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Today’s Scripture “…Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you…” (Luke 10:19, ESV) You Have the Authority If God be for you, who dare be against you? Quit telling yourself, “I’ll always struggle in this area. I’ll never lose this weight. I’ll never get out of debt.” Change your perspective. You are not weak, defeated, or inferior. You are full of “can do” power. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives inside you. Tap into that power. Greater is He that’s in you than he that comes against you. You are more than a conqueror. Now start putting things under your feet. Think of that word tread in today’s Scripture. One translation says “to trample.” God has not only put it under your feet, but He has armed you with authority and strength to be victorious. He has already equipped you. If you will see these obstacles as being under your feet, as being already defeated, a new boldness will rise up. Your faith will activate God’s power in a new way. A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that You have given me power to tread on all the power of the enemy because Your Spirit lives in me. I believe that I can look down in faith and see my obstacles as being stepping stones to take me higher. I am more than a conqueror. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” I AM FEARLESS Through these messages, you’ll be so blessed as you discover how to live in victory and with confidence in every situation. God will open doors and make things happen that you never thought possible. 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

Living Light Daily Devotional Listen By Touching Lives with Dr. James Merritt “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household.” – Proverbs 20:24 “…But the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9b). The word “establish” means to “set straight, to direct, or to put on the right path.” God wants to guide our steps. He wants to make sure we are walking on the right path, in the right direction, in the right way. How does God do this? God has given us certain tools to help us find His will in a particular situation…especially when we have more than one option or path we can take. There are three ways God will speak to and guide us. The first way is through biblical principles. This is the primary way God speaks to us. The Bible is not just the “Good Book.” It is also a “Guide Book.” The Bible will not give you specific answers on where you should live, the person you should marry, or what job you should take. It will, however, give you principles and guidelines that will help you eliminate certain choices and consider others. God’s direction will never contradict His Word. The second way God guides us is through wise people. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” The sure way to make a bad decision is to get bad advice from unwise people. Before you seek someone’s advice ask yourself, “Has this person arrived at the destination that I am seeking? Are they walking with God the way that I want to walk with God?” The third way God guides us is through spiritual prompting. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit inside of us. You will find that the more you read your Bible, the more you spend time with God, and the better your know God, the better you will recognize His voice when He speaks to you. God has given us two guardrails on the highway of life. One is the Bible and the other is the Holy Spirit. The Scripture protects us from rational decisions – doing what we think we should; and the Holy Spirit protects us from emotional decisions – doing what we feel we should do. When God speaks and you have heard Him, there will be peace in your heart that nothing can shake. When God guides and you trust Him there is a 100% assurance that you are doing what you believe God would have you do. Remember this, the will of God will never lead you where the peace of God will not keep you. Application: Are you listening to God as He speaks through His Word, His Spirit, and wise people? Read in browser » Recent Articles: Admit Guided Steps GPS Affirming His Promise Accomplishing His Purpose Share Your Faith Boldly Learn a simple, straight-forward method for effectively sharing the Good News of Jesus with others. This three-week online course features a downloadable workbook along with training videos from Dr. James Merritt. Enroll today and learn how to effectively and confidently share your faith! ENROLL NOW 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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Intersection of Life and Faith   Toggle navigation 10 Prayers God Always Answers Carrie Lowrance Crosswalk Contributor 2020 26 Apr Prayer can be such a beautiful, simple, and complicated thing at the same time. Everyone prays in their own different way and still, our loving God hears every one. Getting an answer? That can be a whole different story. Sometimes an answer comes right away and sometimes we have to wait. However, there are some things we can pray for that God will always answer. Why does he always answer? Because of the desire we have to grow in him and see more of him in our lives. “Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.” -Psalm 66:20 (NLT) Here are 10 prayers God always answers, without fail. Photo Credit: ©Unsplash 1. “Use me to glorify you.” One of the Lord’s greatest desires is to use us to glorify him. Sometimes it can be hard to know what to do or where he is directing us.  Simply ask him and he will answer. It could be something as big as starting a non-profit for a specific cause or something small, but just as powerful, like buying a homeless person a meal. It could also be using the unique talents he has given you to reach other people for him. Photo Credit: ©Unsplash 2. “Forgive my sins.” We serve a loving and merciful God and every one of us are sinners. There is no such thing as a perfect Christian. We all stumble and sometimes backslide, but by opening our hearts and confessing our sins we can be redeemed. The Lord died to save us from our sins. Not just that day on the cross, but every day of our lives. Photo Credit: ©Thinkstock 3. “Reveal yourself to me.” In the busyness of live, it can be hard to see and hear where the Lord is leading us. If we simply stop and ask him to reveal himself to us, he will, and it’s usually in awesome, amazing ways. He reveals himself in different ways to each one of us. To some of us, he is an inner voice, to others he speaks through visions and dreams. He also speaks at times by revealing the job, opportunity,or resources we need exactly when we need them. If you’re really struggling, take some time during the day to just get quiet and ask him to reveal himself in your life. Then get into the habit of noticing the smallest of things during your day. He doesn’t always reveal himself in big ways. Sometimes he reveals himself in small ways as well. Photo Credit: ©Thinkstock/John Howard 4. “Give me your wisdom.” As the Bible tells us, we are not to lean on our own understanding. This can be especially hard in difficult times. When you are facing a situation where you don’t know what you should do, ask him to give you his wisdom. It may help to speak with your pastor or a trusted friend as well. Sometimes when we are all stressed out and “in our own minds” he will speak through a trusted clergy member/friend as to what you should do. Other times he will speak to you directly. Photo Credit: ©Unsplash 5. “Strengthen my obedience.” We all know that when the Lord asks us to do something, we need to be obedient. However, at times it can be very, very hard. For example, if we are waiting for something to happen, it can be hard not to take matters into our own hands. When you have days of anxiety and doubt, ask the Lord to strengthen your obedience. Ask him to help you to do what you have been commanded to do. For me, whenever I hear or see the phrase, “Be still and know that I am God.” it reminds me to be still and obedient. For he is working even if I can’t see it. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 (NLT) Photo Credit: ©Unsplash 6. “Help me spread your love.” Our world is a crazy place, full of opinions and thoughts and ideas. We know the best way to interact with people is to show the love of the Lord, but sometimes it’s hard to know how to do this. When you ask him to help you spread his love, he will. You may find a Christian non-profit or charity to volunteer at or you may do something on your own, like help a single Mom pay for her groceries or drive an elderly neighbor to a doctor’s appointment. Photo Credit: ©Unsplash 7. “Give me clarity.” Walking this path called life can be difficult and muddled at times. The last thing the Lord wants is for you to go down the wrong path or make the wrong choice. It may take time and patience, but the Lord will always answer a prayer for clarity. “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 Photo Credit: ©Unsplash 8. “Help me find peace.” Our own lives can be chaotic let alone all the things that are going on in the world. With everything going on, finding peace can seem almost impossible. The Lord does not want us living in a state of anxiety and peril, he will always answer and help us find peace. “In those days you will pray and I will listen. If you seek me wholeheartedly you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NLT) Photo Credit: ©Unsplash   9. “Align my heart with yours.” This world can be a mean spirited place and it can be hard sometimes not to hold judgment, resentment, or other feelings in our hearts. By asking the Lord to align our hearts with his and asking for forgiveness, he can cleanse us of the toxic things that build up in our hearts and be more aligned with him. He loves us and wants us to be more like him so this is a prayer he will always answer. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages 10. “Align my mind with yours.” Our minds are bombarded by images, thoughts, opinions, and information every day. As we all know, what goes in is what comes out. Still, we can’t just totally shut ourselves off from society and the media. We all falter in our thoughts from time to time. In this situation, it is best to ask the Lord to align our mind with his. Let’s pray: Dear Lord, I want to grow in you and have more of you in my life. I pray that you will strengthen me in using me and my talents to glorify you. I thank you for loving me and forgiving my sins each day, every day. I pray you will reveal yourself in my life. Give me your wisdom as to what I should do in every situation and strengthen my obedience in what you ask of me. Show me the right path to travel and correct my ways if I stray. Show me ways to show and spread your love to those around me. Clear my mind to receive crystal clear clarity when you speak. Help align my heart and mind in their purest form to be an imitation of you. Thank you for answering all my prayers in your perfect timing with your perfect answer, even though I may not always understand. In your name, I pray. Amen.   Carrie Lowrance is a freelance writer and author. She has been featured on Huffington Post, Bon Bon Break, The Penny Hoarder, Parentmap, etc. She is also the author of three books of poetry and one children’s book, Don’t Eat Your Boogers (You’ll Turn Green). She writes her own child care blog at carrielowrance.com. 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URGENT: Encouragement and Prayer in a Time of Pandemic…See All of Our Coronavirus Resources Here Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Find it! Haggai: A Big Lesson from a Small Book Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies / Haggai: A Big Lesson from a Small Book Share Tweet Save Hope Bolinger Sunday, April 26, 2020 Who Was Haggai? Haggai was a prophet (Haggai 1:1) who wrote his book eighteen years after the Israelites had returned from the Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem. Although they may have been eager to return to their homeland, it takes them a while to start rebuilding. Due perhaps to getting overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work it would take to recover the city, or for whatever reason unlisted by the Bible, it takes them more than a decade to start reparations to the city and temple. Pastor Charles Swindoll explains that even when they do start, foreign opposition impedes their progress, and they quit for a short period of time (Ezra 4:24).  We don’t know Haggai’s age, but he probably had lived long enough to see the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. This would age him a great deal, in the 70-80 year range, or older. This means that Haggai would have a unique perspective. Most of the people who had returned from Babylon had been born into captivity. They would have heard about the destruction of Jerusalem from their fathers, but not witnessed the events themselves.  We don’t know much else about this minor prophet, but we do know his name indicates he could’ve been born during an important Jewish festival. Haggai means “festal,” according to the Zondervan NIV Study Bible. Haggai knew what Jerusalem looked like when it had seen better days, and he wanted to encourage his fellow Hebrews to keep rebuilding to restore the city. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/almir What Is the Purpose of the Book of Haggai? Most books in the Bible have multiple messages, and even though Haggai doesn’t take up a great number of pages in the Bible (it’s the second shortest book in the Old Testament), Haggai does have multiple messages for its intended audience. Similar to other prophets, Haggai shows what happens when people disobey God (Haggai 2:16-17). The people have stopped rebuilding because they fear their enemies, but God has called them to rebuild the city. As someone who bore witness to the destruction of Jerusalem because of its disobedience, Haggai does not want history to repeat itself.  Second, Haggai shows what happens when you obey God. Instead of a curse, you receive a blessing (Haggai 2:7-9).  The book also has a great deal to say about God being with his workers during trials. Not only had Jerusalem grown lethargic in its building, but the Samaritans and other neighboring nations had grown worried when Jerusalem rebuilt the foundation of the city. If the Hebrews continued their progress and finished the temple, they would be a formidable power, so the neighboring nations press hard to make sure it doesn’t happen. Haggai reminds the reader that God is on their side (Haggai 1:13) and that they should not grow weary in their restoration process, no matter how bad the threats outside Jerusalem’s walls appeared. Haggai makes sure to emphasize what will happen if they keep restoring the temple. The glory will return to the temple once more (Haggai 2:1-9), cursed people will be purified (Haggai 2:10-19), and blessings will come (Haggai 18:19). In other words, the book says, “Keep going. Press on. It will be worth it. Don’t listen to what others say who try to deter you from building. Listen to the God of the Universe and obey him alone.” Photo credit: Pixabay/Free Photos What Can We Learn from Haggai? Haggai may only take up a couple chapters in the Bible, but we can learn a lot from this prophet and from his message. First, we learn that God can use our past experiences to help deter others from making the same mistakes. Haggai witnessed the Babylonians destroying Jerusalem and also returned with its inhabitants, only to find they would not fully obey God. Just like their fathers who had come before them. He stops them short in their path and reminds them what happens when they disobey. He essentially says, “Look at me. I have seen with my own eyes what transpires when people don’t obey God’s commands. Don’t be like me. Don’t let history repeat itself.” Second, we learn to trust God’s voice alone.  