Marriage, It’S Not Physical …It’S … S P I R I T Ua L!!! ...(Holy)

By Evangelist Alicia F. Rooks

I was inspired to write the book titled: Marriage, Its Not PhysicalIts Spiritual (Holy) about 12 years ago. After experiencing two unsuccessful marriages, and still having the desire to marry again one day when the Lord allow me to connect with the right person, for real this time then I will be relieved. I pray that this time I will take my own advice, do my homework, and realize that it is not a physical thing, it is Spiritual! I am no marriage counselor, and definitely do not claim to have all of the answers however, experience isI would say a great teacher. You see, some people, they never learn.

I pray that this time I could reminisce on what I have gone through realizing that it was not just for me, but on purpose and for others. You see when God has a plan and has a willing vessel that will answer the call then He will allow His will/work to be done through whomever is willing. The key word is willing because a lot of people are not willing. Instead of complaining, I have learned to say, ok, Lord, what lesson do You want me to learn from this? Who would you like me to minister to through my experience of going about marriage that You have designed the wrong way?

As others read this book, I know that it would be a life-changing awakening. I believe that hearts/marriages/relationships would be mended, and healed. I know that this is not just another book to pick up and read at your own leisure, but if I must say so myself, it is a book that once you pick it up, you will not want to put it down until it has ministered to you completely!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781496961198

Evangelist Alicia F. Rooks

My name is Ms. Alicia Rooks, I am now 48 years old, I reside in the beautiful city of Fort Lauderdale, FL. I have two beautiful daughters, two beautiful grand-daughters, and a heart full of love for God and His people. I am a teacher at heart, and my trade/career. I work/minister for my chuch’s school teaching ages k5-5th grade. I love children and have a passion for them. I am an ordained Evangelist in my church (Hope Outreach Love Center, Inc.) where I have been a member now for about 10 years. I am also a Sunday School teacher/chairperson there as well. I sing on the praise and worship team at my church, and work in our “Homeless Mission Ministry”. I am attending school to receive my Associates degree in Early childhood Education. I have had a lot of hard times, struggles, living from check to check but believe that God has allowed me to go through for a reason. The Bible tells me, and I stand firm on Romans 8:28 (KJV) 28 “For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” So I know and believe in my heart that God is working things out on my behalf. He has chosen me to be a blessing to others through my book to encourage the married, and the unmarried as well. Even down to the family, the children as well. Being that I have had the experience with it all, I know that through my testimony others would be blessed.

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© 2015 Evangelist Alicia F. Rooks. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 2/2/2015

ISBN: 978-1-4969-6102-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-6101-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-6119-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014922653

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Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Contents

Dedication

Foreword

Chapter #1 What Do You Mean …Marriage, It’s Not Physical … It’s … Spiritual … (Holy)?

Chapter #2 Did We Hear From God?

Chapter #3 Agape Love

Chapter #4 Submissiveness

Chapter #5 I’m The Man … I’m The Head

Chapter #6 Worshipping God In Spirit And In Truth

Chapter #7 One (+) One = One … Spiritually!

Chapter #8 Bridle Your Tongue

Chapter #9 Sex

Chapter #10 Wrapped Up, Tied Up, And Tangled Up… In Jesus

Chapter #11 The Children

Chapter #12 The Family

Chapter #13 Humbleness

Chapter #14 Patience

Chapter #15 Endurance

Chapter #16 Faith

Chapter #17 The Change

Chapter #18 Forgiveness

Chapter #19 Abuse

Chapter #20 Communication

In Conclusion

Words Of Wisdom

Acknowledgements

DEDICATION

I would like to dedicate this book first of all, back to the Holy Spirit. Thank You for imparting a portion of Yourself into my mind/heart as I was inspired to write from You, and from personal experiences that You have allowed me to encounter. Thank You for choosing a willing vessel such as myself to complete this task that has been ongoing for a very long time. I know that this was not just for myself alone, however for others as well.

I dedicate this to all that this has helped. I hope that after reading this book, it would wake up the inner-man, and encourage you to be that Husband, that Man, that Wife, that Woman, that Mother and that Father, that God has called you to be. Thank you for allowing me to share with you what has been imparted into me from the Holy Spirit.

