Day 7 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
(Proverbs 23:4-5)

That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
(Proverbs 8:21)

Money is the root of so many marital arguments. Ask yourself... "Am I being negative toward my husband in the area of finances?" Be determined not to speak badly about or to your husband in this area. Discover ways to encourage and help him instead.

Does your husband handle finances wisely? Does he make good financial investments, based on biblical principles? Does he have a budget? Does he make wise decisions about purchases, checking many sources before he buys? Is he a good steward of his money before the Lord? Let him know how much you appreciate his strengths in financial matters.

If he is weak in this area, encourage any good decisions that he does make. Perhaps you can help him, if he's open to the idea, by organizing financial files or providing other practical assistance. Or, if he wants you to handle the finances, ask for his input before you make decisions that will affect him.

While praying for your husband today, ask that the Lord will prosper him in every task he puts his hands to, that he may be fruitful in all he undertakes as he seeks out God's Word. Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of disagreement in your family.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
(Psalm 1:2)

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
(Romans 12:10-13)

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
(Hebrews 13:5)

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 Eight!
May your marriage be blessed!

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

Day 6 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

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

Do you recognize and appreciate your husband's creativity? Or do you criticize and demean his efforts? Instead of negativity, determine to be positive.

Perhaps you can help your husband see that his efforts are an opportunity to glorify God. Is your husband the "creative" type? Does he have any artistic gifts? What is that special "knack" he has? Support him for his handiwork... a hobby, music, gardening, tinkering with cars, working with wood, etc.

Remember, even if he doesn't measure up to your standards or someone else's critiques and way of doing things, praise his efforts. He is awesome at something, if not more than one thing, and should be acknowledged for such! If your budget allows, buy him a book or magazine that will continue to encourage his special skill or talent.

If for some reason you have a hard time finding his "creative side", understand that men's creativity is sometimes related to their work or trade. Find something he does to make his job run more smoothly or something he does that adds value to his work... and let him know that you have noticed.

Make his day... Praise his accomplishments in public, while he is listening.

While praying for your husband today, ask that the Lord bring him victory in every place the sole of his foot treads. Pray that when tempted, your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to grow in your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church.

Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours.
(Deuteronomy 11:24)

For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
(Deuteronomy 20:4)

Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
(Proverbs 20:6)

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
(Matthew 5:27-28)

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 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 10:12-13)

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 Seven!
May your marriage be blessed!

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

Day 5 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

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)

Another way to describe the positive side of this 30-Day Challenge is by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up." Negative comments only discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build.

Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their eyes? This is especially important to other family members. Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you can drop a word of praise into a conversation, phone call, or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and weaknesses he may have.

While praying for your husband today, ask that the Lord surround your husband with angelic protection everywhere he goes. Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
(Psalm 91:11)

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

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
(John 17:15)

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 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 10:12-13)

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 Six!
May your marriage be blessed!

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

Day 4 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to your husband and to others about him?

Here's a suggestion that touches the core of your husband's world. Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways. Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others.

If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part of a successful career... such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.

While praying for your husband today, ask the Lord to give him fresh insight and inspiration to do his work, while renewing his strength as the eagles. Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31)

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
(Psalm 51:2-4)

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
(Micah 6:8)

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 Five!
May your marriage be blessed!

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

Day 3 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As you think about your encouragement challenge, decide that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband. Speak kindly to him with words of genuine encouragement. If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank him for his kindness and consideration.

Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to be both tough and tender. Sometimes it's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind or tender... especially if he hasn't had role models in these areas.

If he's not a considerate person, appeal to him for help without complaining. Let him know that it's hard for you to handle some things alone. Then, when he moves in to help, don't insist that he do it your way. Be thankful that he is responding, and express your gratitude.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:19)

Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure, loved, etc. Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart.

While praying for your husband today, bind the spirits of rebellion, stubbornness and double mindedness far from him that he may be free to walk in the way of the Lord. Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship, protecting and providing for you as the Lord would have him to. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage.

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
(James 1:8)

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.
(Ephesians 5:25-29)

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
(Colossians 3:19)

God's word makes it clear what he expects from husband's and wives, but YOU cannot make these changes if your husband is not quite lining up with God's ways. Your husband's relationship with God is between him and God alone... as his help-meet, your only position in the matter is to pray and seek these things for your husband. Leave it up to the Lord to do a work in the heart of your husband.

