Tag: the Mind of Christ

  • Happy in the Lord

    Happy in the Lord

    Dear Heavenly Father,

    Thank You for loving me exactly as You created me. Thank You for giving me life, for knowing everything about me, and for still calling me Your own. Most of all, thank You for giving me Jesus Christ. You gave me Your very best when You gave Your Son, and because of Him, my life has meaning, purpose, hope, and a future. Thank You for the Holy Spirit who lives inside me and reminds me that I am never alone. Father, when I stop and think about all You have given me and all You have done for me, I have so many reasons to be grateful. You have been better to me than I could ever deserve.

    Please forgive me for the times I’ve looked to other people to make me happy or make me feel good about myself. Forgive me for looking in the mirror and finding fault with what You created. There are times when I compare myself to other women, focus too much on what I don’t have, or allow being single to make me feel as though something is missing from my life. And sometimes, if I’m honest, I want someone to come along and make those feelings go away. Father, forgive me for expecting another person to do what only You can do. No man should have the responsibility of making me whole, making me feel worthy, or convincing me that I am enough. You have already told me who I am, and I want to believe You.

    Please help me find my happiness and contentment in You. Your Word says that I am Your masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus, and I want to see myself the way You see me. Help me take care of myself, appreciate the woman You’ve made me, and stop tearing myself down in my own thoughts. At the same time, keep me humble. I don’t want confidence that comes from thinking I’m better than someone else. I want the kind of confidence that comes from knowing Jesus Christ and knowing that I belong to You. Help me love myself with a Christ-kind of love, and let that same love overflow into the way I treat other people.

    Father, I don’t want to enter a relationship looking for a man to fill an empty place in me. I don’t want loneliness, insecurity, or the need to be wanted making decisions for me. Please make me wise enough to recognize when those feelings are trying to lead me. Help me seek You first, just as Jesus teaches me in Matthew 6:33. I want any relationship You bring into my life to be something I can receive from a place of strength in You—not something I grab hold of because I’m afraid of being alone. Put Christ in the driver’s seat of my life. Help me trust Your timing, Your wisdom, and Your plans for me, and teach me how to enjoy the life You’ve given me right now.

    Thank You, Heavenly Father, for reminding me that my joy doesn’t have to wait for something else to happen. Thank You that I can laugh, live, grow, love, dream, and enjoy my life because You are with me. Thank You for every blessing I have today and for every blessing that is still to come. I don’t know everything You have planned for my future, but I know the One who holds it, and that gives my heart peace. Let me find my happiness in You, Lord, so that my joy may be full. Thank You for my Blessed Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, and thank You for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

    Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

    Happy in the Lord”, written for FindChristianMan.com©2026.  All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

  • Before Your Vineyard of Love is Ruined

    Before Your Vineyard of Love is Ruined

    In Song of Solomon 2:15 (NLT), we read, “Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!” In this verse, “foxes” are used metaphorically. Foxes were known to be destructive to vineyards, and during Old Testament times, their presence was considered a threat to the crops. Similarly, in the context of this poem, “little foxes” symbolize small issues or problems that can threaten the health and beauty of a relationship. Just as foxes can destroy a vineyard, small issues or misunderstandings can harm a relationship if they are not addressed promptly.

    In marriage, it’s easy to take the things we’ve grown accustomed to for granted over time. So, how do we truly value and honor our partners? Reflect on the last time you genuinely expressed appreciation. When was the last time you said “thank you” or let your partner know how much you value them? When they share good news, like getting a great review at work, do you take a moment to congratulate them and celebrate their success?

    Think about the everyday things, too. Do you make an effort to cook regularly, or to keep the place tidy? These small actions might seem routine, but they carry significant weight. They show that you’re committed to nurturing your relationship and supporting your spouse. Little things like expressing gratitude, celebrating achievements, and sharing household responsibilities all add up to a stronger, more loving bond.

    These seemingly minor gestures play a crucial role in maintaining the health and happiness of your relationship. They reflect a deeper respect and appreciation that make a big difference in the long run.

    Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT) tells us, “3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” In marriage, these verses provide essential guidance on how to cultivate a strong and loving relationship. By embracing humility and prioritizing our spouse’s needs and feelings above our own, we reflect the selfless love that Christ exemplified. This involves actively listening to each other, respecting one another’s feelings, and being willing to make sacrifices.

