Preparing oneself for marriage

I just realized it's June! So consider this entry as May's entry please :) 

There is a principle that should govern all aspects of our lives as born-again believers: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). This is not a flippant command. It is the centerpiece of our lives as believers. It is choosing to focus upon God and upon His Word with our whole heart so that our soul and our mind are occupied with the things that will please Him. 

The relationship we have with God through the Lord Jesus Christ is what puts all other relationships into perspective.  Our obedience to God and to His Word equips us to fulfill our God-given roles in marriage. 

In order to prepare yourself for marriage, to walk worthy of your calling in Christ Jesus, and to become intimate with God through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), focus upon obedience in all things. There is no easy plan to learn to walk in obedience to God. It is a choice we must make every day to put aside worldly viewpoints and follow God instead. Walking worthy of Christ is to submit ourselves in humility to the only Way, the only Truth and the only Life on a day-by-day, moment-by-moment basis. That is the preparation every one needs to be ready for the great gift we call marriage.

A person who is spiritually mature and walking with God is more prepared for marriage than anyone else. Marriage demands commitment, passion, humility, love, and respect. These traits are most evident in a person who has an intimate relationship with God. As you prepare yourself for marriage, focus on allowing God to shape you and mold you into the man or woman He wants you to be.

Close the door

Matthew 6:5, 6 says “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." 

Why are we so needy of receiving reward and praise? To be honest I love when people asked me to pray for them and then for them to tell me "oh wow what a prayer!" My self-esteem goes up! Oh holy me! - I think! But like the Bible verse above says I have received my reward in full! So, I been working on that! On closing my door...

I want to encourage to do the same! To pray in your secret place! Where no one sees you! Go to your room, close your door, and pray to God! & then God will reward you :) 

I don't know about you but I prefer a thousand times a reward from God, then a reward from you! 

Let's give all the glory and credit to Jesus Christ!