LOVE YOUR SPOUSE

COMMANDED TO MULTIPLY

GOD TOLD ADAM AND EVE to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen.1:28).  Later, the psalmist wrote, “Behold , children are a heritage from the Lords, the fruit of the womb is a reward…Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate” (Psa.127:3,5).

We believe it is very clear in Scripture that God wants–even commands– married couples to have children.  Of course, there are extenuating circumstances that can cause couples to be childless, but the scriptural norm is for us to “be fruitful and multiply.”

Why?

We don’t believe we’re commanded to have children just to have children.  We believe God wants us to have children so that we can multiply a godly heritage, so that there will be new believers (and we are to make sure we do everything we can to encourage our children to fear and love God) to take the message of salvation to this world’s next generation.

Children are a blessing to those who have made a lifetime commitment to marriage.  But they are also messengers to a world that needs to hear God’s message of love and salvation.

NOTE:  This was taken from Family Life Marriage Bible by Dennis and Barbara Rainey.

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

Saturday – Question & Answer  

Question #1.  I have been separated for more than ten years.  Can I divorce him and ask God for a new husband?

Answer #1.  Separation means that you are still married to your husband.

In Malachi 2:16, God says that He hates divorce.   Considering this important principle let’s go over verses that discuss marriage.

1Cor.7:39 LB  “The wife is part of her husband as long as he lives; if her husband dies, then she may marry again, but only if she marries a Christian.”

Statistics show that within a year after a divorce, 75% of the women usually feel they made a big mistake.

Also the statistics show that 10 years after divorce, the  percentage is even higher that the couple wishes they had not divorced.

1Cor.7:10-13  “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, let not the wife depart (separate) from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife (divorce).  If any brother (christian) hath a wife that believeth not (is unsaved), and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away (divorce her).  And a woman which hath a husband that believeth not, if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.”

God desires our marriage to work.

In Malachi 2, it says that your marriage is his “holy institute” and he loves it!

1Cor.7:15 “But if the unbelieving depart (separates), let him (or her) depart.  A bother or sister (Christian) is not under bondage in such cases: but (nevertheless) God hath called us to peace“.

If a troubling unbelieving spouse leaves, we can interpret it as God giving you the opportunity to have peace.

In Matt.19:8, Jesus says that Moses addressed divorce because of the “hardness of our hearts.”

In other words, this can be interpreted as though he allows divorce because your heart is hard towards your spouse.

Trust God to continue to give you peace and strength to do His will in your life.

Be sensitive and obedient to God’s Holy Spirit.

You can lead a fulfilling and purposeful life in Christ and still glorify God separated till he returns.

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

PMS – PARDON MY SOBBING

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms related to a woman’s menstrual cycle.

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on January 22, 1998.  Cyclical fluctuations in blood levels  of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone play an important role in the syndrome’s onset.  So what may seem to some husbands as the “monster inside” during PMS may indicate the wife falls into the category of severe PMS symptoms experienced by about 2.5% of the female population.

The study provides evidence that cyclical  variations in estrogen and progesterone may lower levels of key brain chemicals, such as serotonin, in some of the women.

Symptoms of PMS usually last for about a week.  The most common symptom is low energy and fatigue. Other symptons are bloating, cramps, craving for sweet or salty foods, sore breasts, swollen feet or hands, headaches, acne and gastrointestinal problems.

Emotional symptoms of PMS are depression, irritability, anxiety, or mood swings.

Do you loose your playful teasing and joking?

Do you loose your carefree joy and instead feel like you are being CRITICIZED?

As hormonal change excels, your self-esteem is affected.

Psa.42:5 “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted in me?   Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”

David talked to himself during his depression.

Romans 12:2 “…be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

You must SET new goals.

Trust in the promises of God.

PMS JOKE:  Definitive Signs of PMS are:

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You’re adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You’re using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says, “How’s my driving?  Call 1 800 ***-****.”
6. You’re sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.

Keep in mind that only 2.5% of women suffer from severe PMS.

Don’t use that as an excuse to ACT ungodly.

There is never an excuse to pattern yourself after anyone but Jesus.

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

MENOPAUSAL  WIVES

Menopause also know as “change of life” for women is a natural biological event in which the menses stops when the function of the ovaries begins to cease.

‘Change of life’ comes from a Greek word the root word which means “a critical time.”

We will be using some comments from the book, Woman, a formula for victorious living by Lu Ann Bransby.

