03.26.08
Why It’s Important To Find A Really Good Way To PROPOSE to your BELOVED?
A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL is something which should come only once in a lifetime. But even if it happens more than once, it is still a monumental occasion. Women dream their entire life about what their proposal would be like, they can paint a picture of what it would be like to the smallest detail. Because of this, a woman who gets a boring or mundane is gravely disappointed.
Any woman who is proposed to by the man she loves is naturally happy, yet, according to surveys, over 80% of women reported that their proposal was far from exciting and that they were disappointed (It is nice to note that many men were proposed to as well, and reported similar emotions). It is also known that often the nature of the proposal influences the response you get. In simple english: if your proposal is original and exciting, you’re more likely to receive a positive answer on the spot.
Why is it important to make your PROPOSAL a great one?
If you don’t want to let your love down, if you don’t want her to be disappointed, if you want that she’ll remember your proposal for the rest of her life, you have to make your proposal special. Furthermore, a great proposal reduces the chance that your life will develop cold feet during your ENGAGEMENT PERIOD.
A PROPOSAL marks the beginning of a new stage in your life as a couple. You have to make sure that it serves as the most beautiful prologue to your MARRIAGE.
Source: EzineArticles.Com
03.25.08
What is a MARRIAGE PROPOSAL at it’s essence?
A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL is the first step toward one of the most life-changing events you may encounter – marriage. This is first step should not be taken lightly or without a great deal of thought. After you propose, you have expressed to that person that you look forward to the day that you can marry and join your lives as one for as long as you both shall live. With this much riding on the proposal, why do so many put so little thought into it?
I believe that it is a lack of understanding of just how important that first step is. When you think about a journey, the first step is very critical. It is the one that your others will be guided and if it is pointed in the wrong direction, the rest of the journey could be astray. By setting a straight and very guided path with your proposal, you enable your journey to the wedding and marriage to be much more aligned in the ways that you would like. But, how do you do this?
One of the best things that you can do to assure that this first step is along the path that you desire is to understand where you really want to go. Have you really thought about what marriage and a life together details? You and your mate will have a host of both good and bad times together. Are you willing to stick with this person when all things seem to be going wrong? When you think about marriage, do you see divorce as an option if it does not work? This mentality of having an “escape hatch” allows you to not fully approach the proposal or marriage as a true commitment. If you can truly envision yourself with this person through any of the hardships that life may bring, you are already aimed in the right direction.
Now, if you are aimed in the right direction, do not take your first step backwards or to either side with a poorly executed proposal. Make sure that the proposal is thoughtful, intimately touches your mate, and is planned in such a way that it can be performed just the way you would like it. The time and effort that you exert to make this first step a success should have great influence on the steps that follow. You and your mate should be able to enjoy a life along the path that you have set the course that will allow you to overcome the odds of the 50% of U.S. couples that divorce annually. My estimation is that they didn’t set the right course and their first steps weren’t in the right direction. Shown by the 80%* of women that report being dissatisfied with their marriage proposals, I think I may be onto something.
Source: Preposals.Com
Making your Engagement PROPOSAL a lasting memory…
The traditional “on bended knee” proposal is tame and predictable, most women prefer a more creative marriage proposal. A unique proposal will stay with her forever, and the memory of a traditional will fade over time. Traditional proposals aren’t for everyone. If fact most would agree the engagement must be unique to the couple and to make that event special and memorable you must remember these three key elements: Setting, Ring, and of course the big question. The key to making your engagement memorable is to make one of these three factors a surprise and the more surprises you can throw at her the bigger engagement memory becomes.
Setting: You need to pick a surprise location for the future bride to be. Keeping the setting a surprise will not give her any time to think forward and know what your about to ask her.
Ring: Once you show the ring it becomes the center of attention. If you use a unique ring or keep it in a unique box or location it will add to the element of surprise. Hiding the ring in a box that doesn’t look like a ring box.
Question: Rather than the usual “down on one knee” approach and the will you marry me question to follow. Try making a quick speech about how you fell in love first before popping the big question! Tell her what it is that made you fall in love.
