So she followed him home or to some guest house for a meal.
Let’s just eat out.
May we not dine with the wrong person.
May we not eat up our destinies.
The guy had more plans than just the meal.
Son 2:4 (MSG) He took me home with him for a festive meal, but his eyes feasted on me!
Ladies, be careful who buys free meals for you, you might be paying for it soonest.
Rather than for the guy to feast on the meal, his eyes were riveted on the damsel.
Essentially, men are moved by sight. Men, watch what you see. Ladies, watch what is seen.
For The Sisters, Ladies and Wives
The Reciprocity of the Feasting
Son 2:5 (MSG) Oh! Give me something refreshing to eat—and quickly! Apricots, raisins—anything. I’m about to faint with love!
Ladies are enthralled by attention and non-verbal expressions of love.
She was going to faint with love. She felt more important as the guy refused to satisfy his hunger pangs and focused on his lust pangs.
She felt special, but there was a mix-up Their goals are different. The lady wants care, attention, and love. The guy wants a bedroom tango, period!
The contradiction of goals results in confusion of the soul. Two cannot walk together except they be agreed.
For The Sisters, Ladies and Wives
The Physicality of The Desires
Son 2:6 (MSG) His left hand cradles my head, and his right arm encircles my waist!
In no time, his manifesto begins in aggressive fulfillment of intentions.
The left hand should be busy with the meal but travels to the head and cradles it lovingly or “lustingly?”
The right hand encircles the waist. Desire travels into blood veins.
The heart races and gallops like a horse who just sighted waters! The rush of adrenaline colliding with dopamine!
Hey! Destinies are about to be ruptured. Glorious futures are about to be tainted. Promising ministry hopefuls are about to morph into miseries!
For The Sisters, Ladies and Wives
The Stirring and the Warning
Son 2:7 (MSG) Oh, let me warn you, sisters in Jerusalem, by the gazelles, yes, by all the wild deer: Don’t excite love, don’t stir it up, until the time is ripe—and you’re ready.
Oh, there comes a warning! Don’t do it. Don’t excite love!
In a moment, his voice and words are so gentle and caressing, the next moment, his biceps pins you to the wall in a wicked hold, because love has been excited. Be warned!
Eh singles, the time is not ripe. You are not ready! Don’t let the “glee” take over the “flee!” It is time to flee!
Oh, let me warn you, sisters in Jerusalem, by the gazelles, yes, by all the wild deer…
The gazelles and the wild deer know how to run from the enemy! Run! Flee!
Married couples, what would you be doing in a guest house with someone you are not married to?
Don’t go to that guest house or hotel again. Don’t go and meet him on campus again. Don’t frolic with him in the office again. Don’t take his money again, because his money controls you.
Take a cue from the gazelles and the wild deer. When they see the lion crouching, they take off. They are not ready to be preyed upon.
Don’t be a prey! Dear sisters, caution! Dear wives, caution!
God will guide you and the heavens will assist you!
Son 2:3-7 (MSG) As an apricot tree stands out in the forest, my lover stands above the young men in town. All I want is to sit in his shade, to taste and savor his delicious love.
Well, born again or not, there is a strong desire that comes with falling in love.
If you like, speak in tongues till tomorrow, this desire will not go.
But what can be subdued is lust that often wants to tag along, like Lot tagged along with Abraham.
Yes, the desire will not go, because there is nothing wrong with the desire, it is the fulfillment of the desire at the wrong time that gets us into trouble.
So, all you want when you fall in love is to sit down in each other’s shade, with feelings of wanting to taste and savor the delicious love.
The Strong Desire That Comes With Love
I felt like that. She felt like that. But we waited. You can wait as well.
No matter how intense the desire is, do not taste that love before the wedding.
Tasting love and consummating your love before the wedding is like stealing a lump of hot meat from the pot of stew before it is ready.
Your taste bud gets burnt and you can lose your sense of taste, which ultimately leads to tasting more pot of stew that doesn’t belong to you!
If you have already started doing this as singles, then there is a clarion call this morning to stop and now get yourself onto unnecessary problems that are never part of your destiny!
