August 14
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THE TROUBLE IN MARRIAGE
A poem by ILMA
If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage
If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married
But if you do get married, you will definitely have troubles
I am trying to spare you those problems so you can focus on Christ.
Those who weep or rejoice should not be consumed with lament or their bliss
Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them
For this world as we know it will soon pass away; be free from life’s concerns
The single can serve God undividedly while those married has to serve their spouse.
Married man’s interests are divided while the single one can focus on God
In the same way, a woman who is single can be devoted to the Lord
A married woman has to think about her duties and pleasing her husband
Do whatever will help you serve the Lord with as few distractions as possible.
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives; she’s free if he dies
She can marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord
But it would be better for her to stay single so she can stay focused
She can serve the Lord without having to divide her attention.
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MEMORY VERSE
However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems. – 1 Corinthians 7:28
Read: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40
There are many couples going into marriage expecting fairy tale endings. The apostle Paul clearly gives us instructions about what we need to face when we get married. Sadly, the world gives us unrealistic expectations about it. Our focus on serving God is divided when we are married. So, why do people expect marriage to be smooth sailing all the time?
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think people expect a trouble-free marriage?
• Why is it hard to serve God first when we are married?
Tag Archives: marriage
TO BE OR NOT TO BE MARRIED? Poem Devotional
August 14________________________________________
But I wish everyone was single, just as I am. But God gives to some the gift of marriage and to others, the gift of singleness. -1 Corinthians 7:7 (NLT)
TO BE OR NOT TO BE MARRIED?
A poem and essay by ILMA
Each person longs to be loved by somebody
Some people wish to belong and get married
Some are given the gift of matrimony
To others, God gives a life of celibacy.
When you get settled and have a spouse
A relationship with God may be hard to espouse
Married or single, you must make God your core
If not, you will find life a big challenge and very difficult.
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I was single for 43 years before I got married. All my single life, I wished I had a husband who can complete me. I prayed hard to God to give me that man who will love and cherish me. I had this notion that my future husband will fulfill all my needs. All my notions about marriage were very far from what God’s concept of marriage is. I was corrupted by the idea of the world’s viewpoint of marriage which were all about romance. I wanted to be single again after going through so much troubles in marriage. God revealed to me what a gift marriage is if I would look at it the way he intended it to be. When I did, I was grateful.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your gift of marriage.
REFLECTION
What are the benefits of singleness according to God’s word?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com
HONOR MARRIAGE
January 21
Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.
– Hebrews 13:4(NLT)
HONOR MARRIAGE
A poem and essay by ILMA
Do you see marriage as Christ sees it?
Do you honor your vow to commit?
Remain faithful to your spouse
Do not let conflict thrive in your house.
Love each other as Christ loves his body
Be humble and avoid being haughty
God will surely judge you if you commit infidelity
Accept and forgive each other and love your spouse purely.
Do you know how much God honors “marriage?” He likens it to Christ’s relationship to his church (his body). Christ will do anything for his church and so husbands are also expected to do anything for their wives. Marriage is a sacred commitment that God expects all husbands and wives to respect, just as Christ honored his church.
The bible expects marriage to be honored. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. It is a dishonor to God when a spouse breaches their vow to be faithful to each other. God considers unfaithfulness as adultery. James 4:4 says that we commit adultery when we follow the ways of the world. When we don’t follow Gods’ ways, we go astray. God wants us to be loyal to him and honor marriage.
PRAYER
Lord, help me respect my vows in marriage.
REFLECTION
Why do you think God detests adultery?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s Poem Devotionals, or go to www.ilmaarts.com or to receive emails of the poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com