My Fear of Being Ridiculed and My True Love

John 7:1-13
Jesus and His Brothers & Jesus Teaches Openly at the Temple

The line that struck me was this:Some said, "He's a wonderful man, " while others said, "He's nothing but a fraud, deceiving the people." But no one had the courage to speak favourably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders. (12, 13)

I kid you not, I am afraid of speaking favourable about him in public, for I fear being ridiculed and tested for my faith.  My faith is supposed to be strong, but there are times of doubt in my mind.  There are times when I value the opinions of strangers... it's silly and it's sad to say that.  I shouldn't care what others think of me, just of how God sees me... more frequently, I am asking myself, 'Is what I am doing and saying pleasing in God's eyes?'  This has helped me focus my intentions to grow in strong in Him and I am hopeful that God will then guide me down a path where I will not be afraid to profess my love for God openly and confidently.  I will not care how others will view me... Yes, Father, this is my prayer.

1 Timothy 5:11-16
Advice About Widows, Elders and Slaves (cont'd)

This passage encourages young widows, young women who have lost their husbands, to remarry. It reads, "...their physical desires will overpower their devotion to Christ... they are likely to become lazy and spend their time gossipping from house to house, getting into other people's business and saying things they shouldn't. So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children and take care of their own homes.  Then the enemy willnot be able to say anything against them... (11-14)
Divorce is not encouraged, but remarriage when a spouse dies is.  No I am not looking to remarry, but I never envisioned this to be written in Scripture, but it makes sense.  Most people today are quick to divorce.  I believe it has alot to do with sex and selfishness.  When we put our personal desires and needs and wants first, above God and above our loved ones, we have broken the marriage vow.  Marriage doesn't hold the same value to everyone as it should.  It seems that most today think of marriage as a "show" to show off a wedding dress, rings and food... real marriage, takes work... a real marriage is much more than a wedding...
So God, thank you for a husband who really loves me and you.  I thank you for reminding me to cherish your blessings, especially this very central and important one in my life, my own marriage.