It’s hard starting out in marriage. Money is usually tight. You’re getting used to new responsibilities. Even though your love is young and energetic, you find yourself dealing with disagreements and expectations you didn’t really see coming. As Barbara and I watched our children marry, we wondered what we should do to help. At the same time, we didn’t want to meddle. As an older man, I wanted to encourage my sons and sons-in-law as they began to shoulder a husband’s responsibility. I decided to bless them and give them a man-to-man charge.

This morning, the Holy Spirit woke me up very early to pray, read, and then journal. After praying on my knees a few minutes, I was led to read the first 3 chapters from The Love Dare. During my very special quiet time the LORD blessed me with His key message for the Transforming Men’s Hearts Retreat next weekend – “Love is patient. Love is kind.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

“The greatest challenge you will ever face in your life is temptation!” – Fireproof Your Marriage
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
What temptation are you struggling to overcome?
Last Saturday (Nov 30), Julia and I benefitted again by yet another outstanding message at City On A Hill …

You cannot give what you do not have!
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)
How will the LORD respond if you ask him to show you to love your spouse each day this week?
On November 7, I shared a devotional titled “Fireproof Your Marriage” and mentioned that my wife and I are participating in a six week series by that name at City On A Hill Church. On Saturday November 15 we went …

Marriage works best when both husband and wife give up their rights for the sake of the other.
submitting to one another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:21)
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your submission to your spouse?
How would your spouse rate your submission?
In my devotional on November 7 titled “Fireproof Your Marriage,” I mentioned that City On A Hill Church is hosting a 6 week marriage series by that name on Saturdays at 6:00 pm EST, starting November 8.
Julia and I watched the outstanding movie “FIREPROOF” …

“Never leave your partner behind!!!” – Fireproof, the Movie
Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. (1 Corinthians 7:10-11)
How do you “fireproof” your marriage?
When will you fireproof your marriage?
God truly works in mysterious ways. Today’s story is an amazing tangle of circumstances with God reaching out to bless marriages right here in …

Perhaps the greatest social service that can be rendered by anybody to this country and to mankind is to bring up a family. – George Bernard Shaw
But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in …

There are four basic ingredients in the recipe for romance. – Tim and Darcy Kimmel
Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes. (Song 1:15)
What ingredients are necessary for intimacy in marriage?
This morning, my spirit is jumping for joy. I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God. He has used the daily e-prayer messages of my web clients to sow life into me, my family, and my ministry, as well as many others. Through the daily efforts and seed casting of other people, God has …

Regular times of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reflection lead to peace, stability, and very purposeful living.
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; (1 Corinthians 1:27)
How am I doing in the major areas of my LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, WORK and CHURCH?
On December 28, 2007 I received this seemingly crazy instruction from the Holy Spirit, “Start 2008 by listening to all of …

Spend an hour in prayer with these couples each week, no matter the distance that separates you. – Jeff Williams
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Do you intentionally and faithfully pray on a weekly basis with other couples?
How might …