Month: January 2024

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin.

This powerful quote speaks to the idea that in a strong marriage or relationship, both partners must continuously grow and evolve together, supporting each other through ups and downs, and finding new ways to love one another over time. Rebuilding marital and relational walls through scripture is a beautiful and transformative journey. The Bible offers profound wisdom and guidance for nurturing healthy relationships and restoring broken ones. Here are some key scriptures and principles to consider:

1. Foundation of Love: Ephesians 4:2-3 – “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.” Love forms the cornerstone of any relationship. Cultivate humility, gentleness, patience, and peace in your interactions.
2. Forgiveness: Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Forgiveness is essential for healing and restoration. Letting go of resentment and choosing to forgive as God forgives us can mend even the deepest wounds.
3. Communication: Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Communication is vital in relationships. Practice active listening, speak respectfully, and seek to understand each other’s perspectives.
4. Unity: Philippians 2:2 – “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Strive for unity and harmony in your relationship. Align your goals, values, and attitudes to strengthen your bond.
5. Servanthood: Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Serve one another selflessly, considering each other’s needs above your own. Acts of service foster intimacy and build trust.
6. Patience and Perseverance: Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Relationships require patience and endurance. Stay committed to reconciliation and growth, trusting in God’s timing.
7. Seeking Wisdom: James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Turn to God for wisdom and guidance in navigating challenges within your relationship. Prayerfully seek His direction and discernment.
8. Gratitude and Appreciation: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and appreciation for your spouse. Acknowledge their strengths, efforts, and contributions regularly. Helping you build intimacy for one another.

By incorporating these biblical principles into your marriage and relationships, you can rebuild and strengthen the walls of love, trust, and unity. Remember, God’s grace and power are sufficient to overcome any obstacle or hardship you and your partner may face. “For my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Heavenly Father,

May these scriptures serve as a biblical foundation for those who need your loving guidance and support in their marriages. I pray that your word will build up those torn down, strengthen those who have become weak, and give hope to those who have become discouraged. Let your Grace and Mercy cover those hurting and be a wall of protection around them and save those who may be facing separation or divorce. In Jesus Name. Amen!

In the grand tapestry of human existence, the concept of rising through sacrifice stands as a profound testament to the inherent goodness and potential for growth within each individual. This principle illuminates the path toward spiritual elevation and communal upliftment and is rooted deeply in the pages of the Bible, As we delve into the scriptures, we will discover profound insights that guide us toward a life of selflessness, service, and transcendence.

At the heart of this journey lies the fundamental truth articulated in Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Here, the apostle Paul encapsulates the essence of rising through sacrifice – the willingness to prioritize the needs of others above our own desires. It’s a call to embrace humility, recognizing that true greatness is not measured by personal achievements but by the extent to which we contribute to the well-being of those around us.

Moreover, the Gospel of Mark echoes this sentiment in Mark 10:45, where Jesus himself declares, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus’s life serves as the ultimate exemplar of sacrificial love, a beacon of light guiding us toward a higher purpose. His willingness to lay down his life for the redemption of humanity exemplifies the transformative power of selflessness. Through his actions, we learn that true fulfillment is found not in the pursuit of personal gain, but in the service of others.

The narrative of sacrifice is intricately woven throughout the biblical narrative, manifesting in thousands of forms that inspire and challenge us. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers to present their bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” This profound injunction beckons us to offer ourselves wholly – mind, body, and soul – to serve God and humanity. It’s a radical call to abandon the trappings of self-interest and embrace a life characterized by radical love and devotion.

Furthermore, Hebrews 13:16 underscores the transformative power of sacrificial deeds: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Here, the writer of Hebrews emphasizes the intrinsic link between sacrificial giving and divine favor. When we extend ourselves in acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity, we not only bless others but also find favor in the eyes of the Divine. Our sacrifices become offerings of worship, ascending as fragrant incense before the throne of God.

In contemplating the concept of rising through sacrifice, we inevitably encounter the profound paradox articulated in Matthew 16:25: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” This paradox lies at the heart of the Christian faith, challenging us to relinquish our grip on worldly comforts and embrace a life of radical surrender. In letting go of our own agendas and desires, we discover a deeper, more abundant life rooted in communion with God and service to others.

In conclusion, the biblical narrative resounds loud and clear the call to rise through sacrifice – to transcend the limitations of self-interest and embrace a life of radical love and service. As we immerse ourselves in the timeless truths of scripture, we are beckoned towards a higher purpose, a nobler calling that transcends the ephemeral pursuits of this world. May we heed the words of Jesus, who declared, “Greater love has no one than this: than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13), and in doing so, may we truly rise to the fullness of our humanity.

