From Rabbi Jack...
Romans {12:18} "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."
Ellen and I have been experiencing so many marriages in conflict. Right now, we are praying for no less than seven marriages. Perhaps when Paul wrote this passage, he was not thinking about it applying to husbands and wives, but it does. It takes two to start an argument, whether it be between strangers or between spouses but it takes only one to end it. So many times I have heard husbands praying for God to change their wives and wives praying for God to change their husbands. Change for the better in anyone's life is good. However, when a husband or wife comes to me to ask for prayer for their spouse, I inevitably pray for the person asking. Why? Because it takes two to argue and if one earnestly seeks for God to change their spouse it starts with them, then God will heal and change the marriage relationship. Self-will, selfishness, pride and stubbornness are a destructive force in all marriage conflicts and the negative traits we are seeing in our spouse is most certainly in us as well.
James {4:1} "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?"
Before you start accusing your spouse, take a good look at our own life and start praying for God to change you! It takes two to tangle, but only one to bring peace. If you are in conflict with your spouse, start praying for God to change you.
Matthew {7:3}-And why do you look at the speck in your brother's (spouse's) eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? {7:4} Or how can you say to your brother (spouse), 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? {7:5} Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's (spouse's) eye. (Bracketed additions are mine).
Reconciliation only takes one!
Hi Ellen here…
1 Samuel 3: The lamp of God had not yet gone out and Samuel was lying down in the temple where the Ark of God was. God called out "Samuel" and he answered "Here I am." Then he ran to Eli and said "here I am" but Eli said "I did not call you; go back and lie down." So, he went back, and lay down. God called a second time, "Samuel!" Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am – you called me." Eli answered, "I did not call, my son; lie down again." Now Samuel did not know God yet and the Word had not yet been revealed to him... God called a third time, "Samuel!" He got up and went over to Eli and said, "Here I am – you called me." Eli then realized that God was calling the child. So, Eli said to Samuel, "Go lie down. If you are called again, say, "Speak Lord, your servant is listening."
Would it not be wonderful if the Lord called out your name and then proceeded to tell you what He will do and how He will use you? I am sure it does happen. As Believers in Messiah, we have all heard the audible voice of the Lord at one time. If it has happened to you and God spoke to you concerning your calling…hallelujah! But I think many Believers are searching and asking the same question, "What is my calling?" What I have learned of the many years of serving the Lord is that your calling may be right there, in front you. It may not look like what you expect and it may even be contrary to what you desire. What I am saying is do not look to foreign lands before you look in your own backyard. Your calling may be calling you from your husband, your children, your neighbors, your friends…God works in mysterious ways and His ways are higher than ours. You may not hear your name but listen for that small, still voice. Blessings to you and yours.
Yours in Messiah Yeshua, "…while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Messiah Yeshua." (Titus 2:13)
Rabbi Jack & Ellen
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