‘Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord . Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
Beth
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.’ Psalms 119:1-11(NLT)
‘Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.’ Romans 12:2(NLT)
‘We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. ‘ 2 Corinthians 10:5(NLT)
Seek God. Fight fair. Have fun. Stay pure. And never give up. These five commitments are the keys to a lasting marriage. But we need God to do these things; we can’t do them under our own strength.
Leave the past in the past. Let every day be a new day. From this day forward, we can decide what we want our marriage to be. We can’t change the past, but God can change our future. Keep your marriage simple, focused, and Christ-centered, and you’ll have the marriage that most people only dream about.
Let’s pray together: God, help me see the ending of this Bible plan as a beginning of a new thing that You want to do in my marriage. I give You complete control of every area of my life — including my marriage — so that all of my life brings glory and honor to You. I want a marriage that shows the world what Your love, redemption, grace, and forgiveness is like. As I commit to seeking You, please be present in my marriage, and grant both of us Your favor. Thank You for all that You’ve already done in our relationship. And thank You for what I trust You will continue to do in us and through us. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
from From This Day Forward by Craig & Amy Groeschel