I LOVE YOU - I HATE YOU - WE'VE GOT ISSUES - Marriage Counseling With The Wonderful Counselor - Part IV

What's really at the root of the disunity, disagreement and divorces that are dissolving marriages today ? To the undiscerning mind, there may be many "surface issues" that appear to be causes. Some believe personality conflicts are a cause. It is interesting to note that the Bible seems to consistently point to flaws in human character as the cause of all disharmony in relationships. Personality and character are not the same thing. Personality is the outward you. Character is the real you inside - thoughts and feelings. The chief flaw in human character is sin and all sin is selfishness.

THE CHRIST - CENTERED MIND

VERSUS

THE SELF - CENTERED MIND

Differences of character exist by nature, but our unity depends upon the degree in which we yield to the transforming influence of the Spirit of God. Those who refuse to be guided by the Spirit of God are always a hindrance to their companions. While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives. While one of those so closely united is engaged in devotion, the other is indifferent and careless; while one is seeking the way to everlasting life, the other is in the broad road to death. (Romans 8:5,7,9,14/Matthew 6:24)

The happiness and prosperity of the married life depend upon the unity of the parties. How can the carnal mind harmonize with the mind that is assimilated to the mind of Christ ? One is sowing to the flesh, thinking and acting in accordance with the promptings of his own heart; the other is sowing to the Spirit, seeking to repress selfishness, to overcome inclination, and to live in obedience to the Master, whose servant he professes to be. Thus there is a perpetual difference of taste of inclination and of purpose. What is it that causes dissension and discord ? It is the result of walking apart from Christ. Those who are not yoked up with Christ always pull the wrong way. (James 4:1/Matthew 12:30)

If a woman respects not the claims of God, pays no heed to the bonds which bind her to religion, how can she be expected to be faithful to the law which binds her to her husband ? This same principle applies to every man. He who is not true to his God cannot be true to his wife. (1 John 4:7,8,20/Luke 16:10)

2 MINDS + NO GOD + NO CHRIST + NO HOLY SPIRIT = NO UNITY

Unless men and women have learned of Christ, His meekness and lowliness, they will reveal the impulsive, unreasonable spirit so often revealed by children. The strong, undisciplined will will seek to rule. By contention over trivial matters, a bitter spirit is cultivated.

Open disagreements and bickering bring inexpressible misery into the home, and drive asunder those who should be united in the bonds of love. Home is made anything but happy if the evil weeds of dissension, selfishness, envy, passion, and sullen stubbornness are left to flourish in the neglected garden of the soul. Decorations of dress and houses do not make people happy; but the lowliest dwelling may be beautified, and the poorest family be made rich, by the possession of meekness, kindness and love. Pleasant voices, gentle manners, and sincere affection that finds expression in all the actions, together with industry, neatness, and economy, make even a hovel the happiest of homes. (1 Corinthians 13:11/Matthew 11:29)

If the Word of God is obeyed, the home will be the center of the highest kind of missionary work, but those who are at a disagreement in the home life, do not practice the words of the Lord, and will never be fit to enter the heavenly mansions, unless they are transformed by the grace of Christ. If the Lord should permit them to enter heaven, they would not be happy, for they would find something that would not please them. Someone would be in heaven whom they had never loved on earth, and they would want them banished from the place of bliss. (Jeremiah 13:23/Hebrews 5:8,9)

By the grace of God, we will continue this study in another post. Have a wonderful weekend.

T.K.

© 2009 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

You have just been reading from page 3 of a booklet entitled, "Marriage Counseling With The Wonderful COUNSELOR" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blog posts... If you are interested in having the entire book email your request to education@issues-of-life.com. You can see what the cover looks like at www.issues-of-life.com and by clicking on products.

RELATIONSHIP MATH - Marriage Counseling With The Wonderful COUNSELOR - Part III

Every successful human and/or divine relationship is governed by right principles. Marriage is no different. It is an unfortunate fact, however, that the most excellent instruction and teaching about marriage BEFORE marriage is rare if not non-existent. Workshops, lectures, courses and classes abound for married couples and even for those contemplating divorce or remarriage.