    When both partners commit to these principles, it creates a supportive and caring environment where both individuals feel valued. Embracing this attitude not only strengthens the relationship but also reflects the selfless love that Jesus Christ demonstrated, prioritizing his example in our marriages.

    Hebrews 13:4 (NLT) tells us, “4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.” This means that marriage should be respected and valued and staying loyal and committed to our spouses is crucial for a happy and healthy relationship.

    In a marriage, it’s important to guard against the small issues or conflicts that can damage our love, often referred to as “little foxes” in the vineyard of our relationship. Even when it feels like our spouse isn’t fully engaged or giving their best, we must make the right choices and follow Christ’s example of love and faithfulness. By doing so, we nurture our relationship and keep it strong, as we strive to reflect the selfless and enduring love that God desires for us all. ■

    Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

    “Before Your Vineyard of Love is Ruined”, written for findchristianman.wordpress.com. Copyright©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

  • The Most Important Step to Godly Marriage

    The Most Important Step to Godly Marriage

    What You Honor Now Shapes What You Can Sustain Later

    In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT), God’s Word teaches us a profound truth: “19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” Despite society’s attempts to downplay this truth, it remains pivotal in shaping our understanding of personal worth and responsibility before God. Sadly, even within the believing community, there are those who have embraced societal norms over God’s standards. However, there are also those who steadfastly uphold and honor this biblical principle.

    Many single believers today are earnestly seeking marriage and have committed to abstinence, but in a culture where premarital intimacy is normalized, they find themselves challenged as they uphold God’s standards. Choosing to honor Him in this area often invites criticism, but we should never be swayed by this.

    Allegiance to God’s standard

    Scripture provides clear guidance on living distinctively as followers of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV), God calls believers to maintain separation from worldly influences, emphasizing the importance of purity and obedience to His standards: “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’” This directive from our Heavenly Father emphasizes the call to live in a manner that honors God’s holiness and reflects our identity as His children.

    Similarly, Romans 12:2 exhorts us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to undergo a transformation through the renewal of our minds, enabling us to discern and live according to God’s good and perfect will. This transformation is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God. Many people think of abstinence as an extreme sacrifice they are unwilling to make. In truth, it is the privilege of obedience that allows us to demonstrate our love for God and unwavering commitment to live by faith.

    Embracing Purity and Purpose

    Sexual purity isn’t just about following rules—it deeply affects our spiritual health and how we honor God. As 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV) bluntly puts it, “Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.” This verse shows how sexual choices can seriously impact us physically and spiritually. We must be careful in this area.

    In today’s world, some might say that staying abstinent is old-fashioned or not practical. But believers should know that our main focus isn’t about fitting in with society—it’s about pleasing God. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) encourages us to “strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” This verse reminds us to get rid of anything that hinders our relationship with God, including temptations that pull us away from His plan for purity.

    The decision to uphold God’s standards often means facing worldly pressures. It’s a choice between pleasing others or honoring God. While society may prioritize physical desires, our Heavenly Father desires our purity and offers His Spirit to guide us through temptations.

    Again, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and honoring God with our bodies leads to His blessings, including His guidance in relationships. He wants us to have a God-honoring marriage, and if we seek His wisdom earnestly, He will guide us away from sexual sin and into the beautiful marital union we desire. We must be clear that abstinence isn’t about legalism—it’s about aligning our lives with God’s Will. Abstinence is the most important step we can take towards a Godly marriage. It’s a way to honor Him and protect our own well-being, ensuring we can walk in His blessings and purpose for our lives.

    Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

    “The Most Important Step to Godly Marriage”, written for findchristianman.wordpress.com. Copyright©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

  • Trusting God’s Wisdom for Relationships

    Trusting God’s Wisdom for Relationships

    You Don’t Find the Right Man Without First Following the Right Voice

    In Proverbs 4:4–5 (NLT), Solomon recalls the wisdom his father taught him: “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.” This wasn’t casual instruction—it was direction meant to shape a life. And Solomon didn’t just hear it—he took it in, held onto it, and allowed it to guide how he moved. That’s the difference. Wisdom that sits on the surface won’t change anything. But wisdom that’s internalized will begin to govern your decisions.

    And that matters more than we realize—especially when it comes to relationships.

