Why God Draws
Jesus tells us, "PEOPLE CANNOT COME TO ME UNLESS THE FATHER WHO SENT ME DRAWS THEM TO ME". For something so important that it can affect your life for eternity, the word "draws" does not seem strong enough. Maybe it should be "commands" or "tells" or "forces" or "makes" as draws appears to allow us a choice to change our minds. In fact we do have a choice. Jesus says God tells Him what to "say" and God give us a choice about everything. From the beginning "when God created the world" He gave man (Adam) a choice and we remember the story that mankind chose to disobey. God loves us but He gives us choices. Exercising choices is basic in our God given nature as we are created in God and Jesus' "image". When God showed the whole world His love by sending His only son, we had a choice of receiving "eternal life" if we believe in Him. Still mankind makes bad choices, as Jesus knew we would when He said that "many" choose the road to destruction but only a "few" choose the road to eternal life. It is common for people in political leadership positions in all parts of the political spectrum from very liberal to very conservative, to make decisions based on what they perceive as being "best for people". God knows what is best for us so we may have "eternal life" instead of "eternal punishment" but God does not impose it upon us. God gives us a free choice to go straight to hell, if we so choose. Do you choose to follow Jesus and have eternal life? 1
1. Jn 6:44; 12:49 (GN); Mk 13:19; Ge 2:16-3:14; 1:26; Jn 3:16; Mt 7:13-14; 25:46 (NI)
note: click here for bible verse and translation abbreviations
A Psalm for reflection "You will show me the path that leads to life; Your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever" Ps 16:11 (GN)
Understanding the Teaching: What I share in the teaching is what I believe God wants me to share. All the direct quotes from God are highlighted in royal purple. Of course the words of Jesus are in red. Rather than follow some made up doctrine, remember that Jesus said that every thing He said (Jn 12:49) and everything He did (Jn 14:31) comes from God. All teachings and all opinions should be supported by what we learn from God or Jesus (see the scripture referred to in the footnote).
MARRIAGE WORKSHOP MOMENT
Every week you are encouraged to have a weekly date night. It doesn't have to be something expensive. It can be a walk around the park or use a coupon for a buy 1 get 1 free hamburger or what ever you enjoy doing together to have fun. Very important that prior to your date night, maybe the night before, you have you weekly couples meeting. In your weekly couples meeting you use the Speaker Listener Technique(SLT). You start your weekly couples meeting by saying something about your partner that you appreciate or admire. And your spouse repeats it. Like, "I'm glad I married such a beautiful woman." And then she says, "You are glad you married a beautiful woman." After three statements, you share the floor and your spouse then makes three statements about what she appreciates about you. Then, if you have any issues, they are brought up and discussed using the SLT. And after all the issues are discussed, then still using the SLT you discuss what you will do on your date night. The purpose of the weekly couples meeting is to resolve any issues you have so you can enjoy your date night together without risking any unresolved issues being discussed. Also the weekly couples meeting gives you practice using the Speaker Listener Technique in the good times when you are both calm. Then, if during the week an issue comes up that you need to talk about immediately, you will be better prepared to use the SLT. REMEMBER TO HAVE A WEEKLY COUPLES MEETING PRIOR TO YOUR WEEKLY DATE NIGHT!
The Better Half "When your partner won't support your efforts to make your marriage better" Without your spouse's support to improve your marriage, you can still pray daily for God's will to be done in each of your lives and your marriage. Jesus said, "all things are possible with God", Mk 10:27 NI). Even without your spouse's cooperation you can try to schedule fun times together (suggest doing something your spouse likes to do). You can show love and kindness to your spouse. You can justify it by remembering that Jesus says "Love your neighbor" (Mk 12:31) or "Love your enemies" (Mt 5:44), which ever works best in your situation. When a spouse calls "time out", it is an opportunity for a couple to calm down before continuing the conversation at a later time (anywhere from an hour to no later than the next day) using the Speaker Listener Technique. Initially after calling time out it is an opportunity to take authority over the enemy and pray for the marriage. Example:
"In the name of Jesus I command you demons to shut up and leave our marriage and not return"
"Thank you God for helping our marriage be in Your will and guiding us in our relationship, in Jesus name, amen."
When a spouse will not cooperate, you can still take authority over the enemy and pray for your marriage.
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Hearing God's Voice - Greek Miracle - We Center on Jesus - Honoring God Physically
Eye Healing Miracle * The Alphabet is from God * Family Prayer Outline * Jesus Knows the Bible and Spoke Hebrew *