A Marriage Celebration (SAMPLE)

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MARRIAGE

CELEBRATION Couples Devotions to Inspire and Invigorate

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The Seven Promises 1.  A Promise Keeper is committed to honouring Jesus Christ through worship, prayer, and obedience to God’s Word in the power of the Spirit. 2.  A Promise Keeper is committed to pursuing Christ-centred friendships with a few other men, connecting regularly, understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep his promises. 3.  A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing biblical integrity: spiritually, morally, ethically, and sexually. 4.  A Promise Keeper is committed to strengthening families and marriages through love, honour, protection, and biblical values. 5.  A Promise Keeper is committed to supporting the mission of his church by honouring and praying for his pastor, and by actively giving his time and resources. 6.  A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond racial, social, economic, generational, and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity. 7.   A Promise Keeper is committed to influencing the world by his fervent love for God while loving his neighbour, seeking justice for the poor and oppressed, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

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Contents Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned. Song of Songs 8: 6-7 ( NIV )

Section 1

A Secure Foundation  by Phil Wagler

We can have a stronger relationship when we properly understand the commitment. God designed marriage to be a lifelong relationship. Knowing we have this security allows us greater trust and propels us to greater effort.

3 Devotion 1 4 Devotion 2 5 Devotion 3 6 Devotion 4 7 Devotion 5 8 Devotion 6 9 Resources

Image Bearers We Can’t Do It Alone Flesh Of My Flesh Full Frontal Humanity The Journey Is Long Date Night

Section 2  God with Us  by Laird Crump God wants to be intimately part of your marriage. When we are living our lives in the power of His Spirit we will see the fruit in our marriage.

10 Devotion 7 11 Devotion 8 12 Devotion 9 13 Devotion 10 14 Devotion 11 16 Devotion 12 18 Resources

Just the three of us Your personal marriage counselor Keeping in step with the Spirit The Spirit’s work in you—love, joy and peace The Spirit’s work in you—patience, kindness, goodness The Spirit’s work in you—faithfulness, gentleness and self-control

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Section 3 It is Not About You  by Kevin and Stacey Weeks Counter to what our culture tells us, it is through mutual submission and service to each other that we will find the greatest fulfillment in marriage.

19 Devotion 13 20 Devotion 14 22 Devotion 15 23 Devotion 16 24 Devotion 17 25 Devotion 18 26 Resources

He Said: “I Will Love You Like Jesus Loves You” She Said: “I Will Submit to You Because I Love Jesus” He Said: “You Complete Me” She Said: “You Complete Me” He Said: “I’m Committed” She Said: “I forgive you”

Section 4  Community With Us  by Dwayne Cline You were not meant to live in isolation. As part of the church we support each other and are supported in creating and sustaining healthy marriages.

27 Devotion 19 We’re Not Alone 28 Devotion 20 Forgiveness 30 Devotion 21 Help for the Hard Times 32 Devotion 22 Passing on the Wealth of Wisdom 34 Devotion 23 More Than Us 36 Devotion 24 More than Just Married 38 Resources Section 5  Celebration   by Neil Josephson Marriage is an incredible gift from God. It is the bringing together of two people to create a profound oneness. It is to be celebrated and treasured.

39 Devotion 25 40 Devotion 26 42 Devotion 27 43 Devotion 28 44 Devotion 29 45 Devotion 30 46 Resources

Celebrate Marriage Celebrate Your Spouse Celebrate Oneness Celebrate Otherness Celebrate Your Life Together Celebrate Your Future

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Devotion 7

God With Us  Section 2

by Laird Crump

Just the three of us “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:12

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o you recall that old saying, “two’s company—three’s a crowd.” That comment was often said by couples who wanted some privacy. But for Christian couples

the phrase could be, “two’s company, three is even better” . . .  that is of course if the

third party is God. The reality is that God is always with us and wants us to invite him into all aspects of our lives including our marriage. Ecclesiastes four is not a typical passage for married couples to study but it is one that holds some great truths. In this passage God expresses to us how two are better than one. God has given you each other to protect and defend and encourage each other in a world that is full of challenges and difficulties. Although God endorses the value of two people working together he then adds that “a cord of three strands is not easily broken.”  A husband could be seen as one strand, and a wife as another strand, but who is the third? One can’t help but think of that third strand being God himself. You, on your own are not nearly as strong as you two together. But think of how much more strength you can have as a couple as you invite the Lord into your marriage to weave in and around every aspect of your relationship. Couples who invite God into the centre of their relationship have an unusual infusion of strength that is not quickly broken. When was the last time you prayed and asked God to wrap himself around your marriage relationship? Why don’t you take some time right now to thank each other for the benefits of your partnership and then specifically invite God to be the third strand of your relationship? Yes, two is company, but to include God is even better! Daily Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Going Deeper: Share how you have experienced the truths of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Pray that God would invigorate your marriage with his strength.