    Many of us are praying for a good, godly man, but we haven’t fully submitted to the wisdom that prepares us to recognize godly character and make wise relationship choices. We want the outcome, but we don’t always want the process. Yet Proverbs 4:7 (NLT) makes it plain: “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” You don’t make wise relationship choices by chance—you learn to make them by being led by God. Wisdom and discernment are what protect you from choosing based on emotion, timing, or pressure instead of truth.

    Because if we’re honest, some of us have learned this the hard way.

    We’ve followed what felt right. We’ve moved too quickly. We’ve overlooked what God was trying to show us because we wanted something to work. But God, in His mercy, doesn’t leave us there. He doesn’t define us by our past, but He does call us to grow from it. Internalizing His wisdom means that we do more than just acknowledge what went wrong—we allow His Word to reshape how we choose moving forward.

    Jesus Christ makes the order clear in Matthew 6:33 (NLT): “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” That includes your relationships. Seeking God first doesn’t mean you’ll never have questions or make mistakes, but it does establish the order of your life. His Word becomes the standard that helps you recognize what honors Him, what doesn’t, and where your own desires may be influencing what you see.

    So this isn’t just about waiting—it’s about alignment with God’s plan for you.

    God already knows your future. He knows whether marriage is part of it, and He knows who you may one day marry. Nothing about your life is uncertain to God, even when it feels very uncertain to you. Nothing about your life is uncertain to Him, even when it feels very uncertain to you. But our impatience cannot be allowed to push us ahead of His wisdom. We don’t control how this comes together. We participate through obedience, through growth, and through trusting His timing even when it stretches us. Because real peace doesn’t come from finally having someone—it comes from knowing you didn’t step outside of God to get there.

    And this is where we have to be careful.

    The world has a lot to say about relationships—what’s acceptable, what’s normal, what’s worth tolerating. But God’s standard has never shifted. If we allow culture to shape our expectations, we’ll find ourselves accepting things that look good on the surface but are completely out of alignment with His Will. And that kind of compromise always costs more than we think.

    So we have to release our grip. Not because we don’t care—but because we trust Him more than we trust ourselves.

    Let God lead you. Let His Word correct the places where your thinking and choices need to change, and let His wisdom teach you how to move differently. When we really trust God’s wisdom, we stop trying to make things work that He hasn’t confirmed. We stop making excuses for things His Word tells us are wrong, and we stop convincing ourselves to settle just because we’re tired of waiting.

    Trusting God’s wisdom doesn’t mean every decision about relationships will be easy. Sometimes you’re going to have to walk away when you really wanted to stay. There may be times when God is telling you to slow down when everything in you wants to move forward. And sometimes, you simply have to wait. This is why our confidence has to be in God and not in our feelings. His wisdom will always keep us aligned with His Will when we are willing to follow it.

    At the end of the day, finding the right man can never become more important than following the right voice. We can’t ask God to lead us and then ignore Him when His direction isn’t what we wanted to hear. Jesus Christ must come first. When He does, we can trust God with who comes into our lives, who needs to leave, and everything in between. ■

    Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

    “Trusting God’s Wisdom for Relationships”, written for findchristianman.wordpress.com. Copyright©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

  • God Can’t Be Rushed

    God Can’t Be Rushed

    There are inevitably days when being single feels like it’s outstayed its welcome. Longing for the companionship of a husband, you yearn for those days to pass quickly and never return. “Lord, how much longer must I wait?” you ask. The truth of Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT) gives us much-needed encouragement: “7 But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” God remains steadfast and faithful as we go through our ups and downs, but we must know that His focus is on our soul’s ultimate transformation and growth during this period of waiting.

    Our Heavenly Father deserves our unwavering confidence and faith in Him, extending way beyond the anticipation of a long-awaited partner in life. In Philippians 4:19 (NLT), the Apostle Paul testifies of God’s power, provision, and faithfulness: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Our Heavenly Father promises to take care of all our needs, and when He makes a promise to us, He’s not going to waver back and forth. He always keeps His promises.

    One of the underlying truths of all blessings is that God can’t be rushed. His timing is perfect, and this truth is the conduit through which all blessings are delivered. Waiting to meet and develop a relationship with our marital partner is a part of trusting God’s timing and plan for our lives.

    Preparation

    The reality of life is that God doesn’t force things to happen. If this was His way, then we’d most likely be born already saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. We’d come out of the womb knowing His Word fully, but we all know that this isn’t the case. God waits on us to grow and learn, and to ultimately make the choice to love Him for ourselves.

