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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Principles of Ministry


Edward F. Lundwall Jr.

Growth of a Faithful Series - Book Seven 

Principles of Ministry 


The principles of ministry when built into the disciple on this level enables him to serve either as a Timothy in a Growth Fellowship, or under supervision as a Disciple Fellowship Pastor. The principles developed at this level are designed to qualify this disciple to do ministry in the local Church. His will become equipped to bear fruit, and responsibly encourage the spiritual growth of others, as well as in participation in leadership roles.

Developing a disciple on this level involves much greater observation, discussion of principles, overseeing the personal work he does with those he coaches, and supervising assigned practical projects. He will become more and more like Paul was with Timothy. According to 2 Timothy 2:2, the ministry disciple must work so closely with his mentoring teacher that after a time, his teacher can assign him responsibilities usually done by the mentor. He needs to be able to be told, “Remember how I did it and do it that way!”

The first step in the ministry level requires the disciple to work as a Faithful in a Disciples Growth Fellowship. He needs to be able to use the” Investment Log and Planning Guide.” To do this, he needs to have gone through the Principles of Adjustment, first in personal application and then to become familiar enough with the” Personal Adjustment Profile Chart” to adequately analyze the issues involved in sample cases with Archy Average and Monty Modman in The Manual For Training Leaders In Disciple Fellowships In Local Churches. The second step is to observe the application in a Disciples Fellowship with an experienced Faithful. While observing, he should make up an Investment Log independently, then compare it with what the mentoring Faithful does. Disagreements need to be shared with either the Fellowship Timothy or the Fellowship Pastor.

Once the studies specified in the “Growth of a Faithful Chart” are applied in all study areas, the above process must be applied before independent ministry as a member in a Disciples Fellowship begins. Also, a doctrinal understanding and commitment to the Church Statement of Faith must be understood and accepted before the responsibility of teaching in a ministry such as Sunday School Class or Bible Study Group should be given. At the beginning of such responsibilities in ministry, Bible lessons should be given as a part of teacher training ministry and/or before a Fellowship Pastor or Fellow Timothy in his/her Disciples Fellowship Group.

This seventh and last study booklet as well as all the others in the Growth of a Faithful series may be purchased singly for $2.50 or in packages of five for $10.00 by sending a money order or check to the following address:

Edward Lundwall
P.O. Box 735
Rossville, GA 20741


Other Publications by Edward Lundwall

Book 1: Growth of the Faithful (Acceptance of Foundational Precepts)
Book 2: Growth of the Faithful (Principles of Contentment)
Book 3: Growth of the Faithful (Principles of Development)
Book 4: Grown of the Faithful (Principles of Endurance)
Book 5: Growth of the Faithful (Principles of Expression)
Book 6: Growth of the Faithful (Maturity)









Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Loving for a Lifetime

Edward F. Lundwall Jr.


The Many Facets of Christian Married Love – Part V

Loving for a Lifetime


A foundation of married love is agreement share by the couple on God’s calling for their lives together, including its overall purposes, and its temporal projects. This adds richness and variety to a couple’s life together, helping to avoid feelings of boredom since simply living together can become routine. The important thing about God’s ongoing purpose for marriage is to exhibit it as a model of Christ and the Church. The husband’s calling from God must be first priority like Christ’s mission, and the wife must make being her husband’s “suitable helper” her basic calling from God. God wants women to serve him by intelligently and enthusiastically being in unity as one in spirit with her husband (Ephesians 5:24, 30, 33; 1 Peter 3:7). Much of feminism has sadly destroyed this attitude. What a privilege to be co-creators with God whether of godly children and/or partner together in whatever other adventure He would lead them to do!

