Today marriage and the family is under direct assault by Satan. He knows that if he can destroy these two foundational institutions, he can destroy the foundation of our society. Marriage is a beautiful triangle with God at the apex and the husband and wife at each of the other angles. The closer a husband and wife grow toward God the closer they grow together. One of the ways Satan attacks this relationship is to get the spouse to attempt to focus on the other persons role in the relationship. In marriage, it is important that we each focus on our own responsibility, striving to become more like Christ. We cannot control the actions of other, but we can control the choices that we make. As we grow closer to the Lord, we will find that our spouse (who should be doing the same) will become closer to us. What a great gift God has given to us in marriage, may we choose to honor that institution in our relationships. … READ MORE

1 Corinthains 16:14 says, “Let all that you do be done with love. This command balances unretreating courage with unfailing love. Both need to exist side by side for either one to be effective. If we have too much love and not enough doctrine, we will be washed away by sentimentalism, and if we have to much doctrine and not enough love, we develop a harsh attitude. We need to combine the two, by recognizing that I need to share with others the truth, but recognize that I cannot change anyone’s lifestyle choices. The reality is that I can disagree with a lifestyle, without being disagreeable or overbearing. The Key to making this a reality in our lives is to remain humble in our dealings with others. In Matthew 7:3, Jesus says, “Why do you behold the mote in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the beam in your own eye. This is not an admonition not to say anything, rather it is a warning to remember I am not perfect either. In our spiritual battle, we must be aware of the importance of prayer, which will enable us to be alert, firm, mature, strong and loving. If we … READ MORE

Throughout the Bible we are told to be strong and of good courage! As we understand our struggle with temptation and the battle that rages within the heart of every person, we are reminded that we must be strong in our desire to follow the truth. Paul was confident that his ultimate victory over sin in his body was through Jesus Christ when he writes in 1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” As we yield our lives to the Spirit of God, we will be strengthened by His strength. God provides spiritual strength as we exert discipline and self-control rather than yielding to the world, the flesh and the devil. The problem with many believers is that they are unwilling to pay the price of discipline. To be great at something we always have to sacrifice some of the pleasures of the world. Every athlete understands that it is hard work and sacrifice that enables them to excel in their sport. Their reward is set before them as the prize of winning. As followers of Jesus Christ we need to press toward the mark of the prize of … READ MORE