Today's thought...

I gave them this reply, "The God of Heaven is the One who will grant us success."

Nehemiah 2:20a

People ask all the time how we are successful in our marriage, after all the trials and tribulations and difficultes. All I can say to them is that God gives us the victory.



This victory is over ourselves, primarily over each individual as one. This victory comes each and every time we overcome a point of personal pride. Every time we come face to face with our own iniquities and walk away with our heads held high, thinking first of the other person, this is the power of Christ within us.



I urge you all tonight to spend time in prayer together. Thank God for allowing you the opportunity to overcome your pride and move forward into a stronger relationship, not only with your spouse, but with God and Christ!



God bless you all!!!

Whatever is, has already been, and whatever will be, already is. God repeats what has passed.

Ecclesiastes 3:15

The vast majority of us who are married are always making the statement that this must have never happened before, once we go through difficult things. We always seem to think very selfishly about ourselves, and assume that we really are the first.

First, be aware that the Book of Ecclesiastes brings forth much wisdom, some of which is found in 1:9 as it tells us that there is "nothing new under the sun." Second, realize that we are to follow a greater Commandment, and love others as we have been loved.

Take that knowledge and step outside yourself for a moment... find someone in need of lifting, and lift them up! You'd be surprised how powerful that moment can be for the both of you involved.

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"And the Spirit entered me and lifted me to my feet, and I listened to the One who was speaking to me."
Ezekiel 2:2

The prophet Ezekiel makes multiple mentions of being "lifted to my feet" in his work. And the real truth is that he was seeking the mercy of God for the people of Israel. But to be lifted to your feet, you have start somewhere else... in prayer, on your knees.

Our marriages are similar, in that when we seek restoration or mercy from trials, we should be aware of how we ask and what position we start in. I would imagine, for those of you with present difficulties, that starting FIRST in prayer, kneeling before the God of peace and love and victory over all trials, might bring about some clarity. And if you truly expect to be lifted to your feet by the Spirit entering you, you will have to start lower than standing.

Take a moment today and read this passage with your spouse. It does not speak directly to marriage, but if we take the object lesson and apply it as such, we may learn something about the power of prayer in our homes.

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Psalm 23:6

You know, if you take a second to think about it, our spouses are almost always cleaning up after us. And they do so with love and kindness towards our iniquity and flaw, as they married us for better or worse. So, in a way, this verse speaks purely to marriage, in that my wife IS goodness and loving kindness, and out of her love for me she follows me... mostly cleaning up what I messed up, but she assumes the servant-leader role.

And I know that in some things she would say the same of me. There are times when each of us are supposed to lead, and the other is to follow. It is the way of love to allow someone else to shine, or take point, or just go first in line.

And as for where we dwell. Well, since we're Christians, I think no further explanation is needed on that one.

Take time today to thank God for the one who follows you... and for the one you follow. That kind of love is from God... and He deserves the honor and glory and majesty in this, and all other things!

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
Psalm 23:5

I skipped a week in this, as far as postings go, for some serious reflection. And I came to an interesting discovery about this verse as related to marriage; it fits perfectly.

We come anointed to our marriage table, in the face of the world which tells us to overlook the vows and go please ourselves, regardless of who it hurts. And we sit and consume, together, the liquid that flows through all things, the Word of God. And, though we have ups and downs and corkscrews and sudden drops and missing track and pneumatic starts and stops (can you tell I like roller coasters), we have an overflowing chalice to refresh ourselves from... always there... never changing... the Grace and Love of God is THERE!!!

Take time tonight to thank God for your seat at the table. More importantly, thank Him for your spouse's seat beside you. And remember that the world is trying to get what we have, because they cannot understand our eternal security. Be ready to share it, and unashamed to have it.

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"Even when I walk though the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
Psalm 23:4

He is with us in times of distress. He stands ready to guard us. And this should bring great comfort to all, as our own "darkest valley" is different for each individual. The fears are person-specific, and always hit right to the core. In short, the valley is scary.

So dark; so quiet; wind rushes past your ear, and you can hear it change direction. You hear and feel your every breath and heartbeat. So why not turn back? Because in that same terror, you also feel the presence of the Shepherd, there to ensure your safety and deliverance. And be certain, you would not come this way (figuratively) if it weren't necessary.

Take time today to thank God for His provision and protection over your journey. And pray the same for your spouse. God stands with you, and that is all you ever need... but your spouse CHOSE to be there in those dark times, also, and deserves your gratitude.

