Thursday, April 2, 2020

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2 April 2020


Marriage Maintenance

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” (Ephesians 5:21-33)

Today’s Morsel:  One of the things I learned in the Army was how to perform “Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS)”.  No matter if it was a vehicle, a weapon, a protective mask, or the barracks room, we had to know how to do it by the book.  This procedure helped us to see and identify shortcomings and problems with our equipment before they happened.  When it comes to marriages, most couples do not realize that it takes maintenance to ensure their relationship continues to work.  In many cases, because they do not keep a check on it, they end up with problems and then, in some cases, must spend a lot of money trying to fix it.  Paul cautions husbands and wives to submit to each other in respect for the Lord.  A marriage between a man and a woman, done God's way reflects God intended purpose at creation and keeps the home in perfect peace.  Paul relates marriage to Christ and His church.  He says that Christ gave Himself for the church and that a husband and wife should give themselves to each other (my wording).  When is the last time you pulled some PMCS on your marriage?  A marriage may be made in heaven, but the maintenance must be done on earth.  

Sing:  I love you; I love you; I love you.  What more can I say, but then I truly love you.  And I'll try to live my life so that it says it too.  I love you; I love you; I truly love you.

Thought For Today:  “A marriage may be made in heaven, but the maintenance must be done on earth.”  

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