Hey Covenant Groupies,
Here is the continuation from yesterday's article
Covenant
Today most people don't understand what covenant means. Our culture is built on contracts, and everyone knows that a crackerjack lawyer can find a loophole if you really want out. So contracts get longer and longer as the parties try to close all possible loopholes, but litigation increases because people change their minds and want release from their agreements.
One contract that is increasing in usage is the prenuptial agreement. A covenant is not at all like a prenuptial agreement. For one thing, there is no escape clause. In ancient times, a covenant was a legal agreement, but with two major differences from contracts today. A covenant was made before deity. And the penalty for breaking it was death. People might negotiate out of contracts, but not out of a covenant.
The covenant between God and Abraham was more binding than a wedding certificate is today. God impressed on Abraham the importance of the covenant: "As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you." While Abraham didn't walk the blood path, there was a symbol of his acceptance of the agreement. The proof of Abraham's commitment was that he and every male descendant was circumcised (Genesis 17:9-14).
But in the covenant of blood, God traveled the blood path alone. By doing so, he said that if Abraham or any of his descendants violated this contract, God would pay the price with His own blood. There would come a day when God would heroically have to keep that promise.
For centuries in liturgical churches the service of holy matrimony has been clearly spelled out word for word. As I read several liturgies, I was struck by the similarities between the church service of holy matrimony and the biblical concept of covenant.
For example, the marriage service is conducted before God. Historically a covenant was always a religious ceremony, made before God or gods as witnesses. It was the one treaty between enemies that was enforceable, because neither party was willing to risk the wrath of their deity.
In the English Book of Common Prayer (1662), a wedding service begins with the minister addressing the congregation: "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God…to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony." Again and again, the couple and witnesses are reminded that God is witness to this union.
Second, a covenant had witnesses. Likewise, the marriage vows are made before human witnesses. Why is that important? A pastor I know challenged a friend who had just announced he was leaving his wife of six years. "Oh no you're not!" said the pastor. "You made a vow to love your wife until death. I know. I was there and I heard you. Now you stay with her and work things out." The man was shocked, but he stayed, and today their marriage is much healthier. I wonder what would happen if, like this pastor, more witnesses challenged couples to fulfill their wedding vows.
Third, both a covenant and a traditional marriage ceremony declared the seriousness of the commitment. In The Book of Common Prayer, the minister utters these words in his opening exhortation to the congregation and the couple standing before him: "Holy Matrimony…is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be enterprised…unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God."
Recently, as I reflected on the vows Jo and I exchanged at our wedding, I was struck by the one-sidedness of our commitment. There were no qualifiers or disclaimers. I had promised to love Jo for better or worse until death, regardless of her actions or attitude. Likewise, Jo promised to have me for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, for as long as we both shall live, regardless of how well or poorly I behaved. No doubt we both assumed we would reciprocate in our love for each other. However, our vows said nothing about being loved back. By our words, each of us assumed 100 percent responsibility for the marriage. That's the nature of covenant. Each party makes an irrevocable vow.
Fourth, something of great value was exchanged. God wanted to give Abraham and his descendants a country, but He did it in the context of family. Did Abraham realize he was actually getting the best end of the deal? He was entering into a long-term relationship with the God of the universe. The land was very important, but it wasn't the most important thing — it was a symbol of the value of their relationship.
I am impressed again by the nature of the exchange in the traditional marriage service. It particularly struck me when I read the words uttered by the husband when he places the wedding ring on his wife's finger: "With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow." In other words, the husband gave everything he had to his wife, including his body and his earthly possessions. No longer were there his or her possessions. Everything was theirs. Why is this important? Because in giving our all, we actually gain what we want.
Permanence of Marriage
Obviously millions of couples chafe under the idea of covenant, feeling that the permanence fences them in. But Jo and I feel secure within these boundaries. Without the possibility of divorce, Jo and I know that regardless of our problems, we will be there for each other. And when we disagree or fight, we had better figure out a way to resolve our differences, for we are going to be together for a very long time.
From The Marriage Masterpiece, published by Tyndale House Publishers. Copyright © 2001, Al Janssen. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Blending Two Spiritual Lives
Hey Covenant Groupies,
Often we spend time with friends and discover that, in their relationship, it's lacking in the intimacy department. Not sexual intimacy, but Spiritual Intimacy. Their stories sound so familiar to Kevin and mine. We spend so much time, in our marriges, getting intimate sexually only to realize that the truest form of intimacy is Spiritual.
