Power of a Godly Spouse.

This meditation was written because marriage today is being attacked around the world more than ever before. It is sent out with the prayer that you will read it and reflect on what the Apostle Peter had to say and be encouraged in your precious ministry to your family.  

I hope that you will be encouraged to think about, and meditate on, the passages of scripture that God uses to speak directly about marriage and family. It has been my observation and experience that often we read through a passage in the Bible and neglect to pause to reflect on how it should impact our thinking and conduct in our relationships. 

A Word to Wives and Husbands

I Peter 3: 1 – 7 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward–arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel– rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

Husbands, likewise,(in the same way) dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

In this passage we can recognize the impact and power of a godly life upon those closest to us. Consider how the Lord Jesus, your family, friends, and neighbors see you and how they would describe your conduct in the home. Submitting ourselves to being the godly person He describes allows the Spirits transforming power to work in and through our lives. 

As a wife, would your children and your spouse see you in the description here in Peter’s epistle? Do they see a woman who supports and encourages her husband and children, serving gladly from the heart, with a gentle and quiet spirit? Is your family being drawn into a relationship with our Heavenly Father, by observing the purity of your conduct, motivated by the loving reverence of your heart for God?

As a husband, how does your family perceive you? Are you dwelling in the home, participating, interested and actively leading, listening and seeking to understand your wife (and children)? Are you their protector, full of the loving grace of Jesus, and a sincere man of prayer and intercession for your family?

In his letters Peter acknowledges the struggle, the pain, and the need to be reminded of our faith in a Savior that loves us, heals us, understands us, empowers and enables us. He also clearly admonishes us and encourages us to be who God has called us to be. May we never cease to examine ourselves, committing ourselves to obedience, in honoring Jesus, honoring one another, and submitting to one another in the love of our Lord.

Asking ourselves these kinds of questions based on the biblical mandates and calling on our lives is definitely humbling and challenging!

May Your Married Life be a Good Work in the Love of Jesus … Blessings Pastor Vince

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What did Jesus Say Mathew 5:9 Peacemakers

Through the “beatitudes” that Jesus taught to His disciples, we learn about the godly characteristics which the Lord Jesus demonstrates in His own life, and the promised rewards to those who demonstrate these characteristics in their individual lives.

He is still working these (beatitudes) into the lives of His disciples today by His transforming power, and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5: 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.”

In the world we learn the “art of war.” We learn to vanquish our enemies, and win the battle with superior firepower. We learn to overcome others in our relationships by manipulating, coercing and arguing to get our way. These attitudes and behaviors cause breakdowns in all of our relationships and bring conflict rather than peace.  Jesus and His disciples teach us a different way which brings reconciliation and healing for His people.

Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Rom 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Eph. 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Hbr. 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Jam 3:18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

As sons of God (through Jesus Christ) we are learning to be peacemakers offering the world reconciliation to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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What Jesus said; Matthew 5:8 Pure in Heart

Through the “beatitudes” that Jesus taught to His disciples, we learn about the godly characteristics which the Lord Jesus demonstrates in His own life, and the promised rewards to those who demonstrate these characteristics in their individual lives.

He is still working these (beatitudes) into the lives of His disciples today by His transforming power, and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

When we are lost in the world and living by the standards of this insane world our hearts are not pure but rather full of the sinful attitudes and behavior of mankind.

Ephesians 2: 1 – 5 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

Hebrews 10: 19 – 24 “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

As Believers we have been sanctified and cleansed and we do stand before God with pure hearts able to see God and to know Him, our Creator, Savior, and Lord. This  is our eternal blessing (true happiness). 

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What Jesus Said;Matthew 5:7 The Merciful

Through the “beatitudes” that Jesus taught to His disciples, we learn about the godly characteristics which the Lord Jesus demonstrates in His own life, and the promised rewards to those who demonstrate these characteristics in their individual lives.

He is still working these (beatitudes) into the lives of His disciples today by His transforming power, and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5:7  “Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.”

The wonderful lesson of Christ’s gospel is that though we deserve the judgment and condemnation of God for our sins, He chose to be merciful, and sent his Son Jesus to take our judgment on himself, that we might receive mercy. Now having received the blessings of God’s mercy we learn to be merciful ourselves and live under the mercy and love of Jesus. This is truly our blessing (happiness)!

 

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What Jesus Said;Matthew 5:6 (Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness)

Through the “beatitudes” that Jesus taught to His disciples, we learn about the godly characteristics which the Lord Jesus demonstrates in His own life, and the promised rewards to those who demonstrate these characteristics in their individual lives.

He is still working these (beatitudes) into the lives of His disciples today by His transforming power, and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5: 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Many around the world are hungry and thirsty, but some of us have never really known hunger in the sense of being without food, except on the occasion that we choose to fast and pray. During times of hunger we all have strong survival instincts which cause us to diligently search for food. But…The righteousness of God is our greatest eternal need, and the only thing that can satisfy the spiritual famine of our soul.  Jesus is the only source of that righteousness which God mercifully has made available to us through faith in His Son. If we hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness then we must come to Him to be filled.

