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Day 111—Love and Marriage
“Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.”
Praise God it is Friday! I woke feeling a bit distant from Christ. It didn’t help I had no motivation to go to work, so I hit the alarm one too many times resulting in feeling rushed. I didn’t get my normal morning devotion time in and was extremely tired. On the way to work negative thoughts were rolling through my mind—my husband eventually on another dip on his roller coaster ride, the OW, finding an acceptable counselor in my husband’s eyes… I prayed for strength and my eyes to be opened to any leaving issues that may still be lingering.
Thankfully it was a short day at work. Once in my car to leave I prayed again. I was planning on going straight to my parents to spend the evening with them since my husband is working, but was not sure if I should go home first before he goes to work. I felt Him telling me to go straight to my parents. On the way there my husband called. He said he had been working on moving more stuff into our place. All that would be left is the bed and hyda bed, which his best friend would help him with on Sunday. I expressed I was looking forward to spending the weekend with him since we have the next couple days off together. He reciprocated and we hung up. I then prayed again about guidance with the dare…then He hit me with it through the song “Live Like That” by Sidewalk Prophets [http://youtu.be/40zNC-6aISk]
Some of the lyrics that really spoke to me –
[Chorus]
I wanna live like that And give it all I have So that everything I say and do Points to You If love is who I am Then this is where I’ll stand Reckless abandoned Never holding back I wanna live like that I wanna live like that Am I proof that You are who You say You are That grace can really change a heart Do I live like Your love is true I wanna show the world the love You gave for me (I wanna live like that) Longing for the world to know the glory of the King
My leaving issue is on a spiritual level—completely leaving the “ways of the world” to reach oneness in Him. To be able to achieve complete oneness in my decision making and priorities. To radiate His love, patience, grace, strength, and mercy. For everything I say and do to point to Him—that I am proof He is who He says He is!
When I got to my parents, I had some quiet time to myself. I read the Bible and took a nap. I felt completely refreshed. The distance I felt this morning vanished.
We watched a couple movies—Joyful Noise and Facing the Giants (my parents had not seen this one yet). Typical, I always get something new every time I watch one of the Kendricks’ movies. This time was the line, “You are doing it blindfolded. I don’t want you to give up when I know you can go further.” That is exactly how I want to do life—“blindfolded in faith.” Not knowing what lies ahead, but knowing Christ does, so I will NOT give up because He knows I can go further…and further…and further!
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Praise God.... Now if you miss anything in Christ you hunger for it.... How awesome is that?
So now is the time to focus many of your prayers on Christ getting your husband on the same road. And you ability to be patient, to be kind, to be loving in that process. When you seek this guidance, seek it for your desire to be one in Christ.
I once thought marriage took
Just two to make a go.
But now I'm convinced
It takes the Lord also
And not one marriage fails
Where Christ is asked to enter
As lovers come together
With Jesus at the center
In homes where Christ is first
It's obvious to see
Those unions really work
For marriage still takes three.
I love this entry. It is awesome when we just want to go further and further to be with Him, be near Him, be like Him. I think back to my foolish thoughts in my "other" life.... How i thought walking with. Him woyldbe so confining. Lol! It opens up the ENTIRE world. It is vast and beautiful and infinite! Never ever would i return to my life before. Love you, Gem.
I love singing in the car! Bring me closer to Him instantly!
The leaving dare on a day you were spending with your parents, LOL. You sure you didnt notice anything (even small) that shows a leaving issue in this world? I know parents are always there with "advice".
I love Seans poem, cute but meaningful.
Sean, just reading to some of Jenn's journals, specifically for Day 31, which I am on today, I came across your poem and I must tell you it truly did speak to me. I'll write some more on it on my own journal entry for Day 31.