The far-reaching consequences involved with choosing a life partner is not sufficiently discerned and this highlights the need for education.

Marriage is something that will influence and affect your life, both in this world, and in the world to come. Our future is determined by the way in which we now allow ourselves to be influenced. (Proverbs 13:20/Ephesians 5:31/1 Corinthians 7:14,16/Genesis 2:24)

The moral character of those united in marriage is either elevated or degraded by their association. The character formed in this world determines the destiny for eternity. The spirit that Christ manifests toward His church is the spirit that the husband and wife are to manifest toward each other. If they love God supremely, they will love each other in the Lord, ever treating each other courteously, drawing in even cords. In their mutual self-denial and self-sacrifice they will be a blessing to each other. (1 Corinthians 7:14, Ephesians 5:24,25)

Where the Spirit of God is, there is meekness, patience, gentleness, and longsuffering; there is a tenderness of soul, a mildness which savors of Christ. But these fruits are not manifested by the unconverted. If Christ is not in the heart, the character will be unlovely. (Galatians 5:22,23/Matthew 7:17,18/Romans 8:9)

SUPREME LOVE FOR GOD + SUPREME LOVE FOR CHRIST = HAPPY MARRIAGE

In the home and in the world the Lord God must occupy the first place. God must be enthroned in each heart. Every rival influence, be it husband, wife, or child, which would take the homage which rightly belongs to Him, must be given up. Jesus has purchased wife, husband, and children

at infinite cost, and though it is right for us to love those whom God has given us, yet God is ever to hold our supreme affection. The love of God must reign supreme; Christ must occupy an undivided throne. We are to place no person before Christ in our affections. (Matthew 22:37,38, 10:37)

The reason of all division, discord, and difference is found in separation from Christ. Christ is the center to which all should be attracted; for the nearer we approach the center, the closer we shall come together in feeling, in sympathy, in love, growing into the character and image of Jesus. (1 John 1:7,4:7,8/Ephesians 1:10,2:6/Galatians 3:28/Romans 12:5/1 Corinthians 1:21)

The closer we come to Christ, the nearer we shall be to one another. Hearts that are filled with the love of Christ can never get very far apart. If Christ does not reign in the heart, there will be discontent and moral deformity. Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish affection. (Romans 5:5/2 Timothy 1:13/1 Timothy 1:14/1 Corinthians 16:24/Jeremiah 17:9)

Human love may change, but Christ's love knows no change. The divine love emanating from Christ never destroys human love, but includes it. By it human love is refined and purified, elevated and ennobled. Human love can never bear its precious fruit until it is united with the Divine nature, and trained to grow heavenward. (Isaiah 49:15/Malachi 3:6/2 Peter 1:5-7,11)

In the lives of those who are partakers of the divine nature there is a crucifixion of the haughty, self-sufficient spirit that leads to self-exaltation. Without Christ we can do nothing. The pure principles of uprightness, virtue, and goodness are all from God. There is no real beauty of person or of character out of Christ, no real perfection of manners or deportment without the sanctifying graces of the spirit of humility, sympathy, and true holiness. It is only in Christ that a marriage alliance can be safely formed. (John 15:5/Philippians 2:5-8)

By the grace of God, we will continue this study in another post. Have a wonderful weekend.

T.K.

© 2009 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

You have just been reading from page 2 of a booklet entitled, "Marriage Counseling With The Wonderful COUNSELOR" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blogs... If you are interested in having the entire book email your request to education@issues-of-life.com. You can see what the cover looks like at www.issues-of-life.com and by clicking on products.

YOU MAKE ME SICK ! - Natural Remedies - Specific Herbs Uses - Part VII

On behalf of those whose minds are too distracted by pain, suffering and disease to say so themselves, these words are dedicated to all the habits, lifestyles, diets and beliefs that cause disease - YOU MAKE ME SICK !