Also, all expressions of married love should be intelligent and frequent. God’s love is intelligent in that it meets real needs and is timely, but must be received with discernment and patience. This applies to all areas of married love, but especially to sexual expression. Marital sexual love is more that what is done in bed. Fond touches, kisses, and even smiles of appreciation are acts of marital sexual love. These should never be interpreted simply as foreplay. Couples must remember that demands for intercourse can destroy love and the marriage. Giving it as a means of manipulation can be just as damaging. The love-making experience should be a mutual way of expressing affection, appreciation, and acceptance and is always enhanced when even small expressions are received as such. Meditation on 1 Corinthians 7:2–5 will furnish a firm biblical basis of this aspect of a Christian marriage.

Unfortunately many marriages, do not start out to be between believers or with believers oriented according to God’s design (Ephesians 5:22–32). If one marriage partner becomes a believer, the Scriptures teach that the way to possibly make them into Christian marriages is godly living, not preaching or reproof. He or she must simply model a godly example and wait for God created opportunities to share their faith (1 Corinthians 7:10–16; 1 Peter 3:1–6). However, even with an unsaved husband, the wife must remember that by creation she is to be in subjection to him as his “suitable helper.” We must always remember that it is imperative to discern the spiritual state of a possible mate before getting married. This will determine most predictably the possibilities of fulfillment and happiness of both. Waiting upon God either for His selection or any need will always have the best consequences. This is the practical principle of Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

Foundational to all the above are family devotions as well as private ones. In my own marriage of 53 years, this was the instrument that not only brought us together, but kept us together. As Warren Weirsby puts it, “Love for this book brought us together, and obedience to it will keep us together.” The first time that I took my wife to her apartment, she said, “Let me go get my Bible and let us have devotions!” We had several devotional books, and wore out some. In the later years, it was always our practice after breakfast. When our children were small, they learned to have devotions as we would put them into bed, and join in their prayers. They are diligent to this day to have personal devotions.

A final possible facet of Christian married love is the resource of loving the other partner even when the flesh gets the better of the other. Since love is a choice, we can obey Christ’s command to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43–48). This happens even with consecrated Christians, for all of us have battles with the flesh and the assaults of Satan, when we lose our spiritual focus (Romans 6:11–16) and do not use our spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5). Even when the other is unregenerate or a candidate for God’s severe chastening (1 Corinthians 11:28–32), the Scripture instructs us not to look for revenge, but to commit the matter to the Lord (Romans 12:19–21). This will keep one sweet and avoid a root of bitterness that can deprive oneself of grace and defile others who might take up an offense that is not theirs.

For those who use what is commonly called “The Lord’s Prayer” as an outline for their prayer time the section that leads us to pray: “…forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us”(Luke 11:4), marital conflicts become easily resolved. Again, this goes back to God’s design for marriage where He is the senior partner. As long as the marriage partners practice the Lord’s presence and grace, there is nothing that can seriously disrupt their union. As the Psalmist said: “I have set the LORD always before me…” (Psalm 16:8).

How great will be the marital experience if married couples will use their spiritual gifts and resources according to the Apostle Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:9–19:

“Let love be without dissimulation. 

Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love;

In honor preferring one another;

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Distributing to the necessity of the saints; and given to hospitality.

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”


Related reading: Part I: Christian Marriage; Part II: Married Love; Part III: The Many Facets Of Christian Maried Love; Part IV: Living in Harmony


Saturday, January 25, 2014

Praying Psalm 19


Edward F. Lundwall Jr.

Witness for Worship

Theme Verses: The heavens declare the glory of God; 
and the firmament shows his handiwork.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (Ps. 19, verses 1, 7)


O Father, I do thank you for your Almighty Self! I especially praise you for the witness to your greatness and grandeur in the heavens. They give me a picture of the power and the greatness of your Person in obvious message, but without words. Throughout the earth and the heavens their witness shouts: "Our vastness in space and your microscopic but meaningful organization declare that power and intelligence of unimaginable proportions produced us! Their testimony impresses upon my soul what my unbelieving flesh cannot rationalize away. I see design beyond mere human hypotheses. My faith is strengthened. In the midst of the seemingly chaos of life, your works testify of organization and power. Only your almighty hands and mind could been the cause! When my heart is weak with life's tribulations, I see the abundant detail reflecting your infinite care everywhere.

