My exposed secrets

Luke 8: ¹⁷ For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.

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“Tipping” was slang for “Tip-Toeing” or quietly exiting a place that you didn’t want the population to know “where” you were and more importantly “who” you were with. Fortunately for me I wasn’t very good at it.

My car was extremely noticeable with its missing grill, torn up hood and mustard yellow color it was a distinct give away to my local. The next day people would come up to me and ask “who were you “tipping” with? I saw your car.”

• I can fool some of the people all of the time but I can never fool GOD.
• I can try to hide what I am doing but GOD will broadcast it to everyone one day.
• I can attempt to take secrets to the grave but GOD will awkwardly bring them out “now” before I had a chance to explain them to my loved ones.

Secrets tend to hold me back from fully proclaiming GOD’s great news. I think to myself, “my reputation is at stake, what will they think of me if they?” BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD wants me to tell the liar I have lied and I am forgiven by JESUS.
• GOD wants me to tell the lust filled husband I have been filled with lust too and I am forgiven by JESUS.
• GOD wants me to tell the blamer I have blamed others trying to make myself look good and I am forgiven by JESUS.

By confession my sins no longer have power over me. Yes some sins make my words ineffective, BUT GOD can use them to bring sinners like me back to HIM. HE wants me to proclaim forgiveness is just a confession away and my eternal life is solidified because of CHRIST.

• Do you have a secret?
• Are you attempting to take that secret to the grave?
• Do you realize your secret is making your relationship weaker not stronger?
• Won’t you come clean and confess so GOD can use your life?

Wisdom says don’t wait for things to be perfect!

Luke 7: ³³ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ ³⁴ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ ³⁵ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”

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Procrastination with GOD has been a problem of mine for a while. I think to myself “when the conditions are right then I will serve HIM.” Well, the conditions never seem right so I wind up going through a trial feeling miserable and at the same time not bearing any fruit.

• It takes practice to give so give when I am poor.
• It takes practice to love my enemies so love those who are upset and mad at me.
• It takes practice to serve GOD’s humans so serve even when I don’t have time to serve.

Life has many distractions. Jobs, lack of jobs, broken relationships, school, kids, and parents all bring their share of trials. It seems like there is no time to bow our knees to GOD and ask HIM, “what do YOU want LORD?” In fact it seems like the conditions to serve GOD are never there, or are they?

GOD loves when I serve others when I don’t feel like it and give to the needy especially when I am in need. HE loves when I love those whose love isn’t there and HE especially loves when I persevere in HIS ways in spite of my sins.

The Pharisees judged JESUS and never recognized HIM as being GOD. They complained about HIM because in their mind they had another “perfect” condition in mind. JESUS was their opportunity for perfection yet they passed thinking there would be a better time and a better person. Little did they know that “now is the time to act the way GOD wanted them to act.”

• Are you upset at “that” person?
• Are you waiting for conditions to be better in order to serve GOD?
• Can you act with love today the way GOD wants you to act or is your heart to hard?
• Will you give up your “stubborn will” today and yield to GOD’s ways?

What am I doing with my life?

Luke 6: ⁴³ “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. ⁴⁴ Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. ⁴⁵ A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

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“Nice or grumpy” are the words that describe the elderly and it takes practice to achieve either title. I guess I want to gain the “nice” title but it requires some work on my part.

• I can fight my enemies and be just like them or I can serve those GOD tells me to serve, it’s my choice.
• I can fulfill all my lusts and desires or I can discipline myself to follow GOD’s ways, it’s my choice.
• I can complain that things aren’t going right or I can practice praising GOD in the middle of the storm, it’s my choice.

Bearing “fruit” is quite important to GOD.  Fruit to GOD is serving HIS humans to the point that they stop rejecting HIS great gift of eternal salvation. I cannot do it without HIM because most times I don’t want to store “good things” in my heart.

I choose to serve GOD even though I sin. HE saved a person like me and I know HE can do the same for anyone else who is willing to make a change. HE gave me a heart filled with compassion even for my enemies and this enables me to bear fruit.

• What are you doing with your life?
• Are you too busy to bear fruit?
• When you get old will you look back on your life wishing you had worked harder?
• When will you take time to be part of “that” person’s life to help them?
• Don’t you know one person who needs to hear GOD’s words of comfort?

A much brighter future!

Luke 6: ²¹ Blessed are you who hunger now,
   for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
   for you will laugh.
²² Blessed are you when people hate you,
   when they exclude you and insult you
   and reject your name as evil,
      because of the Son of Man.

