Qualities to Look for in a Spouse


Genesis 24:37

"And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:"

Marriage is one of the greatest relationships you can have. Other than a relationship with Jesus Christ, a relationship with your spouse is the best and most rewarding relationship. Finding the right person to marry will certainly make marriage what God intended for it to be. When Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac, you find the qualities for what  a young person should look for in a spouse.

First, the verse above shows that you should look for a person who is not of the world. Abraham didn't want his son to marry "the daughters of the Canaanites." A Christian has no business looking in the world for a spouse. That will only bring heartache to your marriage.

Second, verse 38 shows that you should look for a spouse of your own kind. Abraham told his servant to find a young lady who was of his"kindred." In other words, it wasn't good enough that they were not of the world, but he wanted his son to marry someone who was like them. One of the greatest causes of marital problems is couples don't believe like each other. It is important when choosing someone to marry that you believe like each other spiritually and politically. These two areas have destroyed many marriages.

Third, verse 39 shows that you should look for a spouse who is willing to follow. I know this story is about a wife for Isaac, but I believe the principle of following is important in every marriage. If you are not done with the dating life, then you are not ready to be married. In other words, if you are not done looking around, then don't get married. You should only get married when there is no one else whom you would rather be with than the person you are dating. You should only want to be with them and no one else for the rest of your life.

Fourth, verse 43 shows that you should look for someone who is pure. Purity before marriage will carry on after marriage. I'm not saying that a person who lost their purity before marriage will be unfaithful after marriage, but I am saying that it gives a higher chance of that happening. You need to stay pure, and you need to look for someone who has kept themselves pure.

Fifth, verse 43 shows that you should look for someone who is a worker. You don't want to marry a lazy person. If they won't work before they are married, then they won't work after they are married.

Sixth, verse 43 shows that you should look for someone who is hospitable. You don't want to marry someone who can't get along with others and treat others right. Eventually they will treat you the same way they treat others. Look how someone treats those they don't know to learn how they will eventually treat you.

Finally and most importantly, verse 45 shows that you should look for someone who is spiritual. Rebekah was spiritual enough to follow the LORD's guidance to go at the right time and to also talk to Abraham's servant. An unspiritual person makes a poor spouse. On the other hand, a spiritual person will make a great spouse. More than anything, you want a person who walks with God.

These are some of the most important qualities you should look for in a spouse. However, if you are married, you should be sure that you represent these qualities. If you lack in one of these areas, then you should work on it so that you can be for your spouse what God would want you to be. These qualities in a spouse will make for a long and happy marriage.

Intimidated by the World

Genesis 12:11

"And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:"

Egypt is a picture of the world. It seems as if the world's intimidation has been a problem from the very beginning. Because of a famine in Bethel, Abram left to go to Egypt. Before he arrived in Bethel, he told his wife to tell people that she was his sister because he was afraid they would kill him to have her. Amazing, when you consider that God had provided for him for his whole life. Amazing, when you consider God's guidance from the time he left the Ur of the Chaldees. Yet, the intimidation of the world affected Abram, a man known for his faith in God.

The world has long made its affect on Christians through intimidation. You must realize that intimidation is all that the world can do. The world has no history to show for what it offers. In fact, when you look at the world's history, you see that it is filled with heartbreak, sorrow, broken lives and regrets. Everything the world offers is a smokescreen for what it actually gives. There is no reason a Christian should ever be intimidated by the world.

Christian, don't let the world intimidate you with their education. The world will often flaunt their educational degrees at Christians to intimidate them into believing that their education is inferior. You see Christian schools competing with the world's education system, when if you compared the graduates from the world to the Christian school, it is often laughable. Don't tell me that creationism is inferior to evolution. Don't tell me that liberalism is superior to the truths of God's Word. We could go on and on, but all I'm trying to get you to see is that you should not be intimidated by the world's education. Their education is not superior to the truths of God's Word.

Furthermore, don't let the world intimidate you with their lifestyle. The world's lifestyle is not as pleasurable as they would like you to believe. They try to intimidate you into believing that God's lifestyle keeps you from having fun. Consider the end of the world's lifestyle compared to the end of God's lifestyle. Don't tell me that abstinence is inferior to losing your purity. Don't tell me that drugs and alcoholic lifestyles are superior to being clean and having a clear mind. Don't tell me that partying with the world is better than having a happy family. The only reason the world will try to intimidate you into living their life is because they know their life does not produce happiness.

