Today's dare is to look back over the dares. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and give you the ability to love? Continue to ask Him to show you where you stand with Him and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination.
Lord,
We submit our wills and our lives to you, knowing that we cannot do it alone. Lord, please enable us to become the wives, mothers and women you created us to be. Help us to live lives that truly honor you in the home and in the world.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Day 58- Love Seeks to Understand
Today's dare is to prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer. Focus this time on getting to know him better, perhaps in areas you've rarely talked about. Determine to make in an enjoyable evening for you and him.
Lord,
Help us be creative in having that time with our husbands, even if it is a picnic in the bedroom. Please let us find a way to make him feel special and cared for.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Help us be creative in having that time with our husbands, even if it is a picnic in the bedroom. Please let us find a way to make him feel special and cared for.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Day 57- Love Promote Intimacy
Today's dare is to continue to pray for those private areas/secrets your husband has. Because he trusts you, you are to keep those areas between the two of you and God. These secrets may not be ones that are harmful to himself or others, but it might be a failure in his past, or childhood abuse that he battles. Remember that he may still be struggling to overcome them and it is reflected in insecurities and defenses to cope with them. Be patient with him and reassure him that he is loved unconditionally.
Lord,
Let us be trustworthy and not use those areas against him. The Proverbs 31 woman's husband fully trusts in her. Let us become that woman with your help.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Let us be trustworthy and not use those areas against him. The Proverbs 31 woman's husband fully trusts in her. Let us become that woman with your help.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Monday, March 28, 2011
Day 56- Love Intercedes
Today's dare is to think of those three areas you have prayed for your husband's heart. Pray for those three areas again, unless you would like to add to them. As you continually bring them before the Lord, watch God work.
Lord,
You hear our prayers and answer as we pray in faith. Help us to have faith to believe you will do it and pray with fervency believing that.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
You hear our prayers and answer as we pray in faith. Help us to have faith to believe you will do it and pray with fervency believing that.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Day 55- Love is Honorable
Today's dare is to choose a way to show honor and respect to your husband that is above your normal routine. It may be holding putting his clothes away, or work gear. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show him that he is highly esteemed in your eyes.
They will never tire of this challenge. Let's make it a conscious effort to look for ways of doing it so that it becomes our norm.
Lord,
Help us to show our love for You by showing our love, honor and respect to your child, our husband. Let us reflect your love by our actions.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
They will never tire of this challenge. Let's make it a conscious effort to look for ways of doing it so that it becomes our norm.
Lord,
Help us to show our love for You by showing our love, honor and respect to your child, our husband. Let us reflect your love by our actions.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Day 54- Love Takes Delight
Today's dare is to purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your husband. Do something he would love to do or a project he would like to work on. Just be together.
Our husbands enjoy the comaraderie with those important in their lives, namely their wives. Let's become their best buddies.
Lord,
Help us to put our husbands in our schedules and put aside our own agenda. Help us to organize our day to allow for that so that we won't neglect those other areas of family responsibility. Let us become the best of friends to them and not settle for less. Please revive our hearts and our relationship with our husbands. Thank you for what you will do.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Our husbands enjoy the comaraderie with those important in their lives, namely their wives. Let's become their best buddies.
Lord,
Help us to put our husbands in our schedules and put aside our own agenda. Help us to organize our day to allow for that so that we won't neglect those other areas of family responsibility. Let us become the best of friends to them and not settle for less. Please revive our hearts and our relationship with our husbands. Thank you for what you will do.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Friday, March 25, 2011
Day 53- Love Fights Fair
Today's dare is to review your rules for engagement in a fight. The last disagreement you had, were you able to objectively apply those rules or did the heat of the moment take over? Take time today to look back and see what you could have done differently to diffuse the situation or avoid it altogether. This will take self discipline to apply and also forethought. Imagine in your mind that last disagreement and envision how you would like it to resolved. Those mental practices will help you to apply it when it comes. The scripture says that as a man thinks, that is what he becomes.
Dear Lord,
One of the fruits of your Holy Spirit is self-control. Lord, please allow that fruit to flourish in our lives to affect our marriages and our families. Help us to allow you to take hold of our emotions, even in the heat of battle. Help us remember that our husband is not our enemy, but we do have an enemy of our souls.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Dear Lord,
One of the fruits of your Holy Spirit is self-control. Lord, please allow that fruit to flourish in our lives to affect our marriages and our families. Help us to allow you to take hold of our emotions, even in the heat of battle. Help us remember that our husband is not our enemy, but we do have an enemy of our souls.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Day 52- Love Lets the Other Win
Today's dare is to demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your husband. Tell them you are putting their preference first.
Lord,
Help us to die to ourselves and our flesh and to allow You to prevail. Let us see that you are mighty to help us. This is a difficult challenge that we need Your help in.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Help us to die to ourselves and our flesh and to allow You to prevail. Let us see that you are mighty to help us. This is a difficult challenge that we need Your help in.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Day 51- Love Cherishes
Today's dare is to meet the needs of your spouse today. Does he need an errand ran, or a back/foot massage? Choose a gesture that says, "I cherish you" and do it with a smile.
