Month: September 2020

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Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

A Road Warrior’s Guide To Spiritual Discipline – Day 4

‘As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you. You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.’ 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12(NLT)

‘So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:11(NLT)

A good friend visited one summer and shared details of what had become a failed marriage.  Her husband frequented Asia for work and had become deeply entrenched in a pattern of infidelity. Now she and her children faced life without a husband and father. 

It’s dangerously easy for Road Warriors to grow comfortable with distance from their family and community by falling into the habit of only loosely communicating while away.  The unfortunate result can be emotional distance and separate lives where each simply does their own thing. 

God gifted us with family and community and established unique roles for us in each other’s lives.  He does not want us to become disconnected. When the apostles traveled, they constantly tied in to community or family.  It was nearly impossible to live a separate life. A common denominator among travelers who have experienced relational adversity is that one or both parties slid into a separate life.  In doing so, they not only became distant from each other, but also from God’s plan for their lives. 

As with devotion and prayer, communication and connection with home are critical. Contact needs to be much more than simply checking a box during a hectic week. Married Road Warriors, especially, who travel solo need a purposeful communication plan that establishes presence at home even while away.  Good, healthy community on the road can also help fill the void, especially for the single traveler.  We’ll deep dive that subject in a separate Bible Plan. 

For married travelers, we recommend setting aside regular dates and times to connect with home in advance, intentionally slowing down before connecting and using live communication apps like FaceTime or Skype.  Set aside a few minutes to connect with God before you connect with your family.  Pray and get in the right state of mind and heart. Get out of the work mode to foster a true connection. 

Connect, listen deeply, share your day and your thoughts, and seek to understand what is happening in each other’s lives.  Persist! You’ll find yourself better tuned in, more connected, and more closely aligned with God’s plan for your relationship with your family and loved ones.

from A Road Warrior’s Guide To Spiritual Discipline

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Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

A Road Warrior’s Guide To Spiritual Discipline – Day 3

‘Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord , meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.’ Psalms 1:1-3(NLT)

‘For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. ‘ Hebrews 4:12(NLT)

‘But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.’ Psalms 55:16-17(NLT)

Road Warriors have a different rhythm while away.  They eat, work, exercise, and sleep in different places.  Travel removes them from their home routine and elevates their pace in a changed environment.  Maintaining the critical disciplines of devotion and prayer against this backdrop is difficult. 

Still, travelers ultimately build routine into their time away. It’s essential to ensure devotion and prayer remain an integral part of that routine in pursuit of closeness with God.  That time-slot and favorite chair in the family room or on the back porch must be replaced by something else.  Creating specific times and places in your calendar for devotion and prayer on the road is essential. 

Some of David’s best-known Psalms were likely written while he was alone in exile, fleeing from King Saul.  He kept the prayer discipline alive, and he stayed near to God. Jesus Himself set aside time for rest and communication with the Father as He traveled and ministered.  Establishing discipline around prayer and devotion while away is fundamental to staying on track spiritually and requires thoughtful planning and time management. 

While unpacking, pick a devotional spot like that solo chair near the window in your hotel and make it comfortable.  It could even be a cozy space in the hotel common areas, or a park bench nearby.  Also, consider picking out a Bible Plan in advance that is consistent with your spiritual focus for the trip, and set an alarm for additional prayer during the day.  These disciplines will help you stay attuned to God throughout your time away. 

Maintaining prayer and devotional time amidst busy travel requires planning, but it is well worth the effort.  By setting your heart and mind on God in this way, you will more easily maintain your spiritual focus, invite God along as you push through your day, help fill the void of community, and ultimately return stronger.

from A Road Warrior’s Guide To Spiritual Discipline

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Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

A Road Warrior’s Guide To Spiritual Discipline – Day 2

‘Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.’ Colossians 3:1-4(NLT)

‘But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. ‘ Galatians 5:22-25(NLT)

‘Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. ‘ 1 Peter 4:8-10(NLT)

I found myself in a deep conversation with a homeless woman after a busy day of travel and meetings.  I wanted to get back to my hotel, but my encounter required I apply the brakes and place God front and center.  For that thirty-minute conversation and a while afterward, I experienced the joy of having shifted my focus from my tightly wound world to something much bigger and God-centered. 

