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| 5/2/2013 Half Way |
Sociologists say our age is more polygamous than any other in history. Perhaps our polygamy wears a different face, but in principle it is the same. When partners divorce, remarry, divorce and remarry again, they are accumulating spouses. In some areas of our world, the rate is as high as one out of every two marriages dissolving in divorce. This cycle of union and separation is absolutely contrary to God's Word.
The new U.S. Census Bureau data show that the divorce rate, after rising sharply in the early 1970's, has remained relatively stable-not to mention high. Fewer than half the couples who first got married in the late 1970's made it to their 25th anniversary. Of the women who first got hitched in the late 1980's, only 57% reached their 15th anniversary, compared with 79% of brides in the late 1950's.
Jesus says we are to leave our parents and "cleave to" our spouses. The verb cleave suggests there are times when we have to hold on tightly and tenaciously. Paul plainly agrees: Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband (1 Corinthians 7:10). He adds a word to the husbands: ... And a husband is not to divorce his wife (1 Corinthians 7:11).
Marriage, according to God's Word, is to be exclusive. Man is to worship one God and devote himself to one mate. The Old Testament stated that anyone guilty of coming between a husband and a wife would be put to death. Jesus goes even beyond the law forbidding adultery and says that anyone who cultivates the wish to commit adultery is already guilty of it in his heart.
Marriage is a covenant of love and loyalty between one man and one woman. It is a sacred relationship that should not be taken lightly, just as our relationship with Christ cannot be taken lightly.
Matthew 19:6 NIV
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
UNTIL DEATH DO US PART
Although marriage is permanent on earth, it will not last forever. Jesus says it has been ordained for this world only: The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection (Luke 20:34-36).
It is important that we keep this temporal quality of marriage in mind. While in this life, our marriages must last "until death do us part," yet each of us will stand alone before God. Therefore, our marriage must never come before our relationship with Him. Jesus declares in Luke 14:26 that He must come first in all our relationships. If we put Him first, then our love for Him will make all our other loves seem like hate in comparison. Jesus wants first place in our lives.
When Jesus has first place in our lives, we will act with responsibility. We will provide the climate of warmth and fellowship that will make our homes full of love and godliness. Christ has left principles and guidelines to govern every Christian home; and if we really love Him, we will keep His commandments.
Luke 14:26 NIV
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.
A casual reading of isolated passages in Scripture may cause some to feel God is unfair. For example, it seems unjust that the sins of the fathers are visited on the children. However, everyday we see this biblical truth in our world. A baby will be born blind because his mother has a terrible social disease. Statistics show that the children of divorced parents often go through a divorce themselves. God's Word is true in saying: Our fathers sinned and are no more, But we bear their iniquities (Lamentations 5:7).
Yet there is another side. God's Word does say: For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me... (Exodus 20:5), but we cannot stop reading there. God goes on to say: but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments (Exodus 20:6). It takes three or four generations to wash out the evil influence of an ungodly parent. But the influence of godly fathers and mothers is even more extensive, and therein lies the power of healthy and holy families. We can make a difference in our children's lives. The beacon of our life will beam far into the future. It is up to us to make our legacy one of good, bringing blessings on our offspring, rather than one of evil, bringing heartbreak and destruction.
God is not unfair. In fact, He is far more than fair. He clearly tells us of the universal laws and warns us lest we break ourselves on them. May we read and heed
Exodus 20:5-6 NIV
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
GOD'S IDEA
Marriage is not a slot machine. Some people seem to see it as such and invest only a little of their lives, hoping to hit the jackpot of happiness. Such people are often disappointed; and, as a result, they divorce--leaving a trail of tears and tragedy.
Like life, marriage is a long-term investment. Each partner must constantly invest effort and energy to work through problems and develop a meaningful relationship. The first few years of marriage usually have more pain than pleasure. But if the couple is willing to consistently invest understanding, forgiveness, and patience, each member will find the union most rewarding and will reap an excellent harvest of human happiness.
Marriage is indeed a triangle. Husband and wife are the two lower corners, and God the apex. As He draws man and woman to Himself, they naturally are brought closer to each other. One of the great aids in this is daily devotions, both together and alone. Through our times with God, we can resolve our frustrations and discover our potential as a couple.
Psalm 68:6 NIV
God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Red Velvet Brownie Body By Vi shake: The recipe:
2 scoops of Body By Vi Shake mix
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 container red velvet yogurt
8 oz fat free milk (I used unsweetened light vanilla almond milk)
1 Tbsp fat free sugar free cheesecake pudding mix
several drops red food coloring
About 6-8 ice cubes, and blend!