So 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 Four!
May your marriage be blessed!

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

Day 2 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
(Galatians 5:13)

How did you do yesterday with your first day of blessing/thanking your husband? Was it easy? Was it hard to hold your tongue when you wanted to say something negative?

I hope you're off to a good start! If you did mess up... don't give up! Start again today! There are so many practical things you can praise, if you look for them.

Today, think of a way that your husband is serving you or your family. Does he help around the house? Take care of the family car? Fix things that are broken? Tend to the yard work?

Maybe your husband's not a handyman, but does he run errands for you? Help with the kids? Let you go first? Take care of you when you are sick? Help you make decisions? Working overtime to supply the extras? Making a mad rush to the corner store when you realize the milk has run out?

Praise him for his willingness to serve others... even the small things that may normally get overlooked. Pick one, two, or five of these things today and let him know that you see his unique service as a great strength!

While praying for your husband today, ask the Lord to open his ears so he may hear God speak, his eyes so he may see God's leading, and his heart so he may receive God's wisdom. Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, loving and fearing of the Lord.

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.
(Ephesians 1:17-19)

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
(Proverbs 3:7)

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

Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
(Psalm 112:1)

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 Three!
May your marriage be blessed!

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

Day 1 of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:11-12)

To help you get started, have you ever thanked your husband for choosing you above all other women? He found you attractive as a person and appreciated you, for which we should be thankful.

Though many circumstances in your marriage may have changed, let your husband know that you are glad God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the rest of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his corner. One of the best opportunities to express your gratitude is first thing in the morning. How do you greet your husband each morning? Is he confident in your love? Give him a wake up call that he'll never forget - a big "I love you" and an "I'm so glad I'm your wife!"

Pray for your husband today, asking the Lord to surround him with His favor as a shield. Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, Bible study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc.

For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
(Psalm 5:12)

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.
(II Peter 3:18)

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
(Proverbs 4:23)

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!

I was asked on Facebook in response to yesterdays post introducing this prayer challenge, if one can join in even if the couple is not yet married. Quite honestly, I can't think of one reason not to! Building a future marriage based on prayer couldn't be a better way to start off! Seeking God's will in your relationship can begin at any stage... in fact, the sooner the better!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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 Two!
May your marriage be blessed!

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

30 Days of Covering Our Husbands in Prayer

Consider this verse:
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
(Matthew 21:22)

Does this mean if I pray asking for a shiny new SUV, to wake up to a bank account with millions of dollars deposited overnight, or a sudden weight loss of 35 pounds that it will happen because I prayed and believed it hard enough? That is NOT what this verse speaks to us. However, when we pray from a sincere humble heart for things of God, things He wants us to strive for according to His word, believing in Him to honor His word... we CAN expect results. Remember, "things" aren't necessarily materialistic... "things" we pray for can (and should) be holy spiritual requests that will ultimately bring us closer to Christ, as well as glory to God.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
(Proverbs 31:11-12)

It should be our desire to have a close and intimate relationship, spiritually and physically, with our husbands. We are his help-meet (Genesis 2:18), and being such does not mean "helping him" by putting together a honey-do list, "helping him" by telling him what he should or shouldn't be doing differently, or "helping him" with nagging and complaining so he will hopefully make changes just to shut us up.

Those things only put a strain on a marriage, pushing more and more couples apart. Prayer however, seeking God to mold your marriage into what HE would have it to be by seeking out Biblically significant aspects, can turn even a marriage between the best of friends into something absolutely divine in the eyes of God.

I've come across two similar studies on this subject, and decided to combine the two into one month, 30 consecutive days, of covering our husbands in prayer. Not prayers based on how we feel or what we want based on situation and circumstance... but prayer that is based solely on what God desires for our marriages.

Each day, starting tomorrow, for the next 30 days, I will be posting a husband related topic, devotion, motivator, and/or encouragement here on my blog. In the meantime, 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!

Satan wants nothing more than to devour our husbands and our marriages by attacking the character of the spiritual leader in our homes. However, we have the power through Christ to put a shield of protection over our husbands when we surrender ourselves and our time in prayer over him.

