Month: November 2015

Categories
Communication Marriage Spiritual Intimacy

5 Ways to Keep the Devil Out and Christ at the Center of Your Marriage

 
I will be the first to admit that when my husband and I first got married, it almost felt awkward trying to put Christ back in the center of our relationship. We had crossed spiritual boundaries in our friendship, but had such strict boundaries once we started dating and got engaged, that we consequently boarded God out of our relationship. We both had relationships with God on our own, but all of a sudden we found ourselves struggling in the one area we never thought we would be.
 
Let me preface this article by saying there is no cookie cutter recipe for time with God as a couple. As my husband and I would seek council on how to improve our spiritual walk and how to do it together, I found myself frustrated with the answers we were getting: “you’ll figure it out,” “every couple is different,” or even finding couples that after years of marriage, hadn’t seemed to figure it out for themselves.
 
Here are some practical tips to help guide you and your significant other to get back on track if you are currently in the same place:
 
1.Try, try, and try again. My husband and I worship in different ways, which only added further frustration to the mix. The only way to find out what works for the two of you is to try different things together to find the best balance- and when you find out what works, go for it!
My husband and I like to go through a quick devotional book in the morning at breakfast, but we dedicate one night a week to our spiritual walk – whether that is praying over each other, cultivating an atmosphere of worship, or studying a book of the bible.
 
2. Fight through the awkwardness. Chances are, if you haven’t been investing in your spiritual lives together, it is going to be awkward trying to push it back into your relationship. Do not be discouraged! All good things take time.
 
3. Make prayer a priority. Realize that in merging together your relationships with God, you are becoming a huge threat to the devil. Understand and expect warfare. “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them” (Matthew 18:20). A couple on fire for God is nothing short of powerful! Make prayer a second language in your daily walk.
 
4. Be intentional. Just like going to the gym, any discipline you want to incorporate into your life is going to require additional time and intentionality. Make sure you communicate and dedicate time each week to coming together as a couple before Christ.
 
5. Invest in your individual relationship with God. How can you expect your relationship with God as a couple to flourish when you are not putting in time and investing in your own? Make sure you take the time you need to come before God on your own as well.
 
I hope this provides the guidance you needed to get your spiritual walk in the right direction. Make sure you check out Our Time With God: 42 Day Devotional for Couples if you are looking for any additional resources.

Categories
Home Spiritual Intimacy

10 Powerful Prayers to Declare Over Your Marriage Daily

Your marriage is a living organism. What you put into it is what it becomes. It must be taken care of and natured in order for it to blossom and grow.
One of the main ways to make sure your marriage grows and evolves is to pray over it on a constant basis.
Here are 10 declarations to say over your marriage daily. Say them individually and with your spouse! Water your marriage with prayers and the word and you will see it blossom.

  1. I declare that we are one, we walk in unity and agreement in our soul, mind, body and spirit.
  2. I declare that the enemy has no room in our hearts, in our marriage and in our family.
  3. I declare that we will grow deeper in love with each passing day as we grow deeper in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  4. I declare this marriage will fulfill the purpose that God intended it too, we will walk out the call of God on our lives individually and as a couple.
  5. I declare that our children, finances, and endeavours are blessed by God and will bring him glory and honor.
  6. I declare that we will seek to understand one another, always forgive and always believe the best of each other.
  7. I declare that this marriage and home will be a house of prayer, a house of worship and a house of Joy.
  8. I declare that our love and intimacy will increase as the days go by , that we will always crave each other and not other man or woman.
  9. I declare that whatever God has put together no man will put asunder.
  10. I declare that our marriage will leave a legacy on earth that will points everyone who interacts with us to Jesus!

In Jesus Name,
Amen!

