Relationships

https://youtu.be/yJeE8Zrln1E

Thanksgiving: Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Our Thanksgiving message is simply be thankful for everything, regardless of the situation thank

God, because our blessings out number our troubles.

Our Relationship with God:Romans 5:8; John 1:10-13

..God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Today's message is the second in my series of discussions on relationships with a focus on Our Relationship with God, our heavenly Father Creator, and sustainer.

All humanity is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26a); it was God's desire

for humanity to be in fellowship with Him, and God would make known the mysteries of the unknown to humankind (Ephesians 3:9). God's desired intimate relationship was witnessed in the Garden of Eden; sin destroyed that relationship, but Jesus Christ restored our relationship through His atoning works on the cross at Calvary. All who accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior have a restored relationship with God (John 3:16), which incorporates God's desire. 

All humanity has a spirit, mind, and a heart with the ability to love and to hate. Being in the image of God, we are to love one and care for one another and show compassion just as God has for all generations.

We are children of God; therefore, we are to manifest the goodness of God.

We welcome your comments.

Author's contacts:

white3285@sbcglobal.net

http://theshepherdministries.org

https://willie-writing.blogspot.com

www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com

Relationship-Friends: Ecclesiastes 4:12

And if one prevails against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Today's discussion is the first in a series of talks on relationships, with today's focus is a look

at a friendly relationship between a man and a woman that turns adulterous. The "him" in our scripture text is Satan who comes to seek and destroy, and if successful in his mission will ruin at least two lives that otherwise would have remained for a lifetime. That said, all relationships are based on love, faith, trust, and respect for one another; therefore, when trust is betrayed, then the link is destroyed.

Now, let us focus on the question and allow me to offer helpful advice as a preventive measure that will ensure a lasting friendship, and they are: (a) include the spouses and or significant other in the relationship; in doing this forms a multi-string cord that leaves no room for Satan and his destructive schemes. (b) Always remember the sanctity of marriage, because marriage is an institution established and sanctioned by God? (c) When temptations come upon us rely on God the indwelling Holy Spirit who is our strength when we are at our weakest. (d) Search the scripture such as Romans 12:1, which states that we must present our bodies as living sacrifices holy and acceptable unto God. Living sacrificially is yielding not unto temptation, which means allowing God the indwelling Holy Spirit to take control of our minds and bodies. In doing so, we will be able to withstand Satan's lifestyle attacks because we are no match for Satan in our strength. In our weakness, God, the Holy Spirit, is our strength.

In every relationship, let the love of God rule as we reverence Him and respect our brothers and sisters (friends).

Give Thanks: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 107:1

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Recently I was given a question asking to list three things I am thankful for; my first answer is life. I am grateful for life because God is the giver and sustainer of all life, physical and spiritual. Physical life was given to me upon conception in my mother's womb. During my physical life, the Lord God has kept me through seen and unseen danger. He has walked with me through all of my trials and tribulation. He supplies all of my needs, physical and spiritual.

My spiritual life was given to me the moment I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and ever since that glorious day, I have been growing in the spirit as I walk closer with the Lord.

The second thing I am grateful for is health because, without a reasonable portion of my health and strength, many activities would be challenging to navigate if not impossible without the aid of someone or something.

The third thing I am thankful for is God's grace, love, and mercy. God gives me each of these blessings and does so with compassion. It is because of God's love, grace, and mercy; I have life and health. God showers me with His love, grace, and compassion to the point my cup overflows. God's love surrounds me; His grace covers me, and His mercy spared me from eternal separation from Him. Therefore, praises will forever be in my mouth, saying Lord I love You; I worship and adore You.