Feel free to join me in this prayer 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 post 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!

Check in tomorrow for Day One.
May your marriage be blessed!

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

Follow the Leader

In observation, I'm noticing there are a lot of titles when it comes to people claiming to be saved, born again, heaven bound, or however else it can be put. For the most part, those that are claiming Christ as their source of faith, the term "Christian" is pretty wide-spread. Please note, I am aware there is a list of different denominations, but to stick with my point I'm summing it up here as Christianity.

With most social media websites, there is usually some sort of blank to fill in when it comes to "religious views". I'm trying to figure out why these spaces are filled out with "Christian", yet posts to the same profile are giving God a last name, among other things that likely make the Lord weep.

Claiming Christianity used to mean something. But frankly, it's a term now. A title. A word used to throw it out there that hey, I go to church, I own a Bible, I say "Thank you God", I bow my head and say grace over my food when I remember to.

You may sense a frustration in my writing, but quite frankly, if you truly serve the same living God I do... the one who was crucified for our sins before we even existed, buried in a tomb, walked through hell, rose from His grave three days later, and ascended back into Heaven, all for the forgiveness of our selfish iniquities... then it should frustrate you too, that "Christian" has just become another word thrown around.

Bear with me for a moment while I break down this term to clarify a few things that I'll be coming back to...

Christianity   [kris-chee-an-i-tee]
noun
- the state of being a Christian

Christian   [kris-chuhn]
adjective
- of, pertaining to, or derived from Jesus Christ and His teachings; a faith.
- exhibiting a spirit proper to a follower of Jesus Christ; Christlike

Christlike   [krahyst-lahyk]
adjective
- like Christ; showing the spirit of Christ.

Believe   [bih-leev]
verb
- to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so

Follow   [fol-oh]
verb
- to go or come after; move behind in the same direction
- to accept as a guide or leader; accept the authority of or give allegiance to
- to conform to, comply with, or act in accordance with; obey
- to follow orders; to follow advice
- to imitate or copy; use as an exemplar

Now, I'm well aware of sin. I know we all have, we all do, and we all will sin again. But how many claiming this term on Sunday mornings or even on a Facebook profile "religious view", are truly striving to live up to its basic dictionary definition? Christian... follower of Christ... deriving from His teachings... showing the spirit of Christ...

A follower of Christ should be one who is compelled and in an intense pursuit of the God's will throughout ALL they do. Not just when it's convenient, fits the schedule or event, and seems like the thing to do because of present company. Failing at the attempt will happen... I'll be the first to admit I fall short... but the constant pursuit must remain.

Notice the difference between the definitions for "believe" and "follow". So which definition most accurately describes your "religious views"? Do you believe in Christ, or do you follow Him? Believing is a one time thought... just like some used to believe in Santa, the tooth fairy, and the Easter bunny... a belief can come and go.

Ah, but when you allow yourself to trust, when the YOU is humbled down before the Almighty, when you set out on a journey to put your feet into the footsteps led before you... that my friends, is a follower.

Just as basic definition a follower obeys, and conforms to whatever it is being followed. So as a Christian, one who is claiming to follow Christ, shouldn't our actions, words, and habits attempt to conform to the footsteps we're following? There should be obedience to ALL God's Word has laid out for us.

If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
(John 14:23)

Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
(Mark 8:34-35)

So there are only two choices, just as there are only two sides to a fence... we're either followers of Christ (Christians), or we're not.

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
(Matthew 12:30)

It's so easy to say "I believe"... but to say "I will follow" is a life long commitment of the heart. If Christ were standing before you looking you eye to eye, asking you, a believer, if you would follow. How would you answer? He did that with some, and He got the "I will, but..." response:

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
(Luke 9:59-62)

The "buts" didn't follow Him. Would you have given the "but Lord" excuses? A faithful follower doesn't look at how hard the path is. Regardless of storm or sunshine, the steps are sought out. The end reward is so much sweeter with an eternity of life everlasting to look forward to.

Will you follow the Leader to eternity? All we have to do is follow the path He led.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
(Matthew 6:24)

Cheese and Crackers

In a devotion this morning I read a short story about a man who struggled and penny-pinched to saved his money, until he was finally able to travel on a beautiful cruise ship as he had dreamed for so many years. It was all he could do just to scrape together enough to buy his ticket.

