22 March 2013

Joshua 12-14

No particular scripture by itself really stands out to me, but as a whole, after spending several hours looking at maps, reading Jewish texts and keeping track myself of the names of the kings, kingdoms, and towns that Joshua had victory over, I am in awe! What faith and obedience to God Joshua had! What a huge undertaking! 31 kings defeated! Even when several of them would unite their armies, they could not defeat Joshua. That's amazing! It was a huge amount of land that was conquered. And they did not have a massive army to do it, but they had something better, God! (I tried to look up the referenced book of "Jashar", but no luck)

Father God, please help me to have that kind of faith! Faith to follow you, to be courageous in following your will for me, even if the task seems impossible. I am in awe of you God, of your power and of your faithfulness. How mighty you are!! I pray for strength do do your will as you make it known to me, Amen!

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1 Corinthians 7:12-15; 7:23

The first scripture I have said many times to try to explain to people the hope and faith I have in my husband and in my marriage. To try to explain to people how serious I take my vows. So, of course, I am fond of this scripture. But what really stood out to me was 7:23. God paid the ultimate price for me! And, honestly, asks for very little in return! Would it be worth living in my own will, to give the gift He has given me back? Would anything be worth God's grace? Heck no! Such a small scripture spoke so loudly to me! And in the middle of the scriptures on marriage, totally unexpectedly. It seems to me that God is reminding me, again, to guard my heart! To honor and respect His will for which so obviously includes submitting to my husband. That God will honor my submission and lead my husband.

Father God, please help me guard my heart, to treat my husband lovingly and to respect him and his leadership. I pray for him to seek you in all things to lead us. I pray you honor our marriage and help us live in peace with each other, staying satisfied with each other. I pray we bring honor and holiness to each other, our marriage and our relationship with you. Please lead and honor my husband as I lovingly submit to him, Amen!