Marriage Devotional Week 3 "Couples Spiritual Warfare"

Marriage devotional week 3 "Couples Spiritual Warfare"
Matt. 17:21 (NKJV) " However this kind does not out by prayer and fasting".

A little background on this verse. Jesus disciples were trying to cast out a demon and they couldn't do it. Jesus disciples wondered why they couldn't do it and this was Jesus reply " This kind don't come out except by prayer and fating". I picked this verse to start off this teaching because some couples ask this same question except in a different way ( yes me and my wife used to be one of those couples): why isn't my marriage working? why can't I find the right person? Why do we argue all the time? Truth be told no couple has it perfect a 100% of the time. Couples have been a target of the devil since the beginning if you don't believe that then read Genesis chapter 3.

Jesus gave us two important weapons to use against the enemy in this verse prayer and fasting. We must fight a spiritual battle against our enemy the devil since we can't fight this enemy physically. None the less it is still a battle and can take a lot out of person or a couple. On top of prayer and fasting you need long lasting endurance (Hebrews 12:1). You must also realize your life partner is not your enemy, the devil is! You need your partner that is why they get called your better half , don't forget that.

Also do not with hold love and affection from each other except for brief times of prayer and fasting lest the devil wreck your relationship ( 1 Cor. 7:5). The devil isn't compared to a roaring lion seeking who he can devour by Peter for nothing ( 1 Peter 5:8) , the devil lies in wait looking for the perfect opportunity enter your marriage, heart, and home. This is why you must guard your marriage vows and your households and use the weapons of prayer and fasting Jesus gave us against the enemy. Don't forget to use the name of Jesus as well the enemy is subject to his name.

2 Cor. 10:4 ( NKJV) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

Marriage devotional week two

Week two marriage devotional; Ephesians 5:28-31 (NKJV) 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes it, just as the lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 " For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh".

Two become one. What a complex mystery this is. What a beautiful gift it is at the same time. You leave your family and start one of your own and become one with your wife. This becoming one is not just in flesh either in the figurative sense, you literally become of the same mind. You grow in common goals and love of one another. Together you build a household. Together you build a family. You do all things together. You share in trials and triumphs. This great bond is unbreakable when founded on Jesus, this bond is unbreakable when you also stand together as one.

Trials come and threaten to cause division in the household. These trials can be worldly things like money, goods, or pursuit there of and leaving your family behind. Trials also come in the form of blatant sin like adultery. Trials even come as love loss in the relationship. All of these things can rip a relationship to shreds. This is where endurance comes in. Wives have to be strong for the husband when the husband is weak, husbands have to be strong for their wives and kids when their wives can't be. You both have to depend on each other and be there for each other. You can't have division as this hurts the idea of being one flesh and one mind. Jesus said " How can a kingdom divided against itself stand?" it can't! that is why relationships fail.

Paul gave a good image in 1 Cor. 3:13 (NkJV) each ones work will become clear ; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire ; and the fire will test each ones work, of what sort it is. In verse 14 Paul talks about if your work stands the fire you'll receive a reward. In verse 15 Paul talks about your not with standing the fire yet you still being saved through the fire. This applies to marriages and households too. The fires Paul speaks of are trials. Failed marriages and homes get devoured by the trials and this causes splits and divorces, hatred for one another, etc. Some of these relationships get burnt up because they couldn't withstand the trial and so the two people once in love split sometimes mutually sometimes bitterly, either way I would argue it leaves emotional scars. We as Christians understand these trials come and we fight our hardest to not let them engulf our relationships. We have to find ways to endure these fiery trials with out our love for each other growing cold or being quenched. The only thing worse than a lost relationship, is when one goes cold and that passion you once had in your eyes for each other becomes an icy glazed over stare of resentment.

This is apart of being one flesh as well; enduring trials together. Standing by each other no matter what the world tosses your way. I pray for all of you that are married, raising families, and in relationships , that by God's strength you will remain faithful to each other and serve one another. Love each other everyday , life is here today and gone tomorrow, take any second you can,even if it is just a second to let your better half know how much you care, let your families know you love them.

