Category: Devotion for Women

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1st Marriage Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

Improving Sexual Intimacy: Both

‘One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My daughter, it’s time that I found a permanent home for you, so that you will be provided for. Boaz is a close relative of ours, and he’s been very kind by letting you gather grain with his young women. Tonight he will be winnowing barley at the threshing floor. Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don’t let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking. Be sure to notice where he lies down; then go and uncover his feet and lie down there. He will tell you what to do.” “I will do everything you say,” Ruth replied. So she went down to the threshing floor that night and followed the instructions of her mother-in-law. After Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he lay down at the far end of the pile of grain and went to sleep. Then Ruth came quietly, uncovered his feet, and lay down. Around midnight Boaz suddenly woke up and turned over. He was surprised to find a woman lying at his feet! “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.” “The Lord bless you, my daughter!” Boaz exclaimed. “You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor. Now don’t worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman. But while it’s true that I am one of your family redeemers, there is another man who is more closely related to you than I am. Stay here tonight, and in the morning I will talk to him. If he is willing to redeem you, very well. Let him marry you. But if he is not willing, then as surely as the Lord lives, I will redeem you myself! Now lie down here until morning.” So Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet until the morning, but she got up before it was light enough for people to recognize each other. For Boaz had said, “No one must know that a woman was here at the threshing floor.” Then Boaz said to her, “Bring your cloak and spread it out.” He measured six scoops of barley into the cloak and placed it on her back. Then he returned to the town. When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “What happened, my daughter?” Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won’t rest until he has settled things today.”’ Ruth 3:1-18(NLT)

‘My lover has gone down to his garden, to his spice beds, to browse in the gardens and gather the lilies. I am my lover’s, and my lover is mine. He browses among the lilies.
Young Man
You are beautiful, my darling, like the lovely city of Tirzah. Yes, as beautiful as Jerusalem, as majestic as an army with billowing banners. Turn your eyes away, for they overpower me. Your hair falls in waves, like a flock of goats winding down the slopes of Gilead. Your teeth are as white as sheep that are freshly washed. Your smile is flawless, each tooth matched with its twin. Your cheeks are like rosy pomegranates behind your veil. Even among sixty queens and eighty concubines and countless young women, I would still choose my dove, my perfect one— the favorite of her mother, dearly loved by the one who bore her. The young women see her and praise her; even queens and royal concubines sing her praises:’ Song of Songs 6:2-9(NLT)

Devotional Content:

Improving sexual intimacy in marriage is a joint effort. While there are certain things husbands and wives are responsible for doing on their own, both should also work to improve intimacy together. Here are some ideas of things you both can do.

First, it is important for both of you to take the initiative sexually. In most marriages, the husband is the primary initiator, for many of the reasons mentioned earlier. But it is really good for the wife to do this some of the time. It gives her the opportunity to add her own creativity to the sexual relationship. Taking the initiative also helps a wife meet her husband’s need to know that she desires the sexual relationship with him.

Second, take time to enjoy the sexual experience. It is easy to get into ruts. Keep it from being routine. Make an effort to set aside more time to enjoy the sexual experience.

Third, pay attention to the atmosphere where you make love. Take time for candles, baths together, music, soft lights, fireplaces, and massages.

Finally, express your desire to each other. Say, “I love you” and “I am crazy about you.” Talk about what you are thinking and feeling. It adds to the excitement and helps you know more about what your spouse is experiencing.

Bottom line: Set aside time to talk and plan what each of you want in this area of your marriage.

Today’s Challenge:

Make a committment to express your desire for each other in three different ways.

Going Deeper:

1. How often do you take initiative when it comes to sex?

2. Wives, what do you need to do to make sure that your husband isn’t the only one initiating sex?

3. When was the last time you were intimate with your spouse and the environment was romantic?

4. Will you make a commitment to setting aside time to talk about your sexual intimacy with your spouse this week?

Resource: 

Use mundane moments for Godly purpose in your marriage with our House Prayer Cards.

Prayer is the single BEST thing you can for your marriage. God is the one who can ultimately change your hearts and your marriage for the better, so inviting him in to do those things is the single best thing you can do for your marriage.

from Improving Sexual Intimacy by Dr. Kim Kimberling

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1st Marriage Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

Improving Sexual Intimacy: Wives

‘Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, ‘ 1 Corinthians 6:19(NLT)

‘For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. ‘ Galatians 5:13(NLT)

Devotional Content:

Ladies, now it’s your turn. What are specific things you can do to improve your sexual intimacy in marriage?