Satan hates restoration. He’ll do whatever he can to stop it. In the case of Haggai, he used the foreign powers to deter the progress of rebuilding the temple. The foreign enemies and Satan knew full well what would happen if God’s glory returned to the temple. Not only would Israel prosper in a physical sense, but in a spiritual sense as well. In the same way, Satan will try to deter us from helping lead others to Christ, preventing the Holy Spirit from entering the temples of the hearts of men (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), or impeding us from restoring our relationship with God, healing our temple. He will use whatever means necessary to intimidate us. During those times, we must listen to God’s voice alone. We must turn to Scripture and remember God’s power and promises. No power on this earth can separate us from him (Romans 8:38-39), and therefore, we must press on. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/leolintang Why Does This Matter Today? Why should we care about what a prophet back in 520 BC had to say? Well, not only does his book exist in the biblical canon, making it God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17), useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness, but we can see many applications in our world today. Sure, we didn’t have a group of Babylonians ransack our city. But we have experienced a great deal of destruction, from the hands of humans to natural disasters to pandemics such as COVID-19. When it comes time for us to rebuild from tragedy, Satan will try to step in. He will try to prevent Christians from spreading the Gospel and try to hinder healing efforts. During such moments, we can remind ourselves of the prophet Haggai. Like him, we have witnessed great destruction. But also like him, we can remind our brothers and sisters in Christ to press on. To ignore the voices of this world, and listen to God alone who protects, heals, restores, and is with us always.  Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang Hope Bolinger is a literary agent at C.Y.L.E. and a graduate of Taylor University’s professional writing program. More than 500 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer’s Digest to Keys for Kids. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Her column “Hope’s Hacks,” tips and tricks to avoid writer’s block, reaches 6,000+ readers weekly and is featured monthly on Cyle Young’s blog. Her modern-day Daniel, Blaze, (Illuminate YA) released in June, and they contracted the sequel Den for July 2020. Find out more about her here. 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Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Home Verse Of The Day John 16:33 ◄ What Does John 16:33 Mean? ► “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33(NASB) Verse Thoughts So often the comforting statements of the Lord Jesus are designed to link a wonderful promise of God to deep concerns that may surface within the heart and mind of believers, as we journey through life, in an increasingly alien world. As the shadow of the cross grew closer, Christ’s little company of disciples became fearful of the antagonistic attitude of the religious leaders towards Jesus, which grew stronger as Calvary loomed ever closer. But in His farewell discourse, Jesus took time to reassure His frightened little flock that His perfect peace would flood their heart and mind, if they would trust the words He had spoken to them and believe the things He had taught them. They had to know that in this fallen world system they would also have tribulation. People would be antagonistic towards them too, just as they were towards the Lord Jesus – “but take courage”, He said, “I have overcome the world.” The loving Lord of eternity never deserts the feeble cries of His children, who call out to Him day and night. He understands the fears we face and the doubts that flood our mind, when all that is seemingly safe, secure, and stable is flung into disarray and deep disorder. “I have told you these things” were his reassuring words to His little band of followers, “so that when the hour comes, you will remember what I told you. I didn’t need to tell you at the beginning, because I was with you” His promise of peace is given to those who hear and believe His Word. His blessed peace rests in the heart of all that abide in His love. The Lord offers us His perfect peace which can be found IN HIM. “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God – GOOD! Believe also in Me.” We find His peace as we look to Him. We gain His peace as we trust His word. We discover His peace as we believe His promises and take them to heart. “these things I have spoken to you so that IN ME, you may have peace”. We are POSITIONALLY in Christ through faith but we must also be PRACTICALLY in Christ – moment by moment. Never will we gain that peace which passes understanding unless we are in Him – in fellowship with Him – in sweet communion with Him – resting in the promises He has taught us in His word. It is as we rest in Him and abide in His love that the peace of God, which passes human comprehension, will flood our hearts and quiet our minds. The incarnate WORD of God, gave us a very clear message that He has gained the victory over Satan and this world system. He gave us a peep into the wonderful things that God has prepared for those that love Him. The Incarnate Word, gave a Spoken Word which is recorded in the Written Word. The comforting words of Jesus were given for a reason – to sustain us in times of doubt; to strengthen us in times of weakness; to support us in times of suffering, to light up this gloomy world in times of darkness and to raise us up when we falter and fall. Before He was led to Pilate and crucified on a wooden cross, the Lord Jesus was able to make the most astounding claim. “I have overcome the world”. Jesus not only overcame sin by living a sinless life – He overcame sin on behalf of ALL who would trust in His sacrificial offering on the cross. Jesus not only overcame death when He rose from the dead – He overcame death on behalf of ALL who have been born from above and are clothed in His righteousness – Because HE overcame, we too are overcomers – through faith in Him. These words were spoken to warn of the many tribulations and trials that inevitably stalk the paths of all God’s blood-bought children, and to encourage each child of God, knowing that Christ has won the victory on our account, so that no matter what may happen, we are safe in the arms of Jesus. But they were also to proclaim the greatest truth that could fall on the ears of dying, sinful humanity. I have triumphed over everything that could cause you pain and distress. In Me you will have the peace that passes human understanding: in this world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world. My Prayer Thank You Father for Your wonderful words of comfort and peace. I pray that in all the trials and tribulations of life, which seem to be mounting with each passing day, that my heart and my mind will rest in Jesus so that His perfect peace will carry me through all life’s difficulty, to Your praise and glory, in Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: John 16:21 Next: John 17:1 ► Choose a Verse from John 16 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233 2 Peter 1:14 Habakkuk 1:2 1 John 5:4 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Follow us John 16:33 Further Study John 16:33 in the Parallel Bible John 16:33 in the Thematic Bible John 16:33 Cross References John 16:33 Treasury of Scripture Knowing John 16:33 Sermons John 16:33 Prayers John 16:33 Images John 16:33 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Furnace Of Affliction 1 Corinthians 7:29 Revelation 2:17 The Cross And The Spirit What Do You Want? All Or Nothing – Growing In Grace (19) One Day At a Time Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Home Verse Of The Day Isaiah 48:17 ◄ What Does Isaiah 48:17 Mean? ► Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17(NASB) Verse Thoughts The believer that has a teachable spirit is the one that the Lord can lead and guide into the way of truth. He is the Holy One of Israel, who rescued His people from enslavement in Egypt and He is the same almighty God Who graciously redeemed us from the slave-market of sin, when we first believed – “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go”. He is the One Who promised to teach Israel those things that would benefit them – both in this life, and in the world to come. And He is the same Lord Who has promised to guide us into the way of truth, direct us through deep valleys of darkness and uphold us with His righteous right hand, as we climb the hills of difficulty that pepper our earthly path. Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit. I am the One Who leads you in the way you should go. The same Spirit of God Who led the people of Israel through the desert, rained down manna from heaven and opened the Jordan so they could enter the promised land, is the same Holy Spirit Who teaches and trains us in the way we should go. He guards and guides us during our sojourn on earth. The Holy Spirit Who guided the children of Israel through the desert is the same Spirit of God Who guides us along the path that is best for each one of us – even if it is sometimes uncomfortable or difficult. Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go”. The Spirit-inspired words of Isaiah were an encouragement to the people of Israel, who were suffering affliction during their Babylonian captivity, and it is the same Holy Spirit that speaks to us and gently leads the body of Christ through the peaks and pitfalls of this worldly system. Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go”. The One Who convicts of sin is the same Holy Spirit Who saves and sanctifies our souls; guiding us along the path of duty; pointing out the road of righteousness; instructing us on the highway of holiness and bearing us up on eagle’s wings through times of exhaustion. He is the One Who protects us in the way of affliction, by pointing us to Christ as He plants our feet on the expressway to heaven. He it is, that guides us into all truth, by speaking to us through the inspired Holy Scriptures, and He is the One that unveils the gracious character of God, teaching us to live a life that’s pleasing to Him – by directing us along the most beneficial way, through His wise and gentle child-training. He is the One who points us to Christ – the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who died and rose again so that we might live and be raised into life immortal, and He is the one that bestows on us gifts of the spirit and spiritual graces. He is the One Who is coming again to take us to be with Himself. When God speaks should we not listen to His voice? Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit. I am the One Who leads you in the way you should go.” My Prayer Thank You, Father, that You are my Guide and Defender, my Rock and my Stay. Thank You that You are the same today as You were when You lead the children of Israel through their times of difficulties and oppression. Give me a teachable spirit, listening ears, and an attentive heart so that I may learn all that Your Holy Spirit desires to teach me. And continue to guide me I pray, in the way that is best for me, in Jesus’ name – AMEN. ◄ Previous: Isaiah 48:7 Next: Isaiah 49:5 ► Choose a Verse from Isaiah 48 12345678910111213141516171819202122 Haggai 1:4 Psalm 139:13 Hebrews 13:9 1 Timothy 4:6 Follow us Isaiah 48:17 Further Study Isaiah 48:17 in the Parallel Bible Isaiah 48:17 in the Thematic Bible Isaiah 48:17 Cross References Isaiah 48:17 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Isaiah 48:17 Prayers Isaiah 48:17 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Supreme Climb The Rest Of Faith Song of Solomon 2:6 Song of Solomon 6:10 Know To Grow God’s Firm Resolve – Growing In Grace (18) Joyful Thanks Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us Copyright Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved ×

Intersection of Life and Faith   Toggle navigation 7 Ways to Bless Others in a Worldwide Crisis Catherine Segars Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer 2020 23 Apr A crisis can bring out the best in people, or it can bring out the worst. We’ve all seen examples of the worst. A friend of mine, Steve, was in an international airport trying to get home on the very day the borders were closed in Europe from COVID-19. He saw a lot of the worst. Wall to wall people jockeying for position. Customers screaming at the top of their lungs. People cutting in line, trampling those who were too slow, weak, or encumbered to keep up. Steve saw a military mom traveling by herself with a kid strapped to her back and four other young ones in tow. “Why is everybody cutting in front of me?” she cried as desperation gave way to despair. But no one heard her or cared. My friend thought, “I can’t fix the rest of this mess, but maybe I can help her.”  So, he did. A foot taller than everyone else around, Steve used his booming, baritone voice to get their attention. “Hey everybody—this woman has five children and she is going to miss this flight if we don’t help her out. Could everyone please step aside and let her through?” There was a long, awkward pause. Nobody moved. “PLEASE!” he insisted. Slowly, the wave of people parted, and the young family finally inched forward. But there was one hold out—a short man in a medical mask who had cut in front of everyone wouldn’t budge. “Come on, man…” Steve urged. “It’ll be good for your soul.” Reluctantly, but with a slight grin forming underneath his face mask, the man moved to the side, and the woman walked to the front of the line with all of her kids trailing behind. Spontaneous applause abrupted from this flash of kindness in a sea of selfish humanity. The mother made it on a flight that she otherwise would have missed. With tears welling in her eyes, she mouthed “thank you” to my friend. We won’t be able to fix all the messes that this crisis has created in the world, but we can help fix someone’s mess. Maybe several someones. That may seem hard to do, especially when physical contact isn’t possible, but there are ways. Here are seven ways we can bless others in a time when self-preservation rules the day: Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Aleksandra Nigmatulina 1. Ask More A recent poll shows that more than one in four people aged 50 to 80 have “social contact once a week, or less, with family members they don’t live with, or with friends and neighbors.” That reality is heartbreaking, and social distancing measures have eliminated the only human contact that many of these isolated individuals have. Who needs you to dig deeper to see how they really are? Who is alone and needs someone to carry them through this solitary time? Who has a need? Ask yourself these questions. Make a list of people who would benefit just from hearing your voice, and set reminders to call or FaceTime them regularly. Think of the obvious family members who are elderly, but then think of others, especially those who live alone. Ask God to put someone on your heart who doesn’t have anyone checking in on them throughout the week. Regularly ask if they are ok. Be the person who makes a difference for them. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2 2. Send More There are 35.7 million Americans living alone in the United States. It may seem simple, but send more texts and online messages to people who are isolated in this crisis. Send homemade cards. Send words of encouragement and Scriptures. Send virtual flowers and funny memes and inspiring articles. Send some snail mail. Send a take-out meal. Send a photo album or a jigsaw puzzle of a family photo. It only takes a few minutes to send something thoughtful, and yet I often forget to do it. But just knowing that you cared enough to send a special message or gift can brighten someone’s day. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. – Hebrews 6:10 Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/GlobalStock 3. Give More Most of us are tightening the purse strings to get through this crisis, but God might impress upon us to give more financially. Local churches are operating large ministry outreaches, organizing food drives, and helping everyday people hurt by this crisis. That takes funds. Giving to those efforts can help you reach people who you can’t reach physically right now. Here’s a prime example of what the local church can do. Luis Toro, owner of Wasabi Juan’s in Birmingham, AL, recently had to let all of his employees go. He couldn’t afford to pay them. He was trying to operate curbside service with his wife, but on March 29th, someone broke into his restaurant, shattered the front door, and stole the register. The cost to repair the damage was out of reach. As you can imagine, Luis was devastated. This crime was a huge insult on what was already a massive injury. But shortly after posting the news on social media, a group from Church of the Highlands heard of the need and wrote Luis a check to replace everything. Toro said, “They drove over here. We got the estimates for the door and the cash drawer. And they just wrote a check for us to cover all the expenses. And, that is a little overwhelming to share.” You may not be in contact with needs like this in your community, but the local church is. This is where people turn in a crisis. Giving to your local church will extend your arms beyond your reach and bless those with critical needs. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2 Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/photosbyhope   4. Leave More We’ve all seen the empty toilet paper aisle, and other sections of the store are following suit. Supply chains are being disrupted in the Covid 19 crisis as workers who grow, harvest, manufacture, distribute, transport, and receive our grocery items meet unexpected challenges. How can we help? For now, don’t buy what you don’t need. But isn’t it wise to stock up for tomorrow? Yes, it is. But the time for stockpiling has passed. We are in a crisis and we don’t need to make the problem worse. We don’t need to buy something for the pantry that others need to put on their plate. There is a perfect story in Scripture that I think God would speak to us now. In 1 Kings 17, God sends Elijah to a poor widow to find some food. The Lord could have sent his servant to someone who had more, but He didn’t. He sent Elijah to a woman who had nothing. “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she told the prophet, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” (verse 12) Elijah does something bold. He tells the woman not to fear and encourages her to make him some bread first. That—is an audacious request, one that a modern mindset would find reprehensible, but the woman exercises faith. The Scripture says, “She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry.” (verses 15-16) As Christians, we have a supply chain that this world cannot disrupt. Trust that as you look out for your neighbor, God will look out for you. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19 Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/happylark 5. Thank More We aren’t coming in contact with the outside world much these days, but on those rare ventures into the wild, thank those who are working heavily-trafficked areas. Thank the grocery store workers and the fast-food cashier. Thank people who are blessing you through online services. Thank your mail carrier and delivery workers. Thank the company who suspended your bill. One great way to send a thank-you is by providing a meal for hard-working health care workers through charities like Operation Food Fight in New York City and Feed the Fight in Washington D.C. Such charities serve a dual purpose of supporting a struggling restaurant community while giving a hearty thank you to medical professionals who are pulling long, hard hours. “They are walking into the break room and there are some seriously good meals waiting for them,” said Elena Tompkins, founder of Feed the Fight. “They have been blown away and they just said that they can feel the virtual hug from all of us, so it has meant a lot to everybody.” We can’t thank our heroic medical workers in person right now, but we can express our gratitude with a delicious meal while funding a desperate foodservice industry. That is a major win-win. I thank my God every time I remember you. – Philippians 1:3 Photo Credit: ©Crosscards/Bethany Pyle 6. Do More Sometimes in a crisis like COVID-19, we have the opportunity to go the extra mile. Justin Bradshaw, a Fed Ex delivery man, had just such an opportunity when bringing a package to a house in Boca Raton, Florida. Bradshaw encountered a message on the door which said, “Stop. Someone in this house has an autoimmune disorder…Please leave package on door step.” So Justin returned to his truck and retrieved a sanitizing wipe. He then proceeded to carefully clean the package and left it on the doorstep with this message: “I sanitized your box once I saw the note on the door. Stay safe.”  Carrie Blasi’s 11-year-old daughter, who has type 1 diabetes, lives inside that house. She described the Fed Ex worker’s act of kindness as an amazing moment that gave her hope. Bradshaw responded, “I feel like we should all do something to better the situation right now.” This man’s act was so small, but it made a huge impact. If you find yourself in a position to “do more” during this crisis, seize the moment. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. – Matthew 5:41, NKJV Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fermate 7. Pray More Finally, nothing blesses others more than lifting the needs of others up in prayer. And nothing accomplishes more. Make a list of people who need your intercession every day. Put it on your mirror or your nightstand, and pray. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16 If we would find a few moments in our week to ask, send, give, leave, thank, do, and pray just a little more, this crisis will bless us while we bless others. Like my friend Steve said to that man in the airport, “Come on…,” step aside and put someone else’s needs before your own. “It will be good for your soul.” Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes Catherine Segars is an award-winning actress and playwright—turned stay-at-home-mom—turned author, speaker, blogger, and motherhood apologist. She is matron of the Mere Mother website, which delves into critical issues that marginalize mothers in our culture. This homeschooling mama of five is dedicated to helping mothers see their worth in a season when they often feel overwhelmed and irrelevant. You can find Catherine’s blog, dramatic blogcast, and other writings at http://www.catherinesegars.com and connect with her on Facebook. The Best Way To Stop A Barking Dog (It’s Genius) WeeklyPenny Sponsored by Revcontent Find Out More > NEXT: How to Make the Most of Your Time during Quarantine About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Crosswalk App Do Not Sell My Info (CA Only)

