Unbreakable Bond

A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (Ecclesiastes 4:12b NAS)

A laid or twisted rope is one of the most common ropes used today. Laid rope of three strands is usually preferred because of its strength to carry a load or lash a structure. Such a rope is made by twisting three strands of fiber in one direction and then laying them together to twist in the opposite direction. This counter-twisting is what holds the finished rope together to make it stable and unified.

A bonding relationship is like a three-strand rope. Depending on how much we are willing to let the Lord guide us as a couple and in our family life will determine how our marriage relationship turns out. A relationship that lasts is one that has Christ at the center. Unless we have Him to hold fast our relationship like a threefold cord with strands bound together, our marriage and family can easily be broken or quickly torn apart (Ecclesiastes 4:12). 

With Christ as Lord, even in a strained relationship where a husband and wife go opposite directions in opinions or preference, they can stay strong to carry any load together and remain unified to move ahead in one direction. 

Dear Lord, thank You for holding fast our marriage relationship.

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A relationship that lasts is one that has Christ at the center.

Seasons of Growth

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12 NAS)

Like the seasons in a year which spring forth from new life to growth, harvest, and then decay, the seasons of human life also spring forth different experiences, strengths and weaknesses during the different stages of our lives. Challenges of different sorts are faced during the different stages, and we learn to handle them differently as we grow in maturity. This is normal because while we were children, we behave, speak, think and reason like children, but when we become adults, we do away with childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11).

If we live our lives today continuing to make decisions following our old ways before we knew the Lord, we are unacquainted with God’s word and still in need of basic truths (Hebrews 5:12). If we think it is understandable or try to justify ourselves that we are doing so because we can only see God’s plan vaguely at this time, we have forgotten we are not without guidance. The word of God and the Holy Spirit in us is enough to lead us until the day when we shall know fully, just as we are fully known by God (1 Corinthians 13:12).

Like the earth which circles toward or away from the sun in the warming and cooling of a seasonal cycle, may we also surround everything we do according to God’s word and will in all circumstances.

Lay the seed and grow in us, dear Lord, the knowledge of Your word that we might grow in spiritual maturity. Guide us through Your word and by the Holy Spirit for Your will is our desire to fulfill.

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Are we progressing and growing in our walk with God?

Knowing the Will of God

A young man facing the future and unsure of what the next year would bring, concluded, “Nobody knows what God’s will is.” Is he right? Does a lack of certainty about the future translate into not knowing God’s will?

The concept of knowing God’s will is often limited to discerning what specific situation we will be in at some future time. Although seeking God’s specific leading is part of it, another aspect that is just as vital is to follow the clearly defined elements of God’s will each and every day.

For instance, it is God’s will for us to be good citizens as a challenge to those opposed to Christ 1 Peter 2:15 “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” To give God thanks no matter what 1 Thess. 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”, to be sanctified sexually, avoiding immorality 1 Thess. 4:3 “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality”, to live under the Holy Spirit’s control Eph. 5:18 “And do not be drunk with wine, which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit”, to sing to Him Eph. 5:19 “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord”, and to submit to other believers Eph. 5:21 “Submitting to one another in the fear of God.”

As we submit to God in these and other areas, we are more likely to live in what Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Living with God’s smile of approval leads to His guidance for the future.

As we seek to know God’s will for the future, we must also act on what we already know now. —Clifford Tate

Keep Your Heart Fixed

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. (Psalm 112:7 KJV)

Before we finished from the University I remember we prayed on a particular issue, and it was as regards our relationship with God. We asked that if Christ tarried 50 years from now we should still be found in the Faith. Put differently we were asking God that he helps our heart to stay fixed upon him for as long as he tarries.

The plight of the double minded man is that he never receives anything from God and even his fellow men find him untrustworthy.

The one whose heart is fixed never fears even when the evil ones gather against him. David said "But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." When your heart is fixed on God you fear no evil.

The only security we have in life is our connection to the Father, every other ground is sinking sand. Your heart is God's dwelling place, he constantly knocks so that you might open and enjoy fellowship with him.

Keep your trust ALWAYS in the Lord.

Guard your heart; it's God's dwelling place. Keep your heart and mind fixed on him. —Oluwatobi Adesanya

LORD, I receive grace to stay focused on you in Jesus Name. Amen.