When planning a proposal it is important to remember that not all these factors needs to be creative to make your proposal memorable and unique. An unusual proposal is something that is unique to the couple and might seem plain and ordinary to others.
Enlisting help from others
Some proposals will require extra help from family members, friends, coworkers etc… It is important that you can trust these individuals not to let the secret get out. Or if the secret gets out it is important that the ones helping you also help to try and change the subject or not give too much information away.
Recreations
Every couple has a special location. Where they first met, first date, favorite movie or even a special hobby they both enjoy. Making a unique proposal can be as simple as recreating one of these events.
Warnings about going to far
Before popping the question in the most unique way it is important to know your woman will consider an over the top proposal to be romantic. A woman who treasures tradition might not appreciate this type of proposal, whereas a traditional woman who values spontaneity may enjoy an outrageous event. Unique marriage proposals must be carefully laid out and judged carefully, you don’t want the bride to be to question if the potential groom really knows her. Done properly a unique and creative proposal can be an exciting and memorable moment in the couple’s relationship as they start a new life together.
Source: OurWeddingProposal.Com
The best ‘T.I.P.’ you may ever receive before PROPOSING…
While many people are aware that over half of the U.S. marriages today end in divorce, most are unaware of a statistic that is even more staggering – Over 80%* of women report being disappointed with the proposals that they received. Are these statistics merely coincidental? Judge for yourself. If you were to ask a group of divorcees and happily married couples about their marriage proposals, you begin to find just how related these are to each other.
Many of those pleased with their marriage began it that way with a thoughtful, heartfelt proposal that left a lasting impression on their minds and usually sparks a smile upon recollection. On the contrary, the divorcees often cite a sporadic, uneventful, or unexciting proposal that can be delivered without drawing much emotion. Understanding this reality, we were encouraged to explore ways to further understand how to create this emotional, memorable proposal.
First, we learned that NO two great proposals are identical and they should not be. Many people try to follow the footsteps of others in how they propose and it just does not work. As much as people or couples are not alike, no two proposals should be identical. That is the reason we don’t follow other services and sites that advertise “this is what our last couples did.” During the consultation process we can provide ideas to spark your own, but the actual proposal is a result of what YOUR thoughts of what will be the most memorable, emotionally attaching, and best suited for you and your mate. Second, preposals has found and will freely share what we feel is the most important T.I.P. regarding the ultimate proposal:
T – Thoughtfulness (Knowing the relationship, your mate and yourself)
I – Intimacy (The ability to touch the recipient like no one else)
P – Planning (Putting effort behind your thought to make it a reality)
When you use our T.I.P. for marriage proposals, you do the following:
- Show a level of devotion to your mate that can be referenced in turbulent times of the relationship by the effort and thoughtfulness exerted into the proposal
- Provide assurances to your mate of the level of trust, love, and compassion that they can expect you to express throughout the relationship by the degree of thoughtfulness used to create this proposal
- Present to your mate a long-term approach to the relationship with the planning required to bring your proposal thoughts into action. You wouldn’t put that much effort into something that you felt would not be long-term.
Source: Preposals.Com
03.22.08
Using God’s WISDOM in our DISAGREEMENTS…
RULES FOR FIGHTING CLEAN
Don’t bring up past conflicts (Pro. 17:9)
Pro. 17:9 …he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.
As we have mentioned before, settled disputes have to be laid to rest, there must be closure. Bringing up past conflicts is strictly off-limits. In the Gospel accounts, when did Jesus ever remind someone of their forgiven past?
No put-downs, name calling (Matt. 5:22)
Words that the world uses such as “idiot,” “slob” or even “jerk,” “dumb,” or “shut up” have no place in the Christian’s vocabulary and they have no place in the Christian home. According to our Lord (in Matt. 5:22), to call someone such terms is to make us “liable to the hell of fire.”