Intersection of Life and Faith   Toggle navigation 7 Ways to Bless Others in a Worldwide Crisis Catherine Segars Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer 2020 23 Apr A crisis can bring out the best in people, or it can bring out the worst. We’ve all seen examples of the worst. A friend of mine, Steve, was in an international airport trying to get home on the very day the borders were closed in Europe from COVID-19. He saw a lot of the worst. Wall to wall people jockeying for position. Customers screaming at the top of their lungs. People cutting in line, trampling those who were too slow, weak, or encumbered to keep up. Steve saw a military mom traveling by herself with a kid strapped to her back and four other young ones in tow. “Why is everybody cutting in front of me?” she cried as desperation gave way to despair. But no one heard her or cared. My friend thought, “I can’t fix the rest of this mess, but maybe I can help her.”  So, he did. A foot taller than everyone else around, Steve used his booming, baritone voice to get their attention. “Hey everybody—this woman has five children and she is going to miss this flight if we don’t help her out. Could everyone please step aside and let her through?” There was a long, awkward pause. Nobody moved. “PLEASE!” he insisted. Slowly, the wave of people parted, and the young family finally inched forward. But there was one hold out—a short man in a medical mask who had cut in front of everyone wouldn’t budge. “Come on, man…” Steve urged. “It’ll be good for your soul.” Reluctantly, but with a slight grin forming underneath his face mask, the man moved to the side, and the woman walked to the front of the line with all of her kids trailing behind. Spontaneous applause abrupted from this flash of kindness in a sea of selfish humanity. The mother made it on a flight that she otherwise would have missed. With tears welling in her eyes, she mouthed “thank you” to my friend. We won’t be able to fix all the messes that this crisis has created in the world, but we can help fix someone’s mess. Maybe several someones. That may seem hard to do, especially when physical contact isn’t possible, but there are ways. Here are seven ways we can bless others in a time when self-preservation rules the day: Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Aleksandra Nigmatulina 1. Ask More A recent poll shows that more than one in four people aged 50 to 80 have “social contact once a week, or less, with family members they don’t live with, or with friends and neighbors.” That reality is heartbreaking, and social distancing measures have eliminated the only human contact that many of these isolated individuals have. Who needs you to dig deeper to see how they really are? Who is alone and needs someone to carry them through this solitary time? Who has a need? Ask yourself these questions. Make a list of people who would benefit just from hearing your voice, and set reminders to call or FaceTime them regularly. Think of the obvious family members who are elderly, but then think of others, especially those who live alone. Ask God to put someone on your heart who doesn’t have anyone checking in on them throughout the week. Regularly ask if they are ok. Be the person who makes a difference for them. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2 2. Send More There are 35.7 million Americans living alone in the United States. It may seem simple, but send more texts and online messages to people who are isolated in this crisis. Send homemade cards. Send words of encouragement and Scriptures. Send virtual flowers and funny memes and inspiring articles. Send some snail mail. Send a take-out meal. Send a photo album or a jigsaw puzzle of a family photo. It only takes a few minutes to send something thoughtful, and yet I often forget to do it. But just knowing that you cared enough to send a special message or gift can brighten someone’s day. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. – Hebrews 6:10 Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/GlobalStock 3. Give More Most of us are tightening the purse strings to get through this crisis, but God might impress upon us to give more financially. Local churches are operating large ministry outreaches, organizing food drives, and helping everyday people hurt by this crisis. That takes funds. Giving to those efforts can help you reach people who you can’t reach physically right now. Here’s a prime example of what the local church can do. Luis Toro, owner of Wasabi Juan’s in Birmingham, AL, recently had to let all of his employees go. He couldn’t afford to pay them. He was trying to operate curbside service with his wife, but on March 29th, someone broke into his restaurant, shattered the front door, and stole the register. The cost to repair the damage was out of reach. As you can imagine, Luis was devastated. This crime was a huge insult on what was already a massive injury. But shortly after posting the news on social media, a group from Church of the Highlands heard of the need and wrote Luis a check to replace everything. Toro said, “They drove over here. We got the estimates for the door and the cash drawer. And they just wrote a check for us to cover all the expenses. And, that is a little overwhelming to share.” You may not be in contact with needs like this in your community, but the local church is. This is where people turn in a crisis. Giving to your local church will extend your arms beyond your reach and bless those with critical needs. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2 Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/photosbyhope   4. Leave More We’ve all seen the empty toilet paper aisle, and other sections of the store are following suit. Supply chains are being disrupted in the Covid 19 crisis as workers who grow, harvest, manufacture, distribute, transport, and receive our grocery items meet unexpected challenges. How can we help? For now, don’t buy what you don’t need. But isn’t it wise to stock up for tomorrow? Yes, it is. But the time for stockpiling has passed. We are in a crisis and we don’t need to make the problem worse. We don’t need to buy something for the pantry that others need to put on their plate. There is a perfect story in Scripture that I think God would speak to us now. In 1 Kings 17, God sends Elijah to a poor widow to find some food. The Lord could have sent his servant to someone who had more, but He didn’t. He sent Elijah to a woman who had nothing. “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she told the prophet, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” (verse 12) Elijah does something bold. He tells the woman not to fear and encourages her to make him some bread first. That—is an audacious request, one that a modern mindset would find reprehensible, but the woman exercises faith. The Scripture says, “She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry.” (verses 15-16) As Christians, we have a supply chain that this world cannot disrupt. Trust that as you look out for your neighbor, God will look out for you. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19 Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/happylark 5. Thank More We aren’t coming in contact with the outside world much these days, but on those rare ventures into the wild, thank those who are working heavily-trafficked areas. Thank the grocery store workers and the fast-food cashier. Thank people who are blessing you through online services. Thank your mail carrier and delivery workers. Thank the company who suspended your bill. One great way to send a thank-you is by providing a meal for hard-working health care workers through charities like Operation Food Fight in New York City and Feed the Fight in Washington D.C. Such charities serve a dual purpose of supporting a struggling restaurant community while giving a hearty thank you to medical professionals who are pulling long, hard hours. “They are walking into the break room and there are some seriously good meals waiting for them,” said Elena Tompkins, founder of Feed the Fight. “They have been blown away and they just said that they can feel the virtual hug from all of us, so it has meant a lot to everybody.” We can’t thank our heroic medical workers in person right now, but we can express our gratitude with a delicious meal while funding a desperate foodservice industry. That is a major win-win. I thank my God every time I remember you. – Philippians 1:3 Photo Credit: ©Crosscards/Bethany Pyle 6. Do More Sometimes in a crisis like COVID-19, we have the opportunity to go the extra mile. Justin Bradshaw, a Fed Ex delivery man, had just such an opportunity when bringing a package to a house in Boca Raton, Florida. Bradshaw encountered a message on the door which said, “Stop. Someone in this house has an autoimmune disorder…Please leave package on door step.” So Justin returned to his truck and retrieved a sanitizing wipe. He then proceeded to carefully clean the package and left it on the doorstep with this message: “I sanitized your box once I saw the note on the door. Stay safe.”  