Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
—Proverbs 18:22 (KJV)
Several great truths are taught us in the opening chapters of the Bible (Genesis 1:26-31). First, we are made in God's image, both male and female. Second, we are made to be different, male or female. Third, we are made to bless each other and be complements of one another in our marriages. Fourth, a husband and wife were made to leave their families of origin and build their lives together. To find a spouse for life, someone created by God in his image, is to find what is truly good and what God desires. Such a gift is a blessing! But we also remember that Jesus and Paul taught that some are gifted to be fulfilled and single (Matthew 19:10-11; 1 Corinthians 7:6-9, 17, 20, 24). So, we should respect each other regardless!
Father, we thank you for your plans for each of us.
For the married among us, we thank you for our spouse as we seek to live in holiness and honor.
For those widowed among us, dear Father, we ask that you comfort their feelings of loss and grief, and that you help them give thanks for the ways their departed loved one has blessed their lives.
For the single among us, we ask that you help them find fullness in your presence and use them to bless others in the way they live with loving integrity and faithfulness.
For the divorced, separated, and hurt among us, we ask dear Father for you to please minister to their wounds and sense of loss as they seek to use their lives and experiences to bless others and bring you glory.
O, dear Father, we ask that you enable us to live fulfilled lives as we seek to live in the center of your will so we can honor you with our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Proverbs 18:22 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Several great truths are taught us in the opening chapters of the Bible (Genesis 1:26-31). First, we are made in God's image, both male and female. Second, we are made to be different, male or female. Third, we are made to bless each other and be complements of one another in our marriages. Fourth, a husband and wife were made to leave their families of origin and build their lives together. To find a spouse for life, someone created by God in his image, is to find what is truly good and what God desires. Such a gift is a blessing! But we also remember that Jesus and Paul taught that some are gifted to be fulfilled and single (Matthew 19:10-11; 1 Corinthians 7:6-9, 17, 20, 24). So, we should respect each other regardless!
My Prayer...
Father, we thank you for your plans for each of us.
For the married among us, we thank you for our spouse as we seek to live in holiness and honor.
For those widowed among us, dear Father, we ask that you comfort their feelings of loss and grief, and that you help them give thanks for the ways their departed loved one has blessed their lives.
For the single among us, we ask that you help them find fullness in your presence and use them to bless others in the way they live with loving integrity and faithfulness.
For the divorced, separated, and hurt among us, we ask dear Father for you to please minister to their wounds and sense of loss as they seek to use their lives and experiences to bless others and bring you glory.
O, dear Father, we ask that you enable us to live fulfilled lives as we seek to live in the center of your will so we can honor you with our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
