The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. — 1 John 2:17
Today’s Dare
End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you’ve swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed—today—and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love.
What did you identify as an area of lust? What has this pursuit cost you over time? How has it led you away from the person you want to be? Write about your new commitment to seek Him – and to seek your spouse – rather than seeking after foolish desires.
[Love] always protects. — Corinthians 13:7 (NIV)
Today’s Dare
Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that’s stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse.
What did you throw out first? Are there others that need to go as well? What do you hope the removal of these things will do for you, your marriage, and your relationship with God?
I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord. — Hosea 2:20
Today’s Dare
Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today in words similar to these, “I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don’t love me in return.”
Why is this kind of love impossible without the love of Christ beating in your heart? How does His presence within you enable you to love, even when it’s primarily one-sided?
The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire. — Isaiah 58:11
Today’s Dare
Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your Bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs each day (there are thirty-one—a full month’s supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with Him.
How do you think spending time daily with God will change your situation and perspective? How can you make Him a bigger part of your day?
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. — Romans 5:6
Today’s Dare
Dare to take God at His Word. Dare to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. Dare to pray, “Lord Jesus, I’m a sinner. But You have shown Your love for me by dying to forgive my sins, and You have proven Your power to save me from death by Your resurrection. Lord, change my heart, and save me by Your grace.”
Write about what this experience has been like for you. Even if you are only renewing your commitment to receive and express His love, what has He shown you today?
Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. — 1 John 4:7
Today’s Dare
Look back over the dares from previous days. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Ask Him to show you where you stand with Him, and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.
What do you believe God is saying to you? Is there a stirring in your heart? What decision have you made in response to this?
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. — Proverbs 3:13
Today’s Dare
Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer. Focus this time on getting to know your spouse better, perhaps in areas you’ve rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate.
What did you learn about your spouse that you didn’t know before? How could you continue this process of discovery in other ways, at other times? What were some of the moments that made this evening memorable?
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. — Proverbs 17:9 (NIV)
Today’s Dare
Determine to guard your mate’s secrets (unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and to pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe.
How much of an effort is it for you to hold back from saying something, critical or otherwise? What have you learned about your spouse today, simply from listening?
Uncategorized | huntley January 24, 2010 | 
Comments Off 
Loading ...