As I accept my and all mankind’s smallness, my pride is humbled. I am inspired to sing: "How great you are!" However, upon viewing our littleness and the awfulness of sin's damage and destruction, I see a greater need! I see the need of your Son to save man and creation from the virus of sin and for a re-creation apart from its own corruption.

While the light of nature speaks greatly of your Person, power and order, it cannot show man your saving truth and power. Natural revelation is not the instrument for our salvation. Only the love letter of your Word become flesh speaks how salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The New Testament especially reveals His Person and work as your provision for forgiveness and reconciliation through his substitutionary death for our sin on the cross and his victorious resurrection from the tomb. Furthermore, as I live in full harmony with you according to Your Word, spiritual order progressively replaces sin’s chaos within me. What peace and joy comes as we believe in your promises of a new Heavens and Earth apart from the curse of sin!

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:14


Related reading: Praying Psalm 1; Praying Psalm 2; Praying Psalm 3; Praying Psalm 4; Praying Psalm 5; Praying Psalm 6; Praying Psalm 7, Praying Psalm 8; Praying Psalm 9; Praying Psalm 10; Praying Psalm 11; Praying Psalm 12; Psalm 13; Psalm 14; Psalm 15; Psalm 16, Psalm 17; Psalm 18





Monday, January 20, 2014

Praise for God's Power to Deliver


Edward. F. Lundwall Jr.

Psalm 18

Praise for God's Power to Deliver 

Theme Verse:  "In my distress, I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God; 
He heard my voice out of his temple; 
My cry came before him, even into his ears" (Verse 6).


O Lord, by faith I praise you as David did in this Psalm. I believe you will prosper the hand of one who would seek and obey your commands (Matt 28:16-20) for they fear both you, and their own contrasting insignificance. Enable me to boldly step out, trusting in your enablement, even when faced by criticisms and oppositions from even those who name your Name, even those who are recognized as being successful in your work. Yet, LORD, remember that I am flesh! Empower me to overcome my own momentous weaknesses and failures, especially my lack of discipline, and, at times, trying to be a “He-man.” Empower me to not be driven to rely on my flesh because of my frustrations.

O Lord, I am getting older every day. How short time is for even the redeemed; we are but mortal men! Be the enemy of all barriers to my spiritual progress. Tear down all that do not build me up, nor contribute to my fruitfulness. Make haste, O Lord, to be my victory, so that you may be the object of outpouring praise! Increase my faith to abide in the Lord Jesus, my True Vine! In Jesus sacred Name and for His and Your sake among your people, I pray. Amen!

Be still O my soul,
And know that the LORD is on your side,
Be still O my soul, and remember He is God and Savior,
Be still O my soul, and see the deliverance of Your God!


Saturday, January 18, 2014

Praying Psalm 17


Edward F. Lundwall Jr.


Psalm 17
Petition Progressive Sanctification

Theme Verse: “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.” (Verse 8)


Father, great is the mystery of godliness, not only in the person and ministry of your Son, but in my heart! For, Lord, as with David of old, I know you are and you reward those who diligently seek you (Hebrews 11:6). I experience agony when the forces of ungodliness assault me. Also, it is agony when my prayers and heart burdens seem so long being answered. They seem but to return to my own bosom!

Yet, O LORD, I thank and praise you in the midst of life's conflicts. I can let them reinforce my heart dependence upon you. Just like David, author of this Psalm, I must continually search my heart, because my flesh, my old sinful nature, is so deceptive. I think my ambitions are so ideal, but often find them incomplete in scope and application. Therefore, they are unworkable. Too often my frustration in seeing the fulfillment of these ideals comes from my laziness and lack of discipline, my pride, or my lack of committing my times into your hands.

