Car Truck! or Look at God!

I'm sure you've seen this car, the Chevy El Camino or "car truck", around the city at some point or time. They are a rare appearance because there are only a few left. This is not the most popular car on today's modern streets. Well my husband and son started playing a game they call, "Car Truck". Whenever they see an El Camino they yell, "Car Truck!" and they collect points which they mentally keep track of as to who gathers the most points based on who has seen the most El Caminos. I started playing this game with them (I didn't want to feel left out) and became so obsessed with the game, that when my husband and son weren't around and I saw an El Camino, I would take a picture with my cell phone and send them a picture text labeled: "Car Truck!"

What if we did the same thing with God? That whenever we saw the glory and beauty of His work on earth and in our lives we would yell, "Look at God!" That we would begin to give glory and praise to what God is doing in our lives and the lives of others. How much time do we spend having pity parties or feeling down about things that are happening in our lives. If we put all of our energy on blessing God with our praise and gratefulness for amazing glory; we wouldn't have time for our pity parties.

Imagine waking up to the birds singing outside... because you can hear: "Look at God!" or smelling the morning dew...because you have your sense of smell: "Look at God!" What about the seeing your loved ones waking up in the morning to see another day...because you have sight: "Look at God!" How about being able to step out the bed and feel the cold floor...because you have the use of your legs: "Look at God!" Opening the bedroom door...because your arms and hands still work: "Look at God!" Or maybe you can't be grateful for any of these things....but you're still breathing: "Look at God!"

I challenge you to look at God for everything...and the next time you're riding down the street and you see an El Camino - instead of yelling "Car Truck"; let it remind you of God and His glory and yell, "Look at God!" You may even want to mentally keep track of the points you rack up as you examine all of God's glorious blessings and how many times a day you said, "Look at God!" Maybe you'll take a picture of God's blessing and text it to someone with the message: "LOOK AT GOD!"

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2). Keep your eyes on God.

Faith or Fear?

I was driving one day and noticed my gas light was on letting me know that I needed gas. Well because I was in a hurry, I did not want to stop so I thought I would get the gas on the way back home. I continued to drive... but I was afraid the whole time that I might not make it to my destination and that I would be stranded. I kept looking at the gas hand as if it was going to miraculously change. I tried leaning toward the tank to put weight on that side and turning the car in a way that would make the gas hand move or stay above the empty line. I was really afraid that I would run out of gas so I ended up stopping to get gas and risked being a little late to my destination so I wouldn't be stranded on the side of the road.

However, on another occasion when my gas hand was low, I was unconcerned because my husband was trailing behind me. My gas light was on and I was driving all over the city as if I had a full tank of gas, without a care or concern. Why? Because my husband was right behind me the whole time. If I was to run out of gas, it wouldn't have mattered because he was there to save me. I could hop into his car and we could ride to the gas station; get gas and take it back to my car...no problem!

Well, that is how we should feel about life. Driving around without a concern for mediocre happenings. Why? Because our Father is right there. If we run out of gas, God is right there waiting to save us. He is waiting for us to hop into His car and ride with Him to the gas station to get gas and take it back to our car...no problem! God has it all in control. The question is are you living in fear or in faith? Are you driving around afraid that you will run out gas or are you trusting that if you do run out of gas, God is right there to save you?

In Matthew 14, Jesus had just performed the miracle of feeding 5,000, then he sends the disciples across the sea to the other side of the mountain and after dismissing the multitude, Jesus goes to pray by Himself. Later He walks on the water out to the disciples and startles them...but He assures them that they don't have to be afraid because "it is I". In fact, Peter joins Him on the water. But when Peter saw the wind, he became afraid and took his eyes off Jesus, that's when he began to sink and cry out for Jesus to save him. Notice what Jesus says to him, "You of little faith." But notice what Jesus does immediately...immediately Jesus reaches out His hand and catches Peter. But His question to Peter is "why did you doubt?"

My question to you is why do you doubt? When you know that Jesus will immediately reach out and catch you...why do you doubt? Are you exhibiting faith or fear?

Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for immediately reaching out and catching us when we are about to fall. Thank You for caring about us even when we don't trust You. Thank You! Amen.