We struggled for so long in this same area of our marriage and it was difficult to overcome.
This article was such a wonderful reminder of some of the things we had to use to overcome this issue.
He shook his head dolefully as we talked about our future marriage and my thoughts on spiritual intimacy. "I'm not so sure I'm knowledgeable enough to be the spiritual partner you need me to be," Dale said. "You know the Bible so much better than I do. You've been a Christian decades longer than I have."
Over the course of our conversation, Dale realized that God's plan for spiritual intimacy did not depend on how much time we'd spent in a church — or even the amount of understanding we each had of spiritual things. We both deeply loved God, and that was a great place to start building a spiritual foundation.
Since we'd both been single for many years, we were used to deepening our relationship with Christ on our own. We had to learn how to share our deeply personal spiritual lives and grow together as a couple. As we've worked to deepen our spiritual intimacy, I've learned a few things along the way.
Let Go of Misconceptions
Dale's steps in creating a Christ-focused home were not what I had expected, but our life together has ended up even better than anything I had planned. The tone and attitude he established set a firm foundation for our marriage.
I may have subconsciously expected to marry a pastorlike man. Dale did not live up to my unrealistic expectations, but he did fulfill the role God designed for him in our marriage. Though he didn't sit me down every night for an hour of prayer and Bible study, Dale lived out 1 Corinthians 13. He incorporated the fruits of the Spirit into everyday living, and he directed many of our conversations to what Jesus would say or do.
In such an atmosphere, instead of holding on to my preconceived expectations, I enjoyed the journey of growing together spiritually.
Encourage Each Other
One of the most productive things I found I could do is encourage and empower Dale with genuine love and appreciation. When I see him take a positive spiritual step, simple affirmation gives him the courage to continue building our spiritual intimacy.
I watch for those moments — when he takes the risk to pray in a group or comments during one of our Bible studies. I make sure I let him know how proud I am of him and acknowledge his initiative. As I applaud his efforts to seek God, our spiritual relationship grows stronger day by day.
Accept One Another
Naturally, I sometimes wish my husband would change in certain ways, but I know better than to nag or criticize. One friend of mine thought that if she nagged her husband enough, he'd take his rightful place as a Christian husband. Instead, she built a wall of criticism that kept him from even trying. Now, years later, they are spiritual strangers.
As I take my concerns to God, He teaches me to be patient and entrust my husband to Him. At the same time, I must continue pursuing my own growth without worrying that my husband might fall behind. We're not running a race but traveling together on a lifelong journey; the progress of either one of us benefits both.
Work As a Team
Dale and I keep in mind that we are a team. So we make plans together regarding our spiritual life: church involvement, small-group connections, goals for prayer, Bible study, tithing and other disciplines. We address all these things as a couple, even if both of us don't participate in all of them at the time.
Though each of us may grow in different areas at different times, we will stay connected spiritually as long as we work as a team and pray for each other. Praying daily is especially important to us — whether together or on our own. As we cover each other in prayer, our hearts and minds naturally come to a special place of love and desire to see God work in our spouse.
As we've encouraged and accepted one another, and trusted God in the areas where we fall short, we've found that our spiritual intimacy is one of the most beautiful aspects of our marriage.
This article, written by Susan Mathis, first appeared in the Couples Edition of the May, 2007 issue of Focus on the Family magazine. Copyright © 2007, Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.
Often we spend time with friends and discover that, in their relationship, it's lacking in the intimacy department. Not sexual intimacy, but Spiritual Intimacy. Their stories sound so familiar to Kevin and mine. We spend so much time, in our marriges, getting intimate sexually only to realize that the truest form of intimacy is Spiritual.
We struggled for so long in this same area of our marriage and it was difficult to overcome.
This article was such a wonderful reminder of some of the things we had to use to overcome this issue.
He shook his head dolefully as we talked about our future marriage and my thoughts on spiritual intimacy. "I'm not so sure I'm knowledgeable enough to be the spiritual partner you need me to be," Dale said. "You know the Bible so much better than I do. You've been a Christian decades longer than I have."
Over the course of our conversation, Dale realized that God's plan for spiritual intimacy did not depend on how much time we'd spent in a church — or even the amount of understanding we each had of spiritual things. We both deeply loved God, and that was a great place to start building a spiritual foundation.