Yes...

these things make us sick...

High fructose corn syrup - http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-10/acs-hfp101409.php# - high fructose corn syrup

Modern food production systems - http://milledrive.com/videos/29660/Food_Inc._2009_Documentary.html

Lack of exercise - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/printerfriendlynews.php?newsid=7286

Lack of water -

http://connection.ebscohost.com/content/article/1037630100.html;jsessionid=639B212FC1F0F303BA4E6ED7602D9828.ehctc1

Lack of sleep - http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17853-lack-of-sleep-linked-to-alzheimers.html

Lack of love -

Psychology returns to love ... of God and neighbor-as-self: introduction to the special issue.(psychological research).

---

Journal of Psychology and Theology 34.1 (Spring 2006): p3(5). (2926 words)

Sham, D. (2003). On the therapeutic action of love. (Contemporary Psychoanalysis).

---

Journal of Psychology and Theology 31.4 (Winter 2003): p369(1). (527 words)

Stress - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3132260.stm

all these things and many more...

make us sick...

Words exposing this world system that would exist in the last days were given a long time ago...

For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (Revelation 18:23)

In the book of Revelation in the Bible, the word sorceries comes from the greek word - pharmakeia

The word pharmakeia is where we get our word pharmacy from. Here is the entry in the Strong's Bible concordance.

Strong's number 5331 // farmakeia // pharmakeia // far-mak-i'-ah //

from 5332 ; n f

AV - sorcery 2, witchcraft 1; 3

1) the use or the administering of drugs
2) poisoning

According to the Bible, in the last days, many people will be deceived and poisoned by a modern form of sorcery called drug medication.

Drugs never cure. They only change the form and the location of the disease. Herbs when used with understanding, provide a safe and powerful alternative to poisonous drug therapy. Here is a continuation of a descriptive list of herbal properties in alphabetical order.

CAUSTICS - Herbs that burn or destroy living tissues.

Cashew juice, Celandine juice, Lesser celandine leaves, Yellow anemone herb

CELL PROLIFERANTS - Herbs that promote rapid healing and restoration.

Aloe vera, Comfrey, Elecampane, Saw palmetto

CEPHALICS - Herbs that are particularly healing to cerebral conditions and diseases.

Almonds, Apple, Black Mustard, Bladderwrack, Blessed Thistle, Broom, Canada snake root, Catnip, Cowslip, Flaxseed, Garden Sage, Garlic, irish Moss, Jacob’s Ladder, Lemon Balm, Onion, Parsley, Peruvian Bark, Red sage, Rosemary, Scullcap, Stinging Nettle, Sweet marjoram

CHOLAGOGUES - Herbs used to promote a flow and discharge of bile into the duodenum by contracting the bile ducts and to produce purgation of the bowels.

Aloe, Ash bark, balmony, Barberry, Beets, Blue flag, Boldo leaves, Boneset, Butternut, Colocynth, Culver’s root, Dandelion, Fennel, Fringetree, Gentian, Golden seal, Hdege hyssop, Hops, Horseradish, Parsley, Stillingia, Tamarack, Turkey rhubarb, Wahoo, Wild yam, Wood betony

CONDIMENTS - Herbs used to season or flavor foods.

Angelica, Basil, Bay leaves, Bitter almonds, Caraway, Cardamon, Cayenne, Celery seed, Cloves, Coriander, Cumin seed, Curry, Dill seed, Fenugreek seed, Garden sage, Garlic, Horehound, Horseradish, Jamaica ginger, Lavender, Lemon grass, Lemon peel, Marigold glowers, Mustard seed, Nutmeg, Olive, Onion, Orange Mint, Oregano, Paprika, Parsley, Peppermint, Pineapple sage, Rose hips, Safflower, Saffron, Sesame Seed, Smartweed, Spearmint, Star anise, Sweet basil, Sweet marjoram, Thyme, Tumeric, Vanilla

COLORING AGENTS - Herbs used for coloring or dyeing purposes.