Lord, remove this thorn, please? Part 2

2 Corinthians 12:9 My Grace is Sufficient...
I never mentioned what the thorn in my life was and that was done on purpose. We all have thorns and I didn't want you to think about my personal thorn; but about your own life and what God is doing in your own life with your own personal thorn. A thorn can be anything such as our children, the job, our spouse, our in-laws, our spirituality, it can even be ourselves. Whatever your thorn is in your life allow God to work a miracle in you to move you to greatness. God may remove your thorn or like Paul, He may tell you that His Grace is Sufficient.

Well, since my last post...the specific thorn that I was asking God to remove is no longer there. This is not to say that I won't have other thorns in my life in the future. But I was praying for God to remove this particular thorn when I realized that I really didn't need God to remove it; this was something I could do on my own. Sometimes we ask God to do things in our lives that we can ourselves but we won't do it because we lack faith. The only reason why I hadn't done anything was because I was worried about the outcome in the future and what would happen down the road. (For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11) But just as God's grace is sufficient so are His provisions. So I have stepped out on faith and I am allowing God to provide for my needs. Is this an easy thing to do? No. But God. Is this something we can do on our own or by ourselves? No. But God. Are there going to be hard times, trials, the enemy's trickery? Yes. But God! But God has it all under control and if we trust Him in the midst our trials; in the midst of our storms, in the midst of our thorns - His Grace is Sufficient!

Philippians 4:13 says: I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me. The Amplified Bible says it like this: "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]." But God! With Christ I am able to do some things I wouldn't normally be able or willing to do. With Christ I self-sufficient - with His sufficiency. I am adequate or enough with God's adequacy. I am ready! Why? Because of God's strength in me. So why am I worried about my thorn when I know God has already taken care of it? So why am I concerned about the economy when God has already taken care of it? So why am I depressed about paying bills when God has already taken care of it? So why am I envious of my brethren when God has already taken care of it? So why don't I have a closer relationship with God? Why don't I pray every day? Why don't I read His word? ...But God. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5); but with Him we can do all!

So don't fret when there is a thorn in your side. Ask yourself and God what is the purpose of my thorn? Reflect on if you have been spending time with God as you know you should. We have to be attached to the vine in order to produce the fruit of that vine. If you are not attached to God, then you are not producing good fruit. And to be attached to God means making Him a priority in your life by serving Him (no other gods - and those gods can be our cars, houses, money, jobs, spouses, children, anything that you worship more than God); talking to Him in prayer; listening to Him by reading His Word; and applying His statutes in your life (allowing His Will to be your will).

Remember, sometimes God allows us to go through things - not for us - but for others; for our testimony will help someone else. Sometimes it is because we need to grow. We cannot stay babes in Christ forever. And sometimes it's preparation for something God has planned for our lives. Whatever the reason for your thorn allow God's grace to be sufficient and ask Him to give you guidance in the midst of your thorn. Ask God to show you the next step for your life. Use your thorn as a learning experience and get closer to God in the process. And when your thorn is removed, don't forget God! Remember Him daily.

Thank You, Lord for Your love, Your grace, Your provisions, Your awesomeness, Your greatness, Your healing power, Your mercies, Your Son, Your Self! Thank You! Amen.

Lord, remove this thorn?

When you get a moment, read 2 Corinthians 12. It speaks of Paul who seems to be ranting about his treatment. I want to draw your attention to the statement he makes about asking God to remove the thorn from his flesh and God replies that His Grace is sufficient and His strength will be made perfect in Paul's weakness.


Well I have been struggling with my own personal thorn and I have asked God to remove it several times and like Paul, my answer seems to be the same (that God's grace is sufficient and His strength will be made perfect in my weakness). We don't like to be weak, nor do we like being imperfect (even though we know we'll never be perfect). We spend all day at the beauty shop getting just the right hair style. We take our time to get dressed, picking out the shoes and purse that match our outfit exquisitely. We make sure our suit has the perfect tie with just a hint of blue in it that will bring out the blue in our slacks. We want to be perfect. We don't like weakness. We won't cry in front of our spouse because we don't want to show weakness. We hide our feelings when we feel that we are getting to close to anyone so we won't get hurt. We don't like weakness.


