My Refining Process

Conquering Your Battle

2013-07-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

I've spent the last couple days reading and re-reading the words of David in Psalm 56.

We've all heard that trials come, and trials go. We can either worry and fret unendingly over them, or learn from them and of course breathe a huge sigh of relief when the light at the end of the tunnel finally seems to appear. However, sometimes there are circumstances and life events that come at us and it literally feels like an attack on our soul itself. Can you relate? I'm talking about the heart wrenching, tear streaming, at the end of our rope and can't take the hurt anymore moments.

These kind of "moments" are the ones which seem to last for weeks... months... even years.

David had these moments, and he wrote about them in a few of his psalms. For me, Psalm 56 turned on the light bulb over my head on handling such moments, and it's instruction for us on handling them in a way that allows us to escape the sadness, fear, grief, and heartache... and accept help, deliverance and peace over it so we can stand up, move forward, and be thankful!

In this particular psalm, David calls out a prayer for help and deliverance. With a combination of evil doings of others, as well as his own fears and mistakes on his part, he finds himself in a mess that is consuming his heart and mind with grief. He walks himself through his problem in his prayer, and we can have breakthroughs of our own by following example.

First he vented.
David told God his problem. Nowhere in the psalm does it say he called up his buddies, ran to his mommy, ranted on Facebook, or discussed it at the office water cooler. He went to God crying... literally. He spilled his guts about what was bothering him. He explained his worries, fears, and what he was up against. He told God about how the people were running their mouth about him, twisting his words, and hoping he made mistakes they could call him out on. He even told God not to let them get away with it and to cast them down. Of course God already knew and saw what he was going through, but David acknowledged God as his confidant by turning to Him, and Him alone.

Is your workplace causing overbearing stress that overflows into your personal life? Are there relationships in your life that have your heart tangled? Maybe you're young and still in school, but hate going because of the peer pressure and bullying you experience?

When you can't stand it any longer... kneel. Talk to Him. He sees what's going on, but who doesn't feel better after they vent a scenario that has rocked your world. Prayer is communication between us and the throne, so fill Him in with how it's troubling your heart. The words don't have to be perfect. They can be through tears, shouting, or just whispers.

Next he acknowledged his faithful friend.
David didn't go into a "hey God how are you, thanks for hearing me out" before he spilled his guts about his dilemma. But he did acknowledge his listening Friend. He spoke of his awareness that God is with him, he has no need to fear or worry, and in God he can trust the situation.

Your dilemma may be so stressful, heart wrenching, or mind consuming that you forget to acknowledge Him before your rant begins, but as we talk, and clear our minds with our personal Confidant, the peace begins to fall, and it sinks in that we have nothing to fear. He is true to His word, nothing your worst enemy could say or do will be greater than the love of the Lord that can and will get you through it.

Lastly, he gives thanks.
David was still in the midst of his dilemma, but he thanked God as though it was already solved and over with. He knew the battle was still raging against him, but he began speaking as though it was over. He claimed God's word and His promises. He thanked God for delivering him out of the situation.

Your problem, whatever it is, may be compiling around you, building up like a concrete wall that seems to be unbreakable. Circumstances don't matter. He's the Creator of your adversaries, so surely you can trust in Him to handle them for you... because let's face it, His intervention will always be better than handling it on your own. So hold onto His promises to deliver you from it. Go about your day with a heart and mind full of joy. The enemy will come at you telling you it's getting worse, that it's not a fixable situation, and that you're just plain nuts for praising through the storm... but do it anyway. Don't feed into the words of discouragement the enemy whispers in your ear, picking it up and worrying about it some more. Let it go, and call it done.

For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
(Psalm 56:13)

Please Pass the Bread!

2013-07-13T01:15:00.001-04:00

It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)

I love bread.

Bread and butter, garlic bread, breadsticks, bagels, cheese bread, soft pretzels, banana bread... if bread is attached, this girl is in.

Growing up I heard my share of the famous words used by many parents: "You're not leaving this table until you finish everything on your plate".

That "everything" could include anything from a pile of lima beans, a chicken leg with that jiggly fatty skin attached, brussel sprouts, overcooked squash, gristley beef pieces... all of which I despised as a kid... but oh my, that warm fresh from the oven bread topped with butter that accompanied the meal always trumped everything else as far as I was concerned.

As a parent, I now understand the importance of vegetables and meat, the substance of a meal, and I've taught my children that balance at mealtime over the years.

Ironically though, we Christians need to learn the same lesson when it comes to the substance God's word makes available to us.

First there's the bread...

That warm, feel good comfort that comes from hearing how much we're loved and all that Christ has done for us through the cross.

Obviously no dinner is quite right without fresh warm bread... just as such, it's often the reminders of God's love, peace, faithfulness, and goodness that help get us through the hard times we endure.

Unfortunately, many Christians get full on that bread, and forget that there's more, so much more, on the plate set before us.

Enjoy the bread!

But what about the vegetables? We tell our children that the vegetables they're pushing around on their plate will make them healthy and strong. God's word offers the same for us!

Guidance, instruction, and a foundation of morals are provided. When we abide by these, we become closer to and stronger in our walk with the Lord. When we neglect the veggies of the word, we are neglecting the opportunities to grow in our walk with Him and the blessings He wishes to bestow upon us!

Then there's the meat. Sometimes it's tender and easy to chew, other times it's tough and hard to swallow... but it, too, is on our plate to consume.

God's word has its share of meat. There are many topics beyond the "love thy neighbor" and "do unto others" that are either put under fire again and again between fellow Christians, or just out on the back burner altogether, as though they're not clearly written in God's word at all. Just because it's harder to chew doesn't mean we should just spit it out and forget it's there.

Every. Single. Word. written between the covers of the Bible is there for a reason. The purpose? We can't LIVE without it! Sure, it may seem easier to neglect the touchy subjects so we don't ruffle any feathers, but that certainly doesn't lead to the healthy full life of strength, boldness, faithfulness, and endurance that the Lord intends for us to live.

"EVERY word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" does not mean:

...just the parts that make you feel warm and cozy inside.

...just the parts that we feel comfortable saying "amen" to in church.

...just the parts that make us the cool parent.

...just the parts that keep us active with the "in" crowd.

...just the parts that line up with the worldly things we want to participate in that really aren't that bad or even seem justifiable.

...just the parts that make us look like "good" Christians without having to step out of our comfort zones.

...just the parts that will "win" a debate with another believer (or non-believer!).

God's word isn't meant to be broken apart into pieces for our own conveniences. It's the all in one warm and loving feel good scripture, the instruction and guidance that strengthens scripture, and even the hard to chew (and sometimes hard to understand) scripture.