Worst of all, I so often miss your finger pointing to something in my life for removal or up-building, things I discern dimly but want to ignore. I so often miss the greatest sweetness of fellowship that comes from the sharing of just being together with you in the midst of need. I am so blessed as I seek to be in the realm of your Spirit! To be where my flesh will be progressively crucified and your likeness appears in my life! To feel the Holy Spirit’s sacred witness with mine as your child by the sacrificial work of Calvary! How blessed is the united fellowship of your Trinity. For in the LORD Jesus, I rely on you as the God of resurrection, of promises, and of visions deferred. May I ever experience progressive transformation as I bare my heart’s pains before you, and fellowship with You with heart searching and reaffirmation of faith in final victory and your nearness (2 Cor. 3:17, 18).

Blessed be the LORD, who daily works all things together after the counsel of his own will that I might bear my Savior's likeness!


Related reading: Praying Psalm 1; Praying Psalm 2; Praying Psalm 3; Praying Psalm 4; Praying Psalm 5; Praying Psalm 6; Praying Psalm 7, Praying Psalm 8; Praying Psalm 9; Praying Psalm 10; Praying Psalm 11; Praying Psalm 12; Psalm 13; Psalm 14; Psalm 15



Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Book 6: Growth of the Faithful (Maturity)


Edward F. Lundwall Jr.

Book 6 of Growth of a Faithful - Principles of Maturity

“That the man of God may be perfect (complete), 
thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
2 Timothy 3:17


In regard to knowledge and character, the mature disciple is to become complete having absorbed all that his teacher has taught. He is to become competent to coach those less proficient than himself. This disciple will be able to absorb the necessary training to be like Timothy---an assistant pastor in the Disciple’s Fellowship.

First, by the carrying the Disciples’ Cross, the mature disciple will have filled his spiritual life with the foundational precepts and glories of the Christ life. This disciple will become able to explain and defend basic doctrines to all who might ask him including cultic teachers (Titus 1:9; 1 Peter 3:15). It must be understood that what is learned from this study will only achieve a basic maturity. There will be much more that can be learned. This study will only be adequate for basic maturity, not exhaustive knowledge. This level will only be sufficient to enable biblical studies on the ministry level, and even there much more that can be learned. To enjoy this level of learning, the contents must be so firmly placed in the mind that they are available as the occasion demands (1 Peter 3:15).

He will learn how to resist satanic attacks by applying the full armor of God to every area of life (Ephesians 6:10-18). He will have adopted the lifestyle of using spiritual weapons to crucify the mind of the flesh and to subordinate every thought to the Lord Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5). He will be living Christ’s commands as a lifestyle. When his training is complete on this level, he will be ready to begin training for active Church ministry.

On this level, he will be asked key questions and to restate his answers to the study questions in a group setting. This practices analysis the Scriptures by writing out answers, enabling him to participate in a Disciple’s Fellowship, witness to unbelievers, and encourage ungrounded believers. He will learn about the class members’ needs as revealed from their responses to the various questions. The mature disciple must either know basic truths by memory or have the means to make quick recall. To facilitate quick recall, a Disciple’s Bible Doctrine Notebook is useful for notes and recording favorite Scripture references on specific subject pages containing a brief summary.


This sixth study booklet as well as all the others in the Growth of a Faithful series may be purchased singly for $2.50 or in packages of five for $10.00 by sending a money order or check to the following address:

Edward Lundwall
107 Ridgecrest Circle
Rossville, GA  30741



Other Publications by Edward Lundwall

Book 1: Growth of the Faithful (Acceptance of Foundational Precepts)
Book 2: Growth of the Faithful (Principles of Contentment)
Book 3: Growth of the Faithful (Principles of Development)
Book 4: Grown of the Faithful (Principles of Endurance)
Book 5: Growth of the Faithful (Principles of Expression)

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Married Love: Living in Harmony


Edward F. Lundwall Jr.


The Many Facets of Christian Married Love – Part IV
Continuing Life in Harmony

To have continuing harmony within the relationship, it is imperative to understand the differences between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:16–26). The works or deeds of the flesh are: “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, … “(Gal. 5:19–21 NASU). Many of these expressions of the flesh, (i.e., human natural life expressing the self centered sinful nature) obviously need to be avoided as much as possible, if not entirely. These need to be treated as poisonous snakes in grass of our cultures. They are destructive to spiritual life and definitely to marriage.