Figuring he was lucky enough for the cruise ticket itself, and wouldn't have enough money to buy the meals in the ship's fine dining room, he decided to take along some cheese and crackers for food.

For several days during mealtime he sat in his cabin eating his cheese and crackers, as the stewards passed by with carts full of fresh lobster, warm baked bread, juicy prime rib, decedent desserts, fresh fruits and vegetables.

He just couldn't stand it any longer. He reached out, grabbing one of the stewards and begged for a plate of food. "Please, help me. I'll go to work, I'll scrub the deck. I'll do anything to get something to eat. My cheese and crackers are turning stale, and I'm starving to death."

"But, sir," the steward replied, "don't you know? Your food comes with your ticket for the duration of the cruise!"

Oh my! How many Christians live out their lives the way this man did on his dream cruise. They settle for being "cheese and crackers" believers, living off the basic rations available, when they could be dining on the steak and potatoes! By allowing the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to everything life could have in store for them, they could be enjoying the savory fruits of the Spirit... love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).

Why choose a life of spiritual poverty allowing ourselves to get stale? I have had my share of being a "cheese and crackers" Christian. I allowed myself to settle for the bare bones of salvation. At times I convinced myself that's all there was for me, so it became all I really expected. I was okay with what the world thought being a Christian was. Thankfully though, my spiritual hunger got the best of me, stirred up my senses, and I surrendered my life to Christ as He intended!

Trust me friends, nothing can satisfy like Him, certainly not the cheese and crackers we too often settle for. Feast on the abundant life Christ provided for you!

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
(John 10:10)

Living What We Learn

Picture this scenario for a moment:

The owner of a company that employs a few hundred workers was preparing himself for an extended business trip out of town. Before he left, he sat down and wrote a lengthy letter of guidance and instruction, including detailed projects he wanted accomplished while we was away, clients he wanted contacted, and tasks he expected his all his employees to do while he was away. He finished his letter and put copies of the letter in each employees inbox to ensure they all had a copy to be read.

Satisfied that all loose ends were tied so they could be successful while he was away, he headed to the airport, and boarded his plane.

Several months later, he returned. Upon his arrival he immediately noticed the grounds hadn't been maintained. The grass had obviously not been cut in weeks, the lawn was littered with trash and debris, the shrubs and trees needed trimming, and the doors were marked with hand-prints and scuffs.

He parked his car and hurried inside. Employees were lounging in their chairs, drinking coffee and talking, feet propped on desks, and most weren't even dressed in appropriate office attire. A ping-pong table had been set up, and an array of video games littered the flat surfaces. His arrival went completely unnoticed.

Angry, he called a meeting of the entire management staff. When they all had gathered, he began his tirade.

"I can't believe what I'm seeing! Everything is completely different from what I expected it would be. What has been going here? Didn't you get my letter of guidance and instruction?"

Their faces brightened, and someone replied, "Yes sir, we did. We love that letter. We read it almost every day."

"In fact," said one man, "I've even memorized several paragraphs from your letter."

"It's terrific reading," others chimed in.

Another spoke up saying, "Sir, we've organized some study groups. We gather at least once a week and re-read portions of your letter to make sure we understand it all, and even debate on what we do and don't agree on. That's usually when we take a break, before things get heated. We've figured out if we don't discuss it much then there won't be any arguments here in the office."

Dumbfounded, he asked his employees, "But did you finish the projects? Did you call the clients? Did you do the things I asked you to do?" At that, everyone looked down. One man finally spoke on behalf of the group, saying, "No sir... you see, we're still studying your letter."



You see my friends, our problem isn't whether or not we fail to understand certain biblical truths or concepts. Our problem is actually living out the truths and concepts that we do understand. Each and every one of us have all been trusted with a letter from God. A letter from the boss Himself, our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Are you content to simply read the letter He left for you? Perhaps study it, maybe memorizing pieces of it here and there so you know all the right quotes and things to say when questioned?

When are you going to put it into practice?