This is where the importance of balance comes in. Just as we need a balanced diet to keep our bodies healthy, we also need a balanced reverence and application of God's word in our lives to keep our spirits healthy.

Reading His word is knowing His word. Knowing His word brings understanding of His word. Understanding of His word then allows a proper application of His word to our lives. If you're not reading it regularly, you're not applying it regularly.

God wants us to know we're loved and sheltered by His peace... WHILE we submit to his guidance and virtues in our daily living and treatment of others... WHILE also standing boldly in the gap when the world tries to slip in the compromise and rebellion to all that He stands for.

Will we prefer the warm soft bread over the veggies and meat? You betcha! Will we have a hard time trying something new? Of course! Will we gag on the things that are difficult for us to swallow? Absolutely. But... just as we grew up from being a child pushing our food around on our plates, we will mature in Christ through the perseverance, and will be further strengthened by Him!

God is the Father, sitting by us at the table, desiring for us to acknowledge everything on our plate. Since we can't live on bread alone... then it's the eternal life we're cheating ourselves out of when the rest is scraped to the side.

The Whatsoevers On Our Minds

2013-07-03T11:36:00.000-04:00

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

Our minds never stop working... but what are they working on?

While we may think we are in constant control of our thoughts, there is more going on subconsciously than we realize. Whether it be humming a song stuck in our heads, getting up to get a snack during a commercial because a food ad made you hungry, or getting sleepy when you hear it raining outside. These are simple examples of how our subconscious leads us to do and act on what our minds are hearing, even if all else seems quiet and normal.

How many times have you gotten to work still fuming about the way some guy you don't even know cut you off in traffic? Or perhaps you got into it with one of your children and caught yourself snapping at your spouse for no reason. Although you continued on with your day, your mind was still churning thoughts on morning traffic or a dispute with your kids. You have allowed that one moment to consume your day. You weren't controlling your thoughts, you were just reacting to them.

Knowing this, we have to learn to be aware of our thoughts, our minds can be our worst enemy otherwise.

If you were to go swimming out in the ocean, you're controlling your position against the current with your arm and leg movements. When you wear out, you may allow yourself to float. If you get too relaxed floating, you may look up and realized how far the current has taken you and how far away you've floated from the shore. Just because you stopped swimming, doesn't mean the current stopped... it's still moving you while you've been at rest.

Our spiritual walk isn't any different. There's no such thing as a stationary Christian. If you're not working to move toward Christ, you're floating away from Him. The currents in life will sweep you away if your not constantly aware of your thoughts and surroundings. It must be a constant process, consciously and subconsciously. We have to train ourselves to be continuously aware of and in control of our thoughts.

In Philippians chapter 4, Paul reminds us that the "whatsoevers" our minds dwell on should be true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good nature. One's natural way of thinking would be to focus on the negative in a situation... how much we despise our job, a family feud that may have surfaced, the daunting housework before us, the traffic we're sitting in, the bills stacking up on our desk, and so on. Are we just allowing ourselves to get swept up in the current of things, forcing ourselves through the day so we can call it over and hope to start fresh the next day... only to find ourselves further from the shore and stuck in the same current?

We have to choose how we react and respond to things going on around us. We can dwell on our inabilities, challenges, and life drama... or we can focus on our strengths, opportunities, and God's provision in our lives. This goes the same for how we respond to people. Are we allowing ourselves to focus so hard on their weaknesses and mistakes, or are we uplifting them in their accomplishments and strengths?

Spend a day or two noting down your thoughts. Summarize the amount of time spent thinking about the challenges in your life verses the opportunities. How about the amount of time dissecting the mistakes of others in your life verses the accomplishments and good things. My estimate is that the negative will far outweigh the positive. This is natural thought!

With natural thought we push people away from us, form a critical spirit towards others, tie God's hands in doing a work through us, and lead a very poor example for the body of Christ. It's a thought process that lacks the love of the Lord that the Holy Spirit yearns to develop within us! This natural thought allows the current to pull us away from Christ.

However, when we take control over our thoughts and allow ourselves to be led by the spirit, we receive a peace over conflicting situations, we develop a teachable spirit for the Lord to guide, we build wisdom for circumstances, and an example of Christ's love is consistently visible in us. Controlled thoughts keep us focused on the Lord, allowing us draw closer to Him.

It's okay to be aware of weaknesses... but only so we know what areas to strengthen. Life is full of surprises, drama, and unexpected situations, but when we keep our thoughts in check, we have the say on whether or not the automatic nature of negativity will be allowed to consume our minds.

What are the whatsoevers you're concentrating on? Are you at peace over a scenario, or churning a bad conversation in your head over and over? When you're on a break are you laughing at a dumb joke you were told earlier, or refreshing your mind with a scripture that will strengthen you for the remainder of the day? Are you building others up in your conversations, or tearing them down with reminders of their mistakes? Is a lack of sleep the night before giving you an excuse to be snappy and rude, or are you pushing through with a smile despite the weariness so the best can still be made of your day?

We all need improvements in our thinking... so make the whatsoevers that your mind dwells on bring glory to God and positivity to your day, regardless of your surrounding circumstances! Remember, garbage in, creates garbage out... but goodness and Godliness in, reveals the same in return!

Building a True Legacy

2013-06-25T15:08:00.000-04:00

If your life ended today, how would you be remembered by those who know you?

Close family and friends may have a few nice things to say about you, but have you built a legacy to be remembered and cherished... something for others to grow and continue to build on?

Worldly legacy building is all about achieving bigger and better, leaving behind inheritances, trust funds, and materialistic goods. The tangible. Once the money is gone and the stuff is worn out, what's left that you will be remembered by?

If you look closely (and honestly) at the desires of your heart, it may reveal a bit about how you will be remembered and whether or not it's an example that would be pleasing to the Lord for others. If the desires of your heart look selfish and are more about yourself than others, your legacy may not be so great either.

What we stand for and represent through our lives and relationships can (and will) speak volumes about our relationship with the Lord. Our legacy should speak "faithful servant", revealing the fruits of the spirit... not a selfish drone that has a hand out, but nothing to give.

Do your coworkers know you are a respectable and honorable person that refuses to alter from your beliefs, regardless of how juicy the gossip is at the water cooler? Does your spouse know without a shadow of a doubt that you are faithful and true to every vow spoken on your wedding day, or do lustful eyes wander and friends hear about every mistake he or she makes? Do your children know that you are a praying, encouraging, responsible, planning, loving, teaching parent that seeks the Lord for guidance in raising them, or do you take each day on a whim and just hope they turn out okay with the casual effort you've put in? Do your friends truly trust in you because of your honesty and integrity, or are you just a convenient hang out person with the latest news? Do acquaintances and even strangers see you from afar as cold, distant, and stingy, or are you loving, hard working, and giving without a selfish motive?