Heavenly Father,

May we seek to fulfill the longings of scripture, that will propel us to service and the betterment of all mankind, as we strive to live a life worthy of your calling. In Jesus Name! Amen.

“I repeat, be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do.” Joshua 1:9 NET

Have you ever worked so hard to put something together and just before you got ready to bring the finished product to fruition, the bottom began to fall out! You can literally look to the Lord in disbelief and wonder how could this be? In the Book of Joshua chapter 7 verses 1-26. Joshua found himself in a similar situation, where the account of their defeat against Ai left him in a profound sense of distress, panic and almost disbelief.

Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, had experienced triumphant victories in the conquest of Jericho, but was faced with very different results during the battle at Ai. The Israelites, were confident after their previous success and sent only a small force to conquer Ai, assuming it would be an easy task. However, to their astonishment, the smaller Ai forces overcame them, leading to a resounding defeat.

Upon learning of the unexpected failure, in a panic Joshua tore his clothes, in deep anguish and distress! He had led his people through the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho, now he has found himself grappling with the shock of defeat. The panic among the Israelites was palpable as they realized that their winning shrink had just been shattered! A feeling, I myself had just experienced. Like Joshua in response to my crisis, I looked to the Lord for His divine guidance.

As Joshua fell prostrate before the Ark of the Covenant, pouring out his concerns and seeking answers from the Lord. The divine response that followed included instructions for identifying and addressing the sin that had tainted the Israelite’s camp. Their disobedience compromised their spiritual purity and as a result, God withdrew His favor during the battle at Ai. The discovery of Achan’s sin and the subsequent removal of the devoted items from the camp helped pave the way for the restoration of divine favor and the eventual victory over Ai. This episode underscores the importance of our obedience and how it affects our purity when we walk in disobedience to the Lord.

As I meditated on God’s response to Joshua and the Israelites, I began to pray for insight as well. “Lord, shine your light on what is hidden” and sure enough sin was likewise in the camp. I was able to see more clearer the areas that demanded change. Painfully, God revealed persons in my circle that needed to be removed, in order to successfully fulfill my destiny. In prayerful obedience I began to move what needed to be moved and changed what needed to be changed. Thankfully, God in His great mercy brought restoration through my obedience.

Like the defeat at Ai, this serves as a pivotal moment for me as well, highlighting the complex interplay of faith, human error, and divine intervention. It also demonstrates Joshua’s resilience in the face of adversity and the significance of seeking guidance in times of crisis. Before we panic we must remember, God in His great mercy always has a plan to restore. Through obedience and restoration He ultimately allowed the Israelites to regain their strength, rectify their mistakes, and eventually achieve victory over Ai, underscoring the redemptive nature of their journey and the great Mercy of our God! Hallelujah!

Heavenly Father,

Just as you told Joshua, “Don’t be afraid and don’t panic!” (Joshua 8:1) Help us to see that through our obedience you will always cause us to succeed when we follow your divine leading. For you alone Lord are our refuge, our place of safety, our God whom we trust.” (Psalm 91:2).

In Jesus name,

Amen

When the storms of life begin to rage, we must learn to search the scriptures to find the promises of God. I personally look for scriptures that speak directly to my situation and began to pray the word of God over my life, then thankfully meditate on those scriptures with an expectancy to see God move. For Colossians 4:2 encourages us to “Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God. The one thing I was assured of in my scripture search was God’s word was the truth and the binding authority on the matter! As “I kept my mind steadfast on Him, He kept me in perfect peace, because I trusted in Him.” Isaiah 26:3.

Regardless, of what I encountered, I remained steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that my labor here on earth would not be in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58. Victory for the believer in Christ is knowing, the battle has already been fought and won on Calvery over two thousand years ago. The renewed mind is the one battle that continues to wage on in the flesh. In order to overcome this struggle you must seek God’s Grace to help you renew your mind. We are instructed according to Romans 12:2  “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and His perfect will.”

May God grant us wisdom for long life in this new season. When we walk in wisdom “long life is in her right hand;  in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;  those who hold her fast will be blessed.” Proverbs 3:16-18. We must “set our minds on things that are above , not things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2. We must strategically divise a plan, without distractions to study the word, to build capacity for transformation and meditaite on scripture. (Philippians 4:8, Joshua 1:8 & Psalm 1:2).

Let us this year “Put off the old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24.

God has a plan for each of us. We must rely on the Holy spirit’s leading and “Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct our paths.” Proverbs 3:4-5.

Heavenly Father,

Let your wisdom be our guiding light. May it lead us down that path that leads to long life. Fill us with a hunger and thirst after your righteousness that we may be filled. Create in us clean hearts and renew the right Spirit within us. In Jesus Name!

Amen.