Dont Despise The Day Of Small Things
Let me share an account from the Old Testament that I hope will encourage wives. When the Babylonians conquered the southern kingdom of Judah in 586 BC, they destroyed the temple in Jerusalem. They then took most of the Jews into exile in Babylon.
- Haggai asked, Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former . In mans eyes, the new temple was inferior to Solomons temple, but in Gods eyes, it would be greater.
- Zechariah asked, Who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the Lord, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth .
When the prophet wrote, These sevenare the eyes of the Lord, he wasnt saying God has seven eyes. Rather, in Scripture, seven is the number of completion, and here, the prophet refers to Gods omniscience or complete knowledge, which allows Him to see throughout the whole earth. A plumb line is a builders tool, and God rejoiced to see it in the hand of Zerubbabel, the Jews leader. As the Jews rebuilt the temple, they despised it as a day of small things, but in Gods eyes, the work was great enough to cause Him to rejoice.
Dating And Choosing A Spouse
The Israelites were prohibited from intermarrying with the pagan peoples who surrounded them rel=nofollow> Deuteronomy 7:1-4), and the apostle Paul advised Christians to marry only other believers rel=nofollow> 1 Corinthians 7:39, ). However, an already married Christian should not divorce a nonbelieving spouse rel=nofollow> 1 Corinthians 7:12-16).
There is no indication in the Bible that we are predestined to marry a certain person or that there is one special person or soul mate that we should find and marry. Except for the preference to marry another Christian, we are free to marry whomever we wish rel=nofollow> 1 Corinthians 7:39).
Why Are Godly Friendships So Important
After reading and meditating over the story between Jonathan and David I pray you understand the importance of true friends. What an amazing example right?
That being said, God is infinite and knew the struggles David and Saul would have. God knew the hardships you and I will EVER face, sweet friend from our past, present, and future too.
Godly friendships provide the support needed to see us through lifes challenges, both the ups and downs. First and foremost, God is and should be the one we turn towards firstno matter what.
That being said, God also has given us the gift of Godly friendships and I am forever grateful for this blessing, arent you?
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Bible Verses For Couples And Friendships
Looking for Bible verses for couples, friendships, and other relationships? People have many relationships in life. They have relationships with friends, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, parents, siblings, and children. They have relationships with coworkers and employers/employees. They have neighbors and friends on social media. They have relationships with people in their small group at church.
Human beings are made to exist in relationships. They are even born into families. No matter how isolated a person may be, there are always relationships in his or her life.
Relationships can be challenging, to say the least. It can be hard to navigate the difficult experiences and learn how to live in healthy, thriving relationships.
Because of the various types of relationships we have with others, when reading scriptures about interacting with others it can be difficult to know what passages apply to which kinds of situations.
There are Scriptures about relationships in general, and some that are more specific to the type of relationship. Some, as you will see, speak of something specific but embody a principle that can reach across many relationships in your life.
There are also countless examples of people in relationships in scripture to be able to look to. This article will provide an overview of Bible verses for couples and verses about friendship.
God Uses Marriage For Reproduction
26. Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and multiply! Fill the earth and subdue it! Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground.
Christians wait until marriage. Marriage is to fulfill our sexual needs. In fact, it is better to marry than to burn with lust.
27. 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman. But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
28. 1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
When will God give me a spouse?
29. Proverbs 31:10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Bonus
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Its Not Just About The Kids
You dont have to read very far in the Bible to discover the connection between sexuality and procreation. In the very first chapter of the very first book it says:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.
God made them male and female and he told them to be fruitful and multiply. The message seems rather obvious: having and raising godly babies is part of how we exercise dominion over the earth.
Thats true, but it isnt the end of the story it isnt even the start of the story! In fact, the first thing that God says about a human being in the Book of Genesis is that: It is not good that the man should be alone I will make him a helper fit for him .
Human beings are intended to resemble and represent God therefore the man ought to have a complementary and co-equal partner. Therefore God created Eve from a rib taken from Adams side. The Bible goes on to say:
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Done right, under blessing, it often results in children, but it isnt ultimately for that. It is for the glory of God and the comfort of mankind. Thats a subtle and yet very significant distinction.
What Does The Bible Say About Friendship Between A Man And A Woman
What Does The Bible Say About Friendship Between A Man And A Woman? Also learn the importance and qualities of a true friend. Genuine friendship is Gods gift for us. There is much joy that comes with keeping company with friends. Without friends, life becomes a lonely, boring, and bitter road to walk all alone. However, not all friends are worth our time and trust. While others are worth dying to keep, others are there to lead us into regret, sorrow, bitterness, and tears. Such people are more likely to bring our downfall and ruin our relationship with God. This creates need for everyone to learn the qualities of a genuine or true friend. Without these qualities at hand, we are more likely to roam around with the wrong people in the name of friends. It is at this point that God intervenes out of his love for us.
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Biblical Qualities Of A Good Friend To Consider In Choosing Your Companions
1. True friends love at all times Proverbs 17:17
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Love is a powerful language of the heart that encourages, excites, and gives meaning and fun to friendship relationships. These priceless treasures are the desires of many but a reality to few. Loving friendships are rare these days as many are out for their personal interests and profits. Such ego creates room for friendship without love. And behold, friendship without love is not different from tunnels without light at the end and ships without sails. Genuine love is what holds and binds true friendship together, even during uncertain and hard times. It is so powerful that it overcomes the challenges of life and maintains its participants together. Unfortunately, not all friends are loving some friends only stick around when things are going well. Immediately things turn the other way round, such friends disappear.