    Waiting allows us to grow spiritually and personally, becoming the kind of person who is prepared for a healthy relationship. Personal struggles with doubts, wrong believing, and negative habit patterns can hinder a relationship from flourishing in Christ. Galatians 5:24 (NLT) says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” Many of us haven’t done this. We’ve not made it a priority to seek God through prayer and studying His Word in order to renew our minds and nail the passions and desires of our sinful nature to the cross.

    If we haven’t demonstrated a deep commitment to God during our singleness, it may be challenging to maintain that commitment once married. This shortfall can have long-term consequences, leading to heartbreak and pain for everyone involved.

    Purpose and Alignment

    Romans 8:28 (NLT) is a powerful and comforting message about the assurance and faithfulness of God in the lives of believers: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” This verse reminds us that God is the One with the plan for each of us, including the timing of when the right person will enter our lives. Waiting acknowledges that God orchestrates circumstances, our spiritual readiness, and the readiness of the other person to align perfectly according to His purpose. It’s a period of trusting His timing and preparing ourselves spiritually and emotionally for what He has in store.

    Even though it may not seem evident to us, God is orchestrating events behind the scenes to align both partners with His purpose, ensuring their relationship starts on a solid foundation. Waiting allows these divine aspects to unfold naturally, but we’re not to sit around twiddling our thumbs. Instead, we should be partnering with God through our faith and diligence.

    Not giving up hope despite delays or setbacks, cultivating patience, acquiring new skills, and using the waiting period as an opportunity to serve others and contribute positively to their lives; these are the kinds of diligent effort that our Heavenly Father rewards. So, by practicing diligence during the wait, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and position ourselves to receive His blessings in His perfect timing.

    God tells us that those who trust in Him are like trees planted by the river. Unaffected by tough times, we remain anchored in Him, productive and nurtured by Him continually through Christ. He can’t be rushed, but He will be pleased by our efforts to use our time as singles as a season of preparation and growth. It’s an opportunity to surrender our desires to God’s timing and guidance, knowing that His plans are ultimately for our good and His glory. ■

    Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

    “God Can’t Be Rushed”, written for findchristianman.wordpress.com. Copyright©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

  • God Never Makes Mistakes

    God Never Makes Mistakes

    Proverbs 31:10-12 (NLT) beautifully portrays the value of a virtuous and capable wife: “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” Many hold this verse as the gold standard for what a man should seek in a woman. It’s God’s standard, timeless and true, and for women that are devoted to God, it serves as a benchmark that we should strive to embody.

    These verses show us that God’s Will for relationships, especially marriage, is for them to be meaningful and fulfilling. His standard of honor, devotion, and dedication is as important for the woman as it is for the man, but in these verses, He’s dealing with the role of a wife. His description of the honorable character He expects her to possess shows us how much she should mean to her husband and the positive impact she should have on his life. This passage reminds us that God’s plans are always perfect and purposeful, especially when it comes to relationships. It’s a beautiful picture of how He designed marriage to be a source of support, love, and growth for both partners.

    Jesus Christ commands us in Matthew 6:33 (NLT) to: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” God never makes mistakes. This profound directive by our Lord and Savior is in God’s Word because our Heavenly Father requires us to adhere to it with all that we are. As women, we prioritize God and His Kingdom by doing what He says and following the standards He has set for us. Many of us have allowed the world and its standards to infiltrate our hearts and minds, and we are assimilating it into a lifestyle that shuns holiness. The danger of this lack of allegiance is that it will taint every aspect of our lives. It stagnates our blessings and cheats us out of our heart’s desire.

    2Corinthians 4:4(NLT) informs and describes how the wrong beliefs can keep our eyes blinded from the truth: “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”

    It’s common to hear women lament that all men are alike and that good ones are hard to find, but this is a matter of perception, and is not steeped in the truth. Our eyes must be open to the perfection, holiness, purity, omnipotence, and glory of God’s being in order for them to perceive the opportunities and blessings that embracing the truth of Him reveal. It should not be a surprise to us that the enemy wants to keep us blinded and following the world’s standards, so that we are continually separated from the blessings of God. We should wholeheartedly reject the tricks of the enemy, and cling to God and His Word.