Then, to my precious daughters: Janicia (Perry) & Naticia, to my beautiful grand-daughters, my grand-mom, mom, dad, siblings, relatives, and friends: I pray that you all will read this book and treasure it. Thank you all that were a witness during my marriages, being a listening ear, and for just being there. Regardless of the mistakes you were still there. Prayerfully this book will go down in history for generations to come.

For all the readers: Nobody is perfect but if you would walk in obedience, take the Word of God, and allow It to lead you, I promise you that you won’t go wrong. Take your time, don’t rush into marriage, keep yourselves up, stay pure and Holy, and enjoy your single lives, as you live to please God. Remember that your bodies are God’s temple, and He must have it first, before He, and your parents gives you the permission to share it with your mate.

FOREWORD

I am proud to have the honor of doing the fore-wording for my grand-daughter, Ms. Alicia Faye Rooks. She has not only blessed me but has been a blessing to me for being obedient unto the voice of God. I thank God for her and am proud to see the move of God on and in her life. This book has helped me, and I pray that it too will help and bless all of you that read it. May God bless you all. Ms. Eddie Mae Roberson.

This young lady has mastered the ability to capture the reader’s attention and draw their feelings so near to each experience she willfully shares, that it seems as though you’re right there at that time. It was clear to me after the first chapter: this work was birthed out of pain, joy, a period of suffering, vulnerability, strength, contentment, and, above all, inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT. If you’re interested in reading a book written from the heart and soul of a person, this is that book! Pastor Frank A Lloyd II

I find it to be Simply Amazing, how the Lord downloaded in the Author’s spirit the words to put down on paper which will encourage single men, women and married couples throughout the region. I enjoyed Marriage, It’s Not Physical…It’s…Spiritual!!!…(Holy) as I read it because it caused my spirit to leap throughout as I turned the pages. I was able to see myself in much of the writing, and the characters, as well as relate to the story lines! Marriage, It’s Not Physical…It’s…Spiritual!!!…(Holy) Is thought provoking and life changing. This book is more than a good read but a must read! Let this book minister to you! Therefore as you read it, open up your spiritual ear to capture what the Lord is saying to you in whatever relationship status you are in and be blessed! Elect- Lady Jacqueline D. Lloyd of Hope Outreach Love Center, Inc. Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Genesis 2:18) (KJV).

19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Mathew 18:19&20) (KJV).

Greetings in the Precious Holy Name of Jesus. Father God in the Name of Jesus, please bless everyone that reads this book that was written by inspiration by Your willing vessel, Alicia: I write not only for the married, but single individuals as well. As we agree, and touch on Your Word, learn to stand on Your Word, and apply Your Word; we know that You are in the midst of us. Lord, open up our hearts, and broaden our understanding, and allow us to perceive that which You have given direct from Your throne of mercy. Lord Jesus, let us not only read, but also have the will to obey. All of this I ask in your Name, Jesus.

To all of my readers: Before you read this book, please make sure that your minds are open to accept the truth. As you begin to read, keep in mind that marriage is ordained by God, and is first made in Heaven; God joins you together spiritually, first, before you even lay eyes on your mate: If you and your mate, or mate to be are living your lives unto God, then you should past the test with flying colors. God created marriage for His divine purpose, not for yours; if you are obedient to His Word, of course you would reap the benefits that He has promised to reward.

23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men: 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23&24) (KJV). Marriage is Holy, it is for God’s glory. It is not for selfish gain, it is on the other hand, Ministry. In all that we do, even in marriage, it must be unto Christ first. Marriage is fashioned to mimic Christ, Jesus (The Groom), and the church (His Bride). We are to love, submit, cherish, and obey. God is a God that is of abundance, so in marriage we are to be fruitful, and multiply!

28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:28) (KJV). When we marry in God, we will experience the abundance of life. God blesses marriages, and has orchestrated families for His benefit. The commands in the above/below scriptures (Genesis 1:28 & Genesis 9:7) (KJV) are proven facts of what God expects of us in a marriage that has been ordained by Him, and for Him.

7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein. (Genesis 9:7) (KJV). Another scripture that comes to mind that can be added to your journal of study is Ephesians 3:19-21. 19 "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. A-men’. (KJV).

