I love the practical nature of Paul's instructions to the church. Don't sue other believers, flee from sexual immorality, marry or don't marry. If you marry, treat your spouse with respect. If you don't marry, live wholeheartedly for the Lord. But whatever state of life you find yourself in, be content in it. That is so practical and profound. We feel enough pressures from our culture to adhere to certain patterns; marriage, children, home ownership, retirement accounts, estates to leave to our children and before you know it, you have grown old and never had the time or resources to do anything for the Lord.
I appreciate the fact that Paul was never married and spent his life in total devotion to the things of God. He would have been a horrible husband if he had been on his many adventures and been beaten, jailed and shipwrecked all those times with a wife and kids at home. But he loved his life and wished that there were many more just like him who could go all out for God without the worry of how it would affect his family.
But Paul knew that not everyone had his gift and that God can use anyone who is willing to be used, so he gives good detailed instructions about to live Christianly in financial dealings, marriage and interpersonal relationships. I have to remind myself that this was written thousands of years ago because the issues he discusses are still potential stumbling blocks for us today.
each chapter is a book of its own. chapter 6 so much to think about and you can look at the words, and i am sitting here thinking sheep and wolves. i have been in this place. and it wasnt fun. but you have to learn to be patient. continue to believe GOD will deliver you. and learn to love those who have been in a covering that you have never seen before. Discernment would be the correct word for me from now on. I praise my Lord that we have now been washed and are sanctified, and justified in THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, and by THE SPIRIT of our GOD. be very careful in this world. like Paul said Do not be deceived:. I may end up hurting your whole family. If GOD is with you that who can be against you. Believe that. Its so true.
ReplyDeleteDont hurt others. Wednesday night: (STOP IT)
and just turn away. and go pray and ask GOD for forgivness,If you have been wronged GOD will take care of you. The Holy Spirit lives inside you. Sit for awhile and close your eyes and just talk to HIM. Some battles go on for years. and years of hurts, but We will be healed. Sometimes it seems very hard to believe you can be healed. But just keep saying it over and over. I am healed no one is bigger than my GOD. With my LORD there is a SAVIOR. and in this troubled world We need a SAVIOR,.
Marriage: whooooweeeee. yes no yes no yes no okay. i will continue with GOD as my #1 my Husband as my #2 and my family as #3 and so on.
If i continue this way things will work out great. But today's problems are still out in this world as they were over 2000 years ago.
i think, well i feel, i know they are worse.
We have got to be on our toes. I will choose to stay as close as i can to my DADDY!