Philippians 2:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Marriage devotional week one

Week one marriage devotional : "Cleaning House"
1 Cor. 5:6-8 nkjv. Your glorifying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven , that you may be a new lump , since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast , not with old leaven, nor  with the leaven of malice and wickedness , but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.  
This verse was written to the church in Corinth in regards to them rejoicing over immorality in the church. Yet this verse applies to our households as well. How often do we let things in to our homes and relationships that do nothing but damage them? How often do we  let temptation take us away from God, our families, and those in need around us? How often do we let our hearts harden in malice when things don't go our way? these are all good questions to spiritually reflect on this week. We also need to think about what areas are we weak in that we need God's strength to cover.
Sin pleases ourselves ( the flesh) but it is a selfish choice that doesn't bring good to ourselves, our families, and it also dishonors God. It is written we are meant to glorify God and not for sin ( 1 Cor. 6:20).  Sin also damages marriages (especially immorality).  Take the time to go the extra mile for your spouse and family this week. Marriages have high divorce rates in this country because of a loss in value in marriage and marriages that are rushed into and not thought about in prayer. Guard your marriage vows. Marriage is the oldest covenant with God and his people.
Also this verse is good for families in the sense it teaches we can't go on living like we were. If you have a family and marriage you can't take the selfish approach and live like you are single. If you take this route your marriage will indeed fail as marriage is bout giving to one another. Also this verse is about getting rid of things that might damage your spiritual life or the church. Yet you could apply to a house or marriage as well. Are you listening to gossip you shouldn't be about your spouse? Are you taking a ton of advice   from people that are not furthering your relationship with your family or God? Are you having the same dusty arguments in your house hold about money, who does more, politics, etc. and all these arguments do is divide your family and do nothing for your  marriage? not all things are profitable! ( 1 Cor. 10:23). 
We need a Godly revival in the house hold. Stand tall brethren in prayer in Christ for families and marriages that are struggling. If sins and sinful things are piling up in your home repent and turn away from what is causing you to sin and move on.

Father's Day Message

Father's day message

Verse 1: Matthew 7:9-11 (NKJV) "Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?" 10 "Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?" 11 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Verse 2: Ephesians 5:23 (NKJV) For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; so let wives be subject to their own husbands in everything.

Verse 3: Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV) And you father's do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Husbands and fathers should be leaders in their house hold, just like Christ is leading the church. Husbands and fathers should accept this role as a leader in humility, with fear of the Lord, to obey God. Verse 1 teaches us a few things. Number one, men should know how to be good to their families. Number 2, God knows what we need and how to provide it. We all need to rely on God as our Father in heaven. Likewise, verse one shows fathers should be good givers to their families. The role of leadership in God's eyes is a good servant, not some one exalted. Which is why I stated earlier leadership should be accepted with humility.

In verse 3 we see an instruction of fathers bringing their kid's up in training and admonition of the Lord. This is an instruction to talk to your children about God and his commands. Also, it is an instruction for fathers to have an active role in their children's upbringing.

Husbands and wives must be loving and caring to one another, this is the biblical way to have a happy family ( Ephesians 5:33). To all of those mourning the loss of your father, I wish comfort through Jesus Christ. To those who can not be with their fathers today due to whatever circumstance, i'm sure you hold them close in your hearts. Peace be with the fathers, that have passed on, may the Lord Jesus Christ bring you the blessed resurrection promised to us, which the faithful all look forward too. Blessed Father's Day.

Mother's Day Message

Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you Deuteronomy 5:16 (NKJV). 

Husbands love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV). 

Parent hood and marriage are both about sacrifice. You can't be selfish and have a good parent child relationship or a good marriage with your spouse. The reason why is God intended both the roles of spouse and parent to be selfless roles. We see a reference of the giving and loving of our spouse in Ephesians 5:25. In Deuteronomy 11:19 you are told to raise your kids right, even to the point of suggesting you teach them at all times, when your sitting, walking, day, night ,whenever, etc. That takes time and yes sacrifice. People don't realize sometimes the sacrifices parents have to make, to teach or care for their children. We sometimes take it for granted, or think our parents always had it easy, or that they will always be around. Same thing with marriage we can take each other for granted or not realize the sacrifices being made by the spouse. Parent hood or marriage are also not always easy callings. There will always be disagreements but by the grace of God a family will stick together no matter what! So, happy mothers day to y'all. God's peace to those that reflect this day on the mother they have lost. God be with you all: Father, son, and holy spirit , amen!

What the Cross Means to me

Hello everyone and greetings in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Before I share the message let’s have a word of prayer. Heavenly father I give you thanks and praise for the gift of Jesus your son to us. By his death and resurrection all of us can be sure of our eternity. In Jesus name amen.

 Tonight I’m going to share a message so important that an eternity hangs in the balance over it. Jesus Christ was crucified, died, rose again, and ascended into heaven all, so we could receive forgiveness. All you have to do is turn to Jesus and accept the gift he is offering which is salvation. If you don’t know that message then I’m glad I got to share it with you.