I exercised patience and compassion I didn’t realize I had after a busy day, and I suddenly felt more closely in step with God.  I also realized I wanted to do this more often.  It dawned on me that establishing some kind of spiritual focus for each of my trips might not only bring spiritual purpose to my travel, but also multiply opportunities to minister – while drawing me closer to God as I purposefully set my heart and mind on Him. 

My first conscious attempt to do this was choosing to serve those who typically served me along the path on a trip.  Road Warriors are constantly served while away.  By turning the tables and becoming the servant, I ended up in conversations I would never have had, and it helped me establish a God-centered mindset.  I wasn’t without failure and found myself hitting reset, but with prayer and focus, my time away became an opportunity to grow and reflect God.

Try starting your trip with a spiritual focus.  For example, establish one of the fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5 (patience, kindness, gentleness) as a goal, and include it in your day-1 prayer.  And pick a Bible Plan for the trip that is consistent with your focus like EA McQuitty’s Toolbox Plan in this Road Warrior’s Series.  You’ll not only draw closer to God while away by setting your heart and mind on Him, but you’ll impact lives for Him while away.  Then download about it upon your return with your prayer partner.

from A Road Warrior’s Guide To Spiritual Discipline

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Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

A Road Warrior’s Guide To Spiritual Discipline – Day 1

‘“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”’ Matthew 18:19-20(NLT)

‘Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.’ Ephesians 6:18-20(NLT)

‘Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. ‘ Mark 1:35(NLT)

I drove to the airport a little too close to departure and rushed to my flight. The next 2.5 days consisted of wall to wall meetings and constant activity in-between.  I squeezed too much into a short time-slot to minimize time away. Upon returning it occurred to me how intently I had focused on my work, and not so much on God.  He felt distant.  I sensed I had veered somewhat off course spiritually. 

Solo travel presents unique challenges. What awaits Road Warriors is a hectic pace and a void of the family and community that keep us grounded at home. Facing this without solid spiritual footing leaves travelers feeling isolated and vulnerable. 

The Bible provides a proven roadmap to face these unique challenges and emerge victorious.  The first stop on that map is the powerful discipline of purposeful prayer that sets our hearts and minds on Christ. Purposeful prayer invites God along for the journey, keeps us attuned to Him, and reduces our likelihood of veering off course. 

Throughout the Bible, we experience stories of character after character turning to God in prayer regardless of their circumstances. And we witness Him faithfully lavishing provision, protection, and direction upon his loved Creation.  

God will do the same for you. Before you travel, one of the most effective disciplines you can employ to stay on track is to pray for your journey.  If you can, find a confidant you establish as your “go to” prayer partner and invite this person to read this plan as you do.  If married, your spouse would be a great choice. 

Pray for the challenges you anticipate, for the discipline to keep God your focus, for an awareness of His presence, for spiritual growth, for protection, and whatever God puts on your heart. Praying strengthens your spiritual footing, fosters closeness with God on your journey, raises your awareness of His presence, and ultimately leads to victory.

from A Road Warrior’s Guide To Spiritual Discipline

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1st Marriage ZZ

Home vs House

‘Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.’ 1 Peter 4:8-9(NLT)

Be sure to create a home. In a house, people can stay together without sharing life. A home is where people live together, sharing and serving each other and making room for others.  

Our worth, in the current culture, is often found in climbing the ladder of personal success. Or it could be found in other activities that, in themselves, are not wrong but have the potential to separate us from our spouse and godly relationships with those around us.

This could result in a husband and wife not talking to one another and hardly seeing or noticing their children. Decide, as a couple, what godly values you want to build from for your relationship. Family identity has to do with who you are and what you stand for. Talk about it, communicate it and live it!  

Make 1 Peter 4:8-9 your family mission.