The specific ones which work to destroy Christian marriages, compatibility and spiritual life are impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying. They exalt one’s self life at the expense of other person’s, and ultimately act to besmirch the character and thwart the purposes of God.

One of the essential agreements between husband and wife is to continually apply “…be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:20). In other words: be more oriented to listen than to speak. What the other person has to say often is a frustration or anxiety which can only be relieved if fully talked out. Further, if the listener is “slow to speak” that one can think through what is being said and may discover what the problems and needs are, as well as gain insight into possible solutions. The man and wife must remember “…the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20) To defeat the temptation for a fleshly reaction, use the nearly magic reply to an argumentative assault: “Okay, let me think about it!” to provide a cooling off period for all.

Anger is a reaction in defense of personal rights and/or taking back rights that were once yielded to God. When tempted to make an angry outburst, that one should stop and think: “What perceived personal right is making me this way? Is it a need or a preference? Am I being self willed in this, and can I afford the consequences?”

My father used to frequently remind me that before I speak, I govern my words, but after I speak they govern me! My Dad used to frequently remind me that: before I speak, I govern my words, but after I speak they governs me! Words can wound or bless, so before responding in anger a person needs to reaffirm that God will supply their essential needs, and so again yield the matter to God. Indeed, ingrained in every marriage should be the irrefutable practice of “…swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

Related reading:  Part I: Christian Marriage; Part II: Facets of Married Love; Part III: Christian Married Love


Friday, January 10, 2014

Psalm 16: A Picture of God-Pleasing Godliness


Edward F. Lundwall Jr.

Psalm 16: A Messianic Psalm

Theme Verse: “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand,
I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:8
       

Father, I thank and praise you for this Psalm of David, because in it I see the essential elements of full fellowship with you (verse 11). Here you give a prophetic picture of the coming of your Son and my Savior (verse 10). Is this not true godliness? Is not true godliness the showing forth of Christ and His character in my faith life?

Help me to ever be as David is here. For herein is true joy and pleasure found in "the path of life," the life-style you direct. Ever remind me that to be godly, I must find my basic security in you by faith's trust for preservation and the acceptance of your sovereign lordship in every circumstance.

I thank you for this basic heart attitude; it makes identifying with your godly people in separation from the ungodly rebels come as natural as breathing. For the heart which sees his righteousness coming short of your standard, finds it essential to trust you for your gift of righteousness in Christ! This faith perspective "fences me in" to your fellowship and provision. Where else can I go, if I really believe these things? What peace, joy, and guidance shine into my heart as I would, as David, "…set the LORD always before me;" ever You, O Great Three in One! Therefore, I can have the confidence that the grave is not the end. For you have promised me since Christ overcame death, being raised from the dead, so shall I and all those who are in Him be resurrected with bodies like unto His glorified body.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me; bless his holy name.”
Psalm 103:1


Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Book 5: Growth of the Faithful


Edward F. Lundwall Jr.


Book Five of Growth of the Faithful - Principles of Expression

“…for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34


Book Five, Principles of Expression, concentrates on carrying of the Disciples’ Cross in order to saturate one’s spiritual life with the foundational precepts and glories of the life that Christ offers: “’And he said to them all, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” (Luke 9:23, 24) The disciple must then be able to accurately describe and teach what they have experienced through Christ. “Teaching them (verse 19) to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt. 28:20)

Even to believers who are not leaders, but simply know the basics of spiritual life, God expects them to express what they know in teaching others: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” (Heb. 5:12) God expects “the first principles of the oracles of God” to be so fixed in a disciple’s mind that they display spiritual stability, and communicability. Each one is to teach one, and then another, and then another. Spiritual reproduction is a vital key to the progressively abundant life that the Lord Jesus promises (John 10:10). “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.” (Matt. 13:12)

