DAY 14

Day 14
"Love Takes Delight"

"Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life."
(Ecclesiastes 9:9)

One of the consistent themes of the movie "Fireproof", is the necessity of leading your heart, not following it. You cannot always trust your feelings - you've probably heard that before. It is true in marriage, especially, because sometimes you just don't "feel" like loving your wife. Do it anyway. Love that chooses to love is just as powerful as love that feels like loving. In many ways, it's a truer love because it has its eyes wide open. After all, life is short. We want to make the most of our days, and that includes making the choice to love. Remember what it was that first attracted you to her, and celebrate that.

Many times it's easy to "delight in your wife", but most times - it's a choice for which we take responsibility. This may be a stretch for you, a big stretch or a new stretch especially if there is a long history of disgust. But the challenge will be to be delighted again, as you once were. So Choose to neglect one optional activity today that would draw you away from taking some time for your wife. Take that time and begin planning some romantic time away when you are together again - perhaps a little trip, some where romantic. The purpose will be to spend some quality time together, getting that chance to reconnect and renew your enjoyment of each other.

Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love. (Song of Solomon 2:3,4)

Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me. My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. (Song of Solomon 2:13,14)

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
(2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

Ephesians 6:16 says, "Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." Paul shows us in this passage that when this "faith shield" protects our thoughts, we will be protected from the constant barrage of ungodly thoughts that the enemy of our souls wants to defeat us with. The "shield of faith" is a grid that is formed as we strategically and consistently expose ourselves to the Bible and its teachings. Romans 10:17 says that faith comes from hearing the Word of God.

A constant diet of the Bible, biblical teaching, and accountability in our thoughts are absolutely essential to establish and maintain a healthy, dependable filtering system. When we think not just good thoughts, but God thoughts, and learn to filter out the unwanted ones, we can rest assured that we are on the journey to making the impact that God has designed us to make.

Prayer: God, thank You for the shield of faith that You have provided to protect me from the demonic suggestions of the enemy. I commit myself to develop and strengthen that shield through consistent time in Your Word. Guard me, my wife, and my children against the strategies of the enemy. May we be strong in faith, giving glory to You! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Matthew 6:25-34 ... Make a list of your worries and concerns and how those are hindering your journey with God and with your wife. Are there circumstances that need to be fully surrendered? Give each worry to God in prayer, asking Him to shoulder those burdens on your behalf.