    God never makes mistakes. He doesn’t forget about the needs and desires of His daughters. There is a plethora of good men who are looking for good women, but we must be clear that our hearts must be sold out to faith in God. We must demonstrate this through our allegiance to seek Him first and to live by what He has said in His Word. This is not a burdensome undertaking, but a glorious one! When we prioritize God and align our lives with His truth, we open ourselves to His best for us in every aspect, including relationships. ■

    Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

    “God Never Makes Mistakes”, written for findchristianman.wordpress.com. Copyright©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

  • Now is Not the Time to Be Comfortable

    Now is Not the Time to Be Comfortable

    Comfort Can Cost You What You Didn’t Realize Was at Risk

    One day, sitting at a red light, I watched a woman walk straight through a busy intersection—completely absorbed in her phone. Cars were moving, people were watching, but she was unaware. And in that moment, it hit me—distraction doesn’t always feel dangerous until it is. That’s how it happens spiritually too. We don’t always drift because we’re rebellious; sometimes we drift because we’ve grown comfortable. We let our guard down in places that actually require awareness, and over time, what once felt small becomes the very thing that leaves us exposed.

    Revelation 3:2–3 (NLT) gives a direct wake-up call: “Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead… Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.” This isn’t gentle language—it’s urgent. Because spiritual complacency doesn’t just pause growth, it weakens what was once alive. And if we’re honest, some of us are moving through life with our eyes open, but spiritually we’ve gone quiet. When it comes to the things of God, we’re passive, unguarded, and unaware of how much our spiritual strength matters.

    Scripture makes it plain—there’s no neutral ground here. You’re either aligned with God or you’re drifting, but there’s no safe middle to hide in. 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) tells us, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” That means we don’t get to coast. We don’t get to move through life half-aware, especially when it comes to the areas that matter most. We stay grounded by remaining in God’s Word, by praying consistently, and by seeking His direction before we move—not after we’ve already stepped into something we didn’t fully discern.

    And this matters deeply when it comes to relationships. As single women, it’s easy to fall into patterns that feel normal but quietly leave us unguarded—entertaining attention too quickly, opening up too soon, or allowing emotions to lead before God has spoken. But your heart is not something to casually place in someone’s hands. The enemy often targets this area first, because if he can disrupt your discernment, he can influence your direction. This is why we can’t afford to move impulsively. We don’t dive in—we seek God first, allowing Him to lead us with clarity instead of trying to sort things out after we’re already emotionally involved.

    Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” That includes your relationships. God is not silent about who you connect with—He is intentional. He leads, He warns, and He confirms. But we have to stay in position to hear Him. Comfort can make you careless if you’re not paying attention, and this is not the time for that. We are living in times that require spiritual awareness, not emotional impulse. You can’t afford to walk blindly into something that looks good but isn’t aligned.

    Take your time. Pay attention. Watch for fruit. And most importantly, stay connected to God every step of the way. Pray before you open your heart. Seek Him before you say yes. Don’t ignore what the Holy Spirit is showing you just because something feels good. Peace doesn’t come from rushing—it comes from alignment. And when you stay aligned with God, you don’t have to strive to figure everything out. He will lead you, guard you, and guide you into what is truly right for your life.

    Now is not the time to be comfortable. It’s the time to be aware, anchored, and led. ■

    Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

    Now Is Not the Time to Be Comfortable”, written for findchristianman.wordpress.com. Copyright©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

  • God Is Always Watching

    God Is Always Watching

    Ephesians 5:15 (NLT) delivers a powerful truth: “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.” This verse reminds us that God sees it all, and He’s watching not just what we do but also our faith and love. He knows the motivation behind every choice and action we make, and when we’re careful how we live, our faith and love towards God will manifest in our lives in a powerful way!

    Let me introduce you to Yvonne’s journey towards this realization. She’s the epitome of a multitasker—juggling motherhood, a job as a travel agent, moonlighting as a hair braider, and a dedicated member of her church’s choir.  But what truly sets her apart isn’t just her busy schedule; it’s her knack for making everyone feel at home in her braiding chair. People spill their life stories to her, knowing she’s a vault of trust. She learned early on that gossiping wasn’t her style—partly because it’s messy, but also because her grandma drummed into her that God isn’t a fan of this practice at all.