Obviously there will be some in our lives that know us better than others, but as a whole, how we are known now is our opportunity to set an example for the love we are given through Christ. Newsflash... It's never too late to start over or build on what we're already doing! It doesn't have to involve shoving a preaching finger in someone's face. Rather, through your words, actions, and daily life, you can be a positive example, building a legacy that gives God glory for what He has revealed of Himself through you.

With your Spouse:
Pray with and for your spouse. Listen more than you speak. Support openly. Encourage often. Edify, uplift, and honor through your words and actions. Communicate. Be honest. Be as sensitive to minor needs as you are to major needs. Keep private and sacred what should be private and sacred. Show I love you as often as you speak it. Give affection and hold hands. Little gestures make large strides in a marriage. Be the wife or husband (in all aspects) that you want your child to marry.

With your Children (while they're young):
Pray with and for your children. Teach them the ways of the Lord before someone else teaches them the ways of the world. Practice what you preach. Speak and show I love you often. Use scripture whenever possible to plant seeds in their lives. Teach through positivity, encouragement and uplifting rather than negativity, shouting and ridicule. Spend time with them often. Do it with them, not for them. Make them a part of your agenda rather than looking at them as an inconvenience for your agenda. Learn together. Play together.

With your Children (when they've grown):
Continue to pray for them. Be involved with their children. Stand your moral ground with them when the world tries to lead them astray. Show love and offer guidance through example, but allow the Lord to do the intervening. Forgiveness, even if not requested, is a must as God does His own building in their lives.

With Co-Workers:
Let your light shine! Smile. Encourage. Walk away from gossip. Positive words make a week more enjoyable where begrudging Mondays and wishing for Fridays used to exist. Uplifting good qualities gives drive to improve lacking ones. Forgiving errors and initiating success builds moral. Positivity drives away negativity.

With your Friends:
Standing firm in your morals without compromise builds honor and respect. Encourage their strengths and pray for their weaknesses. Be honest, but with love. Remind them of your appreciation for them. Pray for and encourage their children, as it could be watering a seed already planted.

With Acquaintances and Strangers:
Let your light shine! They don't know your burdens, so don't let your burdens be your first impression. Smile often. Reach out. Say God bless you. Offer assistance following the example of the Good Samaritan. Keep your speech positive, you never know who's listening.

A legacy is anything passed along, from one person to another. We are each a living example that someone will carry with them. Let's make sure what we're passing along reflects a true devotion to all Christ represents.

Genuine Happiness

2013-03-05T18:35:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard the saying "money can't buy happiness"? Perhaps you have said, or even overheard someone else say, "If only I (fill in the blank), then I could die a happy person".

I'm a happy person!

Things don't always go my way; obstacles come up; there are schedules to work around that can sometimes be frustrating; children present challenges; traffic piles up when I'm most in a hurry; the sink stops up...... but I'm HAPPY.

Many people will unsuccessfully spend their entire lives attempting to find happiness. Sadly, these attempts are so far from THE way to find happiness, that the lifetime flies by, and so much time is wasted on materialistic items, void relationships, and much heartache along the way. It's important to understand the difference between a happy moment, and genuine happiness.

Did you have an unusually good week at work while the norm consists of simple putting up and avoiding co-workers? Did you fit in a date night with your spouse? Did you find a great sale and finally get the shoes you've been eyeballing for months? Did you take a trip to Disneyland? Did the children bring home a decent report card? Did you enjoy a phone call catching up with a friend that you haven't heard from in ages?

Those are happy moments.

Are you aware that you have the ability to live a life of genuine happiness without giving up happy moments that may come day by day? I say ability, because it's a choice. It's a lifestyle. It's a trust in the One and only One that is the source for genuine happiness.

Psalm 119:35 says:
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

In my thesaurus, the first available word for delight is happiness. Keeping the Lord's commandments can bring us a happiness like no other. Embracing that happiness will bring you an inner joy that no shoe sale, ride in a fast car, promotion, or amusement park will touch. A genuine happiness overlooks an everyday life circumstance that could otherwise cause frustration, and instead brings forth a smile, keeps a joyful song on your lips, and pleasure in serving others.

The lifestyle change of following those commandments is a struggle, whether you're just recently born again, or have been saved for the last forty years.

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Anything that comes before God in your life (your spouse, children, career, home, possessions, hobbies, etc) is being made a god in your life. If God isn't being put first, you've made that other person or thing the center of your life... the god you are living to serve.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
Is there an actor, singer, or even a neighbor you admire and wish to be like? Be careful you're not making that person your idol, when Jesus has set the example for anything and everything we could aspire to be. Just remember, a "graven image" (idol) doesn't necessarily mean a statue carved of stone, it's anything that impresses you deeply enough to follow it.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Keeping it put simply, if you're saying "oh my God", I surely hope you're in the middle of a prayer. According to the dictionary, when something is taken in vain,
it is done "without real significance, value, or importance, it is baseless or worthless". None of that describes God, especially the obvious no-no of giving God a last name. Use His name in utmost reverence.

4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
We run our minds like crazy through the week attacking agendas, to-do lists, errands, meetings, and working to ensure our wants are covered. It's certainly not too much to ask to give a day to the Lord, honoring His day of rest. When something is kept "holy", it is recognized as sacred, and dedicated to the service of God.

5. Honour thy father and thy mother.
For some this is easy, because their parents were a genuine role model while growing up. For others, this may be harder... but we are to honour (respect, regard, and serve) our parents. There is a reason God chose them to be your parents, so it should be a privilege to serve them, regardless of past or present circumstances.

6. Thou shalt not kill.
Skipping past the obvious interpretation of this command not to blow away your neighbor with a shotgun, keep in mind there are other ways to kill than with a man-made weapon. There is more power in your words than there is gunpowder in a single shot. If your words to another person aren't uplifting, encouraging, and motivating them to be a stronger and better person... than your words are killing them in spirit. Many of us were taught this at a young age with the phrase "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". The command and the phrase coincide greatly.

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Although divorce is running rapid in society, there are still many married couples that will go to their grave without cheating on their spouse by having sex with someone else during marriage. With that in mind, also remember that Matthew 5:28 tells us that "whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart". Make no mistake that this goes for ogling the big names in Hollywood just as much as it applies to your next door neighbor or co-worker. Keep your heart and mind pure!

8. Thou shalt not steal.
If you want something, find a way to pay for it or ask God to provide... don't take something that isn't rightfully yours. This includes time. Make sure God gets His share of your day, as well as His 10% of your pay.

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
If you don't know the facts, keep your mouth shut. Running your mouth, gossiping, and being a drama queen not only hurts those around you, but it's displeasing to the Lord.