When I was younger my grandma bought me a small silver cross. I was asked by someone what the cross meant to me? At the time, I was not sure how to answer that question. I was younger and probably just thought it was a nice piece of jewelry. Well, a little more experienced now I can answer that question. The truth is I don’t feel the cross has just one meaning but several. The first meaning, is a fulfillment of God’s promise, of a messiah that would suffer and die for us then rise again. God has a perfect track record of keeping his promises. The second meaning, is ultimately our forgiveness. Jesus death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice for God, so that we may inherit eternal life. The third meaning is, the cross puts our own suffering in perspective. I cannot imagine the pain Jesus endured on our behalf. I don’t think even my greatest pain thus far in life, even comes close to the pain he felt. With the third meaning I’m not trying to down play anyone’s struggles. There is no doubt that the world has a lot of pain. Thank God we have a healer, comforter, and savior all in Jesus Christ. With Jesus and looking at all he endured I know with his help I can make it through any situation. For those of you that are hearing about Jesus and are ready to accept him this closing prayer is for you, also believers if you feel you need this prayer as well.

Closing prayer: Heavenly father I know that I’m a sinner. I know that you sent Jesus to save sinners just like me. I pray that you will heal my heart and soul from any damage sin has caused. I turn fully to Jesus and openly accept him into my heart. I give you thanks heavenly father in the name of Jesus. 

If it is Good News Then Share it!

“If it is good News Then Share it”

                My friend Corey that wants to be a minister. He has a group called Glory to God through Jesus Christ. He made a challenge to his group called the Holy Spirit challenge. Calling people on his page to share more prayers, sermons, and scripture. What a great call.

                Now brothers and sisters in Christ what about us? Are we looking for opportunities to be a light to those around us? Either by sharing our gifts with the less fortunate or just offering encouraging words. What about sharing the good news of Jesus? God never called his followers to withhold gifts or the gospel. God called us actually to help the less fortunate and to preach. If it is good news? Why keep it to yourself? The world is broken and needs more good news.

                Sharing a word of prayer can be of great encouragement too. You would be surprised what little things can brighten someone’s day. God cares so much for his children and is eagerly awaiting for people to deny their old selfish ways of the flesh and turn to him and walk in his spiritual ways. Jesus made the path to God we just have to walk down it, by trusting in Jesus and walking in life by his example. Following Jesus’s example by helping others and setting higher standards for ourselves than the world gives. Jesus had his will aligned with God’s not his own. Jesus walked the Earth teaching, caring, healing, and denying himself to any temptation or anything outside of God’s will every step of the way. What a great example to follow.

Closing prayer: Glorious God we give you thanks on this day for your word in the scriptures. Enlighten us today with your word and fill us with your spirt, through Jesus Christ our Lord amen.

Scriptures to reflect on: Matt. 28:19, Mark 16:15, Colossians 1:23, and Romans 12:15. 

Spectators and Witnesses

“Spectators or Witnesses”

When you think of a spectator, what comes to mind? When I think of a spectator I think of an onlooker. I think of Jesus crucifixion many watched or mocked him, on his way to suffer death. When you think of a witness what comes to mind? Is it some dramatic justice TV show? What comes to my mind when I think of a witness, is someone brave enough to talk about what they felt or observed, in any given situation. A witness to me is an active role. While a spectator is more of just a watching role or someone that goes with what the rest of the crowd, like at a concert one applauds they all applaud. A witness I could see going against the grain if it means getting the truth out there.

We should fit into the category of witnesses. We should be active participants in our faith. John put it this way in his epistle, we have seen and testify the Father has sent the son to be the savior of the whole world (1 John 4:12-14 NKJV). Notice that John said testify, this is just like what a witness does on the witness stand in court, where you expected to always tell the truth. Likewise we as believers, should always speak the truth according to what the gospel teaches. The apostles were active witnesses of Jesus and God. An example of them being active witnesses, is when the apostles received the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:4 (NKJV). Some of the people watching mocked but they still preached. Saint Stephen gave a powerful Sermon before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7(NKJV), before getting stoned to death. He still went up and delivered a testimony before the Sanhedrin likely knowing the consequences, this was a time of great persecution for the Christians.

An important thing to realize is testifying to the truth, will probably not make you popular. Some trapped in the world’s many desires, still don’t like to hear of repentance or hell fire, just like in Jesus time. Even some Christians don’t like hearing the hell fire messages. A worldly gospel of believe in God it will get you great wealth, is going to attract more people than the truth of that the apostles sacrificed a lot, for the gospel and the early church. Jesus gave it all to do the will of God. Let us remember Jesus warned the world wouldn’t like us because they didn’t like him either (John 15:18-19 NKJV). The good news is if you’re not popular for telling the truth and your faith, it means you are of God, the verse later says. We Christians have a piece of mind knowing while we might not get the most rewards on Earth, we know we have a great eternity waiting for us with God. That is something great to attest too, Jesus saved us and we can have eternal life with God.

May the Lord bless you and keep you all, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit amen.