No sarcasm, ridicule, or insults
Making jokes about people or their behavior is sinful towards God and detrimental towards others. It creates an environment of hostility and cynicism. Sarcasm, ridicule, and insulting words are expressions of anger through the vehicle of humor.
No exaggerating
An easy way of losing credibility is by overstating our case or by shortchanging the other persons’ good side in a conflict. State your case fairly and honestly and give the other person credit where they deserve it. Another important aspect of exaggeration to avoid is in the use of “always” and “never.” Rather than saying that something “always” happens, it is better to say it happens “frequently” or “regularly” or “often.”
No venting of anger (Eph. 4:31)
Eph. 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
v32 And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Sometimes people seem to act as though “he who has the loudest voice wins.” Sometimes it is a power ploy, a sign of frustration, immaturity or a lack of self-control. In actuality, anything that is said in anger can be conveyed just as well in a normal speaking voice. 1 Cor. 13 says that “love is patient”–and this is precisely the virtue that is needed to work things out according to God’s procedures and according to His timing.
When we show anger we show pride–we say, in effect, “I deserve better than this and I demand my rights!” [The only person who really did deserve better treatment was Christ, and He was patient towards those who mistreated Him.]
No punishment or revenge (Pro. 17:13, 24:29)
- Prov. 17:13 He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.
- Prov. 24:29 Do not say, “Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me”
This is very destructive. Parents have the authority to punish their children but adults don’t have the right to punish other adults (we’re not talking about the criminal justice system here). [Every once in a while I hear of a couple where a husband grounds a wife as if she was a child, or a wife destroys her husband's belongings.]
Revenge is also forbidden in a relationship just as it is towards anyone who hurts us. Being a vengeful person is the exact opposite of being a peacemaker.
No “silent-treatment” or avoidance (Eph. 4:26)
Eph. 4:26 says do not let the sun go down on your anger. It’s sub-Christian to be so upset with someone that you attempt to punish them by giving them the “silent-treatment.” Refusing to talk is just as much a symptom of anger as shouting is. [There are cases, though, where it might be best for a time it is best to keep silent or give someone space--but only if not done out of anger or spite.]
Don’t expect people to read your mind
Beware of thinking “this person should know that I like this or that” or “this person should know that I hate it when they do such and such a thing.” These may be expectations from your family background, etc. It’s important to realize ahead of time, that others don’t share all your experiences and may have different opinions that have formed over the years.
Avoid judging motives (Pro. 21:2)
Pro. 21:2 Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.
Since we can never see into the heart, we must be very careful about interpreting someone’s behavior and judging their motivations. We look at the behavior, the Lord looks at the heart.
You don’t have to say everything you think–avoid unnecessary or unproductive comments (Eph. 4:29)
Eph. 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such {a word} as is good for edification according to the need {of the moment,}
Just because two people may be very open with each other it doesn’t mean that they are allowed to gush out with an unrestrained openness. Before saying something questionable, ask yourself: “Is the necessary?” “Will it further godliness?” “Will this contribute towards a solution?” “Is this pertinent to what we’re discussing?” “Will my saying this be more likely to help or to hurt?”
CONCLUSION:
Relationships are an important part of our overall discipleship as Christians. Christ who is the Lord of life is also to be the Lord of our conflicts. Using God’s wisdom and God’s principles in our disagreements we can maximize our unity, exercise our love, and grow in Christian character. Our lives and our relationships will be marked by the difference that Christ alone makes and will be a shining testimony in a selfish and uncaring world.
Source: Biblicalresources.Info
How to solve your CONFLICTS in a Biblical Way…
COMPONENTS OF BIBLICAL CONFRONTATION
This is designed to be a general guideline–not a set of hard-and-fast rules. There are times when wisdom dictates that some of these components are eliminated. I include a full set so that you can draw from them as the need may arise.