But in God's world, we aren't perfect and we don't have to be strong. God will be our strength. God will be our perfection. I have struggled with asking questions of why? God, why have you allowed this to happen to me? Why does it seem I have no peace? Why would you bring me this far to leave me? Why, Lord? And His answer seems to be the same: "My grace is sufficient and My strength will be made perfect in your weakness." As I write this and sigh with a deep breath, I can be thankful that I don't feel the tears well up in my eyes...I won't lie, I have cried myself to sleep a many nights; I have cried and prayed with my face to floor; I have cried in the car calling out to Jesus! I have asked God over and over what is the plan? What's the next step? I have questioned my very existence and my purpose. ...But God. "My grace is sufficient and My strength will be made perfect in your weakness." Well Lord I am weak, weary, and worn. I need your grace. I need your strength.


Sometimes God allows us to go through things - not for us - but for others; for our testimony to help someone else. Sometimes it is because we need to grow. Sometimes it's preparation. Whatever the reason is for me...I'll remember "His grace is sufficient..." and if He removes the thorn too soon, I may not get all that I need to go to the next level. As Paul stated, if it had not been for the thorn, he would not be the man he was destined to be. He began to see the limitation as a gift...a gift from God and Paul allowed God's strength to move in on his weakness. Sometimes we need the thorn...to make us who we are destined to be.


Lord, help me to accept Your grace. Comfort me as I bear this thorn. Give me peace of mind and keep me in Your Will. To God be the Glory! Thank You Lord, for my trials for I know they are just a stepping stone to get me closer to You. Amen.

Congratulations!!

How has this challenge changed your heart and life? Did God encourage you as you planned ways to encourage your husband? Were there difficult days where you simply needed to trust that God was working?

Remember that God is faithful, and He will bless you for your willingness to obey Him. His ways are not our ways, and perhaps He will honor you in ways you do not expect, but one thing is sure: you will never be the same because of your commitment to be more like Christ!

Don't forget to post your comments, to journal your progress, and to continue encouraging your husband. Hopefully this has been a wonderful journey of renewal. And if you didn't do so well, then do it again next month or the month after. Our challenge is to continue this for a lifetime.

DAY 30 of 30 Day Challenge!

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

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

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

Friendship is something that is cultivated through the good times and the bad. Friends can share their hearts, but they don't step on each other's hearts.

The way to have and be a good friend is to cultivate and celebrate the relationship. As you end this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge," celebrate your friendship with your husband. Get alone and reflect on your beloved friend. Write him a letter, listing the qualities you admire and appreciate about him. If you are creative with words, write and frame a poem about him.

Perhaps you can prepare a special meal, just for the two of you, and read the letter or poem to him. Ask if you can pray for him, and if he is willing, thank God for your love and friendship, asking for His blessing on your home.

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

Lord, as I finish the 30 day challenge, please don't let me forget to incorporate this encouragement for a lifetime. Thank You for my best friend. Thank You for our marriage; our relationship. Keep us, guide us, and strengthen us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 29 of 30 Day Challenge

"A prudent man foresees evil, and hides himself; the simple pass on, and are punished." (Proverbs 27:12)

As you near the end of this challenge, take time to think about your husband's responses to the wickedness of the culture, the media, etc. Does your husband recognize and avoid evil? Does he regularly turn his back on pornography, sexual temptations, and the urge to lie and cheat?

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

Praise your husband when he recognizes and turns his back on wickedness. If you can think of a circumstance where your husband stood for righteousness, remind him of that today--and express your gratitude.

Lord, again thank You for protecting my husband from the wickedness of the world and for giving him a way of escape when he is faced with temptations. Continue to keep us in the path of righteousness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 28 of 30 Day Challenge

"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility." (Proverbs 15:33)

Sometimes, when we just "know" we are right and our husbands are wrong, it takes great humility to honor them. It is difficult to speak well of our husbands when our own hearts are puffed up with pride.

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

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

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

Lord, help me not to be boastful in my relationship. Help me to always speak wisely of my husband even when I may not feel like it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 27 of 30 Day Challenge

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:24)

You have almost completed the "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge." Perhaps it has taken you a tremendous amount of courage to speak words of ecouragement consistently to your husband. Courage comes as we place our trust in God. Have faith that God will continue to work long after your encouraging words have been shared.