First, understand your husband’s sexual needs. You husband is wired differently than you. He thinks about sex more than you do. He thinks about you sexually—a lot. Remember that sex arms him in your marriage. Talk with him about what you like and do not like in the sexual relationship, and be patient with him. Look at is this way: What if he were not attracted to you? Would you prefer that?

Second, find out what he really enjoys. It’s perfectly okay to ask him this question. You can always decline if it is something you are not comfortable with. Do not forget that our bodies were made for us to enjoy. Do not be afraid to try new things and to find a common ground that meets both of your needs.

Finally, make yourself “sexy.” That is easy. For most husbands, all a wife needs to do is keep breathing. But it might be helpful to find out what he likes as far as the clothes you wear and the perfume you use. It probably just boils down to doing what you did before marriage. If it worked then, it will most likely work now.

Bottom line: Make an effort. Let your husband know you care about sexual intimacy in marriage too.

Today’s Challenge:

Sit down with your husband this week and ask him about his sexual needs and desires.

Going Deeper:

1. Wives, how can you show your husband that you care about his sexual desires?

2. Wives, what can you do this week to find out what your husband thinks is attractive?

3. Wives, what do you need to do to show your husband you desire to look sexy for him?

4. Wives, how can you let your husband know you care about your sexual intimacy in marriage?

from Improving Sexual Intimacy by Dr. Kim Kimberling

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1st Marriage Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

Improving Sexual Intimacy: Husbands

‘Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem, just as a young man commits himself to his bride. Then God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.’ Isaiah 62:5(NLT)

‘Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”’ Luke 6:38(NLT)

Devotional Content:

Husbands, what can you do to improve sexual intimacy in your marriage? Here are some practical steps that will make a difference.

First, be romantic. That comes easier for some of us than others. My dad was a romantic, so I had a good model. I knew it was important. I just had to figure out what Nancy thought was romantic. I really think the first step is talking to your wife about this. Ask her what she likes. Ask her what she thinks is romantic. Her definition and yours may differ, but you need to do things that she likes. So be a student of your wife. Remember the things she likes. Remember what works and what does not work. You can do this. You can be romantic.

Second, take time with foreplay. We live in this instant-gratification society, and that can often spill over to the sexual relationship. Foreplay is what gives us time to prepare for the act of intercourse. It piques our senses, and it takes time. Over the course of your marriage, sex will happen in a number of different ways, at different times, and slowly and quickly. Take the time to enjoy each other with foreplay.

Finally, make yourself “sexy.” The best idea here is to get input from your wife, but there are some basics: bathe, brush your teeth, shave, exercise, and wear cologne (let her pick it out). Our wives like us to look nice and smell good. It will make a difference in her attraction to you.

Bottom line: Make an effort. It will be worth it, and it will show your wife you really care about her.

Today’s Challenge:

Husbands, how can you be a great student of your wife this week?

Going Deeper:

1. Dr. Kim says that one step husbands can take towards better intimacy with their wives is to be romantic. Husbands, when was the last time you did something romantic for your wife?

2. Foreplay is another important step towards improving your sexual intimacy. Make a commitment to spend more time being intentional about foreplay.

3. Dr. Kim shares that another great step towards improving your sexual intimacy is making yourself sexy for your wife. Husbands, think of 3 things you can do to be intentional about your appearance for your wife.

4. How much time and energy are you willing to spend on improving your sexual intimacy with your spouse?

5. Make a point to sit down with your spouse this week and talk about what they think is romantic.

from Improving Sexual Intimacy by Dr. Kim Kimberling

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1st Marriage Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

WISDOM TO NAVIGATE THE TEEN YEARS

‘Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. ‘ Ephesians 5:3-6(NLT)

Before high school there is junior-high. Inevitably, your son and his friends will learn the kind of humor that seems to uniquely rattle the funny bone of junior high boys. The home you raised your son in may have been untarnished from the rude and crude bathroom humor so common to adolescents, but it has a way of finding your boy. So don’t be surprised when farting, belching, spitting, and anything related to bodily functions becomes the height of comedy to your boy. Our culture doesn’t do much to inhibit this brand of humor. Actually, our society seems to work overtime to ensure that it is a permanent part of every man’s adult life. Many of the comedy movies that do so well at the box office seem aimed at seventh-grade boys. And yet these movies and their jokes will attract and appeal to the baser part of people from almost every demographic. 

