Power to do and bear

There is the BIG reason why being a child of God makes a difference-- because we are washed clean in Christ's blood, thus being able to achieve heaven.

Yet there is a daily reason, summed up well in this quote from my favorite devotional, Streams in the Desert:

"I cannot tell how it is that I should be able to receive into my being a power to do and to bear by communion with God, but I know it is a fact.

Are you in peril through some crushing, heavy trial?  Seek the communion with Christ, and you will receive strength and be able to conquer.  'I will strengthen thee.' "

Love covers

Love covers a multitude of sins......

Advice remembered

A pastor once said something about marriage that I will always remember.  He said, "There will be things about that person (your spouse) that you hate, but you choose to overlook those things."  That has really helped me over the years.  I hope it helps you, too.

Sticks and Stones?

Sticks and stones can indeed break bones, but the wounds caused by words are not so easily mended.  What words are we using towards our spouse this day?  Are they words of encouragement or criticism?  Words of kindness or belittlement? 

"Encourage one another and build each other up." (I Thess. 5:11)  Sometimes we have to ask for help with this one.  God is faithful to change our negative feelings and give us the ability to say encouraging words.  It might not happen with the first prayer but over days and weeks, change will come.

Looking up for healing

Life happens.  Amidst those happenings, we may one day find ourselves suffering from a broken heart.  This brokenness can come from something other than our marriage.  "He heals those with a broken heart." Psalm 147:4   We can look to our spouse for healing; he is part of the process.  But in the end, our healing is from God.  Heal us, Lord.

Reminding God of His own words

Pray that this will characterize your marriage:

Psalm 133

Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity!  It is like the precious oil upon the head that ran down unto the beard, even unto Aaron's beard, and went down to the skirts of his clothing.  Like as the dew of Hermon, which fell upon the hill of Zion.  For there the Lord promised his blessing, and life for evermore.

Katie Luther

Try googling: "Martin Luther's wife" and you'll read some great things about Katie Luther. 

Martin Luther once said of his wife, “I would not want to exchange my Katie for France nor for Venice to boot; to begin with (1) because God has given her to me and me to her; (2) because I often find that there are more shortcomings in other women than in my Katie; and although she, of course, has some too, these are nonetheless offset by far greater virtues; (3) because she keeps faith and honor in our marriage relation.”