Agrimony leaves - yellow, Alder - reddish brown, Alder bark - brown, Alkanet root - red, Annatto - bright yellow, Apple tree bark - brown, Bilberry - dark blue or purple, Black walnut hulls or root - brown, Butternut leaves and bark - brown, Cedar bark - red, Cedar roots - green, Crab apple bark - yellow, Garden sage leaves - brown, Golden seal - yellow, Henna - orange red, Indigo leaves - blue, Juniper berries - brown, Marigold flowers - yellow, Oregon grape bark - yellow, Poinsettia flowers - scarlet red, Safflower - red, Tumeric - golden yellow, Wild cherry - purple

CORDIALS - Herbs that combine the properties of a warm stomach and a cardiac stimulant.

Basil, Blackberries, Borage, Calamint, Calamus, Camomile, Cardamon, Clove bark, Coriander, Damiana, Dill, Flaxseed, Gentian, Ginseng, Hops, Hyssop, Jamaica ginger, Kava kava, Lemon grass, Lemon thyme, Orange peel, Rosemary, Saffron, Spikenard berries, Tarragon, Wood betony, Wormwood, Wild cherries, Yarrow.

To be continued...

Have a marvelous weekend in Christ..

You should not use herbs as a means to treat disease or illness unless and only if you have followed these steps first in dealing with disease symptoms.

1. Ascertain the cause

2. Correct the wrong habits and change the unhealthful conditions and

then...

3. Assist the body to heal itself

The use of herbs should complement obedience to the 8 laws of health. More information about this at www.issues-of-life.com under health issues.

By attempting to put into practice anything that you have read in this article you release Tyrone Keels from any responsibility for the results if you are dissatisfied with the outcome. Read the full disclaimer for health issues at www.issues-of-life.com

WILL YOU MARRY ME ? - Marriage Counseling With The Wonderful COUNSELOR - Part II

This post will continue to lay the groundwork for the posts that will follow in this series.

THE FIRST HUSBAND AND THE FIRST WIFE

Who could have better insight into or counsel regarding marriage than the One Who originated this institution ? A loving Creator is the author of marriage and by reviewing His original plan, we can begin to find remedies for the healing of hurting hearts.

The first marriage ever blessed of God was the marriage which He Himself conducted. God has a plan and purpose for marriage and His standard for this relationship and all relationships, if adhered to, will result in happiness. It is the deviation from God's plan for marriage and for all relationships that has brought sorrow and sadness to countless hearts as well as sickness and disease to the bodies of so many.

After the creation of Adam every living creature was brought before him to receive its name; he saw that to each had been given a companion, but among them "there was not found an help meet for him." Among all the creatures that God had made on the earth, there was not one equal to man. And God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." Man was not made to dwell in solitude; he was to be a social being. Without companionship the beautiful scenes and delightful employments of Eden would have failed to yield perfect happiness. Even communion with angels could not have satisfied his desire for sympathy and companionship. There was none of the same nature to love and to be loved. (Genesis 2:18-24/Romans 14:7)

God Himself gave Adam a companion. He provided "an help meet for him"--a helper corresponding to him--one who was fitted to be his companion, and who could be one with him in love and sympathy. When God created Eve, He designed that she should possess neither inferiority nor superiority to the man, but that in all things she should be his equal. The holy pair were to have no interest independent of each other; and yet each had an individuality in thinking and acting. God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe. (Genesis 1:27/1 Corinthians 7:3,4)

There are many today who teach that women being in subjection to men is part of God's original plan. It is not true that the submission of woman to man was part of God's original plan. This mistaken idea has led to untold misery in many homes. Submission of the one to the other was necessary only after the entrance of the principle of sin. However, God is calling the wife to fill the position which He originally designed for her; as her husband's equal. The principle of restoration which is self-evident in the gospel includes the restoration of all lawful relationships to the state realized before sin and therefore before selfishness took hold of the human mind. (Isaiah 58:12) For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; (Jeremiah 30:17) This promise encompasses all health; physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, etc.