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Devotion 8

Section 2  God With Us

Your personal marriage counsellor “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another counsellor to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”  John 14:16-17

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f you haven’t been to a marriage counsellor lately then you are missing out on one of the greatest gifts for a marriage. Counsellors have a knack at asking the

right questions, identifying potential problems and pointing people in a positive direction. Their objectivity and personal care can make a world of difference in

your life and marriage. Maybe it is time for you to have a marriage check-up with a trusted Christian therapist. But did you know that you have a counsellor who is on the job for you 24/7? God in his wisdom and kindness has given us his Holy Spirit to speak to the issues of our hearts and keep us on the right path. In John 14, Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “counsellor”. Literally this word means one who is called alongside to help, comfort and intercede. Although God is the mighty creator of the universe He is also one who comes alongside of us giving us His wisdom and the comfort we need to face the issues of life. He also intercedes for us. He takes our moaning and groaning and interprets them as beautiful prayers to the Father. He is not far off but rather as near as a breath away. Jesus says that for his followers the Spirit lives with them and will be in them. Are you having a few difficulties in your relationship? Or, is your marriage strong but you desire to make a good thing better? Why not book a counselling session with the Holy Spirit and ask him to speak into your marriage? Daily Reading: John 14:15-27 Going Deeper: Have you seen evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of your spouse? Remind each other often that God’s Spirit is with you and in you.

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Devotion 9

God With Us  Section 2

Keeping in step with the Spirit “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit”  Galatians 5:25

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an you recall a family reunion where you played some silly games? Did you ever run a three-legged race? Usually the race involves a lot of frustration

until the partners’ learn to keep in step with each other. Paul, the first century church leader, instructs us as Christians to “keep in step

with the Spirit.” Using the example of the three-legged race, one can picture themselves being tied together with the Spirit. A successful race requires the Christian to listen to the Spirit of God and to follow his lead, one step at a time. Paul indicates that since we live by the Spirit we need to do our part to keep in step with the Spirit. Success in the Christian race comes when we align ourselves with the Spirit of God and allow him to lead us where he wants us to go. This is where Christian spouses have a significant advantage. You can help each other keep in step with the Spirit. Think of all the decisions and choices you make day to day. As partners you can encourage each other to identify and follow the Spirit’s leading. Imagine a husband and wife seeking the direction of the Spirit together and encouraging one another to keep in step with the Spirit and follow his leadership. Isn’t it exciting to know that the Spirit of God can be present and active in our daily lives? What decisions and challenges are you facing today? How can you help your partner to keep in step with the Spirit? Remember, God is with you! Daily Reading: Romans 8:2-6 Going Deeper: Talk to each other about how you discern the Spirit’s leading in your life. Give some examples. What decisions and challenges are you currently facing? Spend some time praying right now and discern the Spirit’s leading. Then, encourage each other to “keep in step with the Spirit”.

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Devotion 10

Section 2  God With Us

The Spirit’s work in you—love, joy and peace “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  Galatians 5:22-23

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he purpose of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your lives is not simply to make you happy. His desire is to produce his fruit in your lives so that you can reflect

his Kingdom values. As we stay close to him he can grow some wonderful traits in

our character. One of those traits is “love.” Every marriage can use an extra dose of unconditional, self-sacrificial love. Love is at the centre of God’s character and when we rely on the Spirit of God to empower us we can begin to love each other as God loves. What couple doesn’t want more joy in their relationship? Joy is a sense of contentment that transcends circumstances. As you lean into the Spirit of God he will produce great delight in your marriage and family. Peace is a commodity in short supply these days, especially in busy homes. The Spirit of God wants to give you his peace. As we rely on Him we know that he can replace our anxiety with his calm. Knowing that he is with us moment by moment allows us to rest in His strength. Love, joy and peace are three characteristics God’s spirit wants to produce in our lives. No doubt you want these characteristics in your life as well. Right now, conduct a personal audit as to how you are doing in allowing the Spirit to develop these traits in you. Pray for each other that this very day each of you would sense the Spirit of God growing this fruit in you. Daily Reading: Read 1 Corinthians 13 and examine this wonderful description of the kind of love God wants to produce in your life and marriage. Going Deeper: Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 aloud and insert your names whenever the word “love” appears.