Lord,
Help us to cherish our husbands in word and in deed. Help us to treat him today as if this would be our last. Let be a vessel of love and blessing to him so that he would feel like he's the most blessed man there is. The scriptures say that a good wife is more rare and precious than rubies.
Lord,
Help us to cherish our husbands in word and in deed. Help us to treat him today as if this would be our last. Let be a vessel of love and blessing to him so that he would feel like he's the most blessed man there is. The scriptures say that a good wife is more rare and precious than rubies.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 50- Love is Unconditional
Today's challenge is to do something out of the ordinary for your husband, something that proves that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash his car, clean the kitchen, sort the mail, buy a favorite treat, massage, fold the laundry, etc. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.
Lord,
Help us to envision doing this for You and just to channel it to our husbands in the process. Let us have the right attitude and spirit and do it with joy.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Help us to envision doing this for You and just to channel it to our husbands in the process. Let us have the right attitude and spirit and do it with joy.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 49- Love Makes Good Impressions
Today's dare is to think of a specific way you'd like to greet your husband today. Do it with a smile and enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for him.
If you are not doing this regularly, here's a chance to do it again and make it a part of your day.
Lord,
Help us to be full of cheer and sensitive to the time he needs to unwind and just rest from a long day. Help us to keep our attitudes under your control and allow us the chance to share with him our day when the timing is right. Help us to keep his needs above ours today.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
If you are not doing this regularly, here's a chance to do it again and make it a part of your day.
Lord,
Help us to be full of cheer and sensitive to the time he needs to unwind and just rest from a long day. Help us to keep our attitudes under your control and allow us the chance to share with him our day when the timing is right. Help us to keep his needs above ours today.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Day 48- Love is Not Jealous
Today's dare it to determine to become your husband's biggest fan and reject any thoughts of jealousy. Focus on an achievement he made, however small, and praise him for it. For an even better result, praise him for something in PUBLIC. That will encourage him and build him up in the eyes of his peers and in your eyes.
Lord,
Help us to have keen eyes to find those opportunities to bless your child (our husband). Let us be Your mouthpiece to bring encouragement to his heart.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Help us to have keen eyes to find those opportunities to bless your child (our husband). Let us be Your mouthpiece to bring encouragement to his heart.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Day 47- Love Believes the Best
Today's dare is to reflect back on the positive qualities of our husbands. Are there still a negative list that you have penned in the back of your mind? If there is, list the positive qualities that you were attracted to and also new qualities you are seeing now.
Lord,
Help us to focus on the positive in our husbands and also in those around us. Let us not see ourselves as better than others, but that we esteem our husbands better than ourselves, as the scriptures described the attitude that Jesus had.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord,
Help us to focus on the positive in our husbands and also in those around us. Let us not see ourselves as better than others, but that we esteem our husbands better than ourselves, as the scriptures described the attitude that Jesus had.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Friday, March 18, 2011
Day 46- Love is Not Irritable
Today's dare is to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin with prayerfully committing the day to Him. Allow His Holy Spirit to respond through you and allow your own flesh to die. Reflect on what does irritate you and think through how you would like to respond. As you "rehearse" this, it will be easier to respond that way when it comes up.
Lord, help us to expect bumps along the road. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we can become more like you. Help us to respond in a loving manner when we get irritated. Let our spirit be sweet and gracious, despite what comes.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Lord, help us to expect bumps along the road. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we can become more like you. Help us to respond in a loving manner when we get irritated. Let our spirit be sweet and gracious, despite what comes.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Day 45- Love is Not Rude
Today's Dare:
We asked our husbands what three things irritate or make him uncomfortable with us. Do you remember what that was? If you don't, ask him again. If you do, focus on working on those areas so that you become a sweet aroma of Jesus to him.
Lord,
Bring to mind those things that bring our husband's down that we do. Help us to see that we are sinners and need to repent of those things. Even if the thing is not sinful, but our attitudes are, Lord, help us turn from them and become the wives and women we need to be.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
We asked our husbands what three things irritate or make him uncomfortable with us. Do you remember what that was? If you don't, ask him again. If you do, focus on working on those areas so that you become a sweet aroma of Jesus to him.
Lord,
Bring to mind those things that bring our husband's down that we do. Help us to see that we are sinners and need to repent of those things. Even if the thing is not sinful, but our attitudes are, Lord, help us turn from them and become the wives and women we need to be.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Day 44- Love is Thoughtful
Today's Dare:
Contact your husband during the business day and have no other agenda other than asking how he is and if there is anything you could do for him. You can text, call, or email. What a surprise it will be for him.
Lord,
Help us be creative in knowing how to communicate to our husbands that they are our priority and the men of our lives. Let us have a sweet disposition without any added motives other than to show Christ's love to them.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Contact your husband during the business day and have no other agenda other than asking how he is and if there is anything you could do for him. You can text, call, or email. What a surprise it will be for him.