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Movies with a good ending are always exciting to me especially when there is a major dilemma or crisis. I pull for the hero or heroine as if I’m in the struggle. When the movie is over I walk out the theater knowing that life’s struggles are very real and still exist.

• One day my physical, mental and emotional hunger will be satisfied by GOD.
• One day my tears will be turned into laughter because GOD will be there with me.
• One day me enemies will face GOD’s wrath but until then I’m supposed to pray for the best for them.

It is a hard concept to swallow that the earth and the atmosphere above is cursed and I should not try to permanently set up camp. Each breath that I breathe takes me closer to seeing my LORD in person.

GOD understands life is difficult and HE provides these words of comfort to enable me to withstand trials. Of course I will be hungry and broke, of course I will have pain and sorrow, of course I will have people who hate me. Why, because I love JESUS.

• Are you going through something?
• Is life tough right now?
• Will you take a moment to praise GOD for planning your future?

I want money, power and fame!

Luke 4: ⁵ The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. ⁶ And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. ⁷ If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

 ⁸ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

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Money, power and fame were powerful drivers in my life. One time I imagined myself reading some popular magazine that I was on the cover as I flew off into the sunset on my private jet. But as I started my “climb” to success I began my “descent” into darkness.

• To gain money I would work so hard I would not take time for my family.
• To gain power I would ban together with the unscrupulous until I no longer needed their cunning backbiting behavior.
• To gain fame I would talk about “my” accomplishments no matter what the conversation.

It seemed like I was becoming more and more fearless in the business world and less and less fearful of following GOD’s ways. In fact I was embarrassed to mention one simple name in business, namely “JESUS” who should be the main reason for all of my words.

• GOD wants me to have lots of money as long as I have the sincere heart of giving it away.
• GOD wants me to have extreme power so HE leaves me weak and dependent on HIM.
• GOD wants me to have fame for the more people who know me the more they can hear about JESUS. (Yeah I said HIS name!)

Worldly possessions are nothing if they are not coupled with GOD.  HE doesn’t mind if I have a big house or drive a nice car as long as I open my house to teaching and pick up the meek giving them a ride while treating them with respect.

My purpose has to be to “Serve GOD” with all my mind, body, soul, desires and possessions, then the devil cannot claim he gave me anything.

• What will you do for attention?
• Are you trying to get “noticed” but not in a GODLY way?
• Are you seeking power without GOD’s permission?
• Will you serve at least one person today for GOD?

Generosity is not conditional.

Luke 3: ¹¹ John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

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As an executive I drove a company luxury car but when the position was cut from the company I found myself without a car. For the first time in years I had to think about survival rather than excess.

Without asking any questions my father in law gave me his van and told me to keep it as long as I needed to. Wow! “I wish I could do that” I thought to myself.

• Generosity is not a condition of how much excess I have.
• Generosity is not a condition of how well my investments are doing.
• Generosity is not a condition of a tax write off.

It actually takes practice to be generous. I cannot wait for conditions to be perfect in order to start being generous. In fact most times it takes sacrifice to be generous because needs tend to pop up at absolutely the “wrong” time.

• To be generous like GOD wants I have to give up worrying about me and think of others.
• To be generous like GOD wants I have to want to please HIM instead of always seeking pleasure.
• To be generous like GOD wants I have to remove my conditions of how someone looks, acts, smells, or how they treat me.

It is never going to be the right time to be generous BUT GOD has given me just the right amount or right thing to share with “that” person. GOD has been extremely generous with me so it won’t hurt for me to do the same. Since GOD owns everything HE wants me to be generous with HIS possessions.

• Are you waiting for more money or stuff to be generous?
• Are you angry because you don’t have more?
• Will GOD ask you how much stuff did you acquire or will HE ask how much did you share?
• Will you sacrifice just this once to help “that” person?

I think I’m getting stupider!

Luke 2: 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

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The older I get the dumber I think I am. I’m not talking about in men’s eyes, I’m talking about as it relates to GOD. I have followed GOD for a long time and you would think I would be perfect by now. Well, it’s quite the opposite.

• The older I get the more sins I commit.
• The older I get the more grace I need.
• The older I get the more I set GOD up for failure in my eyes.

Fortunately for me GOD forgives me daily. HE knows my weaknesses and looks beyond them because I am something special to HIM.  HE places obstacles in my way to make me stronger in the faith and HE never ever leaves me alone.

