#kat's devotional

Now, each one of your lists is going to have unique things according to who you are, your quirks, likes and dislikes. But there are some fundamental traits that God wants to be non-negotiables. Choosing who you will partner the rest of your life with is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. Too many young women are settling for less than God’s best because they don’t know exactly how He expects His daughters to be treated. Based on scripture, here is a list of non-negotiables for you so you don’t have to second guess anymore.

1. He is a practicing believer.  “Do not be yoked together with an unbeliever…For what agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?” 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. Issues and conflict are bound to rise in marriage, so it is crucial that there is a common foundation on which to hold the marriage accountable. The last thing you want to be fighting about is your faith, whether or not to pray and your viewpoints on religion. Believe me, I’ve been there before. It is exhausting.

2. God is the center of his life.  He seeks God’s wisdom in all the decisions he makes. “With wisdom are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.” Proverbs 8:18-19

3. He has integrity and does not put himself in tempting situations. He guards you against harm and protects the relationship. “Keep to a path far from evil, do not go near the door of that house, lest you give your best strength to others.” Proverbs 5:8-9

4. Seeks mentorship and counsel. It is important that your man is wise in realizing he can’t carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. When he is surrounded by men who are older than him who can offer advice, prayer and mentorship, he can be a better husband to you. “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15

5. He is slow to anger.  There is peace in knowing your man holds an even temperament even when he is provoked. A man who allows his feelings, emotions and anger to determine his actions typically has tarnished relationships and is not a healthy place for you or a family. “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” Proverbs 15:18

6. He holds strong conviction on the sacredness of fidelity. A man is wise when he understand that infidelity and looking for pleasure outside of the marriage only brings strife. God actually calls him to rejoice over you all of his days. “May your fountain be blessed and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth…May you be ever captivated by her love. Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress?” Proverbs 5:18-20.

7. He is honorable of your heart and emotional well-being.  I hated when a guy I was dating exposed my embarrassing moments or the private matters of our relationship with his friends. Picking on you may seem cute and funny at first, but it will get old after a while. You should feel honored and safe knowing you can always trust your husband to cover and speak well of you. “Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers,” Proverbs 5:17. “Love each other deeply because love covers all wrongs.” 1 Peter 4:8.

8. He is disciplined in living a life of integrity. Watch how he handles temptation or sticky situations that test his character. Does he choose to do what’s right even when no one is watching? It is imperative to observe these things because it will indicate if you can trust his decision making. When you’re married, almost all of his decisions impact you. “He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.” Proverbs 5:23

9. Has solid work ethic.  “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come upon you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.” Proverbs 6:10-11.

10. He pursues and loves you passionately. The man you marry should make you feel loved like you’ve never felt before. Safe, accepted, desired, nurtured, protected and comforted. Jesus loves us deeply, he loves us so fiercely, that he willingly gave up his life to save us.

Pursues: “So Jacob worked seven years to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days.” Genesis 29:20.

Loves: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25.

11. Romances you.  I know women who feel guilty or wrong for desiring romance in their relationship, as if they don’t deserve it. But God desires for your heart to be romanced, just as He longs to romance us. “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine.” Song of Solomon 1:2

“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.” Song of Solomon 8:6.

12. He is humble and can admit when he is wrong. There is nothing worse than a petty conflict blowing out of porportion because your partner refuses to admit they were wrong. Taking responsibility for his actions and apologizing for his mistakes is the sign of a real man. “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

No person will be perfect and grace is a beautiful thing that makes relationships flourish. That being said, this list for single ladies is to give a basic framework of character traits to look for or recognize whether or not there is desire for growth. Of course, use common sense when someone amazing walks in to your life but wasn’t exactly what you dreamed up. God surprises us, but always gives us what we need.

“For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband…” 2 Corinthians 11:2.

Ultimately, your divine Father wants you to be treated in a way that it is compared with how Christ cares for us. It is up to us though to believe we are worthy, set the standard, and have the faith that God works in perfect timing to introduce you to your husband.

When David was only 16 years of age, God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint him as the king. Sixteen more years would pass before that promise was fulfilled. What did David do during that time? Did he moan and groan, shaking his finger at the Lord and demanding his kingship now? Not at all. David understood that God was trustworthy. He also realized that his heavenly Father was the God not only of who and what, but also of when and how. David wanted the kingship only when the Lord was ready for him to have it. So he waited.

Is there something in your life for which it’s hard to remain patient? Will you wait on the Lord as one waiting on a bank teller or doctor—or will you, like King David, trust in God’s timing and provision? The Father knows every facet of your situation, and His “delay” is actually in your best interest. 

When God begins a work in you, He doesn’t stop until it is finished. You are a work in progress and you are making progress! Don’t get frustrated when the steps are small, just focus on the fact that you are moving forward. (Victoria Osteen)

The moment God placed a dream in your heart, the moment that promise took root, God not only started something in your life but He also set a completion date. God wouldn’t have given you the dream; the promise wouldn’t have come alive if God didn’t already have a plan to bring it to pass.

1. The little things you do exclusively for one woman has a great tendency to pile up into a GIGANTIC assumption. In a woman’s mind, 1+1=6!

2. Real men are vanguards of purity. Sex is a package and it starts with a kiss.

3. Holding a woman’s hand for 3 seconds can create fireworks in a woman’s heart.

4. One way of turning a woman off is confusing her. Confusing meaning, unintentionally doing things for no reason that leads to bursts of unnecessary emotions.

5. In pursuing, CLARITY is the best policy! Be clear about your intentions and visions.

6. Godly women are attracted to Godly men.

6.a. In the same way that Godly men are attracted to Godly women.

7. You won’t go wrong if you avoid telling women “you look tired.”

8. Don’t go for premature undefined relationships. Don’t give stuffed toys, chocolates and sorts of gifts that are misleading.

9. If you plan to pursue a woman, ask her out personally and properly, somewhere in between casual and formal depending on your personality rather than just texting “labas tayo?”

10. The constant-textmates-24/7 syndrome is prevalent among men who may not be willing to step out in faith for a Godly relationship. The textmate-but-not-talking-to-you-personally syndrome is also prevalent.

"In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success." - Proverbs 3:6

When I was in middle school, we were required to put our life motto/verse in the yearbook. And I wrote down, “In everything you do, put God first.” as mine. I grew up in a Christian school where we have our Christian Education classes. And on Wednesdays, we go to our school chapel (we even have a white uniform that we would specifically wear for that day).

I remember how I would give my tithes and offering like it was no big deal. Because then, I was so caught up with the idea that I should put God first. But when I grew older (and became more exposed to the world), I kind of struggled with giving because I felt like my allowance was not enough to buy everything I want and need. Then, I came to a point where I barely got by with my money so I decided to start tithing again, I started putting Him first in every aspect of my life including my finances. And you know what, God was faithful in providing for my needs that I barely struggled financially. He has blessed me beyond I could ever imagine. So, I encourage you to trust Him with what you have and see how amazing He truly is.