Love Completes Each Other

If two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? ~ Eccleasiates 4:11

Marriage is created by God uniting two as one.  Love is always better when not alone, love can function on it’s own but there is another way much better. (I Cor. 12:31).   God made Adam complete when he created a women to complete him.  He created them to function in harmony together.  Our bodies are made for each other, to compliment, produce children and to satisfy one another.

The Bible tells us that “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.  For if either of them falls, the other will lift up his companion.  (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10). One may be the cook while the other works outside.  One may be the housekeeper, while another is out making the living.  One to care for the children while the other is may have temper issues and will not discipline as much.  One may be better at business issues but needs the other to help remember things that are important.

You may be suffering because you can’t get past the differences you have with your spouse and could be suffering many wasted opportunities as a result.  Taking advantage of the uniqueness that makes each of them more effective when including the other.

I encourage you to read the rest of this passage in the Love Dare book to read the story of Pilate’s wife trying to keep her husband the Roman Governor who presided over the trial of Jesus, to stop what he was doing.  She knew that Jesus was the Son of God and could not persuade him to stop, which reveals an unfortunate side to man’s nature that is often downplayed.  God made your help mate to complete the you, and He gives them insight that in many cases is kept from their men.  If this discernment is ignored, it is often to the detriment of the man making the decision.

For the marriage to work like it should, you both have to work together.  Both of you be a part of the finances, or any planning that effects your family.  Your spouse has a right to voice their opinion.  Then God holds the man accountable for your family.  So take heart and listen to the spouse’s opinion before you finalize your actions.

Today:  Recognize that your spouse is integral to your future success.  Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel.  If you have ignored their input in the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6Pb59bYDq4  Video recap.

Love meets sexual needs

The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. — 1 Corinthians 7:3

The Bible has a lot to say about sex and the blessing it can be for both husband and wife. God’s way is much better that what is advertised on television or in the movies.  Sex is a celebration of what God has created and given, becoming one with our mate while pursing purity and holiness.  Which can lead to a life of confident love together.

Sex is only one aspect of marriage, and as time goes by, you will likely value its importance more highly than the other.  Remember Eve was created as a suitable helper for Adam (Gen. 2:18).  The unity between them was so strong, they were said to become “one flesh” (Gen. 2:24).

In marriage you are giving your body to your spouse, it is no longer your own. (1 Cor. 7:4) Sex is not to be used as a bargaining chip.  So don’t deprive one another, except by agreement for a time.

If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your Husband or wife today.  Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you (or implied to you) about what they need from you sexually.  Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.

Please get the book to get the whole message.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unVm_J2Ro-w  Video Recap.

A Man shall love his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. – Genesis 2:24

This verse is the original blueprint for marriage.

Leave~ means breaking the natural ties.  This is a problem if your parents do not honor your marriage and the unity.  Sometimes parents will interfere where they shouldn’t.  Their advice should only be upon your request.

Cleaving ~is the other issue that is very important.  Cleaving to your spouse as your Rock of refuge and safety.  This woman is now one in union with you, called to “see to it that she respects her husband” (Eph. 5:33)(ladies, the lord did not say in this passage, “only if he deserves it).  When this happens you are now free to be all that God meant when He declared you “one flesh.”  Now achieving oneness in decision making, priorities and sexual affections can take place.  This is extremely difficult if one sided.

Please get the book to read all content on this subject.

Is there is “leaving” issue you haven’t been brave enough to conquer yet?  Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right.  The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it.  Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.

Love Brings Unity

Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.  – John 17:11

Unity. Togetherness.  Oneness. These are the unshakable hallmarks of our God.  His work was and is of unity through the Trinity–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  All three are in perfect oneness of mind and purpose.  We call Unity.

He has chosen to let us experience an aspect of unity in the unique relationship of husband and wife.  Two distinct individuals are spiritually united into “one flesh” (Genesis 2:240). And what God has joined together, let no man not separate. (Mark 10:9)  In fact this complete love is so imagery that God used it to explain His love for the church.

The church is (the bride) is most honored when her Savior is worshiped and celebrated. Christ is (the bridegroom), who has given Himself up for her, is most honored when He sees her “as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless (Eph. 5:27). Both Christ and the church love and honor the other.

That’s the beauty of unity.

Husband — What would happen if you devoted yourself to loving, honoring, and serving your wife in all things?  What if you determined that the preservation of your oneness with this woman was worth every sacrifice and expression of love you could make?  what would change in your home if you took that approach to your relationship on a daily basis?

Wife–What would happen if you made it your mission to do everything possible to promote togetherness of heart with your husband?  What if every threat to your unity was treated as a poison, a cancer, an enemy to be eliminated by love, humility, and selflessness?  What would your marriage become if you were never again willing to see your oneness torn apart?

Please get the book to continue this excellent illustration of unity.

Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it.  Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse.  Pray that He would do the same for them.  And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.