Since we'd both been single for many years, we were used to deepening our relationship with Christ on our own. We had to learn how to share our deeply personal spiritual lives and grow together as a couple. As we've worked to deepen our spiritual intimacy, I've learned a few things along the way.
Let Go of Misconceptions
Dale's steps in creating a Christ-focused home were not what I had expected, but our life together has ended up even better than anything I had planned. The tone and attitude he established set a firm foundation for our marriage.
I may have subconsciously expected to marry a pastorlike man. Dale did not live up to my unrealistic expectations, but he did fulfill the role God designed for him in our marriage. Though he didn't sit me down every night for an hour of prayer and Bible study, Dale lived out 1 Corinthians 13. He incorporated the fruits of the Spirit into everyday living, and he directed many of our conversations to what Jesus would say or do.
In such an atmosphere, instead of holding on to my preconceived expectations, I enjoyed the journey of growing together spiritually.
Encourage Each Other
One of the most productive things I found I could do is encourage and empower Dale with genuine love and appreciation. When I see him take a positive spiritual step, simple affirmation gives him the courage to continue building our spiritual intimacy.
I watch for those moments — when he takes the risk to pray in a group or comments during one of our Bible studies. I make sure I let him know how proud I am of him and acknowledge his initiative. As I applaud his efforts to seek God, our spiritual relationship grows stronger day by day.
Accept One Another
Naturally, I sometimes wish my husband would change in certain ways, but I know better than to nag or criticize. One friend of mine thought that if she nagged her husband enough, he'd take his rightful place as a Christian husband. Instead, she built a wall of criticism that kept him from even trying. Now, years later, they are spiritual strangers.
As I take my concerns to God, He teaches me to be patient and entrust my husband to Him. At the same time, I must continue pursuing my own growth without worrying that my husband might fall behind. We're not running a race but traveling together on a lifelong journey; the progress of either one of us benefits both.
Work As a Team
Dale and I keep in mind that we are a team. So we make plans together regarding our spiritual life: church involvement, small-group connections, goals for prayer, Bible study, tithing and other disciplines. We address all these things as a couple, even if both of us don't participate in all of them at the time.
Though each of us may grow in different areas at different times, we will stay connected spiritually as long as we work as a team and pray for each other. Praying daily is especially important to us — whether together or on our own. As we cover each other in prayer, our hearts and minds naturally come to a special place of love and desire to see God work in our spouse.
As we've encouraged and accepted one another, and trusted God in the areas where we fall short, we've found that our spiritual intimacy is one of the most beautiful aspects of our marriage.
This article, written by Susan Mathis, first appeared in the Couples Edition of the May, 2007 issue of Focus on the Family magazine. Copyright © 2007, Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Praying Together: Necessary for Marriage to Last
Hey covenant Groupies,
Although it was announced a few weeks ago that the National Day of Prayer was no longer going to be recognized by the government, President Obama is now asking that we honor and recognize it today. If it had passed, he would have been the first President in office never to celebrate it.
So, in honor of prayer, you know we're talking about prayer and marriage and how necessary it is in the lives of couples who desire to live in a satisfying and lasting marriage.
Author Dennis Rainey wrote this article that I thought was really appropriate for today.
ENJOY!!
Prayer: The Secret to a Lasting Marriage
Dennis Rainey
Executive Director of FamilyLife Ministries
Maybe you've had a similar experience with your own spouse:
One night, my wife Barbara and I ended up in bed facing in opposite directions.
Since early in our marriage, we have prayed together each night before we go to bed. But that night, I didn't want to pray with her. In my conscience, however, Jesus Christ was asking me, "Are you going to pray with her?"
"I don't like her tonight, Lord," I replied.
"I know you don't," He said. "But you're the one who tells people that you pray with your wife all the time." Slowly, the Lord turned me over, and I said, "Sweetheart, will you forgive me?" And Barbara and I talked and prayed.
I thank God for that tradition of prayer He has helped us build early in our marriage. I am not exaggerating when I say that Barbara and I might not still be married had it not been for daily prayer.
If there is one simple ritual I would urge couples to begin adopting in their marriages, it is this one -- the habit of praying together every day.
When I was still a newlywed in 1972, I asked my boss and mentor, Carl Wilson, for his single best piece of marital advice. He and his wife had been married 25 years and had four children.
"Denny, that's easy," he said. "Pray daily together. Every night for 25 years we have prayed together as a couple."