You may find repeated Scriptures and definitions for several words or related meanings taken from The Webster’s Dictionary/Merriam Webster’s, or Microsoft Word Thesaurus: this is to make sure that you have adequate information, sources, and a clear understanding of what is being written, read, and revealed. Remember: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing (reading), by the Word of God. You must speak the Word out loud to yourselves to get the fullness thereof, and believe what you have read by faith, (The Word of God). So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17) (KJV).

Some things you may agree, or disagree with, some of the things stated may very much apply, or may not apply to you, and some are from my own personal experiences. I know that the majority will be able to relate. You may find that a lot of the experiences are past (being that the book is about 12 yrs. old); therefore, a lot of changes has occurred since the beginning. Put on your seatbelts, brace yourself for the upcoming bumps, and have plenty of tissue readily available for the moments of empathy! Yes, God inspired me to write this book. No, He did not audibly give me word for word throughout the book. Heaven knows, I am living what I am writing about; it is like I am writing my own personal diary.

I am sure that most can agree that a lot of Scriptures referenced were relating to a certain group of people in the Bible days, but we must apply the Word of God to our everyday lives; a lot of things that they went through, Jesus, and the disciples knew that we would experience similar, if not the same things in our day. If this book does not apply, thank God that you have your thing together, and please, pass it on to help someone that can relate; if in fact it does apply, let’s have an open mind/heart, and allow God to speak to us in our current situation. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. (Romans 14:5) (KJV). How many know that the Truth stands all by Itself? The Word of God will back Itself up every time!

I would like to share something with you all before continuing: The devil has really tried to stop this on-going project, I was challenged with many obstacles, attacked physically, and spiritually, I lost the information on a few disk but thank God for wisdom; I had a few back-up’s, and a few hard copies printed out. I was determined, and knew that God led me to write this for someone that does not know what marriage is all about, for someone that does not know the purpose, to include myself!!! I realize also that nothing good happens without a fight! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to open up this book, and to read it. I don’t want to bore you, but there is just so much that God has revealed unto me that this book could go on, and on, and on. I am going to do my best to narrow it down to the least elucidation as possible, so that you, you, and especially you, can get a taste.

No, I don’t have all of the answers, and this is a learning experience for me. The revelation has been revealed unto me as I share it with you. May God bless you all. Might I add, we don’t always know the "why", Why do we go through what we do, but God knows, and the majority of the time it is to help someone else that may be facing the same thing. Roman 8:28 states: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV). All means, all, that includes: the good, the bad, and the ugly!

*bible-(Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary AND Thesaurus)-n 1 cap :the sacred scriptures of Christians comprising the Old and New Testaments 2 cap : the sacred scriptures of Judaism; also : those of some other religion 3 : a publication that is considered authoritative for its subject

B-asic

I-nstructions

B-efore

L-eaving

E-arth

CHAPTER #1

What Do You Mean …Marriage, It’s Not Physical … It’s … Spiritual … (Holy)?

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For WHO HATH KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE MAY INSTRUCT HIM? BUT WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST. (1 Corinthians 2:14-16) (KJV). If you are not walking in the Spirit, then I cannot began to explain the title of this book to you because your minds are too carnal to perceive it. A carnal minded person can never understand, and will never understand the things of the Spirit. Which Spirit? The Spirit of God, that is. I thought that after the Lord gave me this title that I understood it, but after allowing the Lord to walk me through each chapter, I found out that my thoughts were totally opposite of what it really means.

1 THERE is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you). (Romans 8:1-11) (KJV).

Proceeding with the first chapter, marriage was originally ordained by God, it is an assignment given to men, and women that are walking in Him to participate in an area of our lives that pleases Him. A lot of people have the wrong perception about marriage, and what it is purposed for, but after reading this book in its entirety, I hope, and pray that a little light would shine upon your hearts, and that you would walk in obedience to the Word of God. We as married people should, through our marriages, do everything to please the Lord first. 28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (John 8:29) (KJV). Please read entire chapter. Thank you.

8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. 9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks. 10 And yet for all her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith the LORD. 11 And the LORD said unto me, the backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah. 12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever. 13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. 14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: 15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:8-15) (KJV).

Christ the Groom, We, the Church, His Bride

I can imagine your many thoughts such as: What does the above have to do with marriage? It has a lot to do with marriage. You must first come to the knowledge that Christ is married to us, (The Church), first; before we even think about marrying our mates: We, the Church, (The Israelites), Spiritually, is the bride, and Christ, (The Lamb), is the Groom. My interpretation of this is a message to us all, but maybe more so to the men rather than the women. My reason for saying so is quite simple: God, being the Head of Christ, Christ being the Head of the church, and Man being the Head of the woman; although we, (The Church) have backslid in so many areas in our lives, especially in that inward part, (the part that only God, Himself can see), and we have turned away from God’s original plan for our lives.

Mostly in marriages, many of us have not taken the time to find out its true purpose. Through it all, all of our disobedience, our sinful ways, God still forgave, and is yet willing to forgive us for our sins, and give us another chance to get it right with Him. Christ has, and is, demonstrating Agape Love to us all!!! (This is a command that was illustrated for the husbands as to how they must show that same love to their wives).

Before we go further into the chapter, let us elaborate a little more on the title of this book: Marriage, It’s Not Physical … It’s … S P I R I T U A L (HOLY)!!! (Throughout my book you will notice the significance of certain ‘key words’ because I like to make it evident). You may find that I kind of lose myself from time to time, but I am writing as I am led. Before it is over, prayerfully, you will catch up with me as I continue in the Spirit. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." (Proverbs 4:7) (KJV).

4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:4-6) (KJV).

Glancing through Webster’s’ dictionary as I looked up the word wisdom and it tells us to first look up the word wise, it defines the word as: 1. in a specific direction, position, or manner [sidewise] 2. in a manner characteristic of [clockwise] 3. with regard to [weatherwise]; then the word wisdom is: 1. the quality of being wise; good judgment 2. learning; knowledge. Physical- the meaning interpreted by Webster’s’ states the following: 1. of nature and all matter, material, 2. of or according to the laws of nature 3. of or produced by the forces of physics 4. of the body: Then went further, interested to find out what Webster jotted down for the word Spiritual-the meaning according to his opinion: - 1. of the spirit or soul 2. of or consisting of spirit; not corporal 3. religious; sacred.

The Thesaurus (Words)-‘spiritual’-aerial (atmosphere, in the air, up above, high-flying) and many others kind of break the meaning down a little more- (the way I can understand). ‘Physical’-bodily, human, momentary, fugitive. The Lord, (The Holy Spirit) dropped these words into my spirit on Sunday, March 11, 2002—Marriage, It’s Not Physical, It’s … Spiritual!!! And then on August 4, 2014…the word (Holy) was added; reason being, there are a lot of spirits, or spiritualist, but we cannot say that they are of the Lord, Jesus Christ. I know that it was the Lord because I am too full of the flesh to think of something like this, and Satan definitely does not want us to catch the vision, because once we do, we are another step against His aim. In marriage, a lot of people marry for the physical aspect instead of finding out God’s thoughts about it, Spiritually!!!

Reminiscing on Webster’s’ meaning, the word physical- (1. of nature, of the body), and that we are; so how can marriage, which consist of two people, male/female be spiritual which is the opposite? – Not corporeal (1. of or for the body 2. of a material nature; physical). If you are spiritually thinking then you would understand the depth of this thing. That is why most marriages, especially in these days does not last because most of us get into it physically, and not spiritually: – 1 I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1&2) (KJV). Although we are in the flesh, our zeal should be the things of the Spirit.

Presenting our bodies unto the Lord

When presenting our bodies unto the Lord, we are to offer ourselves unto Him as willing vessels, ready to do His will; meaning, we are tractable, waiting for His call to use our bodies, to act as Him, (A Spirit), while in the flesh, (physical). The body is very much needed because we are in an outer covering (a shell), the flesh, with The Spirit of God abiding in us, that in which He uses to work in the visible: While the Spirit instructs us on what to do, we must do unto God, it is like acting out a skit, we all must play our part, and be the best that we can be.

Nonetheless, God does not dwell in an unclean temple, (body); 19 What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19&20) (KJV). Being aware of what our bodies are used for, it is our responsibility to make sure that we are doing all that we can do to live Holy, of course with the help of our Lord, and that is by surrounding ourselves with things, and people that are Holy, (set aside, sacred), as well.

