DAY 30

Day 30
"Love Brings Unity"

"Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are."
(John 17:11)

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in a perfect relationship - each serving, loving, honoring each other. Though separate they are one. And because this relationship is so special - so representative of the vastness and grandeur of God - He has chosen to let us experience an aspect of it. In the unique relationship of husband and wife, two distinct individuals are spiritually united into 'one flesh' (Genesis 2:24). And 'what God has joined together, let man not separate' (Mark 10:9). In fact, this mystery is so compelling - and the love between husband and wife so intertwined and complete - that God uses the imagery of marriage to explain His love for the church. Every time I reflect on these truths I am reminded of what I have learned that here is much more to marriage than just getting through the day with your wife!

Husbands, what would happen in your marriage if you devoted yourself to loving, honoring, and serving your wife in all things? ... What would happen if you made it your mission to do everything possible to promote togetherness of heart with your wife? These questions, and the thoughts which surround them as we seek to understand what it means to love, serve and honor your wife, bring us to today's challenge.

In prayer, ask the Lord to open your eyes, ears, and heart to identify an area in your marriage which is threatening your oneness. Ask Him to do the same for your wife. In a spirit of unity, let your wife know that this is something which you want to work on together. If the Lord leads you to confess an area of selfishness, ask your wife for forgiveness.

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:26,27)

As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery - but I am talking about Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:31,32)

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith."
(1 JOHN 5:4)

We all love to win. Victory is sweet. One reason it's so sweet is that it's usually not easy. Victory takes effort -- often great effort.

Effort is also required in the spiritual battle of good against evil we are all engaged in. But the effort required of us is to maintain our attitude of faith in God and His Word.

We cannot overcome the strategies of the devil by our willpower, or by our own strength. We must use the spiritual weapons God has provided for us.

As a child of God -- you are a winner! The victory is already yours through what Jesus Christ did on your behalf. Don't let the enemy steal the victory away from you.

Your enemy comes to steal your faith. Don't let it happen.

Scripture For Today: Galatians 5:16-26 ... Which of the fruit of the Spirit has God been developing the most during the past month? Which fruit seems to be slower to ripen? Why do you think this is so?