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Devotion 11

The Spirit’s work in you— patience, kindness, goodness “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  Galatians 5:22-23

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n a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your character in terms of patience, kindness and goodness? In your marriage how do those traits play out? As

you can see, the fruit of the Holy Spirit is important for the health of our close relationships. Are you patient with one another? Do you give each other the opportunity to make mistakes? Are you a complainer or do you allow your spouse the time they need to do a task or process an emotion? How about kindness? Do you have an abundance of compassion for each other? Do you go out of your way to do considerate things for each other? How would you define “goodness”? Do you treat each other with respect and integrity? I don’t know about you but when I consider these three character traits I often feel a little guilty. There are times I act like a grumpy old bear. I wish I could be showing my spouse and family more patience, kindness and goodness. Sometimes the harder I try to be patient the more impatient I become—like the person who prayed, “Lord, I want patience and I want it now!” What I am learning is that trying harder doesn’t get me the results I desire. I can’t force these traits into my life from the outside in. I need to allow the Spirit of

God to produce these qualities in me from the inside out. That happens as I spend quiet time with him. Let’s be patient, kind and good with each other as we develop patience, kindness and goodness. But let’s also spend quality time with God so that his Spirit can do this inner work in our hearts. Our role is to come to God in humility. His role is to produce this fruit in our lives.

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God With Us  Section 2

Daily Reading: Philippians 2:1-4 Going Deeper: Today, pray for your spouse every hour on the hour. Specifically ask the Lord to produce the fruit of the Spirit in them.

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Devotion 12

The Spirit’s work in you—faithfulness, gentleness and self-control “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  Galatians 5:22-23

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o you want a marriage that is built to last? Then allow the Spirit of God to build into your marriage the character traits of faithfulness, gentleness and

self-control. All three of these traits are essential for an enduring marriage. Everyday we see examples of unfaithfulness in marriage. A lack of faithfulness in marriage can cause immense hurt. Be the kind of partner your spouse can count on. Build a marriage of authenticity. Gentleness is a wonderful character trait. Who doesn’t love a gentle person?

In a cold and hostile world God challenges you to be warm and considerate, especially with your spouse. Wouldn’t it be great to know that your spouse always had your back and would give you extra helpings of TLC. Self-control in an invaluable character trait. We live in a self-indulgent culture that demands instant gratification but God calls us to be people of restraint. When I get ticked off, my natural instinct is to make my point by talking louder. But I am learning that God wants me to control my emotions and my reactions. God does not want me to be aggressive nor passive, but wants me to be lovingly assertive. I am also learning that willpower is not enough; I need the deeper work of God in my life to help me be self-controlled. The strength for disciplined responses comes from God. All of us want more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in our relationship with each other. The good news of the gospel is that God is ready, able and willing to produce this kind of fruit in our lives as we invite him into our hearts and relationships.

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God With Us  Section 2

Daily Reading: 2 Peter 1:3-11 Going Deeper: Tonight, before you go to bed, thank God for the presence of the Spirit in your life and marriage. Invite him to continue to do his good work in you and to help you build an enduring marriage.

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Section 4  Community with us

Devotion 19

by Dwayne Cline

We’re Not Alone “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13

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’ve had the privilege of being married to Aimee for 15 years. I distinctly remember what attracted me to her . . . she had (and has) a servant’s heart and loved to pour

her life into others. That caught my attention. It was a bonus that she was (and

is) stunning. We began to connect. I was impressed with her love for God and her passion for others. It wasn’t long after that, that we began to court and soon after were engaged and married. No one could have prepared me for what happened next. Quickly after we were married I realized how different the two of us were. I was an extrovert and she an introvert—I’m energized by being with a crowd of people and that experience left her exhausted. My activities and interests at times seemed to repulse her—what happened to the girl who thought interior canoeing sounded adventurous? And her world was at times foreign to me—interior design, home decor, and the mall. What happened to everything that pulled us together? How could I become so easily frustrated with the love of my life? In working with dozens of couples I soon realized Aimee and I were not alone. Others had experienced what we were going through. And thankfully God placed us in a community of believers where we could learn from others. We also discovered that we had something to offer—our struggles, triumphs and defeats could be used by God in someone else’s life. We are thankful for other believers who have invested in our life and marriage over the years—some sacrificially so—we have been enriched by them. Daily Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; James 1:13-15 Going Deeper: Think of one couple you can thank God for who have modeled a healthy marriage to you.  Ask God to direct you to one couple this week that you can encourage.

