Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The passages that come most readily to mind for me are Proverbs 31:10-31 and Ephesians 5:22-24 for wives, and Ephesians 5:25-33, Colossians 3:19, and 1 Peter 3:7 for husbands. Also, 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 is addressed to both wives and husbands.

Additional verses starting in Genesis (Genesis 2:23-24) describe God's intent for the marriage relationship to be so close and unique (particularly from an exclusive sexual standpoint present only within formal marriage) that the husband and wife become "one flesh" in His eyes. This is reinforced by the commandment against adultery (Exodus 20:14), and Jesus' elaboration on that commandment in Matthew 5:27-32.

May 19 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Singapore Moses Messenger of God, CEO in IT industry, Astronaut, Scientist

❖ Happy Marriage

Happy family is but an earlier Heaven! Sadly the devil has robbed families of joy and peace by offering substitutes. But God desires each family to experience happiness abundantly in every area of its life. It was perhaps to indicate this concern of His for families that His Son Jesus performed His first miracle in a marriage party (Jn 2:1-12). From this first century incident of Cana we can pick out some lessons for a happy home today.

❖ Jesus must be HEAD of the family and the presence of Jesus

Jesus was "invited" to the wedding! (v 2). This made all the difference. The first secret of a happy home lies here. The presence of Jesus cannot be taken for granted. His presence is promised on condition that two or three shall "gather" in His Name (Mt 18:20). There was a time when it was hard to find Christian homes without family prayer. But nowadays so many families have forsaken the family altar. Even in homes where the practice is cherished, it is occasional. God has become a standby and we don't think about Him until there arises a crisis.

The father is supposed to coordinate the family to speak on Bible to wife and children. Without his initiation and cooperation, there can be no regularity in family devotions. Coming together before the Lord twice, once at dawn and then at dusk, is best. But where this is not possible, planning the family prayer before supper works well. No member should excuse himself or herself for any reason. It is an exciting time of worship and fellowship. It is also an occasion for mutual reconciliation.

❖ Pathway of Obedience

The unquestioning obedience of the servants in the wedding is remarkable (vv 5-8). Most of the problems in our families remain unsolved because we keep embracing the principles of the godless world rather than the prescription of God's Word (1 Jn 2:16,17). We don't consult the Bible when in doubt and despair. We run for quick-fix methods and end up in greater misery after a temporary relief.

The quality faith of Timothy was an inheritance from his granny and mummy (2 Tim 1:5, 3:15). I grew up in a home where I learnt the secrets from my father, my grandma, my mom that Bible is the LAW and there is no shortcuts in life. I don't regret that my mother was so strict. Most of what I bring out today while preaching or writing is from the treasure chest of my heart which my parents packed with Scriptures. Yes, home is the seminary of all other institutions.

May 27 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report