Make room for your spouse, in your heart, and in your schedule! Serve each other; honor and care for each other. You have such a great opportunity to demonstrate God’s love to each other. When your spouse feels honored and cared for, they receive others so much easier into their hearts. Duplicate to others the Godly fervour you have for each other.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Mac and Naudine are married and serve their local church and a wider network of churches with various family ministries. They love to serve the people of God, with regard to restoring wholeness to families, parents, and marriages. They lead and oversee Evergreen Parenting, an organization that equips mothers and fathers with skills to enjoy a Christ-centred home. 

from Safety Gates for Marriage

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1st Marriage ZZ

Conflict

‘Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.’ 1 Timothy 6:6-10(NLT)

‘The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.’ Psalms 23:1(NLT)

One of the safety gates we need to put in place is how we handle conflict. Often we seem to handle conflict with our spouse as if we are a parent talking to a child. The moment we do this, it creates a defensive barrier. Talk adult-to-adult. Use “I feel” messages, e.g. “I feel upset when you come home late”. Do not attack or belittle your spouse. 

When we handle conflict correctly, God can use it to grow us and strengthen our marriage as we don’t have to defend our case anymore.

A marriage starts thriving when we consider our spouses needs over our own. Don’t try to get even in your marriage (or any other relationship). Build each other up! Rise above the offence and give your spouse what they need!

We also need to be careful not to live a money-centered life. It is easy to get caught up in the pursuit of wealth and material possessions.   

1 Timothy 6:6-10 warns us that God is to be our focus, not money.  We can easily be influenced by our money-centered society.  

God loves the generous giver, so be careful that you do not turn the principle around by grabbing and holding onto everything you want and only give from the left overs. If this is your focus with finance and possessions, this too could become the state of your relationship; a sense of entitlement, holding onto, grabbing and wanting more and more. Hear the words of Psalm 23 that say, “I shall not want”.  

Our God is a God that gives and marriage is a wonderful place to imitate this principle.

from Safety Gates for Marriage

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1st Marriage ZZ

Attitude

‘They are always thinking about how much it costs. “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.’ Proverbs 23:7(NLT)

In your marriage, the first thing you, as a partner, may need to adjust is your attitude. Start with an honest assessment of yourself. Step back and consider your own attitude before you start trying to change your spouse—then you will be heading in the right direction.  

Athletes can’t win the prize if they don’t follow the rules; so too in marriage, we have to ‘set rules’ and boundaries for growth.

In adjusting our attitude, we need to be honest about how we see ourselves. This has an impact on our marriage. When we struggle with low self-esteem, it is a thinking disorder in that we view ourselves as inadequate or incompetent. Self-esteem is based on a system of pictures and feelings you have put together about yourself, including both mental and emotional pictures and feelings.  

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Prov. 23:7 KJV)

The way you feel and see yourself, is how you will behave and act in your marriage. When you step into a trap of low self-esteem, your spouse will constantly have to convince you that you are loved, accepted and enough. This causes your relationship to be one-sided and the one who is always trying to convince you becomes worn down.

In your marriage you need to instill healthy habits for a healthy marriage; therefore it is important to make decisions together on what would be best for each situation. When your marriage needs healing, work through the conflict together.

Deep issues must be dealt with. Keep working together at it until you have complete victory.

from Safety Gates for Marriage

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1st Marriage ZZ

Thoughts

‘“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! ‘ Deuteronomy 30:19(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)

In our marriage, the most important principle, or safety gate was to not imitate the ideals and opinions of the culture around us but to be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how we think. The focus for us was not to transform the way we feel, but the way we think. This empowered us to discern God’s will.

We love to see how Jesus transforms hearts and how couples start to shift in their approach, perspective, and opinion when they build shared values based on the Word of God. Everyone wants to improve their marriage; the problem is that everyone wants instant improvement. Improving your marriage does not happen overnight. Like any other change you want to achieve in life, it takes time, effort and energy to create a marriage you love.

from Safety Gates for Marriage

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Saving Marriage ZZ

Battling For Truth in Your Marriage

‘And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 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 12:1-2 (NLT)

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Five years ago, my wife and I realized that we disliked each other. We knew we couldn’t get divorced. We weren’t about to be unfaithful. But we knew we couldn’t stay where we were. So, we looked at each other, and we said, “Do we really wanna live like this for another 30 years?”