I’d like to also add, that this list is for a longer and more formal discussion regarding a problem area in a relationship. The first principle is to…
Affirm both the person and your common goals
When you are confronting someone, first of all affirm whatever positive qualities you can about the person. [You may say that you value this person's friendship and that you've appreciated the contributions they have made to your life.] Secondly, affirm your common goals [you may say something like: "we both want a fair division of labor in the house, and we both want to enjoy a clean house."] [This has the effect of reassuring the person of your Christian love and desire for God's best for both of you. It also reassures him that you are trying not to be unbiblically judgmental.] Next…
State how the problem affects you
Tell the person is such a way that it is clear that you are disappointed or frustrated with something that is the result of this person’s behavior. [It bothers me or hurts me when you do such and such a thing...] It has a far different effect to say how something bothers you rather than simply to point to the person’s conduct. This is especially true if the person you are confronting is a committed Christian, because if they are, they will be aware of their obligation to love you and not offend you.
Use questions effectively
Use questions to learn the facts and to clarify matters. Look for opportunities to turn criticisms or suggestions into question form. Instead of saying “That is sure a dumb thing you’re planning to do” you can say “Do you think that’s a wise thing to do?” Instead of saying “I think you should stop subscribing to 14 useless magazines every month” you could say “Have you considered using the library for these magazines?” Questions like these soften the tension and provoke thought rather than emotions.
Offer help: substitute behavior
If someone makes you unhappy enough that you feel it warrants confronting them, don’t just tell them what they did that bothered you. Tell them what they could have done that would have avoided this problem. This is similar to the put-ons and put-offs in Scripture. God doesn’t just tell us what we shouldn’t do–He tells us what we should be doing instead.
EXAMPLES: “Instead of putting this thing here where it gets in the way, could you put it somewhere else please?” of “The way you told me that the dinner was cold seemed a bit harsh and made me feel belittled. If this happens again sometime and you want to inform me that the meal needs to be warmed up, I would rather that you say it this other way instead.”
Enlist the help of each other
If there is a pattern of repeated improper behavior (and you have already spoken to the person about it) you can ask them what they think you should do to eliminate the problem. If you said something too harsh to another person, consider asking them what you should have said instead that would have expressed your views without offending them. [If they tell you what to say and you say it next time they lose the right to complain about it.] This is a “mutual-teacher” perspective. It is especially effective in husband-wife relationships where commitment is involved. [In my relationship with Allison, she is the best teacher on how to love her and how not to offend her. Throughout our marriage she and I are teaching each other and learning from each other how to love one another better.]
Ask what you can do to improve the situation
This is related to the previous principle. Even when confronting another person who may be primarily (or perhaps entirely) responsible for causing a problem, you can ask if there might be something that you are contributing to the problem.
Discuss until you arrive at a RESOLUTION
This is the whole point of Biblical conflict resolution. We’ll address this in more detail in the next overhead.
Reaffirm each other and your common goals
After working on your differences, it is good to come full circle and reassure each other (particularly in a marriage relationship) and to reaffirm your common goals. You both want a happy harmonious home. You both want an orderly schedule and a fair division of labor. You both want to be wise stewards of your resources. You both want a clean, well-managed home. You both want to honor the Lord in your marriage and family.
Pray together
Following this it is helpful to pray. You can pray for your common goals, pray for God’s best in both of your lives, pray for wisdom and enablement, or even pray for forgiveness and healing in your relationship.
Change the subject
After you’re finished working on the problem and have resolved it peacefully, the silence afterwards may be especially tense. You can break this tension and perhaps dispel an atmosphere of gloom and hurt by changing the subject and moving on to something new.
PREREQUISITES
Before we can do the right thing in a confrontation we must first be the right kind of people. This is a non-negotiable given. If we fail to exhibit godly Christian character, then no “how-to” methods, no matter how successful, will work.
The first prerequisite is humility. This is so important. Why? Because we have to look to ourselves and to our own weaknesses and feelings to keep things in proper perspective. We need humility to keep from exalting ourselves or arguing from the vantage point of supposed superiority.
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted.
The second prerequisite is love. If you don’t love the person you don’t have a right to confront them. If you don’t have love for the person you confront you won’t have the attitude of desiring God’s best for him or her.