The only reason the world's intimidation works is because Christians are not confident in the ways of the LORD. If you were truly confident that what you were doing is right, then no level of intimidation would ever influence you. The only way you are going to build your confidence in the LORD's way of living is through reading and living the Scriptures. You will build your confidence in the LORD's way of living by watching the LORD answer your prayers. You will build your confidence in the LORD by remembering what the LORD's way has done for you.

I challenge you today to stop letting the world lure and intimidate you into following their pathway. Stop cowering to the world and look at what the world has done to others. Consistently remind yourself of what the LORD has done for you. When you do this, you will find the intimidation of the world will not influence you.


Symptoms of the Fallen

Revelation 18:2

"And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."

It seems like a regular part of my week is trying to help the fallen get back up. Don't get me wrong, I want to do my best to help restore the fallen, but it gets wearisome hearing of those who have fallen. It seems as if someone falling is becoming more of the norm that it is an anomaly. Though throughout history it is common see people have fallen, it simply becomes tiresome and heartbreaking when those you love fall.

In the verse above, a voice cried out that Babylon fell. Babylon was the tool God used to judge sinful nations. What was once a nation that was used of God is now become a fallen nation. When God describes what will happen to Babylon when she falls, you see the symptoms of the fallen.

First, the fallen become a regular place of the works of the Devil. What are the works of the Devil? You will find that the works of the Devil are the same as the works of the flesh. Galatians 5:19 shows us these works. Sadly, a person who has fallen is one who will regularly perform the works of the flesh. What once was a tool used of God to help the fallen has succumb to their own flesh to become whom they once used to help.

Second, the fallen will have a bad spirit. Notice is says, "...and the hold of every foul spirit,..." When a person falls, it is amazing how their spirit changes from a sweet spirit to a bad spirit. Where they once used to be joyful, now they are one who regularly complains. Where they once used to see the works of God and praise them, now they've become one who criticizes everything that happens.

Third, the fallen will have a hateful spirit. Notice it says, "...and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." Imagine, here was a person who used to be loving, but now they have become a person who is hateful towards others. No, I don't think it is intentional, but it is the natural result of sin.

These are just three symptoms of the fallen. But, what is it that leads to a person falling? Verse 3 shows us what leads a person to fall. First, pride sets into their heart. Notice is says in verse 7, "How much she hath glorified herself,..." Babylon became so confident in themselves that they wanted others to see what they did. This is nothing more than pride. You will find that a person who is about to fall will start pointing towards themselves and not towards God.

Second, they become a person who lives for possessions. Babylon became more interested in her "delicacies" than she did in serving God. She became a nation who focused on acquiring more. When you become possessed with possessions, then you are headed down the road of the fallen. When having money, fame, position and the best of material things becomes your central focus, then it won't be long before you are working the works of the flesh.

Christian, do you see any of these symptoms in your life? Do you see yourself justifying cutting back on what you do for God for the sake of worldly position and possessions? If you find these symptoms moving slowly into your life, then you are on the road towards falling. It happens so easily, and the best of people have succumb to these symptoms. Be careful that you don't think you're above these. Daily ask the Holy Spirit to convict and reveal these symptoms to you so you can change your actions. Be tender towards the Holy Spirit when He speaks to you, and change what you're doing so you don't become another fallen Christian.


The Man with the Keys

Revelation 1:18

"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."

They often say that the man with the keys is the person who is in charge. Whenever I am at a church, I always know that the pastor will have the keys to every door because he is the person in charge. When the person in charge resigns or loses their position, they are always told they need to turn in their keys.

The verse above says that God has the keys. In other words, this verse is teaching us that God is ultimately in charge. When you got saved, you not only received salvation, but you also received access to the One Who is in charge of all things. I find there are several things to which God holds the keys.

First, God holds the keys to death. I don't know if you quite understand what this means, but God is ultimately the One Who determines when death will come your way. Psalm 116:15 says, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Christian, just like God made you to fill a position in this world, He also prepares your death to give Him glory. We often talk about God preparing our ways in life, but we often forget to remind people that God also prepares our death. You have nothing to fear about death, for God conquered death and will only allow it to come your way when He has prepared you. That is why you often see those whom God has prepared not afraid when they are at death's doorstep. God prepared them for that time. When the shadow of death comes your way, you have nothing to fear for God holds the keys of death.