Paul learned the lesson of contentment in extenuating circumstances. As he wrote Philippians, he was in jail, had no money, and was near execution; but he still found joy in Christ. Paul’s joy didn’t come from improved circumstances. It came from living according to the truth rather than buying into the lies of the world, the flesh, and Satan. It’s the same for you and your marriage. Remember, the secret of marriage is two people walking in the Spirit, loving one another. Let’s do something about that, following the pattern Paul laid out in Romans 12:1-2:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Out of the eight marriage lies we’ve uncovered, identify the ones that are most pressing on your marriage right now:

  • Marriage is irrelevant
  • Marriage is the only way to be happy
  • Your spouse will complete you
  • You two can handle it on your own
  • Divorce is an option
  • Divorce is better for your children
  • Your marriage is hopeless
  • Marriage isn’t worth it

Read the truths that replace the lies that you find directly affecting you:

  • Marriage is divine, timeless, and significant
  • Singleness is a gift to cherish or a season to enjoy
  • Christ is the only one who can complete you
  • You need outside help to handle your marriage
  • Divorce is only an option in certain extreme cases
  • Married parents are far better for your kids
  • God offers hope and restoration for your marriage
  • A godly marriage will bring Him glory and bless the married immensely

Now, take both the lies and the truths to the Holy Spirit and ask that He would do the work that only He can do.

Spirit, show me, right now, the lies that are oppressing my marriage. In the name of Jesus, I rebuke Satan who is the father of those lies. I reject the lies as destructive and wrong. Renew my mind. Replace the lies with life-giving Truth. Reveal to me now specific changes that You want to make in my attitude and my actions. I surrender to You now. Live through me, moment by moment today, according to Your truth. Amen!!!

Reflection:

What lies about marriage have I believed?
What is God specifically saying to me about these lies?
What will I do about it?
What does God want me to share with someone who’s struggling in their marriage?

from Lies That Can Ruin A Marriage by Pete Briscoe

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Saving Marriage ZZ

Lie #8

‘Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.’ Proverbs 12:14(NLT)

‘The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord .’ Proverbs 18:22(NLT)

‘There are three things that amaze me— no, four things that I don’t understand: how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman.’ Proverbs 30:18-19(NLT)

‘Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.’ Proverbs 31:10(NLT)

Scripture: Proverbs 12:14

Lie #8 – Marriage isn’t worth the bother. 

This lie is really just a sub-lie of one of Satan’s other favorite lies that “easy is better than hard.”

Whenever I have a struggling couple in my office, I pitch a very simple vision for them. I tell them to picture themselves sitting on the porch of their house in rocking chairs with an iced tea or lemonade. It’s Thanksgiving. Their children are there, grandkids are running all over their yard. They glance at each other, “Boy, remember year 13 when we almost called it quits? Glad we didn’t. Year 27 was a doozy, too! Oh, thank you, Jesus. 50 years, and I’m so glad we didn’t.”

Honestly, easy is seldom better than hard. The truth is that marriage is one of God’s best ideas, and a good marriage is an inexpressible joy. Work? Yes. Pain? Yes. Blood, sweat, and tears? Yes, all of that too… but it’s worth it.

From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward. —Proverbs 12:14

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. —Proverbs 18:22

“There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.” —Proverbs 30:18-19

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. —Proverbs 31:10

I’m asking you to make a new marriage with the spouse you promised to stay with. Reaffirm your commitment to follow through on it, and agree to engage fully to restore and build the marriage that God has for you. As He works in you, consciously look at how you’re changing into God’s image with your spouse. It’s a process and it will never be perfect (don’t expect that), but know that you’re in God’s will, and that your marriage is worth every bit.

The lie is that marriage isn’t worth the bother.  The truth is that your marriage is worth the effort.

God, renew my mind according to Your Truth. Take my worn-out heart and strengthen it. I can’t fix this on my own, so I ask You to be at work in my married life. Use it all, good and bad, to conform me to Your Son and give me the conviction that it is worth it. Amen!

from Lies That Can Ruin A Marriage by Pete Briscoe