Categories
Spiritual Intimacy

2 Reasons Why Every Man Needs to Read His Bible

God has called us all to be students of his word. Unfortunately we see in the church that zeal and passion for Gods word is depreciating, people are not applying the word of God to their lives and walking in it. I believe that God desires for all of us to not just be hearers of his word but diligent seekers and powerful demonstrators of it.
Gods word is applicable to both men and women but today I desire to give 2 reasons why every man needs to read his bible.
1.You need to know how to Lead: I know when you think of the word “Lead” you think of a Husband leading his wife. But leading comes in different capacities. Once you learn how to “follow” God you will be able to “lead” not just yourself and those around you but your future family. Just like Jesus, he was the Son of God but he came to the earth to serve and do His fathers business.
Once his season on earth was complete, he was lifted up by God and we now have freedom to come bold before God because of obedience and willingness to follow God. In order to know how to do that you must read and mediate on the word of God!’
Psalms 25:4-5 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.
2.You are a Friend of God: Ever felt lonely or as if no one understands you? In the word of God, their was a man named Abraham who was a friend of God ”
And so it happened just as the Scriptures say in James 2:23 Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.
How was Abraham able to believe God? He knew him! In order to get to know God you have to spend time with Him in his presence and his Word. Gods word reveals his character and heart towards you and those around you. If you want to be effective in your relationships and walk in a greater depth of purpose you need to know who you are- you are a FRIEND OF GOD.
A great Bible for you to look into as a man is the ESV Men’s Devotional Bible. This bible not only contains the Word of God, but also encouraging contributions from over 50 Christian leaders.
We believe so strongly that every many should make the Bible a priority that we teamed up with Crossway to give away a FREE copy of the ESV Men’s Devotional Bible.
We will select one male who comments below stating a reason why they need the Word in their life.
Winner will be selected on November 27th, 2015.
men's-devo-hardcover
I pray these two reasons encouraged and increased your hunger to dive into the word of God in a new way!  Gods word brings life, power and understanding. If you have never opened up the word of God I pray that this day you will take the plunge, you will not regret it!
About the ESV Men’s Devotional Bible:

Our world presents daily distractions that can easily displace Christ as the center of a man’s heart and life.  The goal of the ESV Men’s Devotional Bible is to strengthen and encourage men through the life-giving Word of God and sound devotional content aimed at nurturing godliness.  With 365 theologically rich and gospel-centered devotions drawn directly from the Bible, this all-new resource was created under the editorial oversight of Dr. Sam Storms with contributions from over fifty Christian leaders.  Introductions orient men to each book of the Bible, exploring its unique contribution to a man’s walk with God.  Thoughtful and instructive articles address the importance of sound doctrine, life in the local church, leadership, the heart, calling, and a host of other relevant issues for today.  The Men’s Devotional Bible will strengthen men in their walk with Christ, helping them apply the gospel and the truths of God’s Word in their homes, churches, and workplaces.
Features:
– 365 brand-new devotions
– Brand new book introductions
– 14 brand-new articles
– Dictionary of key terms
– Ribbon marker
– Smyth-sewn binding
– Lifetime guarantee on TruTone edition
– Packaging: slipcase (TruTone), L-card (HC), permanent slipcase (Cloth over Board)
Retail Price: $34.99
 
About Crossway:

The purpose of Crossway has been, from its founding as a not-for-profit ministry in 1938, to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church.   They seek to help people understand the massive implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s Word, for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God. 
 

Categories
Communication Marriage Physical Intimacy Spiritual Intimacy

Ashley Madison: Three Ways to Guard Against an Affair

On May 10, 2015, Mother’s Day, a tornado gutted a small east Texas town. Two were killed, many were injured, and dozens of homes were utterly destroyed. I know; I was there. My wife and I, with little notice, responded to the roaring, freight train-like rumble by snatching up our two sleeping toddlers and piling into the bathtub, covering our heads with a toddler mattress as we prayed for God to spare our lives. We awoke to a disaster.
Between August 18 and 20 of 2015, millions of other lives were affected by the whirlwind hacking of the online infidelity website, Ashley Madison. Forbes magazine reports that 28 million of the 38 million accounts were publicized for the entire world to see. (Forbes) Multitudes of families learned that someone in their family was living a life of deception.