10. Thou shalt not covet.
God made you a special, unique, and precious individual. Just because you don't have a trust fund, the hottest wife, the biggest house, or the best behaved children, doesn't mean it's ok to look longingly at the neighbor that does. Embrace the life you are in, because God has a purpose for you being right where you are, at this very moment.

Psalm 119, as I referenced to for happiness at the beginning, wasn't just stating that following these commandments was the source of happiness, but it guides us on how to obtain it! We're shown that we can ask the Lord to teach us His ways (Psalm 119:33), give understanding to make it possible to follow His ways (Psalm 119:34), to open our hearts to so we can accept His ways (Psalm 119:36), and to turn our eyes away from the things that will distract us from His ways (Psalm 119:37).

I'm not perfect, God still has a lot of work to do in me. However, the more I strive to keep His commandments, the lighter the spring in my step becomes, the louder the song in my heart sings, and greater the joy that comes my way in doing things with and for others. I encourage you to embrace His commands. Be a set apart Christian that is a doer of the Word, not just a hearer that still lacks the genuine happiness God has in store for you!

It's Time to Get Serious Folks

2013-02-25T18:33:00.000-05:00

To many proclaiming Christians, getting into heaven seems as easy and thoughtless as making a quick stop at the store for a gallon of milk.

In fact, I would say many put more thought into what they're going to wear for the day, than they do on The One who woke them up that morning.

Romans 13:14 tells us to "put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ". If you spent hours each morning getting ready, it's all useless and in vain if you haven't put on and wrapped yourself up in the traits of Christ. When you "put on Christ", you're being mindful of the way He lived, the lessons He taught, and the life He sacrificed. You're opening your day to be an example of what He represented and gave His life for.

Consider this scenario:

Jesus wakes up in the morning, says a prayer to the Father in heaven, asking Him to bless His day. He grabs some breakfast, and heads to work as a carpenter. Once He gets to work, he sees John Doe working on a project out of earshot. He leans over to a friend working nearby to fill him in on what he saw John Doe doing the night before. He talks about how hot the woman at the well was. After His boss walks by to check on work progress, Jesus exclaims what a jerk he is and how much he'd like to slap the attitude right out of him. After lunch he's running late getting back to work, and he flips a bird at the guy causing traffic on the path, delaying him even more. Finally making it back to work, He's getting tired and irritated, wishing it were Friday, so he snaps at everyone that speaks to him for the rest of the day. On the way home after work he stops at a nearby pub to have a few drinks with some guys from work to trash talk the boss a bit more. When He gets home for the night, he sits alone, frustrated, trying to figure out why His life is so hard sometimes. Before going to bed for the night, He prays, asking God to make tomorrow a better day.

I don't know about you, but I am most certain this is NOT how a typical day in the life of Jesus went!! So, why is it so many "Christians" think that their typical day can be carried in such a way, yet wonder why their life isn't joy-filled, prosperous, stress free, financially secure, and with blessings overflowing with favor from their Father in heaven??

Look friends, if you want to claim the peace and blessings that come with being a child of God, then it's time to start living like a child of God. Gossip in the work place or at school, negativity and the sharing of unGodly things on social media, belittling your spouse, being two-faced and harsh to friends and/or co-workers, putting yourself before others... none of these are the traits of Christ.

Jesus will be coming back to claim a pure and holy people... not those who claim it and say an occasional "thank you Lord", yet live a life based on their own fleshly desires and fly by night thinking. I'm not pointing fingers, I am well aware of "he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone" (John 8:7). However, having put on Christ, I am given the boldness to shush the nonsense and filth spoken in my presence. I am able to share compassion with others that He has shown to me. I am given the chance to be an example rather than one that ridicules out of frustration or hate. I have the opportunity to love those who are least lovable.

Spend some time reviewing your last week. How much of your time was spent belittling, criticizing, complaining, lusting, being lazy, and thinking of yourself? Now compare that to how much time was spent showing compassion, forgiving, encouraging, saying I love you, uplifting those around you, putting others before self. After comparing the two, is it time to set some goals and pray for strength for making changes?

Only you can decide to follow through with those changes and make it happen! Put on Christ each morning and realize that being a Christian is being Christ-like. It's not just slapping a title on yourself with an accompanying free pass into heaven, despite how you live your life.

I urge you to take this seriously...
Your time here is precious, don't waste another minute of it!

The Personal Pity Party - Do Not RSVP!

2012-10-25T18:31:00.001-04:00

Today it happened. I showed up to the biggest pity party I've seen in quite some time.

There weren't any balloons, streamers, snacks, or gifts at this party, but boy was I completely wrapped up in it anyway.

Pity parties are pathetic, and yet, there I was full-fledge, right in the middle of one... two of my children even took witness to some of it this afternoon. My 100% concentration was on everything I was either in the middle of doing or [thought I] needed to do before the sun set on my day.

Endless issues with the washer repairman. Hand washing certain items needed until my washer is back in order. Getting paperwork figured out for the building inspector. Following up with the bank over issues that are holding us up with progress on the house. Cleaning up actual messes made during progress that has been made on the house. Sorting and getting rid of an attic full of stuff that's in the way. Chickens sneaking on my porch pooping everywhere. Getting my son to concentrate on his math, science, and English homework. Permission slips needing signed. Picking up wind-blown items from all over the yard. Filing paperwork so it doesn't come up missing when I need it most. Phone calls. Dishes. Sweeping. Mopping. Dusting. Garbage overflowing. Scrub the toilets. Unclog the bathroom sink. Feed the dogs. Oh, did I mention I forgot to lay something out for dinner in the midst of all of the above... and I still haven't had my stinkin' shower yet?!

I fled upstairs to "take a breather away from it all", and yet the party followed right along, and I sat in a chair basking in it... tears and all.

I can't do it all, my plate is too full, I'm exhausted, my back hurts, my head is pounding, there's only one of me, why can't anything go right just once, I need 24 more hours in my 24 hour day, why me??

See, it was pathetic.

But then I felt a little tap on my shoulder. Not a physical tap, but more like one of those that very well could have been a great big slap in the face, but since it was done with such love it came across as a little tap just enough to get my attention. I picked up my bible and opened it up. I don't believe in coincidences, so I'm quite positive the Lord intended for it to open up to Hebrews chapter 12.

It started with this...
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2)

Wouldn't you know it... I had allowed myself to get so flustered with all the "stuff" going on around me today, that I completely missed out on what the purpose of my day could have been all about. I wasted my energy and time, lashed out at my kids, and allowed it to be about me-me-me when that's not at all what my day should have been about.

