God And Your work – Word For Today

‘I have chosen Bezalel.’ Exodus 31:2 NIV

"Every occupation has its own honor before God. Ordinary work is a divine vocation or calling." - Martin Luther.

The first person in the Bible who was said to be ‘filled with the Spirit of God’ was Bezalel. And if his name doesn’t ring a bell, it’s because he wasn’t a prophet, priest, king, or apostle. He was a craftsman, skilled in design. He had an eye for colour and a flair for management, and when it came time for building the tabernacle, he oversaw the job. Here is what God said about him: ‘I have chosen Bezalel…and…filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts’ (Exodus 31:2-5 NIV).

Part 2: Using Sex as a Weapon!

Sexuality is a wonderful part of our humanness, yet its importance in the success of a relationship is often overlooked or simply avoided. In the months and years leading up to marriage, a couple’s sex life can be hot and steamy, adding a heady level of passion to the relationship. Over time, long term damage can result by oversight and neglect. When sex is used to make war rather than to make love, the effects can be devastating. On a neurobiological level alone, the body is deprived of the truly positive effects of several neurochemicals, including the bond-building oxytocin. Instead, negative sexual war tactics build levels of stress-related neurochemicals, such as adrenaline and cortisol.

Word For Today: You Have Only Two Options: Forgiveness or Bitterness

The Bible says, ‘Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him…“up to seventy times seven”’ (Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV). Seventy times seven equals 490 times. And it’s your ‘brother’, someone you have to live or work with, whom you’re called to forgive. In essence Jesus was saying, ‘Forgive, and keep on forgiving if you want to have a relationship with this person.’

Part 1: Using Sex as a Weapon!

Sex is the greatest gift of marriage; it is meant to be enjoyed, cherished, featured, and respected. It is what makes marriage unique among all other relationships—best friends with benefits—for life! Using sex as a weapon turns intimacy into warfare. In seeking “to win,” both men and women will lose. Trying to manipulate your partner will only drive the partner away. Using sex as a weapon is the primary cause of sexual dysfunction within marriage and both men and women are guilty of doing so. If not addressed, often leads to divorce.

Living a Life Worthy of Christ’s Calling?

When Jesus saved us, he didn’t just save us for heaven. He saved us to live for him, to do works in his name, to rule with him, and many other things. Much of the teaching in the first half of Ephesians is about our calling. We were elected and predestined before time, redeemed, and forgiven. We were dead in our transgressions and sins, but now, we have been raised and seated with Christ in heavenly places. How can we live in a manner worthy of all Christ did for us?

God’s Plan for Sexual Intimacy In Marriage!

“Would you rather be single and lonely or married and bored?” So asks one well-known comedian. From the world’s perspective, these are the choices when it comes to marriage and relationships. This suggests that the way to avoid both loneliness and boredom is to date but never commit to marriage. Sounds descriptive of our culture, doesn’t it?

Our culture glorifies sex outside of marriage, making it the “human experience.” However the church can go the opposite pathway of disparaging sex altogether.

Reasons Sex Is Important in Marriage!

The best thing about marriage is having a long-lasting shared attraction for one another. Sex is among the ways couples can be vulnerable and comfortable with one another.

Sold Out To The Gospel?

The word 'Gospel' comes from a Greek word euangelion, which literally means “good news.” What does it mean to be really sold out to the gospel? To be willing to give your life for the gospel. (2 Tim. 4:6-8).