One of the best moments I've ever experienced is listening to my wife pray. Genuine prayer is an opening of my heart to the Lord as I talk to Him. As I listened to my wife pour her heart out to the Lord on my behalf, it only made me love her more.
Stop talking about how manly you think you are. If you mistreat your wife, you are weak and unfit to lead. Learn from the Scriptures on what it means to be a man and how you are to lovingly lead your wife.
What kind of friends do you and your wife have? We determined before we got married that we would not allow toxic people to influence us. Friends who are constantly demeaning their spouse, complaining about their children, and always negative will eventually rub off on you.
Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." Being motivated by emotions or understanding doesn't always work because sometimes we just don't feel like it or we demand more explanation. Action is better than reaction.
Selflessness, not selfishness. Our flesh craves to be right, to be recognized, to be treated better. This leads to a mindset of self over others and a "my needs matter more than your needs" attitude - a recipe for disaster! Learn to serve rather than being served in marriage.
Do you take your spouse for granted? The danger is to make our marital love performance-based rather than principle-based. True respect is based on the position God has placed your spouse in, not their performance, which then will motivate him/her to earn your respect.
Ultimatums are the result of the failure to communicate and compromise in marriage. True commitment isn't affected by external situations but is established by internal convictions, which should be developed prior to marriage.
Many husbands and fathers struggle with this lesson. Your presence is greater than any gift you can give to your family. Evaluate your schedule, prioritize your time, and make memories with your family. Men, you've been reminded!
In a society of "throw away the old," "trade it in for the new" we are bringing the same philosophy into our homes. God never promised a perfect marriage but He did promise guidance, direction, and love- all of which can be used to overcome any hardships we face.
Join us tomorrow morning for a lesson thatβll prepare us for our upcoming Missions Conference. Coffee and another homemade creation from Amy the Baker will be waiting for you! See you on campus or online at 9 am MST.
Ephesians 4:32 admonishes us to be "kind one to another, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
The power of forgiveness changes lives. It changed our eternal destiny. It changed our purpose. It changed our priorities. And all for the good!
It's still a few weeks away but plan on spending the morning with the HomeBuilders families finding fun things around town and ending it with a delicious fellowship lunch- potluck-style! More details coming soon...
I'm all for spontaneity. It's been said that "variety is the spice of life." But do you schedule your date nights? If you don't, you should. Life is great of getting in the way and before you know it, it's been weeks or months since you've had quality time with your mate.
I know. I know. The irony of having to post this on social media isn't lost on us. However, as you see this post- look around and if your spouse is in the area- turn it off and pay attention to your mate. Phones are useful but they've also been destructive.
The Triangle Principle of Marriage finds the husbands and wives on opposite bases as Christ sits on the apex. The closer we get to Christ, the closer we get to each other. Make Christ preeminent together in your marriage and you are guaranteed to draw closer to each other.
Just like Christ loving us first, husbands we must lovingly lead our homes for it is the truest and most Christ-like way to love our wives. Be the spiritual leader God called you to be! Wimpy, spineless, scared husbands have done more to destroy Christian homes than most sins.
Start the week by forming this habit. Our spouses should never have to wonder what we think of them. Say it and say it often: I love you, I appreciate you, I won't give up on you. Watch God transform your heart and home when you purpose to speak wholesome words.
Inevitably and perhaps even in the next few days, the question is going to be asked: what/where do you want to eat? Would you please vote and refer your spouse to this post so that you both can anticipate the answer when the question arises... if you're still in the mood for it.
Who can relate? Be careful. Men and women have been known to fall off beds, get choked with sheets, or sleep in the cold because of this phenomenon. If we may offer a solution? Get a second blanket! π
Think about this men and ladies, it goes the other way, too.
Marriage should be a place of unconditional love and acceptance. It's the true and original "safe space!" There's nothing your spouse says or does that should cause them to question your love for them.