Rom 8:10 “But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.”

Rom 9:30 “What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, (of their own) have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;”

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What Jesus said; Matthew 5:5 (Meekness)

Through the “beatitudes” that Jesus taught to His disciples, we learn about the godly characteristics which the Lord Jesus demonstrates in His own life, and the promised rewards to those who demonstrate these characteristics in their individual lives.

He is still working these (beatitudes) into the lives of His disciples today by His transforming power, and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

A meek person biblically is not a “doormat”, timid and driven by fear, causing them to be unproductive, nor are they prideful, arrogant, individuals driven by selfish ambition. A meek person biblically is one who has understood the sinful nature of man and his/her own vulnerabilities and sinfulness before God and has repented of that sin and accepted the grace and mercy of the Lord. They are those who have learned the necessity of living in reverent fear and love for their Creator. Meekness is not born out of weakness but of wisdom and understanding leading to reliance on God and trust in His goodness and control over our lives. A meek person is not subject to the lordship of man, but rather to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It stems from trust in God’s goodness and control over one’s life and the situation. The gentle person is not pre-occupied with self. This is a work and fruit of the Holy Spirit in one’s life.

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What Jesus said: Matthew 5:4 (Those Who Mourn)

Through the “beatitudes” that Jesus taught to His disciples, we learn about the godly characteristics which the Lord Jesus demonstrates in His own life, and promises rewards to those who demonstrate these characteristics in their individual lives.

He is still working these into the lives of His disciples today by His transforming power, and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. 

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

In the light of the great, loving, sacrifice of Jesus for our sins we begin to realize the horror, and devastation of sin in our lives and in the world. We learn to mourn for the pain and suffering we have caused, and we learn to grieve for the lost in the world, who are condemned, and have yet to receive the comfort and assurances of forgiveness that the Lord has given us. Lord give us compassion for the lost.

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What Jesus Said; Matthew 5:3 (Poor in Spirit)

Through the “beatitudes” that Jesus taught to His disciples, we learn about the godly characteristics which the Lord Jesus demonstrates in His own life, and promises of rewards to those who demonstrate these characteristics in their individual lives.

He is still working these into the lives of His disciples today by His transforming power, and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5:1- 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”.

By submitting to the life of Jesus, we learn the importance of putting aside selfcenteredness,  pridefulness arrogance, and self-righteousness. We begin to  understand that we are, of ourselves, spiritually impoverished and unworthy of heaven.  As we stand in humble repentance and receive the forgiveness our Lord Jesus, He gives us new life in His eternal kingdom.

Let us reverently see ourselves in the light of God’s splendor, His grace and His love to recognize how poor in spirit we truly are without His Spirit living in us. 

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What Jesus Said; Matthew 5:1 – 12 (Jesus Taught the Beatitudes)

Shortly after Jesus began to call His disciples as He was healing and teaching in the area of the sea of Galilee, He took His disciples aside to a mountainside and taught them what has been called the Beatitudes.

In this teaching our Lord Jesus begins to reveal His own heart and character as the source of true blessing (happiness) for His disciples. By listening (having ears to hear) what Jesus said, we can understand the stark difference between what God desires our character and spirit to be, and who we (His disciples) are in our own fallen (sinful) nature.

Matthew 5:1- 12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:

” Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

There is a battle going on for the souls of mankind. The contrast between evil and good, is symbolized by the very nature of sinful man in contrast to the godly character that Jesus seeks to impart to His disciples (followers). Pride, arrogance, and self-promotion, unrighteousness, injustice, selfish motivation, unforgiveness, bitterness, anger and hatred, are what Jesus is calling us to repent of as we turn to Him and allow Him to transform us into godly people…      (to be continued next Mathew 5:13 – 16)     Blessings Vince

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Tempting God and Being Tempted

At the time that Jesus was enduring the 40 days and nights of fasting in the wilderness and being tempted  by Satan, His responses to Satan teach us some very critical truths for our own lives in Christ Jesus. (See the previous post from Matt 4: “Living by the Word of God”.)

Matthew 4:5 – 10  Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ​‘​He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ​‘​In their hands they shall bear you up, ​​Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”Jesus said to him,   “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’ ” 

As we look at western culture today, it seems that Satan is still tempting many men and women to feel like they are invincible, powerful and able to do dangerous and foolish things without being harmed. The thrill of the adrenalin rush and “challenge of beating death” has become a form of self exultation and self indulgence, tempting (taunting) the Lord God who is the One who gives life and takes it away.

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him,“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

We, like Jesus, were put here for a purpose and it is not for us to “prove” God, (to tempt or challenge Him). And it is not so that we can “gain the whole world” or accumulate the riches that the world has to offer. It is good for all of us to be reminded that our purpose here is not for self-indulgence, self-gratification, or any form of self-exaltation, but rather to live for and glorify our Creator God and Savior. 

Romans 12: 1-2  “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  (In this alone can we find fulfillment and purpose.)


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