Supernatural Marriage

Ephesians 5:21 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Last night I was listening to a podcast with Barry and Lori Byrne, whose Love After Marriage course from Bethel Church was probably the most transformational experience I’ve ever undergone. In sharing some of their secrets on how to have a supernatural marriage, Barry pointed out that while many couples focus on fulfilling their needs, he believes the biblical principle is for us to focus on our relationship with God We need an atmosphere of openness to know each other’s needs, but focusing on the fulfilment of needs creates a relationship of slavery. If rather than “I’m obligated to you to meet your needs” we think about how “I’m obligated to God to love and to care for you” then the couple’s needs get met as an overflow. This reminds me of how when Potiphar’s wife asked Joseph to sleep with her, he replied “how could I do such a thing and sin against God?” If Joseph concerned himself with sinning against Potiphar, he could probably find some fault with his master to justify falling into adultery. But because his obligation was to God, Joseph knew exactly what he needed to do and found the strength to uphold what he knew to be right. It’s all about you Jesus. So often I confuse the issues and make it about something else, but I declare that my whole life is about my relationship with you. I know when I get that right, you sort out all the worldly issues that consume me. You are my all in all. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-marriage-w-barry-lori-byrne-ep-14/id1505615824?i=1000482840713

The Beast Conquered...

Revelation 13:5 “He was given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months. He spoke terrible words in blasphemy against God, slandering his name and his dwelling – that is, those who dwell in heaven. And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them.” I sometimes jokingly tell people that if I knew venture capital took this long, I might not have started out along this path. Any entrepreneurial journey has its ups and downs, but embarking in a new craft where you don’t really know if you’re any good for close to a decade builds a lot of patience and faith. I guess VC has challenged me to become more like Jesus J Of course a decade to God is like the blink of an eye. We see over and over in scripture how the fathers of our faith had to wait for outcomes they desired, and the process of waiting helped them to gain an eternal view. Taking God’s perspective alone can provide peace and comfort when we see evil winning all around us. In Revelation 13, John describes a vision of the enemy conquering God’s people, and then concludes later in the chapter “This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.” Lord sometimes I’m in a hurry to see results faster, but I know you are a God who is never late. The enemy might win for a minute, but the true battle is already won. Thank you for the gift of your son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Refuge In Times of Trouble

Jeremiah 16:19 “Lord you are my strength and fortress, my refuge in times of trouble!” Today I’m feeling quite overwhelmed to be honest. It’s a holiday because of the election in Singapore, but I have a lot on my plate that needs to get done. A lot of it requires some sort of deep work or flow state, which I’m finding difficult to achieve with my lack of sleep this week. I also feel really guilty that I’m not focused on family time despite the holiday. But Lord you are my strength and my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. I know you’ll get me through this. The battle is won. The war has been won, because of what you’ve already done on the cross. Thanks for leading me to Jeremiah 16 today. I’m reminded that I’m too often like the Israelites, but today I turn my face to you and you alone. I love you. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.