• Only GOD can help me grow in wisdom.
• Only GOD can help me grow my faith.
• Only GOD can help me grow favor with HIM and man.

When I focus on my situations and problems I act “stupider and stupider” doubting HIM and worrying about my situations. But when I focus on GOD and HIS mighty power that raises me up from the dust then I am growing in wisdom, faith and favor.

• Do you think you “know it all?”
• Are you deliberately seeking GOD’s wisdom?
• Will you drop “your will” and seek GOD’s will today?

How random is GOD?

Luke 2:  ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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In the past I pondered GOD in disbelief. I demanded HE show HIMSELF, speak or perform a miracle each day. When HE ignored my demands I pouted and questioned not only my relationship with HIM but even HIS very existence.

During the moments I did believe I didn’t respect HIM saying, “it isn’t fair that you chose that person to be rich and not me.” GOD seemed random to me.

• GOD is not random I am.
• GOD is not random rather sometimes I want my way and don’t get it.
• GOD is not random rather my faith lacks focus on HIS commands, decrees and wishes.

HIS favor is special and is set aside for those who believe in HIS SON, HIS love and HIS position as GOD. HE adores when I fully believe in HIS grace and mercy for me especially when I show it to someone else.

Funny, when I focus on HIS love for me, I really don’t have a problem following what HE wants me to do. I am never embarrassed to mention JESUS and peace seems to permeate my soul.  Life on Earth is temporary but HIS love for me is everlasting!

• Can you praise GOD without questioning HIM?
• Will you give up your will and allow HIM to do some amazing things in your life?
• Are you anxious for something?
• Can you give up your anxiety and allow GOD to show you HIS plan?

Your Calling

Luke 1:

⁷⁶ And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
   for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
⁷⁷ to give his people the knowledge of salvation
   through the forgiveness of their sins,
⁷⁸ because of the tender mercy of our God,
   by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
⁷⁹ to shine on those living in darkness
   and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

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Confusion never comes from GOD. So when I ask, “What does GOD want from me?” it is clear I’m not listening to HIM.

• When I believed JESUS “was” and “is” GOD, HE wanted me to tell people about it.
• When I believed JESUS spoke with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT and convinced them that HE should become human, HE wanted me to tell people about it.
• When I believed JESUS volunteered to be murdered in order to save me, HE wanted me to tell people about it.

GOD wants everyone to know about HIS message of mercy, peace and forgiveness. I have to understand that I need mercy, peace and forgiveness in order to accept the mysterious facts HE presents in the Bible.

• If I don’t think I need to be saved then there is nothing to believe in.
• If I don’t believe there is a heaven or hell then there is nothing to believe in.
• If I don’t think there is a definitive right or wrong then there is nothing to believe in.
• If I don’t believe in demons, sin or a cursed Earth then there is nothing to believe in.

I do believe in all of the above and I also believe the Bible is very real and true to its words that time is extremely short. I can follow politics, movie stars and monetary dreams which amount to nothing or I can follow GOD and receive HIS peace.

• Will you accept HIS calling to you?
• Will you tell people about the marvelous news JESUS has done for you?
• Can you drop your fears of being labeled “weird” and accept GOD’s label of “son” or “daughter?”

She must be a special lady!

Luke 1: ⁴⁵ Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

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Mary and the Immaculate Conception is the biggest mystery to me. I mean she wasn’t very old and as far as I know she hadn’t done anything “special” to be chosen.

• I wonder if Mary wanted to feel special and GOD blessed her.
• I wonder if Mary desired to serve more people and GOD blessed her.
• I wonder if Mary saw more than the words in the Bible and wanted a “special” relationship and GOD blessed her.

It says Mary and her much older cousin Elizabeth followed GOD’s commands and decrees blamelessly which meant they were truly excited about GOD and HIS ways.  She wanted to do more, not because of her circumstance, just because HE was GOD.

• Mary didn’t care that she was poor, she praised the LORD.
• Mary didn’t worry about becoming some great title for GOD had spoken to her.
• Mary didn’t mind becoming the mother of our Savior rather she was excited to be chosen by GOD.

She worked hard following GOD’s commands to the letter but she did it with excitement. She probably saw the greedy seem to get away with their thievery and felt disappointed because when she got the news from GOD she sang this song:

⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
   he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones
   but has lifted up the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
   but has sent the rich away empty

Mary was excited about GOD and that was enough for her so it is enough for me!

