Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Marriage to me is such a special relationship between a man and a woman. Its so sad to see how this fallen world has lost the meaning and sacredness of marriage. It is especially sad to see how the separate roles of a man and a woman have been blurred or swapped. Society tells us that women need to be able to take care of themselves, that we can do everything a man can do, that men need to listen and obey. Personally, I hate it when people have that mindset.

"Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God." 1 Corinthians 11:9-12

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him - a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22

As these verses clearly show, marriage is a covenant made between a man and woman to adventure through life together. They work as a team, encouraging one another and building each other up towards God. They support one another when one is in need. Man and woman were created differently, but in a way that works beautifully together. For example, the woman is more of the "feeler"; they experience more emotions and tend to be more sensitive, while the man is for the most part not as emotional. In this way, man and woman work together very well to balance each other out.

God has ordained man and women with specific roles as well.

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7

"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body,of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present er to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Ephesians 5:22-27

"However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33

We see from these verses that the woman is the weaker person. I believe that that means that she is more sensitive and is more emotional, in the best way of course. We also see that women need to submit to their husbands. Husbands should be the leader in the relationship. The husband should lead in a way that respects and loves the woman, and the woman should be a helper to the husband in his leading. And women, it is so important to respect the man and submit to his decisions.

All in all, I think the big thing here is respect for the other person. In a marriage relationship, each person needs to love the other unconditionally (just as Christ loves us) and respect each other. Men and women have different traits that work perfectly together. They also a\have different roles that need to be understood and attended to. They must work together and have good communication. And what I believe is the most important part of a relationship is that they each have their own relationships with God that they can help build each other up and encourage each other. God is first and foremost in a healthy marriage. 
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Friday, January 15, 2016

Modesty

Modesty
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes” -1 Timothy 2:9

Modesty is a very touchy subject around a lot of girls. Often we think that it is the guy’s problem that they can’t control themselves. I initially came into this study with that mindset. However, as we dove into the Word and began discussion, I started to realize for the first time just how big of a problem modesty is for guys. I used to believe that we should wear whatever they want, and I still believe that to some degree. Women are able to express themselves through their clothing, however with that privilege comes responsibility. As God’s daughters we need to match our outward appearance with our inward conviction. That means that we should honor God with how we dress.
God made man to be very visual. They can picture something instantaneously which means when a girl is walking around in a revealing dress often times a man’s thoughts about them can turn sexual. This is an issue that most men struggle with, and (whether we like it or not) we as women play a huge part in. These men that we associate with are our brothers in Christ, and if they are struggling because of something we are doing, then it is our duty to help them overcome their struggle. Now, this doesn’t mean we need to cover ourselves from head to toe it just means we need to dress ourselves in a self-respecting, classy way. A way that God, our Father, would be proud of.
Many women find it necessary to dress a certain way to impress men. They think that if they put their bodies on display they will get male attention, and while that is true, it is the wrong kind of attention. A man who wants you purely because of your body is not a man who you should try to impress. A good man will find your modesty attractive.

I want to end this by telling my fellow sisters that no man can satisfy your needs like God can. He will lavish love, grace, salvation, attention, support, and care more than any man can. He is the one who we need to impress. He is the one we need to live for. 
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Sharing Salvation


I like many of you, find it hard to share the gospel with non-believers.  It is challenging starting a conversation and even more so continuing it.  I feel like when I try to talk to my non-Christian friends I start feeling really nervous and afraid that they are getting tired of me trying to share the gospel with them.  It is hard to know what to say and teach what some of us have known since we were born.  I noticed that having a small symbol with me wherever I go brings up questions that non-believers want answers to.

When I went to a Mathew West concert, I bought a Mathew West bracelet, which had the title of one of my favorite songs on it, Child of the One True King.  Many people have asked me about it and it gives me an opportunity to tell them about salvation. They are the ones curious and wanting to know more about God, instead of you feeling like you are awkwardly bringing up God when they don’t seem to want to hear about him. 

A similar thing can be done by putting a tag line under your name or username on sites you go on, for your watchers or followers to see and ask questions about God and salvation.  Then you have the privilege in talking to them about God and what he did for us.  I also find it easier to talk to people online so they can’t see how nervous I am, and I will be able to continue talking about it to them for a while instead of fading of the conversation.
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Salvation

Salvation
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

I particularly like this verse because it gives a solid definition of salvation. Many times even Christians will focus on works and what they can do to get to heaven when in reality that’s not what’s important. Salvation is something that is so easily accessible for us. All we have to do is believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths. That’s all we have to do. God doesn’t need us; He wants us. He wants us to have a relationship with Him so much that He sent Jesus to die for us. All we have to do is believe.

One of my favorite examples of salvation is the man on the cross next to Jesus. He was a person who had sinned so much in his life that he was sentenced to death on a cross. However, while he was dying he asked Jesus to remember him, to which Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” I love this verse because it shows that you don’t have to be perfect, spend your whole life going to church, and doing good deeds to get to heaven. Anyone can get to heaven as long as he truly loves and believes in the Lord. Now this doesn’t mean you should live your whole life in sin and at the last second turn to Christ. It just means that it’s never too late. If you are a Christian you should want to spend your life honoring God by doing good deeds and bringing others to Christ. Jesus led by example and spent His ministry serving others, so we should as well. If we truly love Christ we will do anything for Him because He has given us the ultimate gift of salvation.
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