While it may be impossible to imagine a junior-high boy who isn’t going to laugh at someone passing gas in his classroom, I do believe we have a responsibility as parents, especially as Christian parents, not to prolong or feed this natural appetite for immature bathroom humor. I would suggest there is a whole genre of comedies that just aren’t worth him or you seeing. Ever. There will be enough taking place in their own junior-high universe that provokes that sort of laughter. I certainly don’t need script writers and foley artists to add to their hunger for base humor. When at home and some inevitable situation along these lines prompts a laugh from the whole family, I’d recommend saying, as I did, “That was our quota for the week.” As with certain words or topics of discussion, I would often on the spot make up a quota for that subject. “That’s a once a month word,” or “That is enough on that topic for two weeks.”

Profanity or vulgarity should never be allowed, but in the course of everyday life there will be unavoidable issues, descriptions, or comments that arise, which you’d hate to see become normal fare for your boy. An assortment of indelicate topics will surely make their peers roar with laughter, egging them on for more, but as parents we ought to raise the bar of civility and decorum even during their junior high and high school years.

In every situation, let us remain mindful of what is never appropriate for the people of God:

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Eph. 5:3–6)

We should never be willing to laugh, nor allow our children laugh, at the things that will bring judgment to the lost people of this world.

from Raising Men Not Boys

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1st Marriage Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

MAKE HIM SWEAT EVERY DAY

‘“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” ‘ 1 Timothy 4:8(NLT)

‘The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.’ Proverbs 24:5(NLT)

Make him sweat every day. Literally. My wife and I made it our goal to try and see those little beads of sweat on the foreheads of our boys. If it was six o’clock and we hadn’t yet seen that familiar mix of dirt and sweat running down the temples of their little boy faces, we’d take them outside to run around, throw the football, climb a tree, or whatever it took for them to experience that tuckered-out feeling we discovered every boy needs. Everything went better in our home—at dinner, at homework time, at bedtime, at just about every other time— when our boys played outside long enough that day to work up a sweat.

When they were toddlers, it seemed my wife was making up games, tasks, and all kinds of creative challenges to get them to physically expend the pent-up energy that God had implanted in their little bodies. In our electronic age, when most parents are quick to turn on a movie to occupy their boys or hand them a screen to engage their minds, we must work all the harder to purpose each day to get our boys outside to a park, a playground, or a jungle gym. We have to plan to get their bodies moving more often and for longer periods of time.

from Raising Men Not Boys

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1st Marriage Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

A HOME THAT BUILDS GODLY MEN

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

‘A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.’ Proverbs 12:4(NLT)

‘Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife.’ Proverbs 19:14(NLT)

At some point your sons may wonder if marriage is worth it, or even if you care about your spouse (their mom or dad). Here’s why. In 1960, 84 percent of working-class Americans were married. Today you can invert those numbers—only 48 percent of working-class Americans are married.1 The number of children born to unwed mothers has gone from 4 percent in 1940 to 40 percent today2—despite the advent of several birth control methods. Not to mention that our culture no longer considers divorce the serious breach of a solemn vow as it once did.

Marriage is under attack, but you and your spouse can launch a counterattack before your children and others as well. Speak well of marriage whenever possible, and live as though it is the sacred and prioritized relationship God intended it to be. Speak highly of your spouse—and your love for her (or him) before your children. Be done with the “ball and chain” jokes before coworkers and neighbors, and rid your conversation of any demeaning lines about your spouse that can always get a laugh.

Most importantly, hold marriage in the highest regard, praying daily not only for the strength and health of your own marriage, but also for the marriages of your friends, the marriages at your church, and for your boys’ future marriages.

from Raising Men Not Boys

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1st Marriage Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

ENVISION A MAN’S FUTURE EVERY DAY

‘For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.’ Psalms 51:5(NLT)

‘Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Children are a gift from the Lord ; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.’ Psalms 127:1-5(NLT)

The very first couple received a foundational calling in the familiar words “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28), and repeated various times. With the laudable (and rare) exception of forsaking marriage and family for the sake of kingdom advancement, in the spirit of Jesus Christ Himself (Matt. 19:12), raising children to produce the next generational society is to be the norm. Unless you are a confirmed “kingdom single,” the biblical expectation is the covenant of marriage and the subsequent engagement in raising children for the fulfillment of God’s global plan and for Christ’s eternal glory. The big perspective then is that your little boy was not entrusted to you to bring you joy, fulfill you, or make you happy—though I pray he will. His temporary consignment to your family is to prepare him to take his place in this world as a trophy of God’s grace and as an agent of God’s values and priorities in this upcoming generation.