Deception Glorified

Robert Hansen, VP of WhiteHat Security found that most of the Ashley Madison users use a webmail address, assumedly to hide their true identity and/or prevent their spouse from intercepting any of site’s communication. The Forbes article says,
“Apparently not everyone was smart enough to obscure their real-life identity using a webmail address, though. Hansen found well over 13,000 email addresses from .MIL and .GOV domains and a handful of congressmen among the hacked data. He also identified a substantial number of addresses from various Fortune 500 companies…Perhaps the most shocking revelation is that Hansen found three accounts using Vatican.com email.” (Forbes)
Ouch. That last one really hurts. Men and women of God aren’t immune to deception. The most famous affair in the Bible is King David’s in 2 Samuel 11:1-27. In the wake of David’s fall, the account ends with a forlorn concluding statement: “But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.”

Where do we go wrong?

Many factors can be at play in infidelity, but I’m going to mention three standout qualities.

  1. Deception: David’s desire to cover his tracks and conceal his sin was deception at its core. David’s efforts to hide his fall cost the lives of Uriah and the child born of Bathsheba and David.
  2. Passivity: This story begins David relinquished his kingly duty to fight for his kingdom and his people. “In the spring,at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out…” Infidelity often begins in Christian homes because couples don’t know how to fight for their God-given covenant.
  3. Lust: David peered over his balcony at Bathsheba and “sent messages to get her.” (v.4) Lust demands right here, right now.

How to Be On Guard Against Infidelity

  1. Be accountable. David was eventually accountable, but by that time it was too late. Surround yourself with godly brothers and sisters and have a friend who will ask difficult, pointed questions.
  2. Fight the good fight of faith. Don’t. Be. A. Victim. Don’t grow passive. So much can be said about passivity alone, but the main point is to pursue righteousness! Are you discouraged? Because passivity and discouragement are partners in crime. Stoke the fires of your heart with passion for the Lord, not the world, and discouragement can’t abide.
  3. Pursue purity and hold every adverse thought captive. Don’t let your heart and imagination wander into the wasteland of idleness. Put on the armor of God and make every thought submit to the Lordship of Christ.

As we pray for families in the Ashley Madison scandal, be sure to guard your heart. Be honest with your spouse about struggles. Pray honest prayers; God can handle your humanity and He will not leave you to fend for yourself.
What weapons are in your arsenal against sexual sin?

Categories
Dating/Courting Single

Relationships: From Distraction to Focus

Guest Writers: Culus Ellerton Williams II & Calandra Thompson
 
Calandra: Many of us have become distracted by the temporary things that have been placed in our paths by the enemy. God doesn’t want his people to be distracted, He wants us to be focused. As a woman, I desired to be married but I was choosing all the wrong men. These men were only distractions from the purpose that God had for my life.
 
My spirit was grieving and I knew that God was requiring more from me. God wanted me to trust Him with my life. His word says in Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God removed the distractions from my life and He began to prepare me for my future. My focus shifted from dating to chasing after God.
 
Culus: As a man, distractions are so common in our everyday lives that it can be hard to discern between things that help or hinder us. For a long time in my life, it seemed as if my time was spent with people who would rather hurt and hinder me than help and encourage me, specifically when it came to the women I would date. I realized what my true problem was. The qualities that I wanted most in women didn’t match the standard God had for my life.
 
After feeling like a worn out tire, I felt that I needed some serious re-prioritization. God has a special way of grasping our attention in order for us to realize and accept the purpose in our lives, and the people He sends in our lives that will help us achieve that purpose. Once I began to clearly hear God speak the purpose He had for me and who He would send to help me reach my desired destination, clarity was provided.
 