2. Good friends respect you and your qualities Philippians 2:3
3. Good friends exercise wisdom Proverbs 13:20
4. Creditable friends inspire strong values in you 1 Corinthians 15:33
5. True Friends are supportive and reliable Proverbs 18:24
6. Good friends make sacrifices for you John 15:13
7. Honorable friends preserve secrets and stay away from gossips Proverbs 16:28
8. Faithful friends put up with our shortcomings and support us Galatians 6:2
What About Platonic Relationships
Bible Love Notes features 1-minute devotions each weekday. This is a special feature post.just friendsScientific Americansuggest that men and women have vastly different views of what it means to be just friendsand that these differing views have the potential to lead to trouble.Although women seem to be genuine in their belief that opposite-sex friendships are platonic, men seem unable to turn off their desire for something more.Proverbs 4:232 Corinthians 6:31 Corinthians 8:9Matthew 5:27-28Ephesians 5:3
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Third It Is Not Good For Man To Be Alone Because He Would Not Be Able To Enjoy Certain Desires
God has given men and women healthy sexual desires to enjoy within marriage .
Some of these desires go beyond physical intimacy. God creates people as relational beings with emotional, mental, and social longings that are best fulfilled in marriage. People can serve as great friends, but they do not take the place of a spouse. For those who choose to get married, God wants them to have a steadfast companion all through life, and part of the reason He created the marriage relationship is to make that possible.
Sex Is To Be Done In A Way That There Is No Shame
Proverbs 5:18-23 calls to question a mans lust of another mans wife: Why, my son, bed intoxicated with another mans wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman? For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and He examines all your paths. The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them the cords of their sins hold them fast. For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly . Many people experience shame in regard to sex. The Bible reminds us that sex should be done in such a way that there is no shame. However, sometimes shame is a gift from God in response to our sexual sin and sometimes it is the devastating feeling we bear because we have been sexually sinned against. Other times, we have not sinned or been sinned against but feel shame because we have wrong thinking and feelings about sex in general, or a sex act in particular.
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Bible Verses For Friendship
Do to others as you would have them do to you.Luke 6:31
This is often called The Golden Rule. You want friends who are loyal, interested in your life, trustworthy, and kind. You may want friends with whom you can be yourself and take off your masks. You may want friends who remember you, who honor you, who love you. If you want these friendships, then the Bible says you should treat others this way.
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.Proverbs 18:24
If you have had friends who have hurt you and betrayed your trust multiple times, then you understand what it is to have an unreliable friend. You want people in your life whom you can count on. They are out there. Pray that God will provide those types of friends. Consider their track records. Have you seen how they were unreliable in other relationships? Assume they would be that way with you.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.Proverbs 17:17
Good friends are those who love unconditionally, through good times and hard times. When you find a friend like this, you will know.
This is similar to the Golden Rule. You need to be willing to do for another what you expect them to do for you. If you want to be loved unconditionally, show another unconditional love. If you want someone to serve you, then serve him. If you want someone to remember you, remember her.
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Surprising Things That The Bible Says About Sex
The Bible is a book about God, about us, and about how God saves us through the person and work of Jesus Christ therefore, it isnt terribly surprising to discover that the Bible has a great deal to say about sex. Human beings are sexual creatures God made us male and female therefore the story of creation, fall, and redemption is necessarily, at least in part, a story about human sexuality.
Parts of that story are relatively well known, but other parts can be quite unexpected even shocking to the first time Bible reader. Among the most surprising revelations would be the following:
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A Helpmeet Comparable To Him
Some women might find it offensive to be identified as their husbands helpmeet, but the title does not imply that Eve was insufficient in some way. Instead, the term helpmeet identifies Adams inadequacy! In the Amplified Bible, Genesis 2:18 reads, The Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone. Woman is the helpmeet man needs because he is lacking without her. God created woman to remove mans deficiency:
To call a woman a helpmeet is not to emphasize her weakness, but her strength. Not to label her as superfluous but as essential to Adams condition and to Gods purpose in the world. Helpmeet is a position of dignity given to the woman by God Himself.
Richard and Sharon Phillips, Holding Hands, Holding Hearts , 26-27.
The Hebrew word translated helpmeet is ezer, and it means help or one who helps. The word occurs 21 times in the Old Testament, including twice in Genesis 2first in verse 18, then again in verse 20 when Adam named the animals and could not find a helpmeet comparable to him. In the other 19 appearances, ezer is never used in a negative sense. The term isnt used to speak of a sycophant, minion, or slave. Instead, it is used to describe great strength and support. Consider these verses:
- Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! .
- I will scatter to every wind all who are around him to help him, and all his troops .
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The Marriage We All Want
Why is this a particularly Christian understanding of marriage?
This understanding of marriage is Christian because it comes from Gods word, but even more than this, it is Christian because it bears witness to Christ. It lives out the self-sacrificial love that Christ showed the church . To marry as a Christian is to enter into a lifetime of dying to self. Spouses cannot put their own desires first. They must serve the other and learn to find their joy in the joy of their beloved. Indeed, they must understand that they will succeed and flourish only insofar as their spouse is succeeding and flourishing. They will receive glory from the glory of their other half.
To marry as a Christian is to enter into a lifetime of dying to self.
A Christian marriage also testifies to the communion believers have with Christ. All the blessings of Christ are now ours through our union with him . We are so closely identified with Christ that we can say, It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me . When the husband loves his wife as Christ loved the church, and when the wife submits to the husband as to the Lord, then they are a living icon of the whole Christ.
This is the marriage, standing beyond the best earthly marriages, that we all want.