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"He renews my life. He leads me in right paths for His name's sake."
Psalm 23:3

Renews my life... restores my soul... revives me... refreshes me... and all to walk down the path that I am meant to walk, so that His name can receive honor and glory, as it should.

To look at this from our typical marriage perspective speaks volumes, beloved ones. It means that our trials are always ended with Him refreshing us. And it means that those trials were necessary to our path.

Take a moment and thank God tonight for the path you are walking. I assure you, whether it's great and wonderful in this moment or not, He sees you and hears you. And He does NOT fail!

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters."
Psalm 23:2

Our lives are often intertwined with unpleasant experiences, unfortunately. We always ask and wonder why we go through the tough times, even though we internally know the answer; it is all for a greater purpose, according to the will of God.

And somehow, so very many of us (myself included) seem to pass right over the good times, as though we feel that He owes us those in return for the bad. News flash, folks... God owes us NOTHING! Because, just as it is said in "Footprints," it is during the tough times that He carries us.

And all of this is applicable to our marriages, as well. Where is the ideal "green pasture" for you and your spouse? Are you there yet, or still journeying toward it? Personally, we are closer than ever before, and looking forward to arrival! But arriving there to rest does not mean that the pasture has no wolves or bears or lions. Threats to our safety will always exist, but we have the Great Shepherd who leads us to our place of rest and relaxation to watch over us... as long as we trust Him.

Chat with your spouse today about your ideal pasture that you aim for. If you don't yet have that picture, then perhaps it is time to put it on paper and see what it will look like. A common goal can unite a couple in amazing ways. And when that goal is in line with God's will for your lives, the possibilities are ENDLESS!!!

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing that I want."
Psalm 23:1

How often do we breeze through this verse? How many times have we heard it, and thought about its real power and message? If you take any amount of time, as my wife and I are, and dwell and meditate on this, you will be amazed at the power in these eleven words.

Further, I would challenge you tonight to take a moment and take your spouse by the hand. Both of you should repeat this one verse from this famous Psalm a few times out loud together. I know that you will feel a different and more powerful connection to each other by doing this, and the Lord will inhabit that moment, bringing His plan for your marriage right into focus.

Nothing can stop it when your hearts and minds work together towards Him!

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue."

Prov 17:4

In this day and age, it is difficult to ignore the assaults on our marriages. Most of them come from outside, but some others do come from within; sometimes from within us. And those arguments and attacks are usually the very worst.

But, beloved ones, the truth of it all lies in the fact that as a Christian, you are NOT wicked! You may have less-than-perfect moments, but on the whole you are a born-again, new creation filled with the Holy Spirit. And that Spirit inside you can and will overcome all things!

Take a moment today to speak with your spouse about what it means to you to be filled in this way, and the freedom from true wickedness that you have. Odds are you'll have a great time, and further arm yourselves against the negative assaults of the enemy.

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"While Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hands down, Amalek prevailed."
Exodus 17:11

This particular passage speaks to war, and I do not wish to incite that among anyone. But please notice that the war was only won with hands lifted high. There is not a single mention of shouting, chanting, grunting or even praying... just hands lifted high, giving glory to God, who creates the victory against the seemingly insurmountable.

This is true in our marriages, as well. As long as we give glory to God for the gift He has given us (our spouse), then we will be able to overcome the arguments and disagreements. It doesn't ever say that it becomes easy to prevail. Actually, Moses had two friends hold his arms up when he was tired. But still, the Lord won the day because Moses put honor and glory where it belonged.

Take time tonight to lift your hands together and pray. Give glory to the One who both created you and brought you together as a couple. He knows what He's doing, whether we want to believe that or not.

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

"The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet."

- Exodus 14:14

Odd, isn't it, how we grumble ad complain and try to win arguments in our own power? And yet, we know that the day can be won by simply letting God do what He does best... which, of course, is everything.

Today, for the first time in a long time, I will ask that you and your spouse spend some quiet time together. Quiet. Quiet. Quiet.

Let the Lord speak to you both, and honor the Lord by listening to what He has to say!

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
Heb 12:5-6

The love that God shows us all is not a pampering love... it is a perfecting love. It is going to hurt. It is going to be uncomfortable at times. And it will leave memories of the lessons learned.

But here's the good news about it all; His love for you never EVER changes. And when you do right, it will be just as righteous and pure a love as when you misstep. And the biggest kicker is that we should be showing this same love to our spouses and families.

God bless you all!!!