It's one thing for Christians to say, "We believe the Bible!" However, it's quite another to behave as though we believe. Not just the part of His Word that we decide to make time for, not simply the parts that are convenient or easy to accomplish, and not just portions that already line up with how we feel or what we've been programmed to think all our lives...

Rather, all that we know and have learned through our own reading and studies should be applied. You see, once we know what the scriptures say, we are accountable for applying those instructions and teachings!

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
(James 4:17)

You see, failing to do what God wants us to do is just as much a sin just as doing what God has told us not to do.

Daily reading, doing bible studies, and memorization of God's Word, are all wonderful ways to grow closer to the Father and build up our relationship with Him... and we should be seeking out more of what the Word of God has for us! However, the goal of reading and bible study is not simply to determine what it says and what it means, but to apply what we read and study. It's not just there for information, it's there for transformation! His word should be boiling over into our hearts, not just stacked up in our heads.

All scripture is inspired by God, useful for teaching, reproof, correction, training.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Teaching shows us what is right. Just like a compass, the Bible always points us in the right direction.

And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them.
(Deuteronomy 28:13)

Reproof shows us when and where we are wrong. When we look into God's Word, we can see ourselves more clearly, and where changes need to be made when we're truly honest with ourselves.

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
(James 1:23-25)

Correction shows us how to make things right and get on track so we're making a difference for God's kingdom, and being more of a Christ-like example for others to follow. Just as we correct our own children when they lie, throw tantrums, or slack in studies, scriptures correct us in the faults we make daily.

Training in righteousness develops discipline to live right, even when it's not easy to do. This training comes through practice. Putting God's Word into place within our lives. We're not perfect, we will make mistakes, that's why it's called practice. But as the saying goes, practice makes perfect.

Application then begins to take place as we are confronted with the truth we read/hear/study, and we respond to that truth with faithful obedience. If we don't apply the scriptures we read, study, and memorize, we're only cutting short the entire process, and haven't finished what God wants us to do!

Let's make our beliefs and our behaviors one and the same, all for the glory of God. Then may we find rest in knowing there will be no shame when He unexpectedly returns!

Prayer Changes Nothing

Say what?? Okay, so if you read the title of this post and you're already looking for the comments section so you can correct me by giving example after example of all the answered prayers in your life... breath, and give me a moment.

And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night...
(Nehemiah 1:5-6)

First of all, our prayers are spoken into the wind if we are not first recognizing that God has sovereign power and authority... the King of Kings... and we are here as His servants. When praying a prayer that is genuine and heartfelt, we are recognizing Him on his throne, and our place before Him, humbly at His feet.

It must be acknowledged that when we pray, whether knelt beside a bed or couch, driving along in our vehicle, or in the pew at church... our prayers are not us having our way with God. Quite the opposite, it is God who is having His way with us!

Subconsciously at times, we tend to take to prayer as though we are manipulating and convincing God to give us our way, grant us a request, or hear our babbling. We're not in charge at that moment... rather, it's God doing a work in us... influencing, controlling, and putting the pressure on us to surrender completely to Him! Quite simply... If you're not willing to change, have an attitude adjustment, submit to His will, and apply some serious elbow grease to our own situation, then don't bother praying. It's OUR place to change, not God's.

We need to think about God's position. Seriously, picture it. Do we honestly think this great and mighty being, who created all things, and has every hair on your head numbered, could ever be caught by surprise, or let things get out of control according to HIS will? We have no room to try convincing God to change His mind. His plan will always overpower, outweigh, and over-shine ours.

Ah, but what about moments in God's word where God changed His mind?? Keep reading the content, because even then, God was unchanging. In the above referenced scripture, Nehemiah called out for favor on his people, and the situation changed... but it wasn't God that changed His mind deciding to grant Nehemiah his request. Something did change... but it certainly wasn't God's will... it was Nehemiah's heart.

So to clarify the statement made in the post title, prayer changes nothing about the situation or circumstance. It doesn't change God's mind, or make you a head haunch-o that has this miraculous ability to move the earth and change the world. Quite the opposite, prayer moves US... it changes everything about US! How we view a moment, how we handle a situation, how our attitudes approach a moment, how we let go, and submit wholeheartedly without resistance to the Lord, and His plan for us. The change isn't in God, the change is our perception, reaction, and faith in an enormous God that already has it all under control.