The Strong Desire That Comes With Love
For married couples, you are licensed to sit in his shade, to keep tasting, relishing, and delighting in each other’s love! What is forbidden here is looking outside for pleasure. You are now married, you can admire others but shouldn’t desire them.
You now need to focus on the one you have married and pleasure one another. To look outside is not only greed and covetousness but also lust, which your maker frowns at! Dear husband, dear wife, FOCUS!
In life, there are moments when it feels like everything is falling apart. Times when doubt creeps in, and it seems like there’s no way out. Marital problems, challenging relationships, and seemingly endless struggles can leave us feeling trapped and hopeless. It’s in these moments that some people give up on hope and stop praying. They start to believe that there is no way out. Job searches become futile, and well-meaning individuals reinforce the idea that there’s no brighter future. But is it the end of the road?
Embracing Hope Amidst Adversity
When multiple voices join in, all echoing the same sentiment that there’s no help from God, what should you do? Even when it feels like God has abandoned you, and others question your faith, there’s a message of hope to be found.
The 3rd Psalm, verse 2 (KJV) speaks to this very issue, “Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.”
When your circumstances push you to the brink, it’s easy to feel abandoned by God. You may have even asked yourself, “God, where are you?”
But, let me convey a message of hope to you today. The very next verse, Psalm 3:3 (KJV), reads, “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”
It’s crucial to remember that God’s perspective is different from human judgment.
Dear Pastor, Is There A Way Out For Me?
The Power of Faith
No matter what others say, with God, all odds can be overcome. The Lord serves as your shield, your source of glory, and the one who will lift your head. When people try to lift your head, they will soon realize it’s a job reserved for Jehovah alone. Men may believe they cannot offer any help, but the Lord is different.
The distinction between “God” and “Lord” is deliberate. If God is your Lord, you can find solace knowing that it’s only a matter of time before He lifts your head. “God” is a universal term, but “Lord” signifies a personal commitment.
When you declare, “He is my Lord,” you are affirming that He is your owner. You belong to Him, and He will lift your head in every area where it’s bowed. In times of struggle and shame, God will intervene.
God is the lifter of your head, and you’re destined for victory.
Just think about Joseph, who went from being a prisoner to a prime minister.
Consider Rahab, a harlot who became the great-grandmother of Jesus.
David, a shepherd boy, and forgotten sibling, rose to become a king.
Jabez became more honorable when God lifted his head. Even an illiterate Nigerian bread seller was featured on CNN after God intervened.
When God raises your head, remarkable transformations occur. The possibilities are endless, and God’s blessings know no bounds.
Dear Pastor, Is There A Way Out For Me?
A New Beginning
What can’t God do? Your life is about to take a new turn. Doors will open, jobs will become realities, and promotions will follow. Your wedding day is on the horizon, and the right partner will find you. Your marriage will be great and beautiful. You will hold your children in your arms. When God lifts your head, no one can bring it down.
Believe it. From today, the hand of the Lord will be evident in your life. Rejoice, for a new chapter is beginning in the name of Jesus.
In the realm of relationships, Christian women yearn for qualities in a man that harmonize seamlessly with their faith and principles. These qualities serve as the bedrock of a loving and harmonious partnership. Let’s delve into the five crucial attributes that a Christian lady or wife often seeks in a man, redefining the path to a deeply fulfilling relationship.
1. Being Spiritually Anchored
A Christian lady cherishes a man who is deeply rooted in his spirituality and actively pursues a closer connection with God. She longs for a partner who shares her unwavering faith, regularly attends church, and places spiritual growth at the forefront. A man who leads by example in his spiritual journey not only serves as a source of inspiration but also forges an unbreakable bond through shared faith and values. A man who fears the Lord will love appropriately and will not cheat.
Discovering The Desires of Every Lady
2. Integrity and Character
Integrity and character rank high among the virtues that Christian women seek in a man. They yearn for a companion who embodies honesty, kindness, and respect in every aspect of life. A man of unwavering character makes choices guided by the teachings of the Bible, instilling a sense of security and trust in the relationship.