Yahweh Nissi

Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. He said, "For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord. The Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation."
Exodus 17:15-16

Banners and standards have always been used, like modern-day flags, to rally and inspire the troops in battle. But what if your banner was so big that you could not ignore it... ever? What if it was so big that no one could ignore it? What if your banner was that big, and yet personally fitted to cover and consume you, body and soul, identifying you as belonging to that particular standard?

That IS Yahweh Nissi. He is the banner that encapsulates us entirely, as we attempt to learn more about Him.

It also speaks to how the world works when we offer praise. Even though Moses had to have others hold his arms up to continue the victorious battle for Joshua below, the point is that hands were lifted high to God... and God responded!

Pray tonight that Yahweh Nissi would cover and capture you, reminding you of His awesome presence. And then pray that same protection over your spouse and loved ones. Remember, He is the only banner that no single created thing can ignore; all of creation knows His name!

God bless you all!!!

El Roi

(Pronounced EL raw-EE)

This is a powerful name for God, and it probably gets overlooked quite a bit, because it is only used one time in the entire Bible. It means, "The God who sees me." It is used by Hagar, servant of Sarai, when Hagar is visited by an angel of the Lord in Genesis 16. Again, it is important to note that this is the ONLY time it is used.

When praying to El Roi, you are speaking directly to God's omniscience, because He sees you... all of you... everything about you, all the time, without missing a single thought, movement or tear. He knows you, inside and out. Some would say that this negates the need for confession, but I would caution you to remember that God does not need us; He WANTS us.

Take time today to confess those things that you have not yet had the strength to admit to. He already knows them all, but saying them out loud to Him will bring relief and blessing. And never forget that He sees you!

God bless you all!!!

Elohim

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1

I have begun a study on the names of God and Jesus, and will from time to time be posting insights about them and the study. The first one, appropriately, is over the name Elohim (God, Mighty Creator).

Tonight, I would ask you to share with your family that God created everything. I know it sounds basic, but it is good to remember sometimes that He created ALL THINGS, and that all of creation, whether they acknowledge His importance or not, KNOWS HIS NAME. And we would all do well to remember this when we pray.

God bless you all!!!

Happy Easter!

I'm one day behind on this, I know...

Hallelujah, He is risen! The Lord is risen, indeed, Hallelujah!

We pray that your Easter was a blessing, and that your family and friends were all able to once again be blessed by the power outflowing from the resurrection of Christ, which was sufficient payment for all sins of all mankind for all eternity.

Some will say to remember the sacrifice on Easter, or for the week... but I would challenge you to remember it for the year. And then for the next one, and the next one. His Grace to us is eternal; our service to Him should be nothing less!

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
Prov 24:3-4

The Book of Proverbs is always open to interpretation by the reader. Some verses are more direct than others, and some paint wonderful pictures with words, allowing the reader to put him or herself into the verse to see what it may mean to him/her.

I believe this verse is such a "painting." For me, wisdom to marry built the proverbial house. Our understanding of each other and the way to grow together established us. And our rooms have been filled with rare and beautiful treasures... our three children.

Take a moment today to give thanks for the treasures in your home. They may vary, depending on who you are and where you are in your life and walk, but I promise you they exist. And once you begin to look for things to be thankful for, you will discover more than you thought possible!

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you."
Prov 9:8

How do you take criticism? Do you get mad at the person who offers it (like I often do) or do you accept the words as instruction?

This particular point has been on my mind for some time now, as I am an example for my household to follow. Whether that example is a good one is up to me. But I should always strive to be as Christ-like as possible, which would mean that I must show grace to all who speak to me. Even if their words are negative and harsh, turn the other cheek still applies.

Take a moment today to reflect on how well you deal with rebuke. Pray for a greater capacity to accept each point of criticism as gracefully as is humanly possible. After all, is there any better characteristic to strive for in a Christ-like walk than to show true grace to another?

God bless you all!!!

Today's thought...

Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool expresses his folly.
Prov 13:16

We, as men and husbands, must ensure that our actions come from knowledge. Whether that knowledge is from past successes or failures is irrelevant, as it must all lead to a more positive place.

We have to remember that wish that we all make as we grow up: we realize that we want better for the generation to follow us than what we had. And the only way to make certain that happens is to learn from mistakes, have successful ventures, and improve yourself! (And believe me, I am speaking more to me right now than anyone.)

Take time to pray with your spouse today, thanking God for all of the experiences you have had, and for the knowledge that you gained from them. Never take any encounter for granted, as there is ALWAYS something to learn from EVERYONE and EVERYTHING.

God bless you all!!!