Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Continued

Love Dare Continued...

Day 32:   Love Meets Sexual Needs

So this one's a little bit awkward...ahem...
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband or wife today.  Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you (or implied to you) about what he/she needs from you sexually.  Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.
Day 33:  Love Completes Each Other  (This one will be especially good for me, I think. )

Recognize that your spouse is integral to your future success.  Let him know today that you desire to include him in your upcoming decisions, and that you need his perspective and counsel.  If you have ignored his input in the past, admit your oversight and ask him to forgive you.

Day 34:  Love Celebrates Godliness

Find a specific, recent example when your spouse demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way.  Verbally commend him for this at some point today.

Day 35:  Love is Accountable

Find a marriage mentor--someone who is a strong Christian and who will be honest and loving with you.  If you feel that counseling is needed, then take the first step to set up an appointment.  During this process, ask God to direct your decisions and discernment.

Day 36:  Love is God's Word

Commit to reading the Bible (or other scriptures) every day.  Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance.  If your spouse is open to it, see if he will commit to daily scripture study with you.  Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the rock.

Day 37:  Love Agrees in Prayer

Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together.  Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime.  Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord.  Don't forget to thank Him for His provisions and blessing.  Even if your spouse refuses to do this resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.

Day 38:  Love Fulfills Dreams

Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable.  Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of his desires, to whatever level you possibly can.
(Man, this one's hard. )

Day 39:  Love Endures

Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse.  Include why you are committing to this marriage until death  forever, and that you have purposed to love them no matter what.  Leave it in a place that your mate will find it.

AND FINALLY....

Day 40:  Love is a covenant

Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home.  Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangement to formally renew your wedding vows before a minister and/or with family members present.    Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your mate.