80 years is the life expectancy for woman today.

Complex hormonal shifts change a girl into a woman at puberty, a woman into a mother during pregnancy, and terminate a woman’s reproductive life at menopause.

Eccl.3:1 “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.”

The early signs of menopause mood changes, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and hot flashes.

MENOPAUSE JOKE ON MOODS –

Safety tip: Your safer teasing a grizzly bear than telling a woman in menopause she’s moody.

Joint and muscle aches, urinary problems, and vaginal dryness are some of the late symptoms.

Menopause is God’s creative design for a woman’s body to cease the possibilities of conception.

In a recent BBC news article, “Women are Happier after Menopause”.  It quoted a Jubilee Report where 76% of post-menopausal women said their health was better, 75% said they had more fun, and 93% said they had more independence, and more choice in everything from work to leisure pursuits.

This is a time when women should take care of themselves more than ever before: mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

God ordained changes to be a part of our normal growth.

Psa.56:3 “What time am I afraid, I will trust in thee.”

Remember that you were once an infant, then a pre-schooler, then an adolescent, teenager, adult, wife, mother and you now maybe a wife.

Change is growth and God has always been there for you.

Research the best kinds of medical or natural interventions.

CASE AND POINT:  When I went through menopause I started using natural progesterone.  It was like a miracle, taking away all the symptoms.  You can have a doctor test you and find out if you are low on estrogen or progesterone.  I would suggest that you use a natural form of it since the ones with chemicals have side affects.

Don’t forget to exercise and keep a healthy diet which is beneficial.

Challenge your thinking and renew your mind.

Be a blessing to your spouse and family, by taking care of yourself physically.

The Holy Spirit is there to guide you!

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

BOOMERANG REWARD

A boomerang is a curved piece of wood; when thrown, it will return to the initial position from where it came.

Lets view how this boomerang effect impacted the Proverbs 31 woman as we continue on as a “profile peeker.”

“Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”  Prov.31:31

This is stating that we should give her the reward she has earned and let her enjoy the fruit she has planted.

This is a woman that goes the EXTRA mile and now she is going to be rewarded.

Prov.12:14 “A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of (his) mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.”

THE MESSAGE:  “Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.”

What you give out, you will get back.

Heb.11:6  “…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

God is a very generous rewarder.

Eph.6:8 “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth,, the same shall he receive of the Lord…”

God is watching all the good things that we do in His name and he is now indebted to us to reward us.

He REWARDS us because it is in His word, not because we deserve it.

In Proverbs 2:5-11, there is a list of rewards for obedience.

1.)    Understanding the fear of God.  (v.5)

2.)    Finding the knowledge of God.  (v.5)

3.)    Given knowledge and understanding of God.  (v.6)

4.)    Given sound wisdom of God. (v.6-7)

5.)     Receive true understanding in righteousness, judgment, equity, and every good path.  (v.9)

6.)    Preserved by discretion. (v.11)

7.)    Understand that keeps. (v.11)

“IN THE GATES” refers to a public meeting place where business was conducted, like a city hall.

This shows that this woman was recognized publicly for all the good deeds she did for people.

God wants you known in your community; “…a city set on a hill…” for Gods honor and glory.

It could be assisting in your neighborhood, church, school, work, etc.

God wants us to do our work with zeal. 

Titus 2:14 “…a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

Do you do “good works?”

Okay, but do you do good works with zeal?

Zeal is a feeling of strong eagerness.

Ask God to give you His heart!

Ask God to give you opportunities to do “random acts of kindness.”

Ask God to put you in a ministry that you are gifted for so that you may excel in it.

The Holy Spirit wants to partner with you to make you the spouse and “good worker” you are suppose to be.

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

RUBY RED LIPS

There is a program on TV called “Voice.”  At the beginning of the series, the celebrities have to pick a team of singers.  The catch is that they do not get to see the singers that are auditioning to be on a team.  They only get to hear their voices so their choice of pick is purely on their talent of singing.  After they either pick or reject them, then they get to see what they look like.

It sounds like a great idea to go through life being judged by how we use our abilities and talents rather than how we look.

Everyone is judged  by their looks, especially women.

Lets see how the Proverbs 31 woman dealt with “looks”.

Prov.31:30  “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

The word “favor” in Hebrew is chen.  This means GRACEFUL BEAUTY.

In other words, this would refer to a woman that has charm which is deceptive and beauty that is fleeting.