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

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

Lord, thank You for a courageous husband...one that is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. Thank You for his faith in You and for his relationship with You. Help us to better at serving You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 26 of 30 Day Challenge

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52)

If you have faithfully encouraged your husband, you will no doubt have seen some changes in his life . . . and your own life, as well. Encouragement is a wonderful habit that we hope you will continue for the rest of your life.

The important thing is to keep growing in Christ and obeying the Word of God as you respond to your husband. As you consider today how to bless your husband and not tear him down, think of ways that you can encourage balance in your home.

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

If your husband is out of balance--focusing on one area to the exclusion of the others, consider whether there are things you can do to help restore or create balance in his life. Can you encourage times for sports or exercise? Keep the children quiet for a study time? Invite friends over for dinner? Stimulate his mind?

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

Father God, help me to be an example of balance in the home. Thank You for balancing us when things seem out of order. Continue to keep our home life balanced so that we are able to do what needs to get done at home, work, and in every aspect of our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 25 of 30 Day Challenge

"Seek peace, and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14b)

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3)

Before you consider whether these verses describe your husband, consider your own presence in the home. Do you promote an atmosphere of peace, or do critical words often flow from your mouth? Do you struggle with anger? If so, before you continue with this challenge, confess these sinful habits to the Lord, and determine to speak words of peace to your family today.

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

If, on the other hand, he is quickly angered or he creates chaos rather than calm, ask God to give you an abundance of the kind of peace that will speak to his heart. Be patient and loving. Create an inviting atmosphere of peace, as much as possible.

Thank You, Lord, for perfect peace. Peace that I did not understand until now. Thank You, Lord, that You allow us to have a peaceful home and for my husband's calm spirit. Help me to be better at creating peace and calmness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 24 of 30 Day Challenge

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

Children can be quite a challenge to the marriage relationship. A wise wife will support her husband's leadership in the home as much as possible, and will praise him for his fathering skills. Negativity makes a man feel like a failure, and may make him to want to give up.

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

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

If your husband does not experience positive relationships with children, you will need to figure out why. Perhaps he had negative experiences as a child with his own parents, and needs to learn how to respond. Perhaps you can lovingly and patiently show him how to parent--while still maintaining his authority in the home.

Lord, I thank You for my husband's place in our home and for his involvement with our children. If there is any tension between him and our children, please remove that now and allow him to have a positive relationship with them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 23 of 30 Day Challenge

"Let your speech always be with grace." (Colossians 4:6a)

You're moving toward the home stretch of your 30-day challenge! Just a reminder of what you've committed:

"You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to him or to anyone else. Each day, say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband . . . to him and to someone else.

"In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works." (Titus 2:7a)

Does the "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge" seem like hard work? Or is it becoming a pleasant exercise in genuine Christ-likeness in your home? You are only scratching the surface of ways to encourage your mate.

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

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

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

Thank You, Lord that I have an organized husband and that he is diligent in his life and persistent with his goals. Help us both to continue this pattern. And help me to appreciate these qualities in him. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 22 of 30 Day Challenge

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

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

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

If this is a problem area for him, consider how you might alter your own value system and live for eternity in front of him, encouraging him to do the same. Only two things will last into eternity: the Word of God and people. Be sure that you are focusing on the right things.

Lord, thank You that my husband has an eternal perspective and that he is not focused on materialism and temporal values. Help us to continue to grow in relationship with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 21 of 30 Day Challenge

"Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

It's time for some heart examination. As you continue in this 30-day challenge, have you found any roots of bitterness that are contaminating your relationship with your husband? Do you understand that as long as you are unwilling to forgive your husband (by God's grace and in His power) you will not be able to encourage him? Your own resentment will keep getting in the way. Now is the time to deal with any unforgiving attitudes. Forgive him, even as God has forgiven you.

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

Does your husband seem to harbor grudges against you? If so, could there be things you need to change? Do you possibly need to ask forgiveness for an offense? Help your husband be more forgiving by quickly forgiving him for his mistakes.
***
Ladies, usually doing something for 21 days becomes a habit. Have you gotten into the habit of encouraging your husband, yet? If not, maybe you haven't done this for 21 days...keep trying. We want this to be habit forming. We want to be lifetime encouragers.