We must not conform ourselves to worldly things, being Holy people, we must seek God, and ask Him to transform us by first renewing our minds. The Holy Spirit is in fact our Helper, but we (physical), must do our part as well, by learning and applying the ways of God to our lives. Before we can be in God’s perfect will, it is going to take much sacrifice, especially as married people, we must pray together, study God’s Word together, and apply His Word together, if we are going to stay together. Praise the Lord! O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:3) (KJV).

We are married to Christ, first

Husbands/Wives, realize this, we are married to Christ first. How will He judge our relationship with Him? 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Revelation 19:7-9); (KJV). Christ is the Lamb, and we, the church is His wife, His bride. Once we grasp spiritually, what God is doing, then we would, or could walk accordingly. It takes two, walking in the spirit to get the job done in a marriage, the Bible even states that: "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3) (KJV). If we are not walking together, have the same vision, then we are walking in a defeated life. We must stop fooling ourselves because it won’t work.

Working together in marriage

Working together in marriage, together is the plan that God has ordained; we are not married to satisfy self, but to satisfy God. Believe it or not, self is last on the agenda. If you are not in agreement, your marriage is going to fall apart, that is why it is so important that we are sure that God has purposed us, and our mate, to be together. Confirmation to this, the Bible states that where two or three are touching and agreeing for anything in His Name, (the Name of Jesus), that He would be in the midst. If you are not in agreement, how can you then touch, and agree whole-heartedly?

How do you expect God to answer your prayers? Look at the part that says: In My Name, in order to ask for anything in Jesus’ Name, we must be on the same page, in agreement, and on one accord; we must be in Him. God will not dwell where there is confusion. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20) (KJV). For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (1 Corinthians 14:33) (KJV).

Please, if you will, let us go into the title of this book a little deeper: We know that we are all flesh, physical, and we that are saints of God, our goal should be to walk in the Spirit, and we must seek for Godly wisdom in order to apply such things. Try and understand my brothers, and sisters in Christ: God does not put you together because you have a physical need, He does it because there is a Spiritual need, and we all need, to fulfill His divine purpose! That is how a lot of people make the mistake by marrying for all of the wrong reasons; some marry to satisfy self, summing it all up, but through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we should strive to please God, for He is a Spirit, and before we could worship Him, serve Him, we must be in the Spirit, and in Truth; to be accepted by Him, to serve Him, we must be in the Spirit, and in Truth in order to be accepted by Him, and that should be, our main focus! God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) (KJV). When we marry, it is not for selfish-gain, it is for Spiritual-gain. What do you mean, Sis. Alicia? I mean, marriage is not just two people in the flesh coming together; it is two people in The Spirit, living unto to God together.

When God joins two people together

When God joins two people together, He unites them for a purpose, and that purpose is to worship Him so that He may be glorified, and by doing so, our lifestyles will reach millions of others. Yes, the flesh has its part to play (a physical without the spiritual is like the body without a soul), but let us take into consideration, the Spiritual aspect– 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:6) (KJV). People, whether you know it or not, when God joins you together with your mate, you are first joined spiritually, and then physically; those that are joined by God, can’t nobody touch: The ones that are not joined by God, anything, and anyone can come between the two of them.

The reason Satan loves destroying the Family, & Marriages is because He knows that a marriage ordained by God is sacred, and is honorable unto Him. Never forget, it takes two individuals, male and female to make a marriage, with the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and it takes two to break a marriage with the leadership of self, and through the influence of Satan. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17) (KJV). We must realize that before God joins two individuals together they must be first joined with Him in the Spirit before the marriage will function in its proper way, I heard Pastor Benny Hinn quote that husbands & wives are a shadow of Jesus (video tape: 7 Keyes to the Anointing"); we that are in a marriage, of God, are less than Jesus; we, as a whole (husbands & wives, our ways should be that of Jesus), we must learn to be ‘copycats’ of Him, my own wording.

Are all marriages Spiritually united by God? Are all marriages honorable unto God?