Lord,
Help us be creative in knowing how to communicate to our husbands that they are our priority and the men of our lives. Let us have a sweet disposition without any added motives other than to show Christ's love to them.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Day 43- Love is Not Selfish
Today's Dare:
Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It's hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something or make him something that says, "I was thinking of you today."
Lord,
Let us invest in what is important to you, namely making your Kingdom a reality, by reflecting your character through the picture of marriage. Jesus is our husband, while the church is the submissive bride. Help us to reflect that pure image through our actions, thoughts and attitudes. We cannot overcome our own selves without the help of your Spirit. Lord, help us to be the wives your want us to be.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It's hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something or make him something that says, "I was thinking of you today."
Lord,
Let us invest in what is important to you, namely making your Kingdom a reality, by reflecting your character through the picture of marriage. Jesus is our husband, while the church is the submissive bride. Help us to reflect that pure image through our actions, thoughts and attitudes. We cannot overcome our own selves without the help of your Spirit. Lord, help us to be the wives your want us to be.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day 42- Love is Kind (Mon, Mar 14)
Now that we have completed the Love Dare book. It's time to make it stick. We will continue to practice it until the 90 days are up, but I will add a prayer at the end to help make it go deeper.
Do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.
This doesn't have to cost money. Maybe a backrub and doing it until it doesn't hurt. Or a foot massage. Maybe making a favorite meal or treat, that would really surprise him. Be creative and think outside the box.
Lord, help me to be a blessing to my husband. Keep my eyes focused on meeting his needs and looking to you to meet mine. Allow only blessing to pour from my mouth.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.
This doesn't have to cost money. Maybe a backrub and doing it until it doesn't hurt. Or a foot massage. Maybe making a favorite meal or treat, that would really surprise him. Be creative and think outside the box.
Lord, help me to be a blessing to my husband. Keep my eyes focused on meeting his needs and looking to you to meet mine. Allow only blessing to pour from my mouth.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Day 41- Love is Patient
Now that we have completed the Love Dare book. It's time to make it stick. We will continue to practice it until the 90 days are up. I will make some adjustments in this next section as the Spirit leads, and I will add a prayer at the end to help make it go deeper.
Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our works often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say NOTHING negative to your spouse AT ALL. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret.
Lord, keep a guard on my tongue. Allow only blessing and encouragement to leave these lips.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our works often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say NOTHING negative to your spouse AT ALL. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret.
Lord, keep a guard on my tongue. Allow only blessing and encouragement to leave these lips.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Day 40- Love is a Covenant
Today's dare:
Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew your wedding vows before a minister and with family present. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your husband.
Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew your wedding vows before a minister and with family present. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your husband.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Day 39- Love Endures
Today's dare:
Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your husband. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death and that your have purposed to love him no matter what. Leave it in a place that he will find it.
Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your husband. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death and that your have purposed to love him no matter what. Leave it in a place that he will find it.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day 38- Love Fulfills Dreams
Today's dare:
Ask yourself what your husband would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can.
Ask yourself what your husband would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day 37- Love Agrees In Prayer
Today's dare:
Ask your husband if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Ust this time to commist your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if he refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.
Ask your husband if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Ust this time to commist your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if he refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day 36- Love is God's Word
Today's dare:
Commit to reading the Bible every day. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your husband is open to it, see if he will commit to daily Bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the Rock.
Commit to reading the Bible every day. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your husband is open to it, see if he will commit to daily Bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the Rock.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Day 35- Love is Accountable
Today's dare:
Find a marriage mentor- someone who is a strong Christian and who will be honest and loving with you. If you feel that counseling is needed, then take the first step to set up and appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decisions and discernment.
Find a marriage mentor- someone who is a strong Christian and who will be honest and loving with you. If you feel that counseling is needed, then take the first step to set up and appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decisions and discernment.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Day 34- Love Celebrates Godliness
Today's dare:
Find a specific, recent example when your husband demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today.
Find a specific, recent example when your husband demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Day 33- Love Completes Each Other
Today's dare:
Recognize that your husband is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.
Recognize that your husband is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Day 32- Love Meets Sexual Needs
Today's dare:
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband today. Do this in a way that honors what your husband has told or implied to you about what they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband today. Do this in a way that honors what your husband has told or implied to you about what they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Day 31- Love and Marriage
Here is today's dare:
Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your husband today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your husband and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.
Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your husband today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your husband and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Day 30- Love Brings Unity
Today's dare:
Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your husband. Pray that God would do the same him. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.
Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your husband. Pray that God would do the same him. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Day 29- Love's Motivation
Today's dare:
Before you see your husband again today, pray for him by name and for his needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you," then express love to him in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person; unconditionally, the way He loves both of you.
Before you see your husband again today, pray for him by name and for his needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you," then express love to him in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person; unconditionally, the way He loves both of you.
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