Will “ruby red lips” work?

There are two things said about external beauty: 1.) it is deceitful,  2.) it is vain.

Beauty many times DISAPPOINTS because the outer cover hides the inner deformities.

TV celebrities are often very DAMAGED people with addictions, troubled marriages, and an array of personal problems.

Vanity implies something that vanishes, and your physical body was not made to live forever.

Do you try to use your sexuality or charm and flirting to make you successful?

Don’t use cheap tricks to get ahead rather than the talents God has given you.

Real beauty is impossible to have unless you have the fear of the LORD in your life.

What causes us to draw near to God is the right kind of fear.

The right kind of fear is respect because he is our caring Heavenly Father who is there for us in the time of need.

Prov.1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

True piety alone commands permanent respect and affection.

Are you concerned about what God thinks?  Or are you more concerned about what other people think?

Do you sacrifice godliness for the latest sexy fashions?

A woman’s beauty cannot withstand the trials of life as they take their toll.

CASE AND POINT:  There was a woman that came to our church about 20 years ago.  She was absolutely beautiful.  She resembled a beautiful  actress in the 50’s named Loretta Young.  She left the church, got a divorce, and started using drugs.  About 10 years later she came back to church for a while.  I was shocked when I saw her.  Her teeth had rotted out, her skin was rashed and discolored.  She could barely walk because the drugs had made holes in her bones.  She was totally unkept.  Her hair was not combed and her dress was very shabby.  This did not look at all like the same woman.  I wanted to cry when I saw her.  She had destroyed her life along with her beautiful looks.

The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 does not depend on beauty and charm to be successful in life.

Choose to age gracefully by realizing that your relationship with the LORD is the most important thing in your life.

With the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, you will truly become more beautiful as each day passes.

Beauty in the HEART puts beauty in the FACE!!!

NO MORE RUBY RED LIPS!!

Put beauty back in your heart right now.

The fear of the LORD opens that door.

Keep fighting the good fight and loving it!

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.   Daily there is a new post.

RED CARPET TREATMENT

One of the main factors in what makes marriages last in a survey, was that each participant had a higher opinion of their spouse than the spouse had of themselves.

Lets see how this applies to the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31.

Prov.31:28 “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”

This is a woman who is honored by her own family members.

There is something special when your own family PRAISES you because they have watched you in every situation and know your true character.

Such encouragement is something that every woman thrives on.

It also reveals what a great character her husband has since he TEACHES his children to appreciate their mother.

You are a blessed woman if your children appreciate you.

CHILDREN usually appreciate their moms when they are little, but as they grow older, they have a tendency to take mom for granted.

Most moms are not fully appreciated till their kids have children.

My husband is a real blessing in my life when any one of my children are not expressing appreciation for something I have gone out of my way to do for them.  He takes that opportunity to tell me how much he appreciates all that I do for his children.

I try not to be a sensitive person concerning my feelings but my husband can tell when I am deeply hurt about something.

Each day brings new opportunities for us to MENTOR and be a part of our children’s lives.

As our children mature they become grateful at how we shaped their lives.

This virtuous woman seeks FIRST the kingdom of God and that is why praises were added on to her.  (Matt. 6:33)

In 1902, the New York Central Railroad used plush crimson carpet to direct people as they boarded their 20^th Century Limited passenger train.  This is believed to be the origin of the phrase “red carpet treatment” according to Wikipedia.

The Proverbs 31 woman, was given the “red carpet treatment” of praises, by her beloved husband and children.

Do those who know you the best, praise you the most?

Do you GIVE loving discipline and gentle guidance?

Is wise counsel on your available lips?

Are you a GODLY example?

If you have invested yourself into those you love, you will be rewarded by them.

There is no GREATER happiness than to have your children and husband reverence you.

If you seek praises as your number one goal, you will never find it.

Woman who SEEK the Lord first, find true praises.

Is your heart devoted to Him?

God SATISFIES the heart that is devoted to him.

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT AND LOVING IT!!

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.

TODAY’S MARRIAGE MINUTES

“If I could, I would tell my wife to start…”

*  Being more aggressive

*  Initiating the lovemaking

*  Being in a better mood

*  Enjoying sex

*  Being more spontaneous

*  Being more playful and having a good time

*  Telling what she wants and what she enjoys

*  Losing weight

*  Focusing on my needs and feelings more

*  Talking more of an interest in our physical relationship

NOTE:  This is from Growthtrac Marriage Minute

SATURDAY –  QUESTION & ANSWER  

Question #1.  What do I do when my husband just does not care about anything in church or in our home?