Since that day nearly three decades ago, Barbara and I have missed daily prayer fewer than a dozen times. That discipline has helped resolve conflicts, kept communication flowing, and, most importantly, acknowledged our utter dependence upon
Jesus Christ as the Lord and Builder of our family.
Surveys at our FamilyLife Marriage Conferences indicate that less than 8 percent of all couples pray together on a regular basis. I suspect that less than 5 percent of all Christian couples pray together daily.
Let's bring back a popular slogan from the 1950s: "The family that prays together stays together." I believe that if every Christian couple would pray together regularly, our nation would experience a spiritual renewal of historical proportions, including a dramatic drop in the Christian community's divorce rate.
And when the divorce rate drops within the church, we will see a spiritual and moral awakening in America.
I want to challenge you to something today: to commit to praying with your spouse for one week before you go to bed each night.
Please don't say you're too busy for this. Don't let time in front of the TV watching a ball game or a sitcom keep you from praying together. The average American adult watches 30 hours of television a week -- and there has to be a little time in there to pray!
By the same token, don't let hobbies, singing in the choir, or working at the church keep you from praying together. It's easy to get busy -- we all have a lot going on in our lives. But don't get so busy that you can't make the time to pray together with your spouse. Avoid living independently of one another. God gave you your spouse, and your marriage is the single most important relationship you have on this earth.
Of course, you'll have interruptions when you pray together. Anyone with a telephone, children, or even pets can be guaranteed of that! But I encourage you to go past the interruptions. Time for devotion and prayer with your wife or husband is just too important.
When you pray together, you multiply your joys, divide your sorrows, add to your experiences with God together, and help subtract your haunting past from your life. During the rugged times of your marriage, you can share your burdens. Prayer can also take away the desire to get even and replace it with a willingness to work things out.
I urge you to make this commitment with your spouse. You may be afraid to start, and let me assure you, you are not alone. Many people are hesitant to start praying with their spouses. If this is the case, try saying this prayer: "Lord, teach me how to pray with my spouse. I'm afraid."
I can promise you; it will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do for your marriage and for your family.
About the author: Dennis Rainey is the executive director of FamilyLife, an organization founded in 1976 with the goal of effectively developing godly families, one home at a time. Parents of six children, Dennis and his wife, Barbara, have written numerous books, including best-sellers Moments Together for Couples and The Questions Book for Marriage Intimacy.
Although it was announced a few weeks ago that the National Day of Prayer was no longer going to be recognized by the government, President Obama is now asking that we honor and recognize it today. If it had passed, he would have been the first President in office never to celebrate it.
So, in honor of prayer, you know we're talking about prayer and marriage and how necessary it is in the lives of couples who desire to live in a satisfying and lasting marriage.
Author Dennis Rainey wrote this article that I thought was really appropriate for today.
ENJOY!!
Prayer: The Secret to a Lasting Marriage
Dennis Rainey
Executive Director of FamilyLife Ministries
Maybe you've had a similar experience with your own spouse:
One night, my wife Barbara and I ended up in bed facing in opposite directions.
Since early in our marriage, we have prayed together each night before we go to bed. But that night, I didn't want to pray with her. In my conscience, however, Jesus Christ was asking me, "Are you going to pray with her?"
"I don't like her tonight, Lord," I replied.
"I know you don't," He said. "But you're the one who tells people that you pray with your wife all the time." Slowly, the Lord turned me over, and I said, "Sweetheart, will you forgive me?" And Barbara and I talked and prayed.
I thank God for that tradition of prayer He has helped us build early in our marriage. I am not exaggerating when I say that Barbara and I might not still be married had it not been for daily prayer.
If there is one simple ritual I would urge couples to begin adopting in their marriages, it is this one -- the habit of praying together every day.
When I was still a newlywed in 1972, I asked my boss and mentor, Carl Wilson, for his single best piece of marital advice. He and his wife had been married 25 years and had four children.
"Denny, that's easy," he said. "Pray daily together. Every night for 25 years we have prayed together as a couple."
Since that day nearly three decades ago, Barbara and I have missed daily prayer fewer than a dozen times. That discipline has helped resolve conflicts, kept communication flowing, and, most importantly, acknowledged our utter dependence upon
Jesus Christ as the Lord and Builder of our family.
Surveys at our FamilyLife Marriage Conferences indicate that less than 8 percent of all couples pray together on a regular basis. I suspect that less than 5 percent of all Christian couples pray together daily.