The Scriptures tell us children are the glory of their parents (Prov. 17:6). A simple yet profound readjustment of our parenting mindset makes analogies like the one found in Psalm 127 come to life. God illustrates the role of a mom and dad like this: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” (Ps. 127:3–5a). 

It is considered a blessing in God’s economy to be a spiritual archer in your generation, having a case over your shoulder filled with young children that you are aiming and launching into the next generation! What a vivid and rare perspective on being a parent. Your boy is for a time in your home, under your care, and in proximity of your influence to be thoughtfully pointed, and launched, and propelled into the future to make a strategic impact for the Lord’s good purposes.

Can you see how this perspective can transform your perspective from the very beginning? So many modern parents’ voices begin to quiver when they imagine their little boy growing up. They lament the thought of him one day moving out and moving on. They see his forthcoming maturity as some kind of foreboding eventuality, instead of as the whole point of having him in the first place: the gratifying goal of shooting these arrows into the world that God has planned for them to impact.

So, from the beginning get this truth in your heart and mind. That squirmy little infant you bring home from the hospital is, in a short number of years, intended by God’s design to step into His world as a young man who will make a difference for Christ. Your job is to release him to this reality. Your goal cannot be to “hang on to him as long as possible.” Your hope must be to see him become that independent, mature, functioning adult. God has made this arrangement very clear.

from Raising Men Not Boys

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1st Marriage Devotion for Men Devotion for Women ZZ

SET YOUR BOY’S SPIRITUAL TRAJECTORY

‘For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.’ Psalms 51:5(NLT)

‘When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Romans 5:12-21(NLT)

‘Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. ‘ Romans 10:1(NLT)

It must be kept in mind that no matter how cute and adorable a newborn boy might be, he enters our world with a serious and far-reaching problem. Contrary to what many assume, human beings are not born into the world as blank slates or morally neutral beings. We are all “conceived in sin” (Ps. 51:5), as descendants of fallen ancestors (Gen. 3:20), sharing the same sinful nature as the rest of fallen humanity (Rom. 5:12–21).

The residual effects of our first parents’ rebellion against God are present in every child. Consider the biological effects of sin’s impact on our infants in something as common as a viral infection, or as serious as a life-threatening and debilitating birth defect, as was the case in the birth of my daughter. Every person’s vulnerability to the power of death, regardless of age, is convincing evidence that all humans share in the wages of Adam’s disobedience.

Thinking beyond the physical consequences of humanity’s fundamental problem, consider the far more serious manifestations, namely the propensity to continue the pattern of sin and rebellion against God’s righteous laws. Our boys don’t enter the world with a bent to do what is righteous (as charming as they may at times be to their mothers and grandmothers); they are predisposed to do what the Bible defines as sin. They fall short of God’s glorious standards and exist as young fallen humans, relationally alienated from the life of God. In other words, our boys need to be reconciled to their Maker, they need to be redeemed by Christ’s death on their behalf, and they need to be declared righteous by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.

This life-changing conversion of sinners should be the ardent hope and prayer of every Christian parent. We should want more than anything for our sons to come to a place of rightly understanding their need for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We ought to be praying that they will experience a profound sense of conviction over their own sins, and see the incomparable value of Christ’s suffering on their behalf. None of this is possible without the work of God’s Spirit in their lives. I trust we can say with the apostle Paul, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” (Rom. 10:1).

from Raising Men Not Boys

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Devotion for Women ZZ

A Student of My Husband

‘Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.’ Ephesians 4:32(NLT)

In marriage, kindness means discerning the unique needs of that specific person. It involves taking the initiative to express care based on what you know of him or her. Kindness in marriage is based on becoming a lifelong “student” of your spouse—seeking to understand that person so that you can best love him or her. The apostle Peter referred to this when he encouraged husbands to “live with your wives in an understanding way” (1 Peter 3:7 NASB). Proverbs encourages a wife to “[look] well to the ways of her household” (31:27 NASB). This kind of understanding paves the way for loving kindness in a marriage. I can show Nick kindness like no one else because I know him so well. For example, I know the shirts he likes and how he needs to have a few minutes of down time after work. I know he likes to hang out with his buddies but there are a few couples who he enjoys as well. I know he prefers to drive, but after a business trip he feels loved if I take the wheel. These demonstrations of kindness are possible because I’ve learned to be a student of my husband.