    After hearing so many of her clients’ stories of heartbreak and mistakes, Yvonne offered a consoling ear, but she was also making mental notes and praying to the Lord that she would never find herself in their situations. The wisdom of Micah 6:8 (NLT) says, “The LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Yvonne’s grandmother taught her this very basic tenet of our faith. We must do what is right, love acts of compassion, forgiveness, and kindness, and we must throw arrogance to the wind and always be humble towards our Heavenly Father. This Godly wisdom had been Yvonne’s backbone and helped to guide her out of many of the challenges she had faced in life. Recently, though, she’s been struggling with it.

    Two years after her divorce, her last relationship was another crash course in heartache. She dove in heart first, only to spend months picking up the pieces. Her grandma’s voice echoed in her head, urging her to wise up and stop chasing after the wrong things, but that voice was drowned out by Yvonne’s refusal to let this man go and obey God.

    A pattern of on-again-off-again summed up many of her other client’s relationships, and some of them were dating the same man and didn’t even know it. They relentlessly pursued men that were non-committal and unfaithful. Yvonne had vowed to never allow herself to be taken in like that, but there she was—stalking, obsessed over a man who simply wasn’t interested in loving her.

    Jesus Christ states in Matthew 6:33(NLT): “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” This isn’t just a piece a wisdom to be placed on a shelf somewhere; it’s a game-changer! Our commitment to the Father must be wholehearted. God is watching. He sees our hearts, and they tell Him the condition of our love and faith towards Him. Don’t be unwise and let the enemy trap you by fooling you into idolatry. Get your head and heart into living this life of Christ and become more grounded in your love and faith towards God.

    Instead of blindly following our emotions, we need to question our motives, learn from our blunders, and stick close to God’s Word. Yvonne woke up, switched gears, and surrendered her all to the Lord, and this is the move many of us desperately need to make, especially at this juncture in our lives. As we grow older, we must realize that time is a precious commodity. We can’t afford to waste it stumbling through life. Whether we missed out on life lessons or chose to ignore them, we can’t hit rewind. As women of God, we’ve got to be strategic, walking in wisdom, truth, and God’s guidance every step of the way. This is the path that pleases Him, and it will always lead to His blessings and peace. ■

    Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

    “God Is Always Watching”, written for findchristianman.wordpress.com. Copyright©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

  • Eyes Are on You

    Eyes Are on You

    Not Everything Needs an Audience

    Luke 16:10 (NLT) reminds us of something that reaches deeper than we often realize: “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” This isn’t just about money or tasks—it’s about stewardship of everything God entrusts to us, including our relationships. Spiritual maturity shows up in how we handle what looks small. Because what we do in private…is never actually small in the eyes of God.

    And this is where many of us have to slow down and be honest.

    We can be quick to bring people into spaces God never told us to open—especially when it comes to relationships. There’s a temptation to talk too soon, share too much, and invite opinions before we’ve even sought God fully. Giving people front-row access to something that’s still forming can introduce confusion, pressure, and unnecessary interference. Not everything needs commentary. Some things need covering—the kind that thrives in discretion.

    I remember someone once said to me, “You’re really good at keeping people out of your business.” At first, I didn’t know how to take that. But over time, I realized—it wasn’t distance, it was discernment. There’s a difference between being open and being unguarded. One is led by wisdom…the other isn’t.

    Wisdom knows when to speak…and when to be still. Proverbs 13:3 (NLT) tells us, “Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” That’s not just about avoiding trouble—it’s about preserving what God is doing. Because once something is spoken, it’s no longer just between you and God. It’s been released into other minds, other interpretations, and other influences.

    And we have to understand—everything doesn’t need to be exposed in order to grow properly.

    If we’re not careful, we’ll assume every voice around us is there to help—but Scripture shows us that’s not true. In Job’s life, it wasn’t just loss he was dealing with—the enemy was actively at work, and the wrong voices showed up right on time. Job 2:2 (NLT) says, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” That’s not symbolic—that’s strategy. The enemy watches—he looks for openings, and when he finds one, he doesn’t always come directly—sometimes he works through people. That’s why discernment isn’t optional. We’re not called to live in fear, but we are called to live aware—and to move with wisdom about who we allow to speak into what God is doing in our lives.

    Wisdom knows how to guard what God is building.

    This is why discretion matters. Not fear. Not secrecy. But Spirit-led restraint. Some things are meant to be prayed through before they’re spoken about. Some things need time to take root before they’re shared. And some things are simply meant to remain between you and God.