Let's bring back a popular slogan from the 1950s: "The family that prays together stays together." I believe that if every Christian couple would pray together regularly, our nation would experience a spiritual renewal of historical proportions, including a dramatic drop in the Christian community's divorce rate.
And when the divorce rate drops within the church, we will see a spiritual and moral awakening in America.
I want to challenge you to something today: to commit to praying with your spouse for one week before you go to bed each night.
Please don't say you're too busy for this. Don't let time in front of the TV watching a ball game or a sitcom keep you from praying together. The average American adult watches 30 hours of television a week -- and there has to be a little time in there to pray!
By the same token, don't let hobbies, singing in the choir, or working at the church keep you from praying together. It's easy to get busy -- we all have a lot going on in our lives. But don't get so busy that you can't make the time to pray together with your spouse. Avoid living independently of one another. God gave you your spouse, and your marriage is the single most important relationship you have on this earth.
Of course, you'll have interruptions when you pray together. Anyone with a telephone, children, or even pets can be guaranteed of that! But I encourage you to go past the interruptions. Time for devotion and prayer with your wife or husband is just too important.
When you pray together, you multiply your joys, divide your sorrows, add to your experiences with God together, and help subtract your haunting past from your life. During the rugged times of your marriage, you can share your burdens. Prayer can also take away the desire to get even and replace it with a willingness to work things out.
I urge you to make this commitment with your spouse. You may be afraid to start, and let me assure you, you are not alone. Many people are hesitant to start praying with their spouses. If this is the case, try saying this prayer: "Lord, teach me how to pray with my spouse. I'm afraid."
I can promise you; it will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do for your marriage and for your family.
About the author: Dennis Rainey is the executive director of FamilyLife, an organization founded in 1976 with the goal of effectively developing godly families, one home at a time. Parents of six children, Dennis and his wife, Barbara, have written numerous books, including best-sellers Moments Together for Couples and The Questions Book for Marriage Intimacy.
Monday, May 3, 2010
A Godly Man – Not a Passive Man
Hey Covenant Groupies
Recently, the Lord woke me up in the middle of the night with this message to post for today.
Show me a passive man and I’ll show you a ministry that’s lacking, a wife that’s not being properly led, a family that’s out of control and a man not walking in the warrior image of God. This man has, unfortunately, allowed the Fall of Adam to truly define his life. Adam's passivity has befallen and remained the over arching factor in many men's lves. But God has created man to be consumed with walking in His Ways, His Will and being obedient to His Work. How can that happen when far too many men have relinquished their leadership roles to their wives? It saddens me to see a man that has become so comfortable with having his wife lead and make every decision that affects them as a couple and family all on her own.
We’ve heard everything from, “She just makes better decisions than I do,” “She doesn’t take what I say seriously and I’d rather avoid the argument anyway,” and “I’m never home to make any decisions.” Our men have even stopped standing up for us. How many of us can actually call our husbands heroes? How have we gotten so far away from the hunter, the pursuer, the fighter, the rescuer and the aggressive men we read about throughout the Bible; the man of Christ even?
The very essence of a man is strength and masculinity and when that has been forsaken, he’s totally denied God and misrepresented His very image. Conversely, many men take their manhood too far and are abusive, demanding, and severely rude; all in the name of headship or being the man of the house. But God, our God is not like that at all. He corrects when necessary and loves ALL the time.
Lets face it ladies, a man that stands up for what he believes and Who he believes in is undeniably irresistible; his truth is very sexy. His worship, His prayer, his fears, his hopes, his love are all pure and carry the weight of true sacrifice; because it’s what’s right ; what’s he’s been designed to do and not what’s comfortable.
I had no idea how much this even mattered to me until God reminded me of the many times; even recently how often Kevin has sacrificed himself to stand up for me and made me truly feel like a loved and desired woman. When I asked him why he does that he often tells me how he will always come to my rescue-NO MATTER WHAT!!! He says that he needs to be my hero; the restorer of my femininity. That’s HUGE for someone like me as I’m quite sure it is for many-many women!
I even love hearing him make great decisions for our family and making sure that everything runs smoothly because his role as a husband, provider and protector is so very important to him. A godly man does not fear the circumstance that could possibly jeopardize his reputation and image, but his concern always begins and ends with God and His image.
Recently, the Lord woke me up in the middle of the night with this message to post for today.