Answer #1.  It sounds like your husband is apathetic.  That is when a person has an absence of emotions or enthusiasm.  In other words, he isn’t excited about anything.

There can be a number of reasons for that.  I remember counseling a woman who didn’t agree with the discipline her husband was giving the children.  She never got along with him and one day God revealed to me that he had given up.  He had no say in the home or with his children anymore.  She did what she wanted and would fight to the finish to do things her way.  In the end, he let her do everything her way and he became the bitter, angry husband.

Titus 2:4-5 are eight priorities that you should be fulfilling.

Are you sober?  Do you use common sense?

Do you love your husband?

Do you love your children?

Are you discreet?   Courteous?  Honest?  Gracious?

Are you chaste?  Modest?

Are you a keeper at home?  Not social-networking or busybodying?

Are you good?

Are you obedient to your husband?

If you fall short in any of these areas, it can be very frustrating for your husband.

Remember that he married you to have fun!!

Not for you to come home from church and preach to him.

You are his helpmeet, his girlfriend, his cheerleader and his friendly friend.

Prayer is the answer for everything.  Don’t say anything negative and just pray!  You WILL see a CHANGE!

Ask God to help you in this area.

Your marriage is His “Holy Institute”.

FAMILY SPY

Is there a spy lurking in your house?

CASE AND POINT:  I remember we had purchased these two Shih-Tzu puppies.  They were as cute as can be and would get lost in our house by  crawling into my husband’s slippers.  One of their favorite things to do was to get into any bag that we brought home from the store.  Some days we would come home from shopping and put our purses or bags down and go take care of other issues that were more important at that moment.  By the time we returned, all packages were ripped open and everything was mauled.  The inside of our purses would be left with ripped gum or mint packages with the contents gone.  Lipsticks would be eaten away.  If guests left their purses down, we would end the evening with apologies of the actions of these little critters.

These puppies watched every move we made and spied out every bag that came into our house.

These puppies did this for SELFISH reasons, but as we read about this Proverbs 31 woman, we see some similarities.

Let’s continue to take another “profile peek” into this virtuous woman to dissect her actions.

Pro.31:27 “She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness.”

This verse implies that she was a watchman over her home:  A SPY.

A definition of a “watchman” is a person who watches over and protects property, assets or person.

This godly woman is alertly looking for any danger that may hurt her family.

Are you WATCHING out for all the dangers on the internet?  Pornography?

Do you know where your children are and who they are with?  How about evil companions?

What about UNGODLY entertainment?  Are you aware of their choice in music and what your family is watching on television?

Your number one job as a parent is to be fully aware of what is happening in your child’s life.

Just like our puppies, you need to get into those bags and SNIFF OUT anything you need to look through.

Are your children attending church services?  Are they praying?  Are they reading Gods word?

This is all a part of your family responsibility!!

The next issue in this verse is that she did not indulge in slothfulness.

She is an ENERGETIC, organized person who carries out all her household responsibilities.

The word “idle” means sluggish or lazy.

Taking care of your house is a lot of hard work and if yours is looking lovely, it did not get there by chance.

If you have created a place of beauty and comfort for your family, you deserve to be BLESSED.

Right now I want to bring this subject right into your home?

If you are a woman whose home is not a show place, may I help you?

You can change today.  Let’s take baby steps.

Remember, if you are asking the Holy Spirit to guide your family, He lives in your home also.

If your place is cluttered and you have no space for items, rent a storage space.  This one act can save your marriage.  They are not expensive and you can find small areas.

If you do not like to clean, you have a lot of options.

CALL a cleaning service to do your deep cleaning.

If you don’t have the funds, find a friend who loves to organize and clean.  Then trade chores with them.  You offer your services to cook for that person or do other chores you enjoy that they don’t like as bill paying, ironing, gardening, child sitting, etc.

Other suggestions are to take on one room at a time.

Ask God to help you.

This is so important to God and your spouse.

If he has asked or hinted about this, you better get moving in the RIGHT direction.

Forget about your next shopping spree and put that money into making your house a home.

Don’t be a Queen of a “pigs pen!”

Do I hear an “oink” “oink” girls?  I hope not!!

Fighting the good fight and loving it!

NOTE:  Don’t miss tomorrow’s post.  Daily there is a new post.