    When we lack discernment, we can unintentionally expose what should have been covered. But when we walk in wisdom, we create space for God to move without interference, without noise, and without unnecessary pressure.

    So instead of asking, “Who can I tell?”—we start asking, “Lord, what are You saying?”

    Because faith requires focus. And focus requires guarding what God has placed in your hands.

    Not everything needs an audience.
    And everything God gives deserves to be handled with care. ■

    Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

    “Eyes Are on You”, written for findchristianman.wordpress.com. Copyright©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

  • Embracing the Companionship of Pure Hearts

    Embracing the Companionship of Pure Hearts

    Who You Walk With Will Shape How You Walk

    Through the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT), God gives us instruction that is both protective and directional: “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” Notice that this isn’t just about what to avoid—it’s about what to pursue, and who to pursue it with. Because whether we realize it or not, the people in our lives are either reinforcing our alignment with God…or quietly pulling us away from it. Spiritual strength doesn’t happen by accident—it’s maintained intentionally. We don’t drift into it. And we don’t stay anchored in Christ while constantly listening to voices that don’t honor Him.

    This becomes especially clear when we look at relationships. Some consider marriage as a way to resolve physical desire—but if we’re honest, that foundation won’t hold. When a relationship is built primarily on what the body wants, it won’t have the depth to sustain what covenant requires. God never designed marriage to be a quick answer to desire. He designed it as a reflection of something holy, something intentional, something that carries weight beyond emotion and impulse. So the real question isn’t just “Do we want each other?” It’s “Are we aligned with God’s purpose for this union?”

    Emotions can feel convincing. They can rise quickly and speak loudly. But they are not designed to lead. When we allow feelings to take the lead, we often make decisions that our spirit hasn’t agreed with. And that’s where confusion enters. Marriage, by God’s design, requires more than emotional connection—it requires spiritual clarity, maturity, and a willingness to walk in obedience even when feelings fluctuate. Physical intimacy has its place, but it was never meant to carry the weight of the relationship. When commitment, faithfulness, and reverence for God lead, the relationship has something solid to stand on.

    Matthew 19:4–5 (NLT) reminds us what Jesus Himself says about marriage: “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’ And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’”

    God’s design for marriage is not casual, and it’s not something we define based on what feels right in the moment. It is intentional, weighty, and deeply spiritual. When two people come together in covenant, they are not just sharing life—they are stepping into something God Himself established. That kind of union requires more than attraction. It requires understanding, surrender, and a willingness to honor God not just at the beginning, but all the way through. Because becoming “one” is not a feeling—it’s a lifelong yielding.

    Genesis 2:18 (NLT) sheds light on the heart behind this design: “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.’” That word helper speaks to partnership, support, and alignment—not dependency rooted in emptiness. Marriage was never meant to fill a void or quiet loneliness. It was created as a divine partnership where two people walk together in purpose, strengthening one another as they follow God. If we enter it trying to fix what only God can heal, we place pressure on the relationship that it was never designed to carry.

    This is why Paul’s instruction in 2 Timothy 2:22 matters so much. The call to pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace isn’t meant to be lived out in isolation. It’s meant to be supported by the company we keep. When you surround yourself with people who genuinely call on the Lord with hearts that honor Him, something shifts. There is accountability. There is wisdom. There is covering. You begin to make decisions from a place of alignment instead of impulse. And you start to recognize that who you walk with will either strengthen your obedience…or slowly erode it.

    Some of us have underestimated this. We’ve allowed voices into our lives that sound good but aren’t grounded. We’ve entertained relationships that stir emotion but don’t strengthen our walk. And over time, that misalignment shows up in our choices. But God, in His wisdom, has already given us the pattern. Pursue what is right. Stay anchored in Him. And be intentional about who you allow to walk closely with you.

    Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) says, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Pure-hearted companionship isn’t just something that feels good—it actually guards you. When you’re connected to people who genuinely love God and stand on His Word like you do, you’re not just gaining company—you’re gaining strength. These are the ones who speak life, pray with you and for you, and offer wisdom that keeps you grounded. They’re committed to walking through real life with you, helping you stay aligned in faith, love, and a true reverence for our Heavenly Father.

    So let His wisdom guide this area of your life. Because the company you keep is never neutral—it’s always shaping the direction you’re headed. ■

    Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. 

    “Embracing the Companionship of Pure Hearts”, written for findchristianman.wordpress.com. Copyright©2026. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord.