Happy Tuesday! I already know the words in today’s verses may stir up some feelings in the hearts and minds of readers today. However, as I go verse by verse, you will see I am not electing to point out anyone, I am simply sharing the truth from the word of God. If you struggle with the verses below, I strongly recommend praying to God about it. Share your heart and thoughts with the Lord, and sit still to hear from Him. Join me as we begin Matthew chapter 19.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 19:1-6 NLT
“¹ When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went down to the region of Judea east of the Jordan River. ² Large crowds followed him there, and he healed their sick.

³ Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?”
⁴ “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’[Genesis 1:27; 5:2]” ⁵ 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.’[Genesis 2:24] ⁶ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”

REFLECTION

Here again we see Jesus going through the region, healing the sick, and while it isn’t written I’m certain he is teaching/ministering to the people. However, the Pharisees, yet again, in an attempt to trap Jesus asked a question that became a teachable moment for all of us.

Jesus immediately responds to their arrogance and ignorance at the same time – “Haven’t you read the scriptures?” Jesus points the Pharisees to the word of God, which they (the Pharisees – in their position) should know very well.

The marriage bond bounds two (2) people (male and female) together and they become one. One team against incredible worldy odds. However, when God is in the midst, while the odds are stacked high, the Lord can restore, reconcile and heal the bond.

Today sisters and brothers who are married, my prayer is for the Lord to strengthen your marriage bond, that he will renew your love for one another and restore your relationship with one another. My prayer is where there is brokenness or distrust, that the Lord will bring the truth to light so that your marriage may be healed and no longer plagued by the lies of the enemy.

For my brothers and sisters who are divorced, my prayer for you is for healing. I don’t sit in the role as judge and juror, I stand in prayer for you and ask for the Lord to heal your brokenness. I ask that the Lord will give you peace and hope for a future that is grounded in the word of God, that your life will not be self-seeking but God-seeking – seeking His direction for your life from this point forward .

PRAYER
Father God, in the name of Jesus we come to you in prayer for marriages around the world. Lord, wherever marriages are broken, Lord we ask for both parties to come before you and surrender their lives, their agendas and their marriage to you. Lord, help them to commit their marriages to you. Lord, encourage wives and husbands who are struggling today. Lord, hear their prayers for their spouses and begin to perform miracles in their hearts and marriages. Lord, in the name of Jesus we bound the enemy that is trying to destroy their marriage, home and family.  Lord, we also pray for those who divorced on common ground, for safety, because of adultery, etc. Lord, you know exactly what the issues were and continue to be. Lord, I ask that you heal the injured and hurting. Lord, many of them still want to be married, but the enemy’s attacks on their marriage were vicious. Lord, today in the name of Jesus we ask for covering over them, we ask for healing and peace. Lord, where there is an opportunity for healthy restoration and reconciliation we ask that you put their marriage back together. Lord, if it is irreparable, Lord, keep the parties safe from harm and where there are children involved, Lord allow love for the children to improve communication with one another. Lord, touch each child and bring them through with a steady mind, a hope for their future and a closer relationship with you. Lord, be with us. Lord, be with singles as they make decisions about marriage. Lord, counsel them and guide them. Lord, help them to find the mate that you have selected for them. Lord, as they wait, help them to grow closer to you and to understand what you desire for marriage. Lord, help us to forgive as you have forgiven us. In Jesus name, amen.

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