The Bible says: “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him.” (Ro 15:1-2)
The third prerequisite is patience. We need patience in order to have proper self-restraint and we need patience to hear the other person out. Impatience is a source of anger and intolerance—and it has no place in conflict resolution.
A fourth prerequisite is to be without hypocrisy. If we are living a deluded lifestyle, contrary to God’s purposes for our lives, we can’t see clearly enough to qualify for correcting other people. If we want to confront somebody about an area of sin (or even of non-moral issues) we must first have demonstrated victory in this area ourselves.
- 1 Cor 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful
- 1 Cor 13:5 it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful
The prerequisites for receiving correction in a God-honoring manner are similar. Humility is needed to keep the focus on God’s glory and our growth. Humility is needed to keep from getting resentful. Secondly we need a growth-orientation–a perspective that says “I must grow at all costs;” “God may use confrontation as a tool to bring me where I ought to be.” Finally, teachability is important because it puts us in a receptive frame of mind. The book of Proverbs has much to say about those who receive instruction and those who don’t.
Source: Biblicialresources.Info
03.21.08
The GREATEST LOVE of ALL…
“For GOD so LOVE the world
that He gave His only begotten Son
that whoever BELIEVES in Him
shall not perish but have
everlasting LIFE…”
~John 3:16~
It is my heartfelt prayer that each one
will have a blessed Good Friday
meditating on the LOVE of the ONE
who died on the CROSS for US…
The GREATEST display of LOVE
that the WORLD has ever seen…
When our Heavenly Father gave His Son
Jesus CHRIST for the ATONEMENT
of the SINS of the WORLD….
BEG for LOVE?
Just as we don’t have to “BEG” the SUN for its RAYS,
and the OCEAN for it’s soothing calming sound waves
We don’t have to beg for the MOON and the STARS
to light our paths in the darkeness of the night.
We don’t have to beg for the FLOWERS to BLOOM
in SPRING TIME and display variety of beautiful colors
for our eyes to feast on and sweet fragrance for us to enjoy.
We don’t have to beg the BIRDS to chirp and joyfully sing
in the background for us to listen to…
We don’t have to beg for the NATURE and
God’s wonderful CREATIONS to display
it’s BEAUTY and SPLENDOR…
They just DO!
Just like YOUR LOVE for me
SWEET and TENDER…
Just like YOUR PROMISE
unfailing and TRUE…
I don’t have to BEG for YOUR LOVE
it is enduring, endless, matchless
and more than I imagined…
I am SECURE that NOTHING
can separate me from YOUR LOVE…
Beyond measure and above any other
TREASURE that I can possess and own
YOU LOVE ME…
I never have to beg for it
and it simply AMAZES me that
YOU just DO!
03.20.08
How can I KNOW who to MARRY?
Consider Character
What kind of person would you want to perform heart surgery on you? Would you want someone who was a regular user of cocaine, a psychopathic killer, or a medical intern who had cheated his way through medical school? Probably none of the above, right? You would want someone who was a qualified and competent doctor, someone who was prepared for the surgery he was to perform on you.
So too, you need to be sure that the person you choose to marry has the right qualifications to be your husband or wife. This doesn’t mean that you should hand out test forms to everyone you date, but it does mean that you should be aware of what traits are desirable in a spouse, and what to watch out for. And perhaps most important of all —what you expect from others should also be evident in your life!
What character traits were important in the case of Isaac and Rebekah? As Eliezer came into the town of Nahor, he prayed and asked the Lord to point out a certain kind of young woman; and I don’t think he was just asking for some arbitrary signs. Eliezer asked the Lord to bring to him a young woman whose actions would display a submissive, humble, servant attitude. Those character traits would be revealed by her willingness to give a drink to Eliezer and his camels (Gen. 24:13-14).
When Rebekah fulfilled those requirements, the account says that Eliezer watched her closely to confirm if she was the one for Isaac (v.21). As the situation unfolded, she displayed a sensitivity to the Lord by her willingness to go with Abraham’s servant–even after she heard his amazing story.