Are all marriages Spiritually united by God? Are all marriages honorable unto God. No. How do you know? My mate and I are married, we have a certificate/license, so we are married by law, we are legally married, and by God? In the sight of man, (the law), yes, you may be considered married, but in the sight of God, some of us are totally off track. My reasons are: You see, any two people can go to the courthouse, and get a piece of paper, a ‘certificate of marriage’, and say, we are married", and from looking at it from a legal aspect that is 100% so, but not all marriages are Spiritually united by God. Think about it. God joins spirits together first, and then of course because we are in the flesh, the physical; we are then joined together physically. The spirits are joined as a form of worship, being mindful that we are who He is: When we worship God, we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) (KJV). 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Marriages are made in Heaven, and they that are ordained by God, are spiritually united by God. Now God will honor your marriage (respect your decision), but unless you are walking according to His Word, you are out of line with Him; your marriage is then, not honorable unto Him. When you are Spiritually united, are joined together by God, you are first joined in Spirit, (in God), and you are then walking in the Truth; now you have come to the knowledge, and understand, that what you are doing is right: (You somewhat connect like a chemistry, and by doing so, you are worshipping God, living unto God in Spirit, and in Truth. God’s purpose is then fulfilled, and Satan is in a rage! And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32) (KJV). It gives Satan great joy when we are in the dark, (have not come to the knowledge of the Truth). He knows that this way, He can trap us up every time!

Sis. Alicia, I believe you are confusing yourself. Now, you just said that: God will honor a marriage, but unless one is walking uprightly before Him a marriage is not honorable; please explain. Ok, I’ll do my best to break it down: When your marriage is honored, that means that respect is given because you are doing the right thing; but everyone are not walking uprightly before the Lord because most marriages are based on lust, and the plan that God has for marriage has not entered the minds/hearts of millions.

A marriage is honorable when one has done the right thing, and has the vision of what God expects in a marriage; you are on one accord with God, and your mate. (I hope that I didn’t lose you).

*honor - (Webster’s); 1. high regard or respect; esp., a) glory; fame b)good reputation 2. adherence to principles considered right; integrity 3. chastity 4. high rank; distinction 5. [H-] a title of certain officials, as judges (with His, Her, or Your) 6. something done or given as a token of respect 7. a source of respect and fame –vt. 1. to respect greatly 2. to show high regard for 3. to do or give something in honor of 4. to accept and pay [to honor a check] -do the honors to act as host Brit. sp. honor

*honorable - (Webster’s); 1. worthy of being honored 2. honest; upright 3. bringing honor [honorable mention]

*sacred – (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary AND Thesaurus); adj 1 : set apart for the service or worship of deity 2 : devoted exclusively to one service or use 3 : worthy of veneration or reverence 4 : of or relating to religion : RELIGIOUS

*holy – 1 : worthy of absolute devotion 2 : to be treated with veneration or the utmost respect : SACRED 3 : having a divine quality 4 :devoted to the deity or the work of the deity

*Holy Spirit – n : the third person of the Christian Trinity

Being truthful … Timing Is everything!

A lot of us that are now in a marriage, but not an ordained marriage, or perhaps, we are with the one that God may very much have for us, but we, (in the flesh), have moved in the wrong time. How many know that God deals in time? He is an ‘on time’ God, yes He is; when He give you the ‘ok’ on something, believe me you, everything will fall into place, and then, will it be the right time. We must realize one thing, just because God gives you the assurance on something, there is still a time of preparation that needs to take place. If you and your mate are not prepared, not spiritually matured, and, joined together in the spiritual realm, you are going to go through a lot of things that are just unnecessary.

Like my husband, Mark and I, for example: He said that he has the Holy Ghost, but does not have the evidence of speaking in tongues. I mean I have never heard it, neither has anyone else, believe me you; there will be a witness. Also, if you are Spirit-Filled, it will definitely show through your conduct; you will know how to act towards your mate. It is very important that you have it all! Believe me, 99-1/2 won’t do, you must be filled to the rim, to walk in the vision that God has predestined. If you are in a marriage, ordained by God, everyone will see it, and be in awe, with questions, and the expression on their faces, wondering how you and your mate are so truthfully, and happily married. People will look at you as role models because it will show that you are doing something right unto God.

Just like you that are in a marriage, you have your certificate/license, stating that you are, have taken on your mates last name, (some of us, that is all we have, our mate’s last name, not their love, not their attention, not their commitment, … and the list goes on). It is going to take more than that in marriage (a person’s last name), marriage is togetherness, it is about sacrifice. In marriage, you do what it takes to please each other. It is not all about what someone can do for you however, what you can do for them, to make them happy. Just like with Jesus, it is about service! 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered (served) unto, but to minister (serve), and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)