When the divine principles are recognized and obeyed in this relation, marriage is a blessing; it guards the purity and happiness of the race, it provides for man's social needs, it elevates the physical, the intellectual, and the moral nature. (1 Corinthians 6:18/Exodus 15:26,20:14/Proverbs 3:7-10,21-24/Job 11:14-18/Psalms 128:1-3/Colossians 3:18,19/Ephesians 5:22,25/Deuteronomy 5:18/Mark 10:11,12/1 Peter 3:7/Hebrews 13:4/1 Thessalonians 4:3/Colossians 3:2)

Through intemperate, premature, unlawful and even perverted sexual relations for the purpose of deriving physical pleasure, the quality and quantity of useful human life is being dramatically reduced. Physical intimacy was never intended by God for relationships outside the boundaries of marriage and was only meant to be between a man and a woman. Notice these words of admonition from Scripture...Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. (1 Corinthians 7: 2) Fornication is the word that defines the premarital sex which is widely practiced and socially acceptable in our modern world.

Like every other one of God's good gifts entrusted to the keeping of humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin: but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty. The condition of society presents a sad comment upon heaven's ideal of this sacred relation. There is not one marriage in one hundred that results happily, that bears the sanction of God, and places the parties in a position better to glorify Him. (Hosea 4:2/Luke 17:26,27/Mark 7:21/Ephesians 4:18,19/Ezekiel 22:11/Galatians 5:19/Romans 1:24-28/James 1:14/2 Peter 3:3)

Yet even for those who have found bitterness and disappointment where they had hoped for companionship and joy, the gospel of Christ offers a solace. When the sacred nature and the claims of marriage are understood, it will even now be approved of Heaven, and the result will be happiness to both parties, and God will be glorified. (Titus 2:11,12/Romans 6:12,13/2 Timothy 2:22/Proverbs 6:25/1 Peter 2:11/Ephesians 4:31,32)

By the grace of God, we will continue this study in another post.

T.K.

© 2009 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

You have just been reading from page 1 of a booklet entitled, "Marriage Counseling With The Wonderful COUNSELOR" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blogs... If you are interested in having the entire book email your request to education@issues-of-life.com. You can see what the cover looks like at www.issues-of-life.com and by clicking on products.

ANGELS AND DEMONS - Principles of Victory in the Christian Life - Part V

While it appears that Hollywood movies portray ideas with which the producers are thoroughly familiar, the unconverted, carnal mind does not truly comprehend the nature or reality of the ongoing spiritual warfare in which angels battle for the minds of human beings. Yet, the Christian understands the role of angels and their influence upon human life. Holy, heavenly angels can read the minds of human beings. Satan and the angels who fell with him cannot although because of their deep knowledge of human nature it often appears that they can. (Matthew 1:20/Luke 1:28-30/Job 1:9-11, 2:4,5)

Heavenly angels are acquainted with our words and actions, and even with the thoughts and intents of the heart. Satan cannot read our thoughts, but he can see our actions, hear our words; and from his long knowledge of the human family, he can shape his temptations to take advantage of our weak points of character. (Hebrews 1:14/Matthew 2:13,19/James 1:13/Mark 1:13, 14:38)

To the degree that a person is controlled by selfishness, to that degree will, can and do evil angels control that person. The following verses from the Bible give a terrifying picture of conditions that will prevail in the last days as selfishness reaches a climax in human history. ISAIAH 19:2/MARK 13:12/MATTHEW 24:10/EZEKIEL 38:20-22/ZECHARIAH 14:12,13;

Satan and his evil angels are watching at every avenue leading to the human heart, seeking to force souls to accept evil suggestions. (The avenues to the heart, mind and soul of a person are the 5 senses. Temptations make their appeal through one or more or all of these.) The enemy presents bribes to win us to the world, as he presented bribes to Christ in the wilderness of temptation. Unless we depend upon a power out of and above ourselves, the enemy will succeed in accomplishing our ruin. But in looking to Jesus, by studying His life and character, by earnestly desiring to be like Him, our minds will be balanced in the right direction, that we may overcome selfishness, and choose a course of righteousness.