In verse 16, Rebekah is described as being very beautiful and a virgin. I’m sure that her natural beauty didn’t hurt her chances, though we can’t be sure that her beauty was a determining factor. We can be fairly sure, however, that her virginity was an important issue. The Old Testament law was very strict about sexual behavior (Dt. 5:18; 22:13-21). Deception at the time of marriage about one’s sexual purity could even lead to the death penalty (v.21).
What character qualities are important for people entering marriage today? Here are some traits you should look for in others and develop in yourself:
1. Willingness to serve, humility. He or she should be able to live in harmony with others, be willing to associate with people of low position, not be conceited (Jn. 13:1-7; Rom. 12:16). Above all, he or she should be willing to serve you.
2. Sexual purity. Sex was designed for marriage. You should be saving yourself for someone who has been saving himself or herself for you (Rom. 13:13-14; Heb. 13:4).
But what if you or the person you are interested in was sexually active in the past? Have you forfeited the privilege of a happy marriage? No. You will have to deal with the emotional scars of those previous sexual activities, but by God’s grace and mercy any person can be completely forgiven and purified by Christ (2 Sam. 12:13; 1 Jn. 1:9).
According to recent surveys, the odds are that many singles who read this booklet will have already engaged in sexual activity. So do you throw the standards out the window? Of course not. Sin never makes lawlessness okay. Our sin only makes us need God’s mercy and forgiveness more desperately.
The problems in your sexual past or your future marriage partner’s sexual past could be deepseated personality issues. You would be wise to make sure that the past has been properly dealt with and that sinful sexual behavior patterns have truly been broken and left behind. Otherwise, those same character weaknesses will reappear in the future and threaten your marital sexual relationship. It would be wise to talk over these issues with your pastor or a Christian counselor and make sure that you and your future partner have truly put the past behind and are committed to sexual purity.
3. Devotion to Christ. You should settle for no less than a believer who is spiritually sensitive to the Lord and desires to live for Christ (2 Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 4:17–5:20; Phil. 3:7-16; 1 Jn. 2:15-17).
4. Right priorities. The one you choose to commit your life to as husband or wife should not be committed to money, pleasure, or popularity (Eccl. 2:1-11; 5:8-17; 6:1-12; Mt. 6:33; Rom. 12:2; 1 Tim. 6:10; Heb. 13:5).
5. Right beliefs. Don’t marry a heretic! You don’t have to agree on every minor issue, but make sure that you agree on the biblical basics of sound doctrine (1 Jn. 4:1-6).
6. Commitment to church. God did not intend the Christian life to be a game of solitaire. He designed the church to meet our needs and for us to serve others. You should agree on this issue with your future mate (Eph. 4:1-16; Heb. 10:24-25).
7. Loving attitude. This is the most basic characteristic that every believer should possess (Jn. 13:35; Gal. 5:22; 1 Jn. 3:11-20). Don’t marry a grouch! I can’t imagine why such people would attract any prospects, but they do—by hiding their true character and by luring with other qualities. The wisdom of Proverbs warns us that being married to an irritable and contentious person can be torture! (19:13; 21:9,19). Examine your relationship and see how you get along. Are you always bickering? Do you feel verbally or emotionally abused?
8. Self-control. Does the potential mate show restraint when angered? Is he or she addicted to alcohol, drugs, food, sex, work, sports, or impulse buying? (Prov. 23:20-21; 25:28; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 5:15-18).
9. Honesty. The writer of Proverbs said that “an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips” (24:26 NIV). If a person truly loves you, he or she will show that affection with honest words.
10. Beauty below the skin. The Lord looks for attractive inner qualities in a man and a woman; should we do any less? (1 Sam. 16:7; Prov. 11:22; 31:13; 1 Pet. 3:2-5). Beauty is only skin-deep, but character goes right to the bone. You should find your mate to be physically attractive to you, but that’s not as important as inner attraction.
