In Honoring my Covenant, I shared with you about my studying and note-taking.

I began to write down verses that I could apply to HIM! (sort of funny huh?).

I was amazed to find that the majority of the verses I wrote down applied to ME.

I also found some that applied to our child.

As I read and studied any devotional book or daily Bible reading, I would add verses to my journal that applied.

I wrote next to them Me, Him, Child depending on to whom it applied.

I am going to start sharing these with you as I organize them–or my thoughts–better.

As I read and recorded, I saw a pattern being woven. The beauty of God’s goodness, his graciousness, his plans for us.

I also saw a plan emerging. Something I could DO!

In the margin of my journal is a note “A battle plan for my marriage”.

To this day, I am still blessed by reading through these thoughts and verses.

We know that God’s word is powerful. The Bible contains the answer to every problem we face. We must choose to submit and obey, but the answers and principles to follow are there.

Here is one of the first things I wrote many years ago. If you are having difficulty with someone, it’s a great exercise to follow. It did take me a long time to work on this. I didn’t just sit down and write like crazy.

I prayed and asked God what I should write and for his help to follow through.

I Corinthians 13

I highlighted the phrases from the Bible that I chose and wrote how I can apply them.

Love suffers long I choose to love him again. Even though he has hurt me. I won’t expect him to change instantly.

Love is kind I will treat him with love. I will not try to pay him back or punish him.

Love is not puffed up I will see myself as a sinner. I won’t be self-righteous. I will remember how much God has forgiven me.

Love doesn’t behave unseemly I will ask God to help me to speak kindly to him. I will ask God to keep me from being controlling.

Love doesn’t seek her own I don’t need to drive home my needs. I can pray and share with him and leave it.

Love is not easily provoked. I can hold my tongue when I’m angry or grumpy. I can speak loving words.

Love doesn’t rejoice in evil If he fails, I don’t have to think (or say) “I knew it!”

Love rejoices in the truth I can thank God when truth is made known. Even if the truth is an ugly truth.

Love bears all things Because I love him, I will learn how to Biblically respond to my hurt. I won’t allow myself to think “This marriage will never work.”

Love believes all things I won’t dwell on “what if he fails?” I will trust in God.

Love hopes all things My hope is in the Lord. I can sing when I start to worry.

Love endures all things I love him and I want our marriage to make it. I will stay and fight.

Filed under: From God's Word, From my Journal, Marriage | 7 Thoughts Shared »