God sees what we cannot and can understands things that are far too perplexed for our minds. He knows that what our flesh desires will have our minds in a state of instability. If you really want the person God has for you, we need to start being the person God needs for us to be. Who God has for you is for you! As you can see, we both turned from our distractions and started to focus on God. God is first in both of our lives and His presence is welcomed in our courtship.  We worship, pray and study God’s word together. We are courting with a purpose to be married and for our union to inspire other people.
 
Culus: “I tell my lady all the time that it took 26 years for me to find her, but I would still be looking for her if I hadn’t gotten a clear interpretation of what God had in store for me.”
Calandra: “I tell people that he is my praise report because he is a gift from up above.”
 
 
Culus & Calandra
My name is Culus Ellerton Williams II. I am devoted to God, family, and progression. I am also a member of Christian Chapel Temple of Faith and I am leader of the Game Changers Ministry. I enjoy helping others, seeing business growth, and learning God’s word.
Calandra Thompson is a Christian Blogger of http://inspiredcali14. blogspot.com/ a blog that is written to encourage and inspire people in their daily walk with Jesus Christ. She is a ministry leader and supports many other ministries. Calandra is currently enrolled in seminary school to prepare her for the calling on her life. Calandra has 3 beautiful children and is currently courting CJ Williams with a purpose to marry. Her passion for Christ inspires her to spread the gospel to all that will hear. Calandra resides in Dallas, TX and attends Christian Chapel Temple of Faith CME.

Categories
Marriage

4 Ways To Enjoy The Wife Of Your Youth

I married my young wife when she was 22 yrs old. I was 25 yrs old at the time and completely wowed by the person she was. It is now 16 year later. She is 38 yrs old and I am 41 yrs old. I still describe her as the wife of my youth because the same passion, love, intensity, and attraction I had for her back then is still drawing me to her now.  Here are 4 Ways to Enjoy The Wife Of Your Youth:

1. Listen to her voice intently
My wife called me on the phone this week. She wanted to talk to me about replacing her bullet blender, since it had just broken. As she was telling me this, I kept thinking what a great voice she has. She continued to talk, but I kept thinking I wish I could talk to people in such a gracious and gentle tone as she was talking to me with. I remember when we were first dating how much I just enjoyed listening to her share her thoughts with me. Just like you hit ‘repeat’ on that favorite song of yours, take some time this week to listen to the soothing voice of your wife. It could be listening to her pray. It could be listening to her share with the children. It could listening to the sound of her voice as she’s laughing with her friends on the phone. Enjoy the wife of your youth by listening to her voice.
 
2. Enjoy her captivating friendship
Your wife has changed over the years. Alas, you have too. Remember the friendship things you did when you were first dating or newly married. Most likely you did things she enjoyed and she did things you enjoyed. If you haven’t participated in the things she enjoys recently, take a new found interest in those things. Receive pleasure by watching her being blessed in the pursuit of things she finds enjoyment in.
 
3. Laugh together
What kind of laugh does your wife have? Watch this video together and laugh together and find out the typical laugh that each of you have. Then enjoy your wife more by creating more opportunities for you to laugh together. Reminisce about stories earlier in your relationship or watch your favorite comedian together. Laughing together with your wife is one of the best ways to enjoy the wife of your youth.
 
4. Get “drunk”
Proverbs 5:18-19, says “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you be intoxicated with her love.” A final way to enjoy to enjoy the wife of your youth is described in the verse above. I have never been a connoisseur of alcohol because of the ugly picture that intoxication brings to my mind. The imagery above paints a positive picture of being intoxicated with the wife of your youth. God wants you to be engrossed by your wife–not just by her internal beauty, but also by her physical beauty as well. God has created you to enjoy the wife of your youth, not just during your honeymoon days, but also during the entirety of your marriage. Forget alcohol, get drunk off of the wife of your youth. Go ahead and drink deeply this week.
 
Question: What is your relationship like with the wife of your youth? Is there anything you need to focus more on?

