Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another
to provoke unto love and to good works:

From Angela G. of Virginia.

... I am assuming you are a young, unmarried woman. I cannot express to you how important it is to seek the Lord's will for your life, and to send you the husband He has prepared for you. Only consider marriage to a man who loves the Lord with all his heart. If your marriage is based on loving the precious Lord Jesus, it will be a wonderful miracle of grace holding your union together. God hates divorce and I am very sad that this has happened to me and my boys. I did not seek His will or even care what His will was when I married. I was young and foolish and we have all had to pay dearly for my ignorance. However, the Lord has been faithful to tenderly care for us and protect us.

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Editorial by Mary Stephens

Malachi 2:16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

Oh that young women would not just think about themselves when they consider marriage.

That man is going to be the father of your children!  Is he selfish?  Does he like other peoples' children?  Is he sympathetic to those smaller and weaker than himself?  Or will he be selfish?  Will he let you raise the kids alone while he plays, hunts, fishes, reads, studies, works, etc.?

He is going to be your parents' son! Does he respect them?  Can he disagree with them respectfully?  Is he kind to elderly people? What if you have to care for your parents in their old age?  Is his relationship to them now building a good foundation for what the future may hold? Does he respect their convictions about courtship?  Or does he tempt  you to break your parents' "unreasonable rules?"  Does he mock them behind their backs?

He is going to be the brother of your brothers and sisters! Does he fit in the family? Do your brothers trust him?  A young man may act very different when you or other ladies are around than he does when it is "just men." You better find out from your brothers if he is as "godly" when there are no ladies (or your father) within earshot!

Jim Elliot said something to the effect that, "God gives His best to those that leave the choice to Him." Why not make a commitment to God, your parents, your future kids, and your family, and let God make the choice for you?  

Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.  

Psalms 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Proverbs 28:10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

And to those of you who may have been praying and waiting for awhile for the Lord to show you whom you are to marry, consider Zacharias and Elisabeth. Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. Luke 1:18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. Zacharias would not have been praying for a son any longer. He had given that up for obvious reasons. But, God had heard his prayer!  It was just a matter of timing with the Lord.

Psalms 31:15 My times are in thy hand...

And, no matter what may come, God will give strength and help do His will, if you are ready and willing to do it. Psalms 68:35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.

graphics and background by Mary Stephens
vintage graphic - source unknown
last updated Sept. 2020