While in the previous levels of the Growth of a Faithful, new direction to live for the Lord was learned in the development level and in the endurance level to persist in God’s purposes and calling, in the expression level, the challenge is to be so grounded that speaking God’s truth responsibly flows from the spiritual treasures that one has learned. To express God’s truth, even in the face of persecution, becomes a test both of maturity and of sanctification: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…” (1 Peter 3:15)

This character trait becomes the building block in the construction of a self edifying church: “From whom (Christ) the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Eph. 4:16)

This fifth study booklet as well as all the others in the Growth of a Faithful series may be purchased singly for $2.50 or in packages of five for $10.00 by sending a money order or check to the following address:
Edward Lundwall
107 Ridgecrest Circle
Rossville, GA  30741




Other Publications by Edward Lundwall

Book 1: Growth of the Faithful (Acceptance of Foundational Precepts)
Book 2: Growth of the Faithful (Principles of Contentment)
Book 3: Growth of the Faithful (Principles of Development)
Book 4: Grown of the Faithful (Principles of Endurance)


Monday, January 6, 2014

Christian Married Love, Part III


Edward F. Lundwall Jr.


The Many Facets of Christian Married Love
Part III


God determined the need for a binary differentiation of mankind by creating both male and female in order to provide complementary (fulfilling) companionship (Gen. 2:18). In this relationship, the woman (as wife) was designed to be a suitable helper assisting the man (as husband) in his calling from God, and to be the physical vessel God would use for the procreation of humankind (Gen. 1:28). Based on this understanding and the exhortation to glorify God with our whole being in all endeavors (1 Cor. 6:20), the purpose of Christian marriages should be to glorify God. It can and will if the couple construct their relationship according to principles found in Ephesians 5:22–32.

Also, in 1 Corinthians 7:29, the Apostle Paul makes an amazing statement consistent with a spiritual life-style. He says that the married person should be as though they were unmarried! The natural married attitude is for married partners to orient their relationship to please each other (1 Cor. 7:32–35) which usually is a distraction from pleasing the Lord first (verse 35). However, when the marriage is dedicated to glorify God, it will glorify God better than single life (Eph. 5:22–32). Paul’s recommendations to remain single are but practical suggestions based upon the stressful times of persecution that Christians experienced during those days (verse 26).

While the initial attraction between a man and woman may be an undefined emotion of attraction and/or mutual interest or personal harmony, interest in marriage will be motivated by a desire for sexual fulfillment (a mutual physical complementation), a drive built naturally between a man and a woman. However, a Christian marriage must be first built on a unity of spirit from mutual faith in Christ, and then unity of soul (thinking in terms of we, instead of you and I), and then of physical union within the commitment and responsibilities of marriage. Sexual unity is only as Christian as the full commitment the husband and wife’s spirits and souls are to the person of Christ with the express desire to fulfill his purposes. Just as the body is dead without its spirit and soul, so will sex life die if it is not an expression of full and final commitment to each other and to the Lord (1 Cor. 6:15–20). The Lord is life and the fruitful blessings of life will only increase as couples abide in Him (John 15:6; 2 Cor. 9:6; Gal. 6:7–9).

From the engagement on to the marriage ceremony and to the honeymoon, marriages begin as an exciting new adventure. The experience of full acceptance by another person is intoxicating and like living in a dream world. Ideally, each puts the interests of the other first in order to receive back a feeling of full acceptance and appreciation from the other. This can continue for some time if the couple has agreed on important issues such as money, roles within the marriage, children and when to start the family, relationships with parents, the standards of lifestyle, and the difference between needs and preferences, and anything else of real priority to either one. However, the chief agreements must be on the purpose of living for Christ and fulfilling what calls He has given them to serve Him, and this assumes a life journey of obedience to the Scripture, submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and mutual commitment to each other. Maintaining this stance in marriage will solve the other conflicts and give unity and direction for their lives as man and wife.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Thought for the New Year


"God is looking for those with whom He can do the impossible– what a pity that we plan only the things that we can do by ourselves."-- A.W. Tozer