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Devotion 20

Forgiveness “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”  Colossians 3:12-14

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ou will sin more against your spouse than against anyone else because you will be closer to your spouse than anyone else. I can’t comprehend how

many times I’ve needed to seek Aimee’s forgiveness in our marriage. I seem to continually blow it—an unkind word is spoken, an angry comment, a selfish decision—and need to ask for Aimee’s forgiveness by confessing my sin. Although

our sin is primarily against God, others are still often hurt by it. Forgiveness is foundational to a healthy marriage. Forgiveness breaks the walls of bitterness, self absorption and hurt and begins a healing and restorative process. Your marriage will be enriched after you’ve confessed sin and experienced your spouses’ forgiveness. The apostle Paul tells us that our role model in learning to forgive is Jesus Christ. We are to forgive as completely and freely as He does. Maybe this is why the Apostle Paul parallels marriage and the church in Ephesians 5. The confession and forgiveness we should experience in our marriages should also be experienced in the church. Confession and forgiveness should define every church. The characteristics of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and love that build strong marriages will also build strong Christian communities. When was the last time you confessed your sin to your spouse? When was the last time you confessed your sin to others? We need to own our sin and seek the forgiveness of those we have sinned against and we need to offer a Christ like forgiveness to others.

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Community With Us  Section 4

Daily Reading: Psalm 51; Luke 6:37 Going Deeper: Watch for areas in your marriage where you need to confess your sin and seek your spouses’ forgiveness. Prayerfully ask God if there are people you have sinned against in your church family that you haven’t sought forgiveness from. In the next week take them out for a coffee to confess your sin. If you need a mediator or some advice, speak to your pastor.

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Devotion 21

Help for the Hard Times “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”  Hebrews 3:13 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

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ife can be hard. Financial pressure, illness, job loss, aging parents, death of a loved one and numerous other difficulties can wreak havoc on our marriage

and family. This of course doesn’t even take into account the onslaught of the enemy and temptation. In 2009, God blessed Aimee and me with identical twin girls. They were born at 29 weeks and were only 1 lbs. and 13 oz. and 2 lbs. and

9 oz.—the doctors were uncertain if they would live. We soon discovered a rare virus was in their spinal fluid—CMV—which can cause blindness, deafness and diminished mental capacity for the girls and as it is progressive in nature can affect them up until age 7. Our one daughter is about 70% deaf and our other daughter, who had only experienced 15% hearing loss when she was initially tested, has lost all hearing in one ear. People have rallied around us to care for us.  Numerous acts of care were offered which included meals that were made, prayers that were offered, friends and family who looked after our older children while we spent hours in the hospital and our house being thoroughly cleaned for us twice a month. The body of Christ surrounded our family and supported and cared for us. I have witnessed selfless acts of compassion numbers of times in my ministry— when one couple in the church is suffering, possibly with such intensity that their marriage or family could collapse, and others come along side of them to help them in the hard times. We need each other. We need each other when we question our faith and the purposes of God. When the darkness is seemingly about to overwhelm us. When the pain of going on seems harder than the pain of giving up . . . we need each other. For when a brother or sister in Christ offers an encouraging word, a helping

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Community With Us  Section 4

hand, a financial gift, an act of compassion and your soul is warmed and you are blessed . . . and your marriage is strengthened—you remember God has not left or abandoned you—He is with you. Daily Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 Going Deeper: Who do you purposely and intentionally encourage regularly? Pray about who you can encourage. Thank God for those who have encouraged you.

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Devotion 22

Passing on the Wealth of Wisdom “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  Philippians 4:8-9 “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”  Titus 2:3-5

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ole models; our younger generation desperately needs role models. In a world where commitment only lasts as long as I’m happy and where I believe my

world revolves around me we desperately need couples we can emulate. We need godly believers who have lived though difficult and challenging times and have become better for it. They have matured over the years and are admired for their faith and hope in Christ. We need marriages young couples can aspire to imitate

and follow. The Apostle Paul encourages the believers in Philippi to imitate him as he imitates Christ. He goes so far as to say that if you put into practice whatever you have learned or received from Him that God will be with you. Christian maturity isn’t about a greater knowledge base, faithful attendance at committee meetings or participating every time the church doors are open. A mature Christian is able to call others to examine his or her life and say, ‘Follow me as I follow Christ’. We need couples who can say, ‘Follow us as we follow Christ.’ We need couples who will mentor a younger generation to a place of maturity. This isn’t haphazard or unintentional. Note the deliberate calling Paul gives the older women in the book of Titus. We need mature couples and Christians to invest in younger families and show them how God would have them live. We

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Community With Us  Section 4

need couples who have been married 10 years to mentor recently married couples and couples who have been married 50 years to walk with couples who have been married for 20 years. And deliberate doesn’t mean intense— this should be a process where you invite another couple or two into your life and share life with them—show them how you pray as a couple, how you grow spiritually together, how you make decisions, how you teach the faith to your children, how you are salt and light to your neighbours and in your workplace, etc. You will be blessed for mentoring another couple as it will force you to examine why you live the way you do and you will be blessed as you watch them grow. Daily Reading: Acts 20:25-31, Philippians 3:17 Going Deeper: Think of a couple of Christian couples you know whose marriages you admire. Pick a time with your spouse to have each couple over for dinner during the next month and ask them questions about their marriage and Christian walk. Pray about which recently married couple you can invite over to invest in.  Ask God to search you so that you and your spouse can say, ‘Follow us as we follow Christ.’