For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. DEUTERONOMY 20:4

Who does the Bible identify as man’s enemies ? “a man's enemies are the men of his own house”. (MICAH 7:6) His literal house where others may reside with him and his spiritual house which is the habitation for his mind, the place that he and God alone are intimately familiar with. Notice further how the Bible describes the enemies of human beings.

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. MATTHEW 12:43-44

A life which is void of the goodness of God manifested in good words and works toward others provides a suitable dwelling place for evil spirits...

Not by self-righteous works is the house to be occupied. The works of the selfish heart are "as an unclean thing;" and "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6.11

What is the difference between our righteousness and the righteousness of Christ which we must have in order to enjoy heaven and to be trusted there ?

MOTIVES

The righteousness of Christ consists in right actions and good works from pure, unselfish motives. (1 John 3:7/1 John 2:29/Psalms 106:3)

The unclean things of the heart and the unclean spirits that entice the heart to sin are man’s enemies. It is selfishness and Satan, the originator of selfishness, with his evil angels that are man’s enemies. Any plan for victory must include provision for victory over Satan by conquering personal selfishness through the enabling grace of God.. If cultivated, the spirit of selfishness becomes a devouring passion which nothing but the power of Christ can subdue.

No victory you can gain will be so precious as that gained over self. Why ? Everything in heaven is noble and elevated. All seek the interest and happiness of others. No one devotes himself to looking out and caring for self. It is the chief joy of all holy beings to witness the joy and happiness of those around them. Reader, are you preparing for eternal life in heaven ?

Here are some additional inspirational words of promise for these last days regarding angels and demons to help you press your way through to the end -

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil , and he will flee from you. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. (1 Corinthians 10:13/James 4:7/Psalms 34:7)

It is not the will of our heavenly Father that so many would be deceived concerning salvation and eternal life in these last days. While GOD loves everyone and will forgive anyone HE does not change our character against our will or without our cooperation.

A Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could enjoy heaven and a Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could be trusted in heaven.

We are given a life-time, (be it long or short) to cooperate with God in developing a Christ-like character for eternal life in heaven. It begins with the new birth experience.

Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life today and to begin the work of changing you for heaven. Confess your sins and acknowledge your need of Him. He loves you and wants the privilege of enjoying friendship with you forever.

© 2009 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

You have just been reading from page 5 of a booklet entitled, "Principles of Victory in the Christian Life" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blogs... If you are interested in having the entire book email your request to education@issues-of-life.com. You can see what the cover looks like at www.issues-of-life.com and by clicking on products.

DESIRES OF THE HEART - Marriage Counseling With The Wonderful COUNSELOR - Part I

The link is a mysterious one which binds human hearts together so that the feelings, tastes, and principles of two individuals are closely blended. One catches the spirit and copies the ways and acts of the other. As wax retains the figure of the seal, so the mind retains the impression produced by intercourse and association. The influence may be unconscious, yet it is no less powerful. Jesus is acquainted with the desires of the human heart, and the Bible is given us to direct them into the proper channel. (Song of Solomon 7:10/Proverbs 22:24,25/Acts 2:46,4:32/Psalms 44:21/Matthew 9:4/Colossians 2:2/Revelation 17:12,13)

The desire for love and sympathy is implanted in the heart by God Himself. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalms 37:4) Love to God purifies and ennobles every taste and every desire, intensifies every affection, and brightens every worthy pleasure.

It is the hope that this new series of posts will provide insight into the heart of relationships, especially the marriage relationship. Here we will provide some of the tools for and stimulate the desire for improvement. When it comes to relationships, of all the persons best qualified to give counsel and advice regarding a relationship, no one is more qualified than those who have had the most experience and greatest success in maintaining, nurturing and enjoying loving relationships.