• Are you working hard to be “special?”
• Do you realize you “are” already special to GOD?
• Can you believe it’s not how hard you try, rather it’s the focus of your heart?
• Will you take a moment to praise GOD for choosing you?

What is my purpose?

Mark 16:  ¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

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With financial crisis looming, I sat this morning drinking coffee.  I watched the news and felt enraged, scared and disappointed all in the same moment. Why did I feel like this? What drove this inflammation?

• When I take my eyes off of my purpose I focus on the wrong things.
• When I take my eyes off of my purpose I can see nothing more than problems.
• When I take my eyes off of my purpose I do not act like a leader rather I am washed away with the tide of today’s problems.

But what is my purpose?  You mean the only purpose for me is to focus on heaven? I have bills to pay, my mental batteries need to be recharged and I have weight to lose. What does preaching the Gospel have anything to do with these things?

• Preaching the Gospel actually helps me remain calm in this world of pressure.
• Preaching the Gospel helps those who are stressed around me understand there “is” hope.
• Preaching the Gospel shows others that I submit my will to the most HIGH GOD and it’s alright if they do the same.

After reading this message I was able to remember that my purpose isn’t to sit her and worry about today rather “go” out and tell as many as I can that JESUS rescued me from myself.

• Are you worried about something?
• If and when you make it to age eighty will you look back and say I wish I had spent more time worrying about money?
• How do you spend your time?
• Why has GOD left you here and what are HIS expectations of you?

Satisfying the crowd is easier but deadly.

Mark 15: ¹⁵ Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

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Comedy was something I have always loved perhaps because it was my way of escaping pain. I wasn’t a good comedian, but I had a strange sense of humor that I never turned off. I constantly had an audience and I felt I would disappoint them if I didn’t say something that would make them laugh.

The elite group on campus approached me one day. “Wow” I thought to myself, “I finally fit in.” They said “We would like to make you one of our notables namely Campus Clown.” I guess satisfying the crowd didn’t gain me anything.

• Sometimes it’s easy to go along with the crowd, but if they are wrong it can be deadly.
• Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in everyone else’s complaints, BUT GOD despises my complaints.
• Sometimes it’s easy to join in on sinful behavior because everybody is doing it, BUT GOD wants me to be different and stand firm.

Pilate was a great politician who had the power to release JESUS but chose to go with the crowd to save his reputation. Unfortunately he will remember his poor choice forever. This example lets me know I need to watch which crowd I am going with.

• GOD wants me to stand out instead of fitting in.
• GOD wants me to stand firm instead of choosing sin.
• GOD wants me to stand up instead of sitting in.

I sin on a daily basis. I am no better than Pilate, but I have chosen to believe JESUS died specifically for me and now I can choose to stay out of the crowd and depend on HIM.

• Are you trying to fit in?
• What part of your soul are you giving up every day?
• Can you depend on GOD more and accept your differences?

Choices

Mark 14: ³⁸ Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

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Many times I have had the opportunity to really do some great things for GOD and chose not to. I mean I really wanted to serve GOD when I woke up that morning but by the time I went to bed it seems I had ruined another day.

• When I say I want to be more graceful, “that” person got on my nerves and my flesh kicked in to argue, fuss and fight.
• When I say I want to be less lustful, greed, power and sex seem to pop up everywhere I look and I fall into their trap.
• When I say I want to be more loving, “that” person downplays my efforts and sometimes ridicules it rather than accepting my gift of love so I withdraw my efforts and blame them.

My flesh is weak! When I think I am strong, I seem to fall into a hole quicker than when I feel weak and helpless. In fact I believe I am blind when I think I am strong so GOD wants me to be on the lookout for temptation.

• GOD wants me to see my temptation coming at a distance and pray to HIM for help.
• HE wants me to understand my weaknesses and give them to HIM daily.
• GOD wants me to make small adjustments in my life so that I can have success.

GOD knows I am weak yet HE uses me and loves me anyway. HE knows my heart is filled with the wrong stuff yet rejoices when I make the tiniest effort to truly serve HIM.  Each time I ask GOD for help way before the temptation begins, HE gives me the strength to get through it.  HE does this a little at a time so each time I am successful I can praise HIM.

• Are you falling into temptation?
• Can you choose to not flirt with that coworker today?
• Will you choose to show grace and mercy to that person who wants to pick a fight?
• Will you choose to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT today and do what HE says?

Who can I trust?