Show me a passive man and I’ll show you a ministry that’s lacking, a wife that’s not being properly led, a family that’s out of control and a man not walking in the warrior image of God. This man has, unfortunately, allowed the Fall of Adam to truly define his life. Adam's passivity has befallen and remained the over arching factor in many men's lves. But God has created man to be consumed with walking in His Ways, His Will and being obedient to His Work. How can that happen when far too many men have relinquished their leadership roles to their wives? It saddens me to see a man that has become so comfortable with having his wife lead and make every decision that affects them as a couple and family all on her own.
We’ve heard everything from, “She just makes better decisions than I do,” “She doesn’t take what I say seriously and I’d rather avoid the argument anyway,” and “I’m never home to make any decisions.” Our men have even stopped standing up for us. How many of us can actually call our husbands heroes? How have we gotten so far away from the hunter, the pursuer, the fighter, the rescuer and the aggressive men we read about throughout the Bible; the man of Christ even?
The very essence of a man is strength and masculinity and when that has been forsaken, he’s totally denied God and misrepresented His very image. Conversely, many men take their manhood too far and are abusive, demanding, and severely rude; all in the name of headship or being the man of the house. But God, our God is not like that at all. He corrects when necessary and loves ALL the time.
Lets face it ladies, a man that stands up for what he believes and Who he believes in is undeniably irresistible; his truth is very sexy. His worship, His prayer, his fears, his hopes, his love are all pure and carry the weight of true sacrifice; because it’s what’s right ; what’s he’s been designed to do and not what’s comfortable.
I had no idea how much this even mattered to me until God reminded me of the many times; even recently how often Kevin has sacrificed himself to stand up for me and made me truly feel like a loved and desired woman. When I asked him why he does that he often tells me how he will always come to my rescue-NO MATTER WHAT!!! He says that he needs to be my hero; the restorer of my femininity. That’s HUGE for someone like me as I’m quite sure it is for many-many women!
I even love hearing him make great decisions for our family and making sure that everything runs smoothly because his role as a husband, provider and protector is so very important to him. A godly man does not fear the circumstance that could possibly jeopardize his reputation and image, but his concern always begins and ends with God and His image.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
My First Love - Praying for My Husband and Others
Hey Covenant Groupies,
As Christians, if you've not already experienenced it, you will. There will be a time in your walk when you'll feel tremendously apathetic when it comes to prayer. When I first heard a Pastor say this years ago, I NEVER thought that would be me. But in 2009, I totally struggled in my prayer life and it bothered and hurt me so much. How I got to this place, I don't know. When I got there, I'm not sure of that either, but thank God for His mercy during this time and for convicting my heart and giving me a passion for prayer.
Around September, I couldn't stop asking for "My First Love" to return. God not only answered my prayer, but He started with my family. I began to freely and lovingly praying for my family, then friends, then marriages and so forth. God has brought it back strong too.
I could go on forever, but I just wanted to share one of the prayers I used to pray for Kevin when we first got married. I recently found it and wanted to include you in my journey. It brought back some amazing memories for me. It short and specific.
PRAYER FOR HUSBANDS:
Lord, I thank you for my Kevin. Help him to trust you with all his heart and not to depend on his own understanding. May he seek your will in all that he does. Direct his plans.
His hard work and provision for his family are a blessing. Help him to fear You and turn his back on evil. Give him the desire to honor You with his wealth so that out household will be overflowing wth yur abundance.
When You discipline Kevin, Lord, help him not to be disouraged but to delight in your correction. May he desire Your wisdom above wealth and fame.
Help him, Lord, to focus on good planning and insight. Give him compassion to help the needy. Guard his tongue and his heart. Keep him humble befre You. May his upright life of integrity bring honor and blessing on our household. May he have eyes of love only for me. Fix Kevin's heart on you. Amen.
Adapted from proverbs 1-4
"Lord, I Wish My Husband Would Pray With Me."By Larry Keefauver, D.Min
As Christians, if you've not already experienenced it, you will. There will be a time in your walk when you'll feel tremendously apathetic when it comes to prayer. When I first heard a Pastor say this years ago, I NEVER thought that would be me. But in 2009, I totally struggled in my prayer life and it bothered and hurt me so much. How I got to this place, I don't know. When I got there, I'm not sure of that either, but thank God for His mercy during this time and for convicting my heart and giving me a passion for prayer.
Around September, I couldn't stop asking for "My First Love" to return. God not only answered my prayer, but He started with my family. I began to freely and lovingly praying for my family, then friends, then marriages and so forth. God has brought it back strong too.