Yes, I had stuff to do... but these are responsibilities that I have been given because the Lord knows I can handle it, especially with His help of peace and assurance. I allowed the enemy to take these responsibilities entrusted to me as a wife and mother, and turn them into a way to entangle me, hindering what could have been a wonderful day!

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 2:3-5)

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
(Philippians 2:14-15)

I wasn't having the heart of a servant, or focusing on the attitude I was reflecting. Hebrews 12:15 says Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled... meaning that it was my choice today to decide whether or not to allow a bitter root to grow up and devour me and those around me. Pity parties feed those bitter roots.

So, if you're having a similar day, or perhaps just get easily caught up in pity parties, let's determine how to avoid these moments shall we?

Think about the good, not the bad! Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

Have an attitude adjustment! Pity parties are so damaging to our day. Within minutes they can turn what could have been a great day that ended with a smile, into a hair pulling, stress elevating mess... making us look like we walked through a tornado of crazy. Was is worth it? Nope. It didn't make it better, it just wasted time. The issues and "stuff" are all still there to be dealt with. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to those pity party fits before they set in, so they can be stopped in their tracks.

Take a break! It's okay to take a walk, pick up a book (extra Bible reading time!), or just sit and chill with a glass of iced tea! Walk away from what's causing the urge to yank your hair out and collect your thoughts. Decide that the moment or circumstances will not effect your day in a negative manner.

Follow the advice of Hebrews 12:2 that I quoted above... Look to Jesus! Think about all the awful moments He suffered for me and you! How pathetic does our situation truly look when compared to the life He lived here for us?

Write it down. Jot down every single thing that is creeping into your mind trying to snag your day away from you. Every circumstance that the enemy is trying to drag you down through. Then walk away from that piece of paper and attack your day with a shield of faith. It's quite possible you'll come across that note a few days later and have a giggle at how frazzled you almost allowed such petty situations get you.

Perhaps it really is something big going on in your life. Pray for wisdom over the situation(s) and leave it there. Deal with it as the Lord gives you insight on how to handle it... and don't touch it until then.

Bottom line my friends, when you get a personal invitation to a pity party... do not RSVP! Instead, embrace your day and be thankful for who you were made to be and what you are entrusted to accomplish in it.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm not going to take the time for a spell check or grammar review, I have a couple kiddos to apologize to...

Spiritual Pom-Poms

2012-07-10T10:22:00.000-04:00

I read a short little story yesterday that I wanted to share and expand on a little bit...

A little second grader, who was already dealing with the struggles that school can sometimes lend, went to school excited to find out what part had been chosen for him by his teacher in the upcoming school play.

He had enthusiastically told his mother that everyone in the class would be chosen for a special part. She was well aware of his inability to read and memorize, figuring that would prevent him from a big part. She worried he may get discouraged if placed on stage as scenery while other children excitedly embraced and rehearsed their parts. Nonetheless, she kept her worried thoughts to herself.

After school she met his beaming face at the door as he raced in to tell his mother about the part chosen for him in the play. "You won't believe it mom!", he began with pure enthusiasm. "Well what part did you get?", she responded with an excited smile. "I've been chosen to cheer!" the boy beamed.

What pride in his chosen part! While I'm sure this isn't the reaction the mother awaited, surely a moment of humbleness overwhelmed her.

Now, how many of us could use an attitude like his more often? Imagine how different one's home life, workplace, or even the churches could become by truly embracing our individual roles with that much joy, enthusiasm, pride, and realization of importance.

The home front would have a peace and serenity among its inhabitants as each family member accepted their biblical role in the home and lived it with joy, humbleness, and appreciation, rather than murmurings and complaints.

The workplace would become an environment to look forward to, setting an example for others to follow with more witnessing possibilities, rather than a dreaded place to suffer as money is earned to pay the bills.

The church! My oh my, what it would be like if the people of the congregation entered into God's house with that little boy's attitude about cheering others on! Instead of whining about our own trials and frustrations, or boasting about our own endeavors and success... to instead be listeners for others, encouraging them and cheering them through their circumstance!

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:24-25)

The word used for exhorting in that verse is parakaleo, which is defined as "to put courage into another, or to cheer on another". The young boy in the story embraced that role... how well are we embracing it with those in our own lives? Is it easier to use our loved ones, friends, fellow church goers, and coworkers as an escape goat for our frustrations and fulfillment of pity parties?

We have all been called for an individual, and very specific purpose according to God's plan (2 Timothy 1:9). However, let us not neglect the sideline role we should automatically assume as a follower of Christ, spreading joy as we cheer on those around us.

It's time we pick up our spiritual pompoms and step into a united role that has been chosen for us all by the Almighty. Leave your personal circumstances at His feet, and jump into your part of cheering others on through this race for the Kingdom!

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Day 30 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-23T09:31:00.000-04:00

This is my beloved, and this is my friend...
(Song of Solomon 5:16)

Friends can be completely honest with each other, but friendships are strained when truth is not spoken in love. How are you speaking to your beloved? Are you so "used to him" that you don't appreciate the wonder of his friendship?

That is your challenge today.

Is your sweetheart your best friend? Does he know this? Have you told him, or do you assume he just knows?

Friendship is something that is cultivated through the good times and the bad. Friends can share their hearts, but they don't step on each other's hearts. The way to have and be a good friend is to cultivate and celebrate the relationship.

As you end this 30 day prayer and encouragement challenge, celebrate your friendship with your husband. Get alone and reflect on your beloved friend.

Write him a letter, listing the qualities you admire and appreciate about him. If you are creative with words, write and frame a poem about him. Perhaps you can prepare a special meal, just for the two of you, and read the letter or poem to him.

Ask if you can pray for him, and if he is willing, thank God for your love and friendship, asking for His blessing on your home.

Encouragement, as you have seen these past 30 days, is a synonym for love in action.

How has this challenge changed your heart and life? Did God encourage you as you planned ways to encourage your husband? Were there difficult days where you simply needed to trust that God was working? Days when it was hard to leave the results to God? Remember that God is faithful, and He will bless you for your willingness to obey Him.

His ways are not our ways, and perhaps He will honor you in ways you do not expect, but one thing is sure, you will never be the same because of your commitment to be more like Christ!

What kind of victories have you experienced in your home since you started the 30 day prayer and encouragement challenge? If you're willing, please take a moment to share these victories with me! I would love to hear a testimony of God's faithfulness from you!

While praying for your husband today, ask that the favor of the Lord be with him, and that the work of his hands be confirmed when he is diligent. Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God.

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
(Psalm 90:17)

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
(1 Corinthians 10:13)

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
(John 7:17-18)

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
(Colossians 3:23-24)

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
(John 8:44)

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
(2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 29 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-22T09:14:00.000-04:00

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
(Proverbs 27:12)

As you near the end of this prayer and encouragement challenge, take time to think about your husband's responses to the wickedness of the culture, the media, etc.

