A Naked Marriage

 Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Genesis 2:25

It is interesting that when God created Adam and Eve, He create them naked and without any shame related to it. The word “naked” in Genesis 2:25 means “to be exposed.” God created marriage to be a place you could totally expose yourself to each other – mentally, emotionally, spiritually, sexually, and physically – without shame.

This is what makes intimacy on every level possible in marriage. When you are truly “naked” without shame in marriage, you can share your lives with each other. You can talk about anything without fear. Adam and Eve were created naked without shame until sin entered into the relationship. Once they sinned, they could no longer trust each other. Paradise was lost and they now feared intimacy with God and each other and covered themselves with fig leaves. Genesis 3:7

The good news is that Paradise can be restored when couples take responsibility for their actions and apologize for any damaging behavior. There must be openness in our relationship. Nothing destroys intimacy more than secrets. Don't take your relationship for granted. Keep the lines of communication open. When you make a mistake, apologize quickly. This is the only way to create a “naked” marriage the way God intended.

Who Moved?

 I once read a story of an older couple that was taking a Sunday drive in the country. (This was before mandatory seat beat laws and the invention of bucket seats.) As they enjoyed their afternoon ride, the wife said to her husband, " I was remembering all the rides we have taken over the years. But something has changed. We used to sit close to one another but know now you are sitting behind the steering wheel and I am sitting way over here next to the door. Why don't we sit close together anymore?" The husband smiled and replied, "I didn't move."

At the start of my spiritual journey, I remember praying with people around a church altar. I would ask them what they were praying for and often the would say they were seeking more of God. Now we know God is not a commodity you can get "more of." He is a person and technically you cannot get 'more' of a person. What they were meaning was they wanted a closer, more intimate relationship with God.

When you confess your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you enter into a new relationship with God the Father. John14:6 But just as a newly wed couple begins a relationship, that relationship will grow only as they invest time and effort into building that relationship. Growing in our relationship with God is not all God's responsibly. Some people accept Christ and expect Him to build that relationship. Not so.

Come close to God and he will come close to you James 4:8

So you must continue to live in a way that gives meaning to your salvation. Do this with fear and respect for God. Philippians 2:12

If your relationship with God seems distant; I wonder who moved. Hebrews 13:5 Deuteronomy 3:16

Often, you get asked the question, where do you live. The person asking the question, is referring to what state, city or physical address you live at. Even homeless people live somewhere. 

As a Christ follower, I believe that all of life should be centered around a relationship with Jesus Christ. For He is our life.

Allow me to ask you that question. Where do you live? I am not asking for a physical location but we all live in one of three places.

There are three approaches to life with God: All In; All Out; and, in the middle, between those, a third approach. This third approach is actually a range—it encompasses every approach between the two extremes. Many of us take the third approach. I mean, we do believe life is better with God—but, our belief is more theoretical than not.

Jesus calls takers of the third approach “lukewarm,” and is particularly frustrated by us: “because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16). 

We third-approachers  mistakenly presume we’re doing okay faith-wise—not as well as we could maybe, but okay nonetheless. Therefore, Jesus’ words are startling and challenging—and force us to consider All In.

So, what does All In require? The world tells us, too much. But, that’s wrong. It doesn’t require more than we can give. It requires total surrender and obedience. But our Creator, designed us with the capacity and ability to be all in.

He understands our lives. He knows what he’s asking. All In doesn’t require we be perfect; we couldn’t.

Does My Life Matter?

 People often ask a common question when it looks like their time on earth is drawing to a close - "Did my life matter?" Have you ever wondered that? I have. We all dream of being a great success. Children playing football dream of making it pro. Musicians dream of themselves on a massive stage in front of thousands of scream fans. We all have a desire to make an impact in this world. We all desire to make a difference to the degree that we will be remembered when we are gone.

Success is solely defined by God and solely achieved by your faithfulness to whatever He has called you to. The Bible clearly defines success as being faithful to what God has spoken. Matthew 25:21 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’  Your desire to make an will only be satisfied by living in obedience to God's will for you.

Choose to live a life of significance for eternity today. You have a chance today to lead people into eternal life. You have a chance today to store up your treasure in heaven. Matthew 6:19-20 Allow God to define your identity and purpose. Experience the joy that can only be found in communion with youtr heavenly Father.