I could go on forever, but I just wanted to share one of the prayers I used to pray for Kevin when we first got married. I recently found it and wanted to include you in my journey. It brought back some amazing memories for me. It short and specific.
PRAYER FOR HUSBANDS:
Lord, I thank you for my Kevin. Help him to trust you with all his heart and not to depend on his own understanding. May he seek your will in all that he does. Direct his plans.
His hard work and provision for his family are a blessing. Help him to fear You and turn his back on evil. Give him the desire to honor You with his wealth so that out household will be overflowing wth yur abundance.
When You discipline Kevin, Lord, help him not to be disouraged but to delight in your correction. May he desire Your wisdom above wealth and fame.
Help him, Lord, to focus on good planning and insight. Give him compassion to help the needy. Guard his tongue and his heart. Keep him humble befre You. May his upright life of integrity bring honor and blessing on our household. May he have eyes of love only for me. Fix Kevin's heart on you. Amen.
Adapted from proverbs 1-4
"Lord, I Wish My Husband Would Pray With Me."By Larry Keefauver, D.Min
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
QUESTION OF THE DAY! - Living With Your In-Law
Hey Covenant Groupies,
In the past few weeks, I have seen numerous commercials, shows and even movies that touched on having your spouses parent live with the two of you. I must say that I had the best Mother-in-Law and Kevin comments, very often, how much he loves my mother. She's non-intrusive, prayerful and extremely encouraging of our marriage. Wisely, we never bring her into our marriage, unless and until, God nudges us to do so. Kevin's mom was quite amazing as well. She never meddled in our relationship, but she was always full of wisdom and insights, not only about relationships, but her son.
We both desired nothing more than to honor our parents.
When my mother-in-law was sick, Kevin and I discussed her possibly moving in. The Bible speaks heavily of taking care of the widow; and that she was. Immediately, Kevin began to set rules that she'd have to abide by. Unfortunately, she passed away before that became a reality, but my comfort came when Kevin took the initiative to maintain our marital vows and home stucture, no matter what and/or who could have distrupted our balance.
Would you allow your in-law to move in with you? If so, what rules would you set to maintain your marital structure?
In the past few weeks, I have seen numerous commercials, shows and even movies that touched on having your spouses parent live with the two of you. I must say that I had the best Mother-in-Law and Kevin comments, very often, how much he loves my mother. She's non-intrusive, prayerful and extremely encouraging of our marriage. Wisely, we never bring her into our marriage, unless and until, God nudges us to do so. Kevin's mom was quite amazing as well. She never meddled in our relationship, but she was always full of wisdom and insights, not only about relationships, but her son.
We both desired nothing more than to honor our parents.
When my mother-in-law was sick, Kevin and I discussed her possibly moving in. The Bible speaks heavily of taking care of the widow; and that she was. Immediately, Kevin began to set rules that she'd have to abide by. Unfortunately, she passed away before that became a reality, but my comfort came when Kevin took the initiative to maintain our marital vows and home stucture, no matter what and/or who could have distrupted our balance.
Would you allow your in-law to move in with you? If so, what rules would you set to maintain your marital structure?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Spiritual Crisis: God’s Word and Strength of Spouse Defeats enemy
Hey Covenant Groupies,
Today I had a crisis of spiritual proportion. Mind you, before I read and prayed this morning I asked God to expose and reveal His word to me in a way like never before. As I read my devotional, today’s scripture was Philippians 4:6, “To be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.” Like with other scriptures I’ve read many times before, there was some revelation that I missed before. The word “supplication” caught my attention and sent me on a search. I sat with a King James Bible, a New Living Translation Bible and a Matthew Henry Commentary on the entire Bible. I needed answers and if I couldn’t get it from these resources, I’d have to pull out the other five Bibles.
Why was this word piercing me so?
The King James Bible defines “supplication” as: more than petitioning, but suggests an intensity of earnestness in extended prayer – not to gain merit by many words, but to fully transfer the burden of one’s soul into God’s hands. For several months I’ve been struggling in the “prayer” department. I’ve been praying, but it’s lost something; maybe an intensity of earnestness, maybe urgency? As I read those words, “intensity of earnestness,” I think this just may be it. I may have just found out what’s been going on.