Mark 13: ³¹ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

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“I got your back” were the words I loved to hear in tenuous situations. Whether it was weaving through the bullies on the playground or the bullies in business, I loved to hear someone was supporting me.  Unfortunately I have used empty words to “say” I was supporting a person but never did anything to help them.

• When I use words with “empty promises” I get the person’s hopes up and dash them to the ground.
• When I use “flattery” to get what I want I imprison my soul.
• When I use “catch phrases” to impress people I draw attention to myself and away from GOD.

My words were not always reliable. I have really wanted that promotion or job so much that I would have said anything to get it. Who cared if I stretched the truth or inflated my skills as long as I got my way.

• GOD’s words are definitely words I can count on.
• When GOD promises something to me I can truly count on it.
• GOD never says anything HE doesn’t mean because HE cannot lie.
• When GOD said HE loves me, I can truly know without doubt “HE LOVES me.”

GOD said “I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you.” He also said “I will be with you even to the end.” HE also said “ALL of your sins are forgiven because you believe in MY SON.” I can truly believe without question that CHRIST’s return is imminent because HE said so.

Humans make empty promises and I am no exception. BUT GOD’s words of love, grace, mercy mixed with wrath will come to pass.

• Have you been disappointed by someone’s empty words?
• Are you using empty words or lustful flattery?
• Can you focus your attention on GOD’s words for a moment?
• Will you add to your belief HIS promises so your faith can increase?

Want to embrace “greatness?”

Mark 12:  ²⁸ One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

   ²⁹ “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

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Many times I have wanted that promotion or that highly visible project so I could bask in the spotlight when I achieved the goal. I loved receiving awards and I achieved a lot of them.  There is something about the spotlight that made me feel “great.”

• GOD is not impressed with the awards I achieve rather the people I serve.
• GOD is not concerned if I get earthly pats on the back rather HE looks at how I pat others on the back.
• GOD is not moved when I achieve another award given by humans rather HE dotes on how I worship HIM with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

For some reason I began looking for that great feeling each year. I wanted to receive another award and be recognized as being the greatest. BUT GOD has another definition of what great is. HE simply wants me to love.

• Loving GOD with all my heart means getting rid of the foul thoughts my heart dreams up.
• Loving GOD with all my soul means depending on HIM for eternal salvation.
• Loving GOD with all my mind means guiding my intellect to follow HIM and HIS decisions.
• Loving GOD with all my strength means giving up the fight with HIM and leveraging HIS strength to fight my battles.

To love GOD is to love other people. Any act of kindness I can show others, no matter how small, is “great” in GOD’s eyes.

• Are you trying to achieve greatness in human terms?
• Do you want to be recognized for your efforts?
• Will you try filling that void in your heart by serving others today?

Want the divorce rate to drop?

Mark 10: ¹⁰ When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. ¹¹ He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. ¹² And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

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Commitment to marriage was a very scary idea to me. You mean I have to stay with this person until I or she dies? Wow! I guess she better change all her ways and do things my way! Right? Wrong!

• Divorce happens when I give up on GOD’s statement “What I have put together let no man tear apart” not even you.
• Divorce happens when I want what I want without trying to understand what GOD wants.
• Divorce happens when my lust is greater than love.

Submission is a very strange word.  Yes one person may be quicker, stronger, empathetic, rugged, smarter, prettier or handsomer but talents or gifts are useless if the “wills” of both are not submitting to GOD’s structure. The more I bow to GOD, the more she bows to GOD.

• Two separate hearts going in different directions can only be made one if I submit my will to GOD.
• Two different wills desiring different things can only be tamed if I focus my will on GOD.
• Two polar ideas headed down two opposite paths can only be merged if I trust GOD.

My wife and I disagree on several topics, but that disagreement should never escalate to me giving up on her. In fact in many instances I need to appreciate a different opinion to remain grounded, to build a better road and to see how GOD uses diverse ideas to bring peace and harmony.

GOD put structures in place to test the human will.  Not a pass fail test rather a refining test that enables me to get rid of an arrogant stubborn will who is always right, turning it into a gentle, compassionate will who needs GOD and the companion HE gave to me.

• Are you strong willed in your marriage?
• Will you stop trying to steer your mate and steer your heart towards GOD?
• Have you asked GOD what HE wants you to submit to HIM?
• Are you refusing to submit your will to HIM?
• Can you be more than roommates and truly fulfill your marriage as GOD intended?