11. Responsibility. Don’t marry a selfish, lazy person who lacks the desire or the means to fulfill certain responsibilities. Rebekah and her father could tell from Eliezer’s gifts and his description of Isaac that he would be able to take care of her needs (Gen. 24:22,35,53). That sounds coldly practical, doesn’t it? But contrary to some opinion, you can’t pay bills with promises of love.
In 1 Timothy 5, the apostle Paul said, “If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (v.8). Paul didn’t mince words, did he? If you shouldn’t marry an unbeliever, you certainly should not marry a person whose financial irresponsibility and laziness make him “worse than an unbeliever.” The “sluggard” who is mentioned so often in Proverbs is a person to be avoided as a mate (24:30-34).
12. Good relationship with parents. How a person relates to his parents will tell you a lot about his character. God places great value on showing respect and honor for parents (Eph. 6:1-3).
How can expectations be too high or too low? Some people may expect perfection while others don’t expect enough. The problem with any kind of list (like the one above) is that we can make impossible demands on another person. Certainly the basic spiritual and character qualities should be there, but we cannot expect a person to be perfect. There’s no such creature on this planet! So be reasonable. Don’t budge on the major issues, but allow room for growth of character. The important matter is whether or not the person you marry is devoted to Christ and is allowing God to work in his or her life to become more like Jesus Christ.
And one other practical note: Don’t choose someone with the idea that you will be able to drastically alter his or her character after the wedding ceremony. Be prepared to live with that person even if he or she never changes!
Thinking It Over. What area of your life needs some prayerful attention? Would you be a good “catch” for someone looking for a marriage partner? If you are thinking about marrying someone, do you know that person well enough to conclude that he or she would help your relationship with Christ?
Source: Growthtrac
BLESSED is HE who CONSIDERS the POOR…
“He who has pity on the POOR lends to the Lord,
And He will pay back what He has given.”
~Proverbs 79:17~
God associates Himself with the poor by taking their plight personally. He promises to repay those who care about the marginalized and show kindness to the poor.
“Blessed is he who considers the poor;
The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive,
And he will be blessed on the earth;
You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.
The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness;
You will sustain him on his sickbed.”
~Psalm 41:1-3~
Sheltering a homeless family,befriending a frightened stranger, visiting a despondent prisoner, or feeding a hundry child is a wise investment. The Lord Himslef will repay us, not necessarily with wealth and comfort, but with honor of reflecting His CHARACTER by the SACRIFICE we made on behalf of the poor.
Caring for the POOR is a MANDATE from God…
“And you shall not glean your vineyard,
nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard;
you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger:
I am the LORD your God. “
~Leviticus 19:10~
Caring for the poor and the stranger (alien), those often left to fend themselves, is a mandate from God punctuated by a thundering “I am the Lord Your God.” To be sure that “the least of these My brethren” were not ignored, God instructed His people not to sweep throught their fields a second time to harvest the maximum crop yield; instead they were to leave what remain for those in need. God’s stated concern that his people care practically for the disadvantaged proveides enlightening insight into His heart.
“And the King will answer and say to them,
‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one
of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
~Matthew 25:40~
Defending The RIGHTS of the POOR…
“Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
Open your mouth, judge rightly,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
~Proverbs 31:8-9~
The work of God’s people in behalf of the poor must be more than the periodic prayer or a check written to a relief agency. God commands us to do as He does by actively defending the rights of the needy, advocating for them, and coming to their aid when we see them oppressed, discriminated against, or mistreated.
“Arise, O God, judge the earth;
For You shall inherit all nations.”
~Psalm 82:8~
We must speak up for the marginalized if, because they are poor, they are treated unfairly in the line at the grocery store or at a restaurant. We are God’s ambassadors, acting on His behalf to defend those who are violated.
Our Prayer: Heavenly Father, bless us today to care for the poor and the needy knowing that you love them. Open our eyes to see every opportunity for us to act in Your behalf as Your ambassador of love and kindness to the poor and needy people around us to bring honor and glory to You. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