Does your husband recognize and avoid evil? Does he regularly turn his back on pornography, sexual temptations, profanity, and the urge to lie and cheat?

This is a valuable character trait. Like Joseph in the Old Testament, who fled from the wicked advances of Potiphar's wife, this takes an understanding that these kinds of sins are first and foremost, sins against God (Genesis 39:9).

Praise your husband when he recognizes and turns his back on wickedness... even the "little tiny sins" that the world tells us are okay to pull off.

If you can think of a circumstance where your husband stood for righteousness, remind him of that, and express your gratitude.

While praying for your husband today, ask God to always provide the way of escape for him when he is tempted, that he may be able to endure it. Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his life and in your home.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
(1 Corinthians 10:13)

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
(Ephesians 5:15-16)

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
(1 Corinthians 12:4)

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
(1 Corinthians 12:7)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Thirty!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 28 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-21T09:03:00.000-04:00

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. (Proverbs 15:33)

Sometimes, when we just "know" we are right and our husband is wrong, it takes great humility to honor him.

It is difficult to speak well of our husbands when our own hearts are puffed up with pride.

As part of your challenge today, pray that you will respond to the Lord in faith and humility before you react to your husband. Speak wisely and well, and leave the results to God.

The humility that comes from a right relationship with God, the humility that comes when a man is willing to listen to God and be taught from His Word, is indeed a beautiful quality. Jesus was an example of this kind of humility when he was willing to submit to His Father's will (John 6:38, Matthew 26:39).

Does your husband have that kind of humility? Is he willing to learn from and submit to direction from the Lord? Let your husband know how precious this is to your marriage relationship.

While praying for your husband today, ask the Lord to hide his eyes from worthless things and give him life through God's Word. Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in consistent and faithful quiet times.

Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
(Psalm 119:37)

Pray without ceasing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:17)

And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
(Luke 22:46)

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
(James 5:16)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Twenty-Nine!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 27 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-20T07:48:00.000-04:00

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
(Psalm 31:24)

You have almost completed the 30 day prayer and encouragement challenge. Perhaps it has taken you a tremendous amount of courage to speak words of encouragement consistently to your husband.

Courage comes as we place our trust in God. Have faith that God will continue to work long after your encouraging words have been shared.

There are lots of "tough guys" in the world, but true courage comes from the Lord. Does your husband exhibit the courage to take an unpopular stand, perhaps even to stand alone against evil? Is he courageous in his faith? Does he work hard to change injustice? Is he a stickler for the truth? Does he protect you or your family from the attacks of the Enemy?

Psalm 27:14 says this kind of courage comes from waiting on the Lord for His strength. If your budget allows, "award" your husband with a medal, trophy, framed picture of a brave knight, or some other token that represents his courage as a man of God. Praise evidences of your husband's courage in protecting you, your marriage, your family, or your home.

While praying for your husband today, ask the Lord to reveal His will to him and help him know and understand God's covenant. Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy.

The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
(Psalm 25:14)

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. 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)

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? 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)

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
(1 Corinthians 9:27)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Twenty-Eight!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 26 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-19T09:23:00.000-04:00

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. (Luke 2:52)

If you have faithfully prayed for and encouraged your husband, you will no doubt have seen some changes in his life... and your own life, as well.

Faithful time set aside for prayer, and true encouragement is a wonderful habit that I hope you will continue for the rest of your life. The important thing is to keep growing in Christ and obeying the Word of God as you interact with and respond to your husband.

As you think today on how to bless your husband and not tear him down, think of ways that you can encourage balance in your home.

Jesus led a balanced life. He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. As you see your husband branching out in these areas, is there a pattern of growth? Is your husband striving for balance in his life? If so, let him know you have noticed, and ask how you can further encourage that balance.

If your husband is out of balance, focusing on one or two areas and excluding others, consider whether there are things you can do to help restore or create balance in his life. Can you encourage times for sports or exercise? Keep the children quiet for a study time? Invite friends over for dinner? Plan family activities for him to add to his calendar? Spend time by his side working on things he feels necessary to complete? Stimulate his mind?

Be sure you are working toward balance in your own life, as well. Be an example!

While praying for your husband today, pray that he will know God's ways. Pray that the Lord will teach him His paths and lead him in the Lord's truth. Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity.

Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
(Psalm 25:4-5)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
(Jeremiah 29:11)

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
(1 Corinthians 10:31)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Twenty-Seven!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 25 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-18T10:57:00.000-04:00

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3)

Before you think about whether these verses describe your husband, consider your own presence in the home.

Do you promote and encourage an atmosphere of peace, or do critical words often flow from your mouth? Do you struggle with anger? If so, before you continue with this challenge, confess these sinful habits to the Lord, and choose to speak words of peace to your family!

Does your husband bring an atmosphere of peace into your home? Is his presence a calming influence? Does he bring music, entertainment, books or people into your home that build a sense of serenity? Let him know how much you appreciate this wonderful quality, and support his choices.

If, on the other hand, he is quickly angered or he creates chaos rather than calm, ask God to give you an abundance of the kind of peace that will speak to his heart. Be patient and loving, setting yourself as an example in your home to be admired and followed.

Create an inviting atmosphere of peace, as much as possible.

While praying for your husband today, ask the Lord to give him his heart’s desire and not withhold the honorable requests he has. Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks.

Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips.
(Psalm 21:2)

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
(Psalm 31:24)

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
(Ephesians 6:13)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Twenty-Six!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 24 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-17T06:48:00.000-04:00

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

Children can be quite a challenge to the marriage relationship.

A wise wife will support her husband's leadership in the home as much as possible, and will praise him for his fathering skills.

Negativity makes a man feel like a failure, and may make him to want to give up on participating and building his leadership areas.

Does your husband discipline your children wisely? Does he show them love and encourage them? Does he take an interest in their activities and dreams? Does he spend time with them? Does he take part in developing their character? Praise him for these important life skills!

If you don't have children, is your husband positive and encouraging around other people's children? Let him know that you have noticed.

If your husband does not experience positive relationships with children, you will need to figure out why. Perhaps he had negative experiences as a child with his own parents, and needs to learn how to respond. Perhaps you can lovingly and patiently show him how to parent, without telling him what to do, while still giving him room to maintain his authority in the home.

While praying for your husband today, pray for a soothing tongue for him. Pray that your husband will have a balanced life, that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, while gaining favor with people he knows at work and church.

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
(Proverbs 15:4)

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
(Luke 2:52)

Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
(Proverbs 13:15)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Twenty-Five!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 23 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-16T09:17:00.000-04:00

You're moving toward the home stretch of your 30 day challenge!

Constantly remind yourself of what you've committed for the 30 days in this (it's added to the bottom of each daily post to help).

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works... (Titus 2:7)

Does this 30 Day prayer and encouragement challenge seem like hard work? Or is it becoming a pleasant exercise in genuine Christ-likeness in your home? You are only scratching the surface of ways to encourage your mate.

Is your husband organized? Is he diligent? Is he persistent? These are all related to a pattern of personal disciplines that are worthy of your praise. Compliment him for one or more of these traits, or even others, that you see in him.

Some men have not developed these qualities because they are naturally more spontaneous. You can praise his spontaneity! Perhaps God has called you alongside to help him with disciplines he has not yet developed, but this does NOT include nagging.

Whatever the need, you can be your husband's cheerleader, encouraging him when he wants to give up or when he falls.

While praying for your husband today, pray that your husband be slow to anger, and not quick tempered. Pray that your husband will be a good father, disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord.

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
(Proverbs 14:29)

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
(Ephesians 6:4)

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
(Colossians 3:21)

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
(2 Timothy 2:1-2)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Twenty-Four!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 22 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-15T10:02:00.000-04:00

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Colossians 4:6)

Focus today on how you represent your husband in your home, your church, and your community.

In this challenge to pray and encourage, ask yourself this: "If all my family and friends knew about my husband came from a filter of what I've said about him, what would they think of my husband?"

Do you need to change your filter?

Do you talk positively about your husband to others... or do you complain and criticize?

Your speech should reflect 1 Corinthians 13... love.

Your words should be kind, and should never "rejoice in iniquity" (verse 6). Refrain from listing your husband's faults to others. Satan likes to trick us in this area. Be wary of sharing barbed "prayer requests" that are actually filling others with all the faults of your mate. Remember, "charity [love] shall cover the multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

Present your husband before others today in a strong, positive manner. Slip in a "good word" for your spouse. Resist the urge to correct or belittle him in front of others. Some of what you say may come back to him, and you want your words to be sweet, building him up and never tearing him down.

Don't forget: you are always criticizing, or encouraging, before an audience. God hears your conversations when you are alone with your husband in your own home. May your speech be always seasoned with grace.

While you are considering how your speech can reflect the grace of the Lord in your husband's life, don't forget that your words can also encourage others. When you share what God is doing in your life through this 30 Day Challenge, others can be blessed too. Perhaps other wives will be moved to take up this challenge when they see the difference in your own marriage.

While praying for your husband today, ask that the words of his mouth and the feelings of his heart be acceptable in the Lord's sight. Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
(Psalm 19:14)

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
(Ephesians 4:32)

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.
(Hebrews 12:15)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Twenty-Three!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 21 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-14T09:45:00.000-04:00

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

If we are living in light of eternity, everything we think, do or say is seen from an eternal perspective. We will someday give an account for our failure to speak words of love and encouragement. Decide today that your words will be sweet and helpful.

Does your husband have an eternal perspective that allows him to reject materialism and temporal values? Express your gratefulness for his value system, and praise him for putting eternal things before riches and other things of this world.

If this is a problem area for him, consider how you might alter your own value system and live for eternity in front of him, encouraging him to do the same.

Only two things will go into eternity... the Word of God and people. Be sure that you are focusing on the right things.

While praying for your husband today, request true knowledge and discernment for him, that he will be filled with the fruit of righteousness, bringing glory to God. Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord.

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
(Philippians 1:9-11)

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
(Nehemiah 8:10)

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
(Proverbs 17:22)

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
(Psalm 16:11)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Twenty-Two!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 20 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-13T09:21:00.000-04:00

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

It's time for some heart examination.

As you continue in this 30-day challenge, have you found any roots of bitterness that are contaminating your relationship with your husband?

Do you understand that as long as you are unwilling to forgive your husband, by God's grace and in His power, you will not be able to encourage him? Your own resentment will keep getting in the way.

Now is the time to deal with any unforgiving attitudes.

Forgive him, even as God has forgiven you.

Is your husband a forgiving man? Does he keep short accounts of your problems? Express your thankfulness for such a man.

Does your husband seem to harbor grudges against you? If so, could there be things you need to change? Do you possibly need to ask forgiveness for an offense?

While praying for your husband today, pray for God to help you to submit to the leadership of your husband in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in worldly satisfaction and contentment.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
(Colossians 3:18)

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
(Proverbs 27:12)

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
(2 Corinthians 10:5)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Twenty-One!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 19 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-12T09:08:00.000-04:00

The following is a wife's description of her beloved...

My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
(Song of Solomon 5:10-16)

Criticism leaves scars, but encouragement can bring healing. Remember that today as you continue to focus on this 30-day prayer and encouragement challenge.

Almost nothing is as devastating to a man as the belief that his wife finds him unattractive, or worse yet, repulsive, because of criticism that comes from her lips... even if it's not really the case.

Sadly, many women unwisely criticize their husbands' bodies. At times the reasoning is to "help" them see what they "should be", or perhaps for "health reasons". That's not our job ladies. Criticism tears down. Our position is to build up.

Have you ever considered how wonderfully God designed men and women? No matter how a man looks by the standards of the world, a loving God designed them all, and they are all "beautiful" in His sight. Encourage your husband today by praising his uniqueness.

As you look over your husband's body, from the tip of his toes to his bald or bushy head, thank God that your husband is "wonderfully made"... then admire your husband verbally.

Does he have strong arms? A hairy chest? Firm hands? Big feet? A rugged chin? Wide shoulders? Compassionate eyes? A broad smile? Tell him in love and admiration.

While praying for your husband today, pray that the Lord sharpen his awareness of spiritual things, so that he will be effective in his role as the spiritual head of your home. Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses.

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
(Ephesians 5:23)

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
(Romans 14:19)

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
(Psalm 34:14)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Twenty!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 18 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-11T09:45:00.000-04:00

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
(Psalm 16:11)

Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.
(Psalm 144:15)

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
(Proverbs 17:22)

It's hard to criticize others when we are enjoying their company. Instead of speaking negatively to your husband today, enjoy him! Encourage him! As you experience fullness of joy with God, share some of that joy with your husband.

Does your husband have a playful side? A great sense of humor? Is there a "little boy" that wants to escape from time to time, reflecting the joy in his heart? This is a wonderful part of who he is, and a great strength. Let him know that you appreciate his joyfulness and his playful spirit. Find opportunities to join him in positive play times.

If your husband can sometimes be overly serious, coax him out occasionally for some play times. It could help him relieve stress and relax.

While praying for your husband today, pray that the Lord will cause him to excel in all that he puts his hands to, as you trust God to guide him, since it's by His Spirit that he be successful. Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective, living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism, worldly values, and temporary pleasures, instead putting God first in all areas of his life.

...Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
(Zechariah 4:6)

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Matthew 6:33)

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
(Deuteronomy 6:5)

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
(Ephesians 5:15-17)

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
(Psalm 90:12)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Nineteen!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 17 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-10T10:27:00.000-04:00

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
(Proverbs 9:10)

Are you a wise woman? Do you open your mouth with wisdom, as Proverbs 31:26 suggests? As you continue in this 30 day challenge, remember that a wise woman encourages her husband.

Is your husband a "wise man"? Does he have a godly perspective that comes from knowing God and walking with Him in obedience? Does he have a sense of purpose for his life and vision for your home? Tell him how much this means to you.

If you are not sure about your husband's vision for your home, ask him what he wants to accomplish with your marriage and home in the years to come, and most importantly, how you can help him accomplish his vision. If he does not have a vision, your questions may inspire him to develop one.

If your husband isn't walking with God, or perhaps doesn't know the Lord, you have the opportunity and responsibility to practice your faith and create a thirst for God. Thank God for giving your husband a place in his heart that only He can fill, and keep praying that he will turn to the Lord to fill that void!

While praying for your husband today, thank and praise the Lord for the confidence He provides, knowing that He has begun a good work in your husband, and know He will complete it. Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:6)

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.
(Ephesians 3:16)

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.
(1 Peter 2:21)

Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
(1 Corinthians 10:11)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Eighteen!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 16 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-09T09:10:00.000-04:00

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)

God says that it is not good for man to be alone. But the way some women criticize their mates, the husbands may long for solitude. Be careful today not to criticize your mate, but look for ways to encourage him personally and publicly.

Speaking of communication, does your husband communicate with you? God has made you a companion and helper for your husband, and part of being "one flesh" with him is the privilege of sharing and discussing personal needs and concerns. Thank God for that wonderful gift. Thank your husband for communicating with you.

If your spouse does not communicate as much as you may wish, look for ways that he communicates that are normal for him: smiling at you, nodding his head, even a pleasant grunt... and then thank him for letting you know that he cares in his own ways.

Perhaps he needs to be lovingly taught how to communicate. Be patient with him... and listen when he does speak. We all want to be heard, but we all need times of being heard as well.

While praying for your husband today, pray that he be given a deep thirst for God's word and a strong hunger to move in the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray he will be lead into all truth by the Spirit. Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth...
(John 16:13)

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
(1 Corinthians 6:12)

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
(1 Corinthians 10:31)

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
(2 Timothy 2:4)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Seventeen!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 15 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-08T09:42:00.000-04:00

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
(2 Peter 3:18)

Sometimes we live so close to our spouse that we fail to see him as others may, after all, we are the ones to see our husband's faults the most.

But take a step back...

Perhaps he is growing spiritually in ways you have failed to appreciate or even noticed. How can you encourage his growth in a fresh, new way?

Remember, your husband is accountable to God, not you, for his spiritual development. You are accountable to God to encourage and not hinder that growth.

Can you identify an area of spiritual strength in your husband? Does he pray or read his Bible regularly? Does he like to read about or discuss spiritual matters? Does he go to church with you? Is he a spiritual leader? Is he taking strides in areas that used to cause conflicts in your marriage?

If you can identify a specific area, praise him for it! If not, pray earnestly that God will work in his heart, and watch for signs of spiritual growth in the future.

Your husband does have a free will regardless of your prayers, but that's where the consistent encouragement comes in with this challenge... the two hand in hand uplift your husband in a way that will not only urge God to work in him, but works as an enforcement through your positive role as well. It's your ultimate role as his help-meet.

While praying for your husband today, pray that he may he be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that he may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please God in all respects, bearing much fruit for God's glory. Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring men into his life who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead, encourage, or sidetrack him toward sin.

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.
(Colossians 1:9-12)

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
(Proverbs 13:20)

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
(Proverbs 27:17)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Sixteen!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.

Day 14 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

2012-06-07T09:55:00.000-04:00

The just man walketh in his integrity...
(Proverbs 20:7)

Every week there are news reports about men who gave in to temptations and compromised what they said they believed. We hear countless reports about dishonest business dealings, hidden infidelity, and hypocritical leaders. It's so easy to focus on these things and ignore those who are being honest, faithful and genuine.

As you continue in this challenge, be determined to look for ways that your husband stands against the culture. Is your spouse a man of integrity? Is he fair in his dealings with people? Does he understand the meaning of justice? Is he honest in business? Un-hypocritical in his faith? Consider all the ways a man can live in integrity, and praise your husband for one of them.

As you have the opportunity, and as it is appropriate, share examples of your husband's honesty and integrity with others.

Isn't it amazing what the power of encouragement can do in others' lives? So many blessings come to those we love, and our own hearts are encouraged in the process.

I would love for you to share your encouragement journey with me! What has God been doing in your heart as you have set out to encourage your husband? In your husband's heart? In your own? Have others noticed a change?

While praying for your husband today, pray that he will not be carnally minded (which is death) but may he be spiritually minded (which is life and peace). Pray that your husband will speak words that build up himself, you, and your family... words that reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(Romans 8:6)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
(Proverbs 18:21)

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
(Ephesians 4:29)

Whether your husband already has a strong root in doing these things, or is an unsaved sinner running from God, prayers seeking these things with selfless humility will uplift and encourage him to become or continue to be a spiritual leader and guardian of the home as God has designed him to be!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just a reminder about this 30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer:

Each day for 30 consecutive days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. Please feel free to access this prayer challenge any time you feel ready to start, or even to re-do the challenge to enforce the strength of the Lord in your marriage. You can click here for a printable calendar to view each day when going to prayer for your husband. Each day provides specific biblical prayer topics with bible verse references that seek God to touch the lives of our husbands.

In addition to specific prayer each day, there is a daily two-part challenge for you that will build up your husband through your own spoken (and unspoken) words:

You can't say anything negative about your husband... to your husband or to anyone else about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband... to your husband and to someone else about your husband!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Feel free to join me at any time in this prayer venture over your husband. You can always refer to my blog archives (the beginning post is May 24, 2012) if you're starting day one while my posts are further ahead in the challenge. If you have a blog, you're welcome to take the "30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer" graphic above and link it back to this topic's starting post (here), to encourage others to meet the Lord in prayer over their husbands too. If you decide to make this a goal for the next month in your life, whether you have a blog of your own or not, please comment or send me a message, I would be honored to pray for you by name as you seek God through the journey... regardless of when you begin it!

See you tomorrow for Day Fifteen!
May your marriage be blessed!

Prayer studies are adapted from ©Revive Our Hearts and ©Diving Deeper Ministries.
Used with permission.