthew 19:26 Prayers Matthew 19:26 Images Matthew 19:26 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Extraordinary Experiences Hebrews 13:20 Revelation 21:23 “Good Ground” Think As Jesus Taught The Spiritual Mind – Man’s Nature and Destiny (18) Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

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Rise Above the Challenges

Today’s Scripture “…But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint…” (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV) Rise above the Challenges In today’s Scripture, it compares a believer to an eagle. It’s interesting how an eagle handles challenges such as a crow. When the eagle is out flying, the crow will come up right behind it and pester it, doing things to annoy it. Although the eagle is much bigger, it can’t maneuver as fast. Instead of getting upset and trying to fight with the crow, it simply spreads out its seven-foot wingspan, catches the winds and rises higher and higher. The eagle can fly at heights the crow cannot. We all have some crows in life—people who try to pester you into conflict, situations that tempt you to lose your peace and get upset. The good news is, you’re an eagle. You can go up higher. You can fly where crows can’t fly. But if you stay down at their level, get upset with every crow, get involved in battles that don’t matter, those are distractions. They’ll keep you from your destiny. A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You for Your promise that I can wait upon You to renew my strength and enable me to rise up with wings above the challenges that come against me. Help me to walk in peace and not allow others and situations to get me involved in battles that don’t matter. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” MIRACLES OUT OF MISTAKES 3 Inspiring Messages from Joel! Through this resource, you will be encouraged to move past regret and shame. Your mistakes don’t stop or cancel your purpose. Allow God to correct the complications and resolve the complex issues. OUR THANKS FOR A GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT REQUEST YOURS NOW! ► Follow Us This email is intended for hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com. To unsubscribe from this email list, click remove. To ensure delivery to your mailbox, please add devotional@goto.joelosteen.com to your address book of approved senders. View this email online. Share this email © 2020 Joel Osteen Ministries | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE

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Four Answers

Living Light Daily Devotional Four Answers By Touching Lives with Dr. James Merritt And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. (1 John 5:15) One thing that we as followers of Jesus can be sure of is that God answers our prayers. The word “hear” in today’s key verse means not only to listen to something but to act on what is being heard. God does respond to our prayers. In fact, there is no such thing as an unanswered prayer. The Lord just answers our prayers in different ways. Let’s take a look at the four different answers God can give to our prayers. Yes – This is always our favorite answer to receive when we ask God for something. Sometimes, this answer comes almost immediately, which makes it even more exciting. If we’re being honest, this is the answer we hope for every time we pray for something. Yes, but not now – With God, timing is everything. There are times when God may want for you what you want, but He just doesn’t want it at the same time you want it. What you’re asking for might be a really great thing, but He may ask you to wait for it. Yes, but… – This answer comes when you and God want the same thing for your life, but the way He answers your prayer is different than what you had in mind. For instance, maybe you really want a career that allows you to help people, like becoming a lawyer or a doctor. The Lord wants you to be able to help people as well, but then He leads you into a career in ministry. You and God had the same goal in mind, but the execution was different. In this case, always remember that His ways are so much better than our own. No – This is the toughest answer to receive from God, but we must never forget that if God says no, it’s because He has our best interest at heart. He could be protecting you from something. He could be saving you for something or someone better. You never know what God has for you down the road. So when He says no, don’t pout, don’t get upset, and don’t get angry. Just trust that He knows what’s best for you and that His “no” makes way for a better “yes.” Dear Lord, thank you for always answering my prayers. Even though the answer might not be exactly what I hoped for, you never leave a single prayer unanswered. Give me wisdom to discern your answers to my prayers, and give me the faith I need to trust that no matter how you answer me, you always have my best interest in mind. Amen. Read in browser » Recent Articles: Nowhere to Hide Praying God’s Will The Foundation of Marriage Wholehearted Very Good Prayer Request Email TL Staff Donate Now Share Tweet Forward This email was sent to hopkinsanthony33@gmail.com why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Touching Lives, Inc. · 1800 Satellite Blvd · Duluth, GA 30097 · USA

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Make an appointment with God.

Make an Appointment with God!!             This is an essay about making an appointment to meet God.  We must set a time and place to meet God.  You must allow the Holy Spirit to prepare you to meet God.  Listen to whispers from God.  I will admit that I have never heard His voice in my personal life.  This is simply because I was living in sin for over 40 years.  I have attended church and I still lived in sin.  I am very hurt because I have injured others with my voice as well as my personal actions.  Currently, I would rather ask God to give me peace.  It hurts me because I have sinned for a very long time.  My own family members do not talk to me anymore.   This is because I have done so much in my personal life to hurt my family members that; they have made a decision not to speak to me anymore.  I know that God would like for my own family members to come and see me at my apartment.  Unfortunately, only a few of my family members came over just to talk to me.  In order to hear the voice of God, you must have a relationship with Him.  When it comes to making an appointment for God, we must pick a time when I am my very best.  I have been carrying the Bible with me right now.  I read it every single day.    I pray every single day and night because it enables me to communicate with God.  We must make a commitment to establish a relationship with God.  This is done through prayer.  I want to inform everyone that I wake up at 5:00Am in the morning.  I pray to God each morning and read His word.  I also listen to soothing Christian music and sermons every morning from 5:00AM-7:00AM.  Let me ask everyone a couple of questions right now.  What would you like for God to do for you? How much do you value God’s voice?  We must learn to turn our worries into prayers each day for the rest of our lives.  The reason why I am asking these questions is simply because I would like for someone to tell me what are some of your solutions to your problems as it pertains to God?  When it comes to prayer, we must learn how to be patient with God.  Singing helps us to enter into the presence with the Lord.  We must stand still for God.  There are times when we do not get still.  Whenever you are reading your Bible, please go into a solitary place, a place where we can obtain some peace.  We must allow the Holy Spirit to lead your life.  Pray about whatever is in your heart.  Where should I read the Bible? The answer to this question is inside of it.  For example, Proverbs, Psalms, and the Gospels.  Please give God an opportunity to meet with you.  The word of the Lord is valued even His voice is valued.                      If you have kids, you need to hear God.  Learn to speak wisdom instead of foolishness.  Thank You Lord that I showed up. We must learn to listen and write is we learn to listen and write in a poem and write what you are hearing from a sermon or the Word of God.  Please get into the habit of writing your prayers.  Write what you think God will say. Write what you think God is saying inside of the scriptures.  Why do I keep praying?  I keep praying because I would like for God to help me.  I pray because I love Him and appreciate Him each day of my life.  Never underestimate God.  Be open to what He might say to you.  God wants you to share Him with others.  Persistent prayer tests my maturity. It also tests my desires.  Your desires will filter out.  God is in the business to fulfill your obligations.  Praying tests my desires.  You must put God first and foremost in your life.                   My name is Anthony Hopkins and I am a Blogger.  I have been blogging for 8 years now.  I am a graduate from the University of Toledo; earning my Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Services Technology and Interdisciplinary Studies.  My criteria consisted of Counseling and Social Work.  I earned my degrees in 1993 and 1995 respectively.  Thank You for reading my blog.