Lord, thank You that You are a forgiving God and that You don't bring up my past faults - You cast into the sea of forgetfulness. Help me to also be forgiving to my husband. Don't allow me to harbor bitterness and unforgiveness in my heart for him and don't allow him to hold bitterness and unforgiveness in his heart for me. Help us to love one another the way You would have us to love with agape love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 20 of 30 Day Challenge

Read this wife's description of her beloved in Song of Solomon 5:10-16.

Criticism leaves scar; encouragement can bring healing. Remember that today as you focus on your "30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge."

Almost nothing is as devastating to a man as the belief that his wife finds him repulsive. Sadly, many women unwisely criticize their husbands' bodies.

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

As you look over your husband's body, from the tip of his toes to his bald or bushy head, thank God that your husband is "wonderfully made," then admire your husband verbally. (Strong arms? Hairy chest? Firm hands? Big feet? Rugged chin? Wide shoulders? Compassionate eyes? Broad smile?)

Lord, thank You for the beautiful man in my life. Thank You for this sexy husband, for his big hands and big heart. Thank You for his sexy eyes...for his sauve smile...for his touchable ears...for his kissable lips...for his nice strong grip...for his thick thighs...for his huggable back...for him! For his being here every morning when I wake up. For his being here when I go to sleep. For his caresses. For his touches. For his kisses. For his love. Thank You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 19 of 30 Day Challenge

"You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!" (Psalm 16:11a; 144:15b)

"A merry heart does good, like medicine." (Proverbs 17:22a)

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

Does your husband have a playful side? A great sense of humor? Is there a "little boy" that wants to escape from time to time, reflecting the joy in his heart?

This is a wonderful part of who he is, and a great strength. Let him know that you appreciate his joyfulness and his playful spirit. Find opportunities to join him in positive play times.

If your husband can sometimes be overly serious, coax him out occasionally for some play times. It will help him relieve stress and relax.
***
Ladies, make sure you are journaling your progress thus far and that you are praying that God will help you continue on your journey.

Lord, thank You for the husband You have given me. Help me to appreciate his qualities - all of them. Help me to love him for who he is and not to try to change him. Only You can change him and I want him to be what You want him to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 18 of 30 Day Challenge

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10)

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

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

If you are not sure about your husband's vision for your home, ask him, "Honey, what do you want to accomplish with our marriage and home in the years to come?" and "How can I help you accomplish that?"

If he does not have a vision, your questions may inspire him to develop one.

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

Lord Jesus, thank You for making me a wise woman and thank You for a wise husband. I pray that You will help me to encourage my husband to walk in obedience to You and that I will be supportive of his vision for our family (even if I don't agree with it). I thank You that my husband is inspired by Your wisdom and that he continues to walk in alignment with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 17 of 30 Day Challenge

"And the LORD God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." (Genesis 2:18)

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

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

If your spouse does not communicate as you wish, look for ways that he communicates that are normal for him--smiling at you, nodding his head, even a pleasant "grunt!"--and then thank him for letting you know that he cares. Perhaps he needs to be lovingly taught how to communicate. Be patient with him . . . and listen when he does speak.

Lord, help me to affirm my husband as he communicates more with me. Help me not to be criticizing so that he won't want to share with me through communication. Help me to lift him up and not judge him and to listen to him attentively when he is talking. Thank You for a husband that wants to communicate with me and not anyone else. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAY 16 of 30 Day Challenge

"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
(2 Peter 3:18a)

Sometimes we live so close to our spouse that we fail to see him as others do; we only see our husband's faults.

Take a step back. Perhaps he is growing spiritually in ways you have failed to appreciate. How can you encourage his growth in a fresh, new way? Remember--your husband is accountable to God for his spiritual development. You are accountable to God to encourage and not hinder that growth.

Can you identify an area of spiritual strength in your husband? Does he pray or read his Bible regularly? Does he like to read about or discuss spiritual matters? Does he go to church with you? Is he a spiritual leader? What do others say about him? If you can identify a specific area, praise him for that.

If not, pray earnestly that God will work in his heart, and watch for signs of spiritual growth in the future.

Lord, I want to thank You for a praying husband, for a church-going husband, for a husband that loves You and reverences You. Thank You that he is trying to serve You for the benefit of our family. And Lord help him to be the man that You would have him to be. The husband that You would have him to be, not what I want, but what You want him to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.