Categories
Home Parenting

10 Prayers to Declare over your Children Daily

 
One of the main roles of a parent is to pray for their children. Our prayers chart the course of their future. Prayer can go where we can’t. We can release the Holy Spirit to be with our children at school, when they are with their friends and anywhere else they may go. Our Job is not to fear our current culture. but to prepare our children to deal with it in power, strength and wisdom. One way we do that is through prayer.
 
So, here are 10 prayers I pray on a constant basis for my children as I raise them up and send them out into the world as arrows!
 
1.I declare that you will know God, love Him and serve Him with all your heart.
 
2.I declare that the plan of God for your life that was ordained while you were in your mother’s womb will manifest and not be delayed, aborted or forfeited!
 
3.I declare that the hand of God is on your life, He is with you when you awake and when you lay down to sleep. You will never be alone because you are planted in Him.
 
4,I release the protection of the Lord over you. I declare that no evil shall befall you. May his angels guard you and preserve you all the days of your life.
 
5.I declare that you will walk in wisdom, courage and strength. You will speak for the weak and fight for those who can not fight for themselves. You are just, kind and honorable.
 
6.I release the wisdom of the Lord as you select friends and partnerships. I rebuke any plans of the enemy to bring you associations that will cause you harm and despair.
 
7.I Bless your marriage; I bless your future wife or husband. May they know God and serve Him with all their hearts. May your marriage be a testimony unto the lord,and your children a legacy of God on earth.
 
8.I declare that you will excel in all you do, you will have extraordinary favor and the blessings of the Lord will always be before you.
 
9.I declare that you walk in a sound mind, your body is healthy, your spirit is whole, and you have everything you need that concerns you living a Godly life.
 
10.I declare that you will be resilient and every difficulty you experience will always draw you closer to God.
 
It is in Jesus name we pray! Amen

Categories
Spiritual Intimacy

2 Reasons Why You Need to Read Your Bible (FREE ESV JOURNAL BIBLE GIVEAWAY)

In order to truly mature as a believer you have to be a student of the Word. Growing up as a believer I was and still am a worship music lover. I love being in the presence of God and allowing His presence to fill & comfort my heart.
Yet, in the midst of my heart for worship God still requires that I also fall in love with His word. I am going to give you two detrimental reasons why you need to become a lover of the Word of God!
1. His Voice Will Become Louder 
When you allow the word of God to resonate and become apart of you, Gods voice becomes louder. Every chapter and story in the bible is a personal love story that God wrote specifically to you for your personal situation.
You will never find out what God has to say about you if you do not fall in love with his word! You can play music every day, you can have friends comment on how beautiful and smart you are but if you do not know & believe what God says about you, you will never be fulfilled and will always be searching.
Psalms 119:105 “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, a light on my path”
2. Your Purpose Depends On It
Ever wonder What was I created to do? Why on Earth am I here? If you ever have asked yourself these questions, you need to dig into the word of God. If you need direction per how to navigate through this life and how to live a life that will be fulfilling and pleasing to God you have to become a studious student of the Word of God.
How can we be advocates and mouthpieces for purpose and destiny and we don’t know what God says about it? God desires to bring depth and instruction to your journey of Purpose. Let him in!
Proverbs 16:9 “The Heart of Man plans his Ways, But the Lord establishes his way”
I am a lover of Gods word and also a lover of Great Study Bibles to help me become a studious student of the word! I enjoy recording my thoughts in my bible whenever I come across a scripture that really stands out.
Crossways ESV Journaling Bible has been a huge help with not only reading God’s word, but also writing down my thoughts when I come across a powerful scripture.
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Special thanks to Crossway  we will be doing a special giveaway for you to win your very own ESV Journaling Bible for free!
How to Win: 
All you have to do is comment below with your biggest struggle with reading your Bible on a consistent basis.  Include your email in your comment so we can contact you if you’re selected as the winner.  The winner will be selected by random on Tuesday, November 10th. 
 