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Devotion 23

More Than Us “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”  Romans 12:4-8

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ife is busy. Aimee and I get it. For most of us, between church, extracurricular activities, work, hobbies and challenges that come our way . . . life is busy. Yet

you have been gifted by God to serve Him. We all make excuses as to why we don’t have time to serve, but our marriages suffer when we excuse ourselves out of seeking and serving God’s Kingdom first. Our gifts often complement each other and serving with our spouse allows for a closeness and deepening in spiritual maturity that can’t be otherwise attained. Serving God together allows you to be praying about the same people and ministries. Serving together offers you the opportunity to talk about ways you see God clearly at work in the lives of others and allows you to discern areas where you long for God to mightily move. It’s so easy to avoid. There are so many interests and demands that pull on our time. In our selfish, consumeristic moments we want to be served and not serve. But it’s time to stop making excuses for our lack of involvement in others lives. For the health of our marriages, families, churches and communities we need to sacrificially serve others together. When both of you are committed to mentoring another couple, helping with

Sunday School, offering an evangelistic Bible study in your neighbourhood or having the churched youth in your home every Friday night etc., you have the opportunity to together honor, serve and worship God. Your gifts will complement each other and you will gain a greater appreciation for each other.  Your love for each other will deepen while your relationship with God flourishes and others are blessed. That’s what happens when you serve together.

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Daily Reading: John 13:1-17, Ephesians 4:11-13 Going Deeper: Have a conversation with your spouse, about passions and gifts God has given you and where you each love to serve. Discuss where you can serve together. Find ways you can free up each others’ schedule in order to serve God faithfully without excuse.

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Devotion 24

More than Just Married “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  James 1:27

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he church is a place of diversity. Often, in our churches, couples are the strongest majority. Much of our programming, teaching, curriculum and

ministries revolve around families. Yet we have brothers and sisters in Christ who have been widowed, divorced and are single. We typically gravitate to spending time with people who are like us creating a circle of friends who are comprised

of people in a similar life phase . . . young married couples or married with kids or youth or seniors. Yet Scripture is clear that we need to interact with each other and care for brothers and sisters in Christ that God has allowed us to cross paths with in our journey. Children who have lost their fathers through tragedy or who have been abandoned in a messy divorce need godly, Christ-centered families to interact with so they can see a healthy marriage modeled in front of them. The young men and boys need the support of healthy adult men in their lives and singles need to be hospitably welcomed into homes. We are together part of the body of Christ and have the opportunity to learn from each other, support each other and grow together. These rich interactions will allow us to peer into their world while allowing them to have a better understanding of ours.

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Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Philippians 2:1-4 Going Deeper: Are there widowed, divorced or single people in your church community who would consider your friendship integral to their life? Thank God for the people you are friends with and if no one comes to mind begin to ask God who you should begin to welcome into your families’ life. Is there a fatherless child in your congregation that you and your spouse can begin to welcome into your life? Is there a single parent who could use your support and encouragement? Begin to pray about how you may be used of God to care for those that aren’t like you.

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MARRIAGE

CELEBRATION 30 day Devotional

Section 1: A Secure Foundation We can have a stronger relationship when we properly understand the commitment. God designed marriage to be a lifelong relationship. Knowing we have this security allows us greater trust and propels us to greater effort. Phil Wagler: Pastor, author and SEVEN magazine columnist Section 2: God with Us God wants to be intimately part of your marriage. When we are living our lives in the power of His Spirit we will see the fruit in our marriage. Laird Crump: Focus on the Family Canada Section 3: It is Not About You Counter to what our culture tells us, it is through mutual submission and service to each other that we will find the greatest fulfillment in marriage. Kevin and Stacey Weeks: Pastor and Writer/Blogger Section 4: Community With Us You were not meant to live in isolation. As part of the church we support each other and are supported in creating and sustaining healthy marriages. Dwayne Cline: Pastor and PK Canada Speaker Section 5: Celebration Marriage is an incredible gift from God. It is the bringing together of two people to create a profound oneness. It is to be celebrated and treasured. Neil Josephson: Family Life Canada

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