It is for this reason that we will rely mostly upon the counsel of God, of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit who have ever lived together in perfect harmony from eternity past right up until the present time. Hence, their counsel regarding all relationships is beyond any human estimate.

Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him ? With whom took he counsel, and [who] instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding ? (Isaiah 40:13,14)

Neither the Spirit of the Lord, Jesus Christ nor our heavenly Father need counselors to instruct them or teach them knowledge. Nor do they have to be shown the way of understanding.

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. (Psalms 147:5)

Without question, it is clear that the breadth and depth of God's understanding and experience more than adequately qualifies Him to be the ultimate Counselor regarding every area of life, including and especially marriage. Even more importantly, the love of our heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ revealed at the cross of Calvary qualify them as safe counselors. And so God says...

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. Every purpose is established by counsel: (Proverbs 19:20, 20:18)

Why are relationships important ? What is the purpose of the husband ? What is the purpose of the wife ? Here again, we will emphasize the importance of counsel.

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. (Proverbs 15:22)

How can we be sure that the best counsel and counselors are chosen ? Notice the words of Scripture that serve to guide us in our selection...

Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. (Psalms 119:24)

The Lord's testimonies are the counselors that can establish any holy purpose. In order for the marriage of husband and wife to reach its full potential, they should strive to learn their needs and purposes according from God's counselors.

By the grace of God, we will continue this study in another post.

T.K.

© 2009 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

You have just been reading from page 1 of a booklet entitled, "Marriage Counseling With The Wonderful COUNSELOR" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blogs... If you are interested in having the entire book email your request to education@issues-of-life.com. You can see what the cover looks like at www.issues-of-life.com and by clicking on products.

REVIEW AND APPEAL - How To Recognize Love - Part XII - Conclusion

It's been my pleasure to have been with you on this brief journey of discovery into the truth about love. Here are some of the places where we have stopped to visit along the way.

1. True love is a principle - a rule of behavior that a person chooses to live by. (John 15:12/1 John 3:18)

2. The human heart or mind cannot originate it because the heart of man is by nature cold and dark and unloving. (Jeremiah 17:9/Mark 7:21-23)

3. Love does good and nothing but good but we must be good before we can do good. Real happiness is found only in being good and doing good. This means that there must be a change in the human character. Only God can make this kind of change in a person. (Jeremiah 13:23/Proverbs 29:18/3 John 1:11)

4. Everything good in men and women is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit; the operation of the grace of God through Christ in the person. (Galatians 5:22,23/Philippians 2:13)

5. There are two types of love - human love and divine love. Human love should draw its closest bonds from divine love. (John 15:9,10,5)

6. Human love is weak and changeable and divine love is deep and unchangeable not unconditional. There is one thing however which infinite love cannot do; it cannot requite the unrepentant wicked. Divine love is limited in its manifestation by the condition of a mind that has permanently chosen to reject it. (John 13:37, 18:25/Proverbs 6:16-19/Hosea 9:15)

7. Love for other human beings

a) is to be secondary to love for GOD

b) is only possible by loving GOD supremely (Matthew 22:37-39, 10:37)

8. Human love can only begin to bear its precious fruit after a human being is born again - converted by the power of God; when human nature is united with the divine nature and trained to grow heavenward. (John 15:4,5, 1 John 4:7)

Would you like to really experience true, pure love ? To be able to give it and to receive it ? Then you must be converted; born again.

What does this mean ?

In his conversation with Nicodemus, Christ explained the nature and importance of true conversion. He solemnly declared, Except a man be born again,--unless he receive a new heart, new desires, purposes, and motives, leading to a new life,--"he cannot see the kingdom of God."

He or she who is converted is no longer to be a willing subject to the enemy of Christ, to remain in subjection to the power of sin and self, surrendering to and cooperating with the flesh.