Carrie Blasi’s 11-year-old daughter, who has type 1 diabetes, lives inside that house. She described the Fed Ex worker’s act of kindness as an amazing moment that gave her hope. Bradshaw responded, “I feel like we should all do something to better the situation right now.” This man’s act was so small, but it made a huge impact. If you find yourself in a position to “do more” during this crisis, seize the moment. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. – Matthew 5:41, NKJV Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fermate 7. Pray More Finally, nothing blesses others more than lifting the needs of others up in prayer. And nothing accomplishes more. Make a list of people who need your intercession every day. Put it on your mirror or your nightstand, and pray. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16 If we would find a few moments in our week to ask, send, give, leave, thank, do, and pray just a little more, this crisis will bless us while we bless others. Like my friend Steve said to that man in the airport, “Come on…,” step aside and put someone else’s needs before your own. “It will be good for your soul.” Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/fizkes Catherine Segars is an award-winning actress and playwright—turned stay-at-home-mom—turned author, speaker, blogger, and motherhood apologist. She is matron of the Mere Mother website, which delves into critical issues that marginalize mothers in our culture. This homeschooling mama of five is dedicated to helping mothers see their worth in a season when they often feel overwhelmed and irrelevant. You can find Catherine’s blog, dramatic blogcast, and other writings at http://www.catherinesegars.com and connect with her on Facebook. The Best Way To Stop A Barking Dog (It’s Genius) WeeklyPenny Sponsored by Revcontent Find Out More > NEXT: How to Make the Most of Your Time during Quarantine About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Crosswalk App Do Not Sell My Info (CA Only)

URGENT: Encouragement and Prayer in a Time of Pandemic…See All of Our Coronavirus Resources Here Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Find it! 10 Beautiful Biblical Truths about Marriage Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies / 10 Beautiful Biblical Truths about Marriage Share Tweet Save Pamela Palmer Thursday, April 23, 2020 Marriage has a variety of meanings around the world and across different cultures. For Christians to understand what marriage really is, they can look to God’s word, the Holy Bible, for answers and direction. At times, we find that societal beliefs about marriage may be in complete opposition to what the Bible teaches. In the Book of Genesis, where marriage is first made mention to, we read that marriage is a man and woman becoming one flesh. God blessed man and woman and instructed them to be fruitful and multiply. The first couple chapters of the Bible provide a beautiful picture that describes the sacred union of man and woman called marriage. Photo credit: Unsplash/Isaiah Rustad How Is Marriage Defined in the Bible? Marriage Is Instituted by God In Genesis 2, after God created Adam, He declared that it was not good for man to be alone, and that no other creature was a suitable partner for Adam. God created the perfect mate and helper for Adam; her name was Eve. God put these two together, the first man and woman, made for one another. God set a precedence for all human beings to follow this model, “That is why man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).  Marriage Is Between a Man and a Woman God created man and woman for each other, they are perfect companions, each with their own skills, qualities and natures that make them a right fit. We find the precedence of marriage between a man and a woman all throughout the Bible. Even Jesus affirmed this concept and quoted Scripture when He was asked about marriage, “Jesus replied, ‘But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female’’” (Mark 10:6). Jesus acknowledged the original design of God as the standard we should follow. Marriage Is Two Becoming One The biblical concept of two becoming one is at the heart of how we can understand marriage. It is two people who become one flesh. The account in Genesis puts it this way, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man” (Genesis 2:23). A husband and wife becoming one means finding unity in thought, body, and purpose, while being established in a mutual love, respect, and faith in God. Photo credit: Unsplash/Drew Coffman Marriage Is a Lifelong Covenant Adam and Eve were participants in the first marital covenant that takes place in the Bible. Together with God, a man and a woman enter a covenant when they get married. Though we look to the marriage ceremony as what needs to happen for two people to be married, truly, it is the vow of husband and wife made to God, and God joining them together, that solidifies their sacred union. This marital covenant is a lifelong commitment. Jesus said it best this way, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6). When two people get married, they should consider the seriousness and significance of what they are doing by making a lifelong covenant with God. Marriage Is Modeled after Christ and the Church “For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:23-25). Paul wrote to the church of Ephesus a radical analogy that expands how we understand marriage. Christ’s love for the church is sacrificial, pure and unconditional, and that is how a husband should love his wife, even giving his life for her. The Church looks to follow Christ and surrender its own will so that it can follow the will of Jesus, which is how a wife should find her place in relation to her husband. Their union, when modeled after Christ and the Church, will be healthy and whole, and serve as a solid foundation for a loving family. Photo credit: Unsplash/Jaddy Liu Marriage Is Not for Everyone Societal expectations place marriage in a list of things we should accomplish, but the biblical perspective takes a different approach. Paul wrote, “But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I” (1 Corinthians 7:8). God may call some people to remain single or live a celibate life. Marriage takes hard work, much is required of husband and wife, and the married way of life may simply not be the right course for every person. God may have purposes and plans for many wonderful people that do not include marriage. Marriage Is Not Self-Serving  If marriages are to be modeled after Christ’s relationship to the Church, then husband and wife should always be looking to the interests of the other. Jesus didn’t serve himself while on this earth. He washed the feet of His disciples, He loved others, He surrendered to the will of the Father, and He laid down His life to save the world. Often, we think marriage will satisfy our every need and desire, but that is not reality. That certainly may be experienced from time to time, but marriage is not about getting our own needs met. It’s about a servanthood kind of love that gives spouses the strength to take care of each other in sickness, to encourage one another during unexpected trials, and to forgive one another when there’s disappointments, mistakes made, or hurt caused. Marriage Is Not Our Primary Source of Joy Marriage brings a lot of happiness and goodness, but God remains our source of joy. A married couple will experience a range of letdowns, frustrations, and stresses of life. But regardless of the circumstances, joy for believers is found in God. In Romans 15:13, we learn that God is the one who can fill us with joy beyond all situations, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” Though marriage will certainly be a source of joy in the life