LISTEN TO JESUS 

Remember, my beloved. I am wonderfully kind, patient, and tolerant of you. It was my kindness, in spite of your sin, that first drew you into a relationship with me. Now I’m giving you the opportunity to share some of that kindness with your spouse. Pay it forward every day. Look for ways to demonstrate kindness with your husband. Be generous as I am generous. Take thought of him just as I think of you a thousand times a day. Finally, remember that sharing truth with one another is important, but that truth needs to be coupled with kindness.

* Jesus, you are so right. You have been patient, kind, and tolerant of me even though I ________. I am grateful for your kindness toward me because ________. I pray that you would empower me to demonstrate this same kindness in my marriage. I need your help to ________.

* Lord, I pray that my husband would have a fresh experience with your kindness as well. May he sense your patience and understanding, and the generous way you love us both. I pray specifically that he would sense your kindness related to ________.

LIVE: DO THE BIBLE (Ephesians 4:32)

* God, remind me often of my husband’s preferences and uniquenesses. Show me the things I need to understand about him. Based on these special things about him, show me ways that I can demonstrate your kindness. Show me ways to be respectful and honoring of him. Show me any areas where I need to forgive, just like you’ve forgiven me. Speak to me, Lord. I’m listening for________.

* Lord, I pray for my husband. Give him a fresh experience of your kindness and tenderness. I want him to soak in your forgiveness. Show him more and more of the ways he is loved by you so that ________.

TAKE ACTION 

• Give your husband an unexpected hug, back rub, or massage. Initiate sex. 

• Serve your husband his favorite meal. 

• Compliment him on his appearance. 

• Praise your husband for his accomplishment or achievement.

from Praying For My Husband

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Devotion for Women ZZ

An Attitude of Gratitude

‘Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving.’ Psalms 69:30(NLT)

Wonder and awe must have been at least part of what Mary felt when she made her joyful declaration to God, “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46 ESV). Mary’s exaltation and gratitude were not about possessions or position, but about relationship. As the most blessed of all women, Mary’s blessing came through a divinely provided relationship. Her exaltation and worship were responses to gifts from the Father. In a similar way, we who are married have been divinely blessed with the spouse God has uniquely provided. The apostle James reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father above (James 1:17). The same God who blessed Mary with His announcement of Christ has given me as one of his most special gifts. More and more frequently, I’ve recognized a sense of deep gratitude for my life partner. He’s a partner who has seen my rough side and still accepts me; a partner whose strengths lovingly balance my weaknesses; and a partner who thinks of me, gives to me, cares about me. He’s the gift my God has given me. Because of this, my soul magnifies the Lord.

PRAY: LISTEN TO JESUS 

In case you’re unsure of how to connect with me, I’ve given you a hint. Thank me. I’ve given you everything you enjoy— every breath you breathe and every relationship you call dear. It’s my absolute joy to give, yet it hurts my heart when the ones I love forget to say thank you. I feel loved and honored when I hear your words of gratitude. My followers who have learned to acclaim me walk in my presence and find great blessing. Your gratitude keeps us close.

* Jesus, I don’t ever want you to feel disappointed because I forget to say thank you. When I imagine how much you have given to me and our family, and how you might experience hurt because of my lack of gratitude, I feel ________. 

* Lord, I don’t want to forget to say thank you for my husband. He is a gift from you. Remind me of all the ways he is a special blessing from you to me. Keep me from being critical. I’m grateful you found and provided him for me because ________.

LIVE: DO THE BIBLE (Psalm 69:30)

* God, I want to bring you honor with my gratitude. Remind me of some of the special ways you have loved me recently. Today, I am particularly grateful for these ten things: ________. 

* God, in the same way, I pray for my husband. Move his heart with gratefulness for how you have loved him well. I want him to enjoy the blessing of walking in your presence. I want him to receive the joy of special connection with you because ________.

TAKE ACTION 

• Tell your husband some of the ways that he is a blessing to you. Share the top ten reasons he is God’s gift. 

• Brag on your husband and how you’ve been blessed by him. Share a post on social media or find some other public way to demonstrate your gratitude. Brag in front of your kids, family members, or friends: “I’ve recently been reminded of some of the great qualities in my husband. I’m grateful God gave him to me because ________.” 

from Praying For My Husband