Are you spouse hunting? Blood washed, born again Christian men and women seem to be in short supply. But you do not need to settle for less than the best: for less than God’s standard. Close enough to perfect is shortchanging yourself and robbing yourself of the possibilities that could’ve been. Why not allow God to be and make your perfect choice! Do not settle. Close enough is not ideal.

The king was heartbroken. How could they not come when he had already prepared everything for a grand celebration? There was much food for the reception - what would be done with it? Perhaps, believing that the first set of servants might not have been persuasive enough, he sent yet another set of servants; but, this time, the specially invited guests treated them badly and even murdered them. Word got back to the king, who was furious. He realized that those invited guests were unworthy of his invitation. In retaliation, he then sent his armies who destroyed all those murderers.

The King came in before the actual wedding to see if all was ready for the ceremony to begin. That’s when he saw the man unfittingly dressed. This is a royal wedding and all under the King’s control must be in order. What’s with this wedding garment – why was it so important?

Jesus taught that if you look lustily on the opposite gender, you have already committed adultery in the heart – a very private act known only by you. He also taught that we should not covet our neighbors’ spouse. Lusting and coveting go together and will eventually be revealed in public action. What’s happening now is a total disregard for God’s commands. For the love of money, pleasure, or whatever the want (not need): many by their actions are causing such great confusion on this earth.

The Centurion totally surrendered all control and authority when he bid Jesus “speak the word” so that his servant could receive healing. There are many more such examples. But for me, the one that stands out more is Hosea: despite his Christian morals and beliefs, and against his better hope and aspirations, he chose to follow God and marry a woman who would bring him untold grief.

Her husband deprived her of the one thing every wife needs – to be loved by him. His eyes were fixed on another that he and everyone thought was more beautiful. It didn’t matter to her that he was tricked into marrying her. All she wanted was to be loved by him. But he loved her younger sister. And not even the years of hard labor would stop him from taking her as wife. One husband with two wives – who are sisters! What an unhappy mess!

Let us rebuild our family altars. In the morning when we rise, let our praise ascend heavenward in thanksgiving to our God. Let us keep Him with us throughout the day. And in the evening, let us turn off our electronics in favor of spending quality time, in thanksgiving to our God. When we spend time to call on God, He promised to hear and to answer. Needless to say, He delights to spend time with us. Let’s do the wise thing – repair the Lord’s altar.

But it’s different with God. Whether or not you love God, He loves you and will always love you. He loves you just the way you are. And He is longingly waiting on you to turn to Him for all your love needs. Have you been crushed by an earthly love? He feels your pain and will dry your tears. His arms are open wide to embrace you. You can cry on His shoulders. He will wipe your tears away and get you smiling again. After so many have failed you, why not give Him a chance to love you the way you deserved to be loved? His is a triple L – a long and lasting love.