To be converted means to receive new desires, new purposes and new motives from GOD. It is referred to as being born again because it is the beginning of a new life with both the power and the desire to overcome selfishness which is the root principle of sin. It begins by beholding the love of GOD revealed in JESUS CHRIST on the cross. It continues by daily studying the character of CHRIST as revealed in the Bible. Ask GOD to forgive you for all your sins; to fill your heart with love for JESUS and give you new desires, purposes and motives. In this way you will begin a new life and a true, pure love experience.

© 2009 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

You have just been reading from the last page of a booklet entitled, "How To Recognize Love" This concludes the series and lays the foundation for the next post in a study entitled, "Marriage Counseling With The Wonderful COUNSELOR."

WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT ? - Charity Case - How To Recognize Love - Part XI

Is your life fulfilling and full of meaning, deep purpose and significance ? Does it hold a worth and value that you are content with ? Without love - love for someone or from someone or both - the potential for all this is extinguished...

What's love got to do with it you ask ?

1 CORINTHIANS 13

In 1 Corinthians 13 the Bible describes some of the characteristics of charity. What is charity ?

CHARITY, n.

1. In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men, and to do them good. In a theological sense, it includes supreme love to God, and universal good will to men. (American Dictionary of the English Language - Noah Webster 1828)

agapao 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:--(feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love. (Strong's Bible Concordance)

Bible charity is not sentimentalism, but love in active exercise.

Simply put, charity is love.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

Speaking loveless words or speaking without love in the tones of the voice produces the same effect upon the listener as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal; it is unpleasant and annoying. Do you speak this way ? or have you been subjected to this kind of speaking ? This is not the Christlike way and Christ offers us something better instead...Grace poured into our lips that we may have sanctified tongues speaking words saturated with divine love...

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Is there anyone that has a knowledge of everything with the ability to see into the future and the ability to understand every mystery and at the same time has all the faith needed to remove mountains but does not have love ? No...there is no such person...If such a person did exist his first and his last name would be NOTHING...Nothing can do all these things or have all these abilities without love...God can do all these things and has all these abilities because He is love.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Even if we give all our material goods and give our own body while enduring and suffering the pain of fire...Unless we have love to give...we gain no profit from our investment in giving...

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

When the divine principle of genuine love is working in a person, he or she...

is willing to suffer long

is kind, is not envious,

does not seek to display his or herself and is not puffed up..

does not act unseemly and is not self seeking..

is not easily provoked and does not think evil

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

This person will not find occasion for joyous celebration in iniquity...

This person will find occasion for joyous celebration in the truth...

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:

A person filled with the love of God is enabled to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things and endure all things that God desires for that person because although human love may fail, divine love never fails...

but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

Human prophecies shall fail and human tongues shall cease and human knowledge shall vanish away. Human beings know only a small part of the love that is to be known and can only foresee a small part of the future that love holds.

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. But when Jesus comes again, love in little parts here and there shall be done away with...

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

When I was a child I spake of love as a child, I understood love as a child, I thought about love as a child would think of love but when I became a man, when I became a woman, when I grew up...I put away childish things...

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Right now we see love through a sort of dark glass; This is how we see God but when Jesus comes again we will see God and see love face to face. Right now we know each other and God only partially but when Christ returns we will know, recognize and understand each other and God clearly.

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (1 CORINTHIANS 13)

Faith hope and love are living principles and principles to live by but love is the greatest of these three.

Doing for others that which they can do for themselves is not necessarily love. Real charity helps men to help themselves.

When charity is not a ruling principle in a person’s heart, words may be spoken or actions performed that weaken trust in others. Genuine charity will not create distrust and evil work.

Beware of those who speak about a charity that has nothing to do with the Bible. True Charity is a very delicate personage, never setting her pure food outside of Bible truth.

By the grace of God, we will conclude this study in the next post.

T.K.

© 2009 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

You have just been reading from page 10 of a booklet entitled, "How To Recognize Love" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blogs... If you are interested in having the entire book email your request to education@issues-of-life.com. You can see what the cover looks like at www.issues-of-life.com and by clicking on products.