Second, God holds the key of knowledge. In Luke 11:52, Jesus rebuked the lawyers because they rejected the key of knowledge. Jesus is the key of knowledge. One of the biggest travesties we see today is how our education system has kicked Jesus out of the public school system. They wonder why grades are dropping, and the answer is they kicked the key of knowledge out. You will never gain the knowledge you need in any area without including God in your life. Yes, you may acquire some knowledge, but God holds the keys to unlock all knowledge.

Third, God holds the key to the house of David. This sounds strange, but it is important that you understand what these keys hold. This represents that Jesus is the royal possessor. In other words, Jesus will take the throne of David someday and will rule the world. Because He has the key to the house of David, it means that He is the stronghold against the enemy. It means that He is the One who can unlock the closed doors in your life. It means that He has the keys to the treasure house. In other words, God has the resources to supply all your needs. No matter what you face in your daily life, God has the keys to supply those needs.

One thing you can rejoice about today is that God is the One Who has the keys. He is in charge of everything in life, and when He chooses, He can unlock the doors to your needs. Whatever your need is today, you can talk to the One Who holds the keys to unlocking the resources to supply your need. Prayer is the key to unlocking the resources for your needs. Don't let there be a day when you forsake your opportunity to talk to the One Who holds the keys for your day.


Waiting for the Due Date


Galatians 6:8

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

There are laws that cannot be changed no matter what you do. For instance, you will not change the law of gravity. What goes up must come down. There is the law of life. What is born must die. Then there is the law of breathing that mandates that after you breathe in you must breathe out.

Yet, there is one law that we must never forget and that is the law of sowing and reaping. The verse above teaches that whatever you sow, you will eventually reap. When you plant an apple seed, you will get an apple tree. Whenever you place a seed of corn in the ground, you will eventually get corn. The law of sowing and reaping cannot be changed.

One of the hardest things for a person to do is overcome a besetting sin. There are many Christians who become frustrated with themselves because they want to do right, but they find themselves doing the opposite of what they set out to do in overcoming sin. God says the only way you will overcome sin is that you must sow to the Spirit. The problem comes when we don't immediately reap what we have sown to the Spirit we become impatient and find ourselves yielding to the flesh. Waiting for the due date of sowing to the Spirit can become frustrating. Let me give you some thoughts that will help you while you wait for the due date of reaping what you've sown to the Spirit.

First, don't become weary with doing good. It is interesting that right after God talks about sowing to the Spirit He says in verse 9, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." God is trying to encourage you not to become weary with doing good. When you feel like there is no progress from doing good, you must keep on doing good. You must not let the delay of the due date cause you to become weary with sowing to the Spirit.

Second, keep records of your progress. One of the reasons we become weary with doing good is because we don't see the progress. We want the fruit of sowing to the Spirit, but you must understand that it will not come immediately; however, there is still progress that could be seen if you were keeping records. Keep records of how you are overcoming the sins of the flesh and you will find that sowing to the Spirit is indeed paying off.

Third, set reminders to continually yield to the Spirit. It may be that you set your watch to beep every hour, and when you hear the beep you take a minute to yield yourself to the Holy Spirit. Little reminders of yielding to the Spirit so you don't become discouraged will help you as the Spirit of God helps you overcome your flesh.

Finally, remind yourself that the due date will come. You must realize that when you sowed to the flesh you weren't anticipating its due date, and that's why you didn't become weary with the due date of sin. Now that you want to do right, you can become discouraged when the due date of sowing to the Spirit when it doesn't come as quickly as you desire. Always remind yourself that the law of sowing and reaping is an unchangeable law, and you will reap good for sowing to the Spirit.

Don't let what seems to be a delay in the due date of doing right discourage you. Just keep on sowing to the Spirit and you will find that you will reap the harvest of conquering sin. The only way you will overcome the sins of the flesh is to keep sowing to the Spirit, and eventually the seeds of the flesh will die. Don't quit in your fight against the flesh. Your due date for doing right is near.