 
 

About the ESV Journaling Bible:
The ESV Journaling Bible provides the perfect way for you to keep a journal of your spiritual life right inside the Bible that you read and study each day.  With covers and formats that look like the finest journals, the Journaling Bible features two-inch ruled margins for writing observations, reflections, prayers, praises, notes, and journal entries.  This unique Bible makes a great gift and lasting keepsake for anyone who values God’s Word.
 
Features:
 – Black letter text
 – Double-column, paragraph format
 – Cream-colored paper
 – 2″ ruled margins
 – One-Year Bible Reading Plan
 – Introductions and section headings for each Bible book
 
Retail Price: $37.99
 
About Crossway:
The purpose of Crossway has been, from its founding as a not-for-profit ministry in 1938, to publish gospel-centered, Bible-centered content that will honor our Savior and serve his Church.   They seek to help people understand the massive implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s Word, for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God.
 
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Categories
Home

5 Christmas Albums Sure to Bless You This Holiday (Free Giveaway too)

The Christmas season has arrived, and we are so excited to get the Christmas music playing in our home.  Christmas music playing in the background is a must after you get your Christmas tree up and decorated.
We wanted to share with you some of our favorite Christmas albums, and at the end of the post an opportunity for you to win your very own Chris Tomlin Christmas album.

  1. Justin Beiber “ Under the Mistletoe” – This album is an oldie but goodie! I remember the  moment my baby sister bought the CD and played it in our families home. I have fond memories of dancing and giggling around the house listening to “Mistletoe & All I want for Christmas”! If you are looking for an album that has an R&B Flare mixed with a lot of Christmas favorites this the album for you!
  2. Dave Barnes “A December to remember”- Oh, how I enjoy listening to classic songs with a jazzy and contemporary feel! This album is a beautiful culmination of songs written out of a heart of thankfulness and love. Dave Barnes is known for writing at least one or two songs on his albums that reflect his love for his wife! This album he has a few in which he does that. So if you want an album in where you can cuddle up with your husband or wife and enjoy the fire this album is a winner. Im looking forward to playing this album during my late nights with Jamal when Harvest is asleep.
  3. Pentatonix “Thats Christmas to Me”  I absolutely love this group, I remember watching them years back when they were preforming on the Sing Off on ABC. Ive always enjoyed acapella music. This particular band sings all of their music, instruments and all with their voices. Its absolutely amazing! Their new Christmas album for 2015 is solo Great!  If you want an album that has a unique sound this album is for you.
  4. Jackson 5 “Christmas Album” – Now we all know the Jackson 5 and the amazing songs they brought us that we still enjoy to this day. Their Christmas album is a wonderful album filled with their unique and funky sound filled with your all time favorite Christmas songs. I can’t help but dance when I plan this album. Makes me want to gather some of  my closest friends and pretend to be the Jackson 5! Ha. If you want a soulful Christmas album this one is for you.
  5. Chris Tomlin “Adore” – Chris Tomlin is known for bringing the body of Christ multiple contemporary worship songs that we all sing today. His new Christmas project is an album filled with Live Worship Christmas songs. I can’t help but worship God when I listen to this album. If you are looking to draw closer to God during the Holiday season along with singing your favorite Christmas songs this is the album for you!
We loved this album so much, that we are giving a way a free copy to one special winner. If you are interested in being considered to receive the album tell us how this amazing CD will be a blessing to you during this Holiday season.
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This new Christmas album released on October 23, 2015.  It features classic Christmas songs with a mix of original Christmas songs.  There are special guest performances from Lauren Daigle, All Sons & Daughters, Crowder, and more on this album.
Songs:
1. He Shall Reign Forevermore
2. Adore
3. Midnight Clear (Love Song)
4. Noel featuring Lauren Daigle 
5. Hymn Of Joy
6. Silent Night featuring Kristyn Getty 
7. What Child Is This? featuring Sons & Daughters 
8. It’s Christmas
9. A King Like This
10. Bethlehem
11. A Christmas Alleluia featuring Lauren Daigle & Leslie Jordan of All Sons & Daughters