3. Emotional Support
Christian women value a man who offers unwavering emotional support and comprehends the significance of transparent communication. They seek a partner who listens intently, extends compassion, and provides encouragement during both moments of joy and adversity. Effective communication is a cornerstone for building a profound emotional connection.
A Christian lady yearns for a man who holds the sanctity of marriage in high regard and is committed to nurturing a strong family unit. She desires a partner willing to invest time and effort into cultivating a loving and enduring relationship. A man who prioritizes his role as a husband and a potential father showcases his profound understanding of the pivotal role of family within the Christian context.
Discovering The Desires of Every Lady
5. Humility and Selflessness
Humility and servitude are virtues that resonate deeply with Christian women when it comes to a man. They aspire to be with someone who wholeheartedly serves others, mirroring the selfless example set by Jesus. A humble man recognizes that true leadership is manifested through service to others and is eager to prioritize the needs of his family and community over his own.
It’s imperative to remember that entering into relationships with an open heart and profound respect for individual preferences is paramount. While these qualities align with the desires of many Christian women and wives, it’s important to acknowledge that every individual is unique, and personal preferences may naturally vary.
May this guide serve as a compass, helping you gain insight into what Christian women often seek in a man who shares their unwavering faith and values.
In this devotional, we will explore the secrets to finding and maintaining a lasting love, for both singles and married individuals.
Love is a universal desire, but where and how do you find it, and once you have it, how do you keep it alive? Let’s delve into the keys to a successful and enduring relationship.
1. Finding Your Ideal Partner
Proverbs 19:14 (AMP) tells us that, “House and riches are the inheritance from fathers, but a wise, understanding, and prudent wife is from the Lord.”
In essence, a truly wise and prudent partner is a divine gift.
Seeking Divine Guidance
Your journey to finding a life partner begins with building a meaningful relationship with God. To secure a prudent spouse, you must first establish a strong connection with the Divine.
It is only logical that if you desire a wise and understanding partner, you must seek this through your relationship with God.
Choosing Wisely
The Bible suggests that there are both prudent and foolish individuals. The choice you make will have a profound impact on your life.
To ensure you make the right choice, trust in God to guide your path. Remember, your choice of a life partner can either elevate or undermine your happiness.
Married but Unhappy?
If you’re already married and are facing difficulties in your relationship, don’t rush to judgment.
Sometimes, we may perceive our partners differently from their true selves. If you believe your spouse lacks prudence, consider revisiting your connection with God.
Seek His guidance and wisdom to navigate your marriage’s challenges and also seek therapy when necessary
2. Building a Harmonious Home
Proverbs 21:19 (KJV) advises, “It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and an angry woman.”
This verse underscores the vital role a wife plays in creating a peaceful atmosphere at home.
Creating a Home, Not Just a House
A woman possesses the unique capacity to transform a house into a loving and serene home. It is within her power to set the tone for the entire household, making it a welcoming and pleasant place.
Avoiding Destructive Behavior
When a wife displays contentious, nagging, or angry behaviors, she risks driving her husband away.
Such actions can lead to a strained and unfulfilling relationship, pushing the man to avoid spending time at home.
It is crucial for both partners to create a loving and supportive environment.
The Importance of Understanding
Men often deal with internal struggles and decision-making processes differently from women.
They might choose to remain silent when faced with dilemmas. Instead of pressuring them to speak up, grant them the space and time needed to find a resolution on their own.
Respect his silence as he contemplates his choices.
For singles, addressing anger is crucial. Frequent displays of anger can discourage potential partners.
Men are generally logical and will consider how anger issues may affect their future together. It’s essential to work on anger management and self-improvement.
Seek Wisdom
The book of Ecclesiastes 7:9 (MSG) advises, “Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.”
Anger has the potential to destroy relationships. Remember that anger can hinder the growth of a God-ordained love affair.
In conclusion, the key to finding and keeping the love of your life lies in building a strong relationship with God and fostering a harmonious home environment.
By seeking divine guidance and practicing understanding, you can ensure a long-lasting and joyful partnership.
Addressing anger issues and working on self-improvement are essential for singles looking to embark on a successful relationship journey.