of a couple, one cannot expect that marriage will replace the lasting joy found in putting one’s hope in Jesus. Photo credit: Unsplash/Fernando Brasil Marriage Is Not the Main Purpose for Our Lives If marriage isn’t for everyone, that means that the purpose and plans for our lives can be found beyond the marriage covenant. Certainly, for those who are married, they must treat their spouse with honor and work hard each day to keep their marriage healthy. Yet God still has amazing plans and purposes for us beyond getting married. Jesus said the command we all must follow is to love God and to love others (See: Matthew 22:36-40). Jesus left all believers with the great commission to go and share the Gospel message and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:16-20). Though each of us have unique purposes and plans for our lives, Jesus made the great commission a top priority for all believers. Married couples should figure out how they together can follow Jesus’ greatest commands. Marriage Is Not the Only Way to Find Necessary Human Connection For some, getting married seems like the only way to have a satisfying human relationship, but the Bible records many different friendships that remind us that marriage is not the sole answer to feeling lonely or isolated. Consider the beautiful friendships of David and Jonathan, or Ruth and Naomi, and even Jesus found a close friendship with Lazarus. Ultimately, our desire to be loved and accepted will only be fully satisfied by having a vibrant relationship with Jesus. Why Is Marriage So Important in the Bible? Marriage is sacred, covenantal and involves a commitment like none other. Only marriage is compared to Christ’s relationship with the Church. We find a wealth of verses throughout the Bible that can be applied to marriage about love, faithfulness, integrity, and peace. God made humans to be in relationship with others, and marriage is certainly the most significant relationship someone will be in, outside of one’s relationship with God. The weight the Bible places on marriage serves as evidence to all married couples how serious they should take their vows and how wonderful the covenant of marriage can be when both husband and wife are fully committed to each other and to the Lord. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/kerkez  Where Does the Bible Talk about Marriage? Marriage and married couples are mentioned throughout the Bible. There are many references to how married couples should treat one another and great wisdom for anyone looking to find out what marriage is according to the Bible. Old Testament “As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it” (Genesis 9:7). “I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord” (Hosea 2:19-20). “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine” (Song of Solomon 2:16). “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised”” (Song of Solomon 8:6-7). “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22). New Testament “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife” (1 Corinthians 7:3-4). “Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God” (1 Corinthians 11:11-12). “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her” (Ephesians 5:25). “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them” (Colossians 3:18-19). “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” (Hebrews 13:4). Photo credit: Unsplash/Naassom Azevedo What Does the Bible Say about Divorce? In the Old Testament, divorces were permitted but never part of God’s plan. In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed this concept: “’Why then,’ they asked, ‘did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?’ Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery’” (Matthew 19:7-9). Though the Bible is clear that divorce, except for in the case of adultery, is not permitted, that doesn’t make divorce the unpardonable sin. The words of Jesus remind any married couple who is struggling to keep their marriage and make the changes in heart, action and word that will lead to a healthier marriage to last a lifetime. By meeting regularly with a pastor or licensed counselor, and practicing prayer, many marriages have been saved. Through the work of both husband and wife, spouses have been able to rediscover their love and commitment to honor God and the covenant they made. What Does the Bible Say about Gay Marriage? There are no examples given of gay marriage in the Bible. What we read in Scripture is God affirming the marriage of one man and one woman. Having multiple wives, concubines, or same sex intimate relations is considered sinful and a perversion of God’s original design for marriage and human sexuality. “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men and received in themselves the due penalty for their error” (Romans 1:26-27). The Bible’s message is clear and teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman, and names homosexuality as sin. Though we cannot deny biblical truth about gay marriage, we as the body of Christ can continue to love all people, share the Gospel message, and help others enter into a relationship with Jesus that will transform believers from the inside out. Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Fizkes How Can Christians Have a Healthy, Biblical Marriage? A healthy marriage is had by two spouses who remain faithful to the covenant they made with God. Faithfulness to one another, respect and love are important qualities for a marriage. Showing forgiveness, practicing peace, and together serving the Lord will help Christians to maintain a health marriage. There are numerous biblical principles that we can apply to the marriage relationship. The verses below are a mere sampling of practices that can help create a healthy, loving marriage that will last a lifetime. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). “Do for others what you would like them to do for you” (Matthew 7:12). “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other” (1 Thessalonians 3:2). “So, encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3). “My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry” (James 1:19). “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Once humankind lost their place in the Garden of Eden and began living in the reality of a fallen, sinful world, we see God’s original design for marriage become twisted (such as biblical figures having multiple wives and concubines), which is heartbreaking and far from the purpose God designed for marriage. Yet when we look to the Bible, we discover God’s truth about marriage versus society’s perverse version. From God’s word, we find that marriage is a holy union of two becoming one, rooted in mutual love, faithfulness, and honor between husband and wife. Photo credit: Pixabay/aliceabc0 Pamela Palmer is a writer, chaplain, and the founder of upheldlife.com, the platform on which she produces weekly devotionals and faith resource articles to inspire keeping faith at the center of it all. She lives and thrives on Jesus, coffee, and music. She is in pastoral ministry and gets to share in the emotional and spiritual lives of many people, being a small piece of each journey. Pamela married the perfect man for her and they have two beautiful kiddos. She has been published on herviewfromhome.com and you can follow her at upheldlife.com, or on Facebook.com/upheldlife. Share This Recently Featured Why Does Jesus Care so Much about His Lost Sheep? Clarence L. Haynes Jr. Let’s Dig a Little Deeper with Exegesis Bethany Verrett 10 Beautiful Biblical Truths about Marriage Pamela Palmer Leaders: Are You Fanning the Flame or Snuffing It Out? Clarence L. Haynes Jr. Bible Living Why You Can’t Make a Deal with God Theologically Driven So Busy That I MUST Pray Stephen Altrogge 2 Extremes to Avoid for Evangelizing at Work Theologically Driven 4 Ways to Live in a World That’s Crumbling Mark Altrogge Did Paul Write Hebrews? 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