The Thesaurus says some nouns that describe intensity are: strength, power, passion and force; whereas, some adjectives that describe earnest are: serious, sober, deep and sincere. I honestly believe that I’ve lost all of these, except sincerity. So what does this say about my prayer life when I do pray?
Nonetheless, this lost feeling was the catalyst for Kevin and my intense fellowship several weeks back. (Refer to blog entitled: “Intense Fellowship” and you’ll see what I mean.) I had even gotten to the point where praying about some very important things, that were once REALLY significant, were now falling by the way side.
As I sat reading God’s Word back to myself and welcoming His revelation into my life this morning, Kevin walked in and asked what I was reading. I told him and began to share with him my lack of intensity of earnestness in prayer and how, after reading Phil. 4:6 in Matthew Henry Commentary, he says,”…We must likewise persevere in particular requests, not withstanding some present discouragements and repulses.”
Not only was I not praying with intensity of earnestness, but I wasn’t persevering despite my discouragements and repulses; I had given up.
What happened next further expresses the love of the God we serve. Kevin, taken aback by the fact that I wasn’t really praying and that I was discouraged, had this look of sadness on his face. I asked him what was wrong and he said, “Babe, I didn’t know you were struggling with this. If you’re having an issue with praying, then I must carry this burden and help you through this." He said that my burden was now his burden to carry. Here I was thinking I was going to be able to leave my burdens with God and God graciously allowed my husband to offer to carry them as well. I now have my two heros, not only responding to my cry for help, but coming to the fight ready and fully loaded.
Needless to say, prayer after that was on fire! The strength of God and my husband helped me to overcome my crisis. The Bible does say that, “A cord of three stands is hard to break!" Eccl. 4:12.
The enemy got whooped this morning!!!!!
Praise God!
Today I had a crisis of spiritual proportion. Mind you, before I read and prayed this morning I asked God to expose and reveal His word to me in a way like never before. As I read my devotional, today’s scripture was Philippians 4:6, “To be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.” Like with other scriptures I’ve read many times before, there was some revelation that I missed before. The word “supplication” caught my attention and sent me on a search. I sat with a King James Bible, a New Living Translation Bible and a Matthew Henry Commentary on the entire Bible. I needed answers and if I couldn’t get it from these resources, I’d have to pull out the other five Bibles.
Why was this word piercing me so?
The King James Bible defines “supplication” as: more than petitioning, but suggests an intensity of earnestness in extended prayer – not to gain merit by many words, but to fully transfer the burden of one’s soul into God’s hands. For several months I’ve been struggling in the “prayer” department. I’ve been praying, but it’s lost something; maybe an intensity of earnestness, maybe urgency? As I read those words, “intensity of earnestness,” I think this just may be it. I may have just found out what’s been going on.
The Thesaurus says some nouns that describe intensity are: strength, power, passion and force; whereas, some adjectives that describe earnest are: serious, sober, deep and sincere. I honestly believe that I’ve lost all of these, except sincerity. So what does this say about my prayer life when I do pray?
Nonetheless, this lost feeling was the catalyst for Kevin and my intense fellowship several weeks back. (Refer to blog entitled: “Intense Fellowship” and you’ll see what I mean.) I had even gotten to the point where praying about some very important things, that were once REALLY significant, were now falling by the way side.
As I sat reading God’s Word back to myself and welcoming His revelation into my life this morning, Kevin walked in and asked what I was reading. I told him and began to share with him my lack of intensity of earnestness in prayer and how, after reading Phil. 4:6 in Matthew Henry Commentary, he says,”…We must likewise persevere in particular requests, not withstanding some present discouragements and repulses.”
Not only was I not praying with intensity of earnestness, but I wasn’t persevering despite my discouragements and repulses; I had given up.
What happened next further expresses the love of the God we serve. Kevin, taken aback by the fact that I wasn’t really praying and that I was discouraged, had this look of sadness on his face. I asked him what was wrong and he said, “Babe, I didn’t know you were struggling with this. If you’re having an issue with praying, then I must carry this burden and help you through this." He said that my burden was now his burden to carry. Here I was thinking I was going to be able to leave my burdens with God and God graciously allowed my husband to offer to carry them as well. I now have my two heros, not only responding to my cry for help, but coming to the fight ready and fully loaded.
Needless to say, prayer after that was on fire! The strength of God and my husband helped me to overcome my crisis. The Bible does say that, “A cord of three stands is hard to break!" Eccl. 4:12.
The enemy got whooped this morning!!!!!
Praise God!
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