If God Sent You a Valentine...

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentines didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840's by Esther A. Howland. (courtesy Wikipedia)

If God were to send you a Valentine what would it look like?

That is not a difficult question to answer if you are a Christian, for He has already given you one...  God's Word is His Valentine to you and me.  Not just any Valentine - but one that transcends our ability to grasp it's full impact.  God's Love Letter is given to us for all time and for all circumstances.  It is not limited to a special holiday.

God's requirement for us as His beloved is that we make Him our "first love" - wholly committed to Him. Our heart represents our core being.  Loving God with our whole heart means our affections must be focused foremost and fully on Him first. Only then can we love others with the love He loves us...

Love is the highest form of affection.  Agape love is the highest form of love according to God's Word. In your spiritually uneven marriage God wants to love your spouse through you, and that means even when you don't feel like it. 

It is the volition of your will that will direct your emotional response. Decide now that you will show your love by your actions.  Remember your vows:  to love and cherish, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health...  Loving your husband needs to be unconditional and intentional.

When I write these posts I can honestly say I am reinforcing my own need to hear this.  I write and read these blog articles for my own admonishment and encouragement! I too struggle with emotions and the up and down feelings that accompany any marriage - especially when you are spiritually mismatched.  There is often a disconnect - a drifting apart that occurs with regards to spiritual intimacy.

This Valentine's Day do something special for your mate. .Sure - give them candy hearts and a card. Make them their favorite meal and spend quality time together.  Then give them something unexpected..

Give them a look in the eye honest thank-you for all that you have been through together. Men desire - no, men need our respect and love. Tell them that you’d marry them all over again – that they are just what God designed for you! Reinforce that through your marriage, children, family issues, parents' deaths, surgeries, illnesses, moves, remodels, and lots of other LIFE events, that you are totally committed to them!

What has touched my heart more than anything else over the years has been a consistent hand-written note in every Valentine card I receive from my husband, telling me that he loves me, and thanking God for me. This is a gesture of love coming from a man who has yet to make Jesus Christ the Lord of his life. How blessed I am!

In the book of Ephesians Chapter 5 commands us to walk in love towards one another. The Apostle Paul is teaching on submitting to one another in the fear of God. Husbands are admonished to love their wives just as Christ loves the church. Wives are taught to respect their husbands. 

This portion of Scripture is not just for Christian marriages - but for all marriages. Our submission to Christ in our marriage is key to pleasing Him and our spouse.  You can visit a previous post I wrote on the subject of submission HERE .

Give your husband a Valentine straight from God's heart... give him love abounding from a grateful heart established in God's Word - full of peace and grace!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

 If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

If God Sent You a Valentine...

A Valentine for Eternity

As women, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to take the extra steps to make sure that your husband, boyfriend, Dad, son, or any other important man in your life is made to feel very special. We are givers by nature, and we put much thought and energy into doing just the right things to show our love for them.

Concerning your husband - there is always the traditional candy, heart-felt greeting card, and favorite meal to appease them. But sometimes we just need to do more. If you are craft prone, you can create something unique for their office or man-cave. You might get them a gift card to their favorite “big-boys toy store” or let them know you’re taking them out for dinner! You can offer to go to a movie of their choosing, or buy them a half-hour massage at the local spa. The choices are endless.

All those things are great – but do you know what I bet they would really like? Okay, we already know what “we think they want”, but that’s not all that is on their mind.  I really believe they would like a straight-from-the-heart acknowledgement of how glad you are that you married them to begin with! Give them a “look in the eye” honest thank-you for all that you’ve been through together. Men desire our respect and love. Tell them that you’d marry them all over again – that they are just what God designed for you!  I Corinthians 13 is deemed the "love" chapter and is often quoted in weddings. Here is a post I did titled: Love Isn't Just for Valentine's Day

Ephesians 5 commands us to walk in love towards one another. The Apostle Paul is teaching on submitting to one another in the fear of God (verse 21). Husbands are admonished to love their wives just as Christ loved the church. The great mystery Paul talks about not only has to do with the “leaving and cleaving” in a physical holy union between and man and woman, but also of Christ and His Church. We leave the world and cleave unto Him. We forsake all others for our heavenly Husband. We are His alone. Just as Israel played the harlot and was unfaithful to God, we too can become “unfaithful” in our marriage concerning our allegiance. Our earthly husband is our gift from above – our completer, not our competitor. God wants our focus to be on our spouse and our marriage. That is our highest calling.

Paul’s last point in Ephesians 5 is, “Let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” The point of it is this: women generally have no problem “loving” – but they often have difficulty “respecting” their husband. Honor and respect goes a long way in forging a lasting, healthy and biblical relationship. This applies whether you are both Christians, or if you are unequally-yoked in your marriage. God wills that the wife respect her husband. Here is my post on this touchy subject: Respect: Who Needs It? (Part 1)

Peter lays out God’s perfect plan of submission with regards to women in marriage. I Peter 3 states, “Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear [respect]."  Trusting God and His character is the key to showing respect to your spouse, even when it’s undeserved. God will honor your heart and motive. I wrote a blog post on Biblical submission here: Oh No - Not the "S" Word

On a personal note – do I always do everything just right? No way, not by any stretch of the imagination. Do my husband and I have ups and downs in our 36 year marriage? You bet! However, I learned early on in my Christian walk to show respect to my husband, even when I felt he didn’t deserve it. I don’t chide him in public, or belittle him in front of others. Just as a couple walking along the beach, love and respect go hand in hand.

When I first met my husband, he had a little garden area off of his patio at his apartment. He grew a variety of roses varying in color and size. I have always loved roses. That first day we met he presented me with a lovely single dark red rose. Throughout the years, I have received red roses on special occasions (one being the birth of our son), but more often than not – I have yearly received beautiful cards for Valentine’s Day displaying red roses on it.

What has touched my heart more than anything else over the years, has been a consistent hand-written note in the card saying that he loved me, and thanking God for me! This gesture of love comes from a man who has yet to make Jesus Christ the Lord of his life. I’m thankful that he sees the heart of God in me. How very humbling… To God be all the Glory!

    A Little History About Valentine’s Day -

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentines didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the 

oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. 

The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced 

in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

A Valentine for Eternity

3 Things We Know About God's Love

Valentine's Day often reminds us of why we love someone...

Those we love capture our hearts. They can arouse strong feelings of joy, pride, and deep devotion.

Love is a verb - it is passionate, purposeful and continual.  The Apostle Paul describes love for us in I Corinthians 13:4-8.  Biblical love has many important characteristics that are often contrary to what society tells us about love.

What defines love for you? Who is the recipient of your affection? It could be your "first love" or perhaps your very best friend. It might be someone in your family like a spouse, a child, a parent or a sibling.

God's Word is His "Love Letter" to us. 

So - what does it have to say about His love?

1.   God's love is sacrificial

      In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  (I John 4:10)

2.   God's love is relational

      As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.  (John 15:9)

3.   God's love is eternal
      The Lord has appeared of old to me saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.  (Jeremiah 31:3)

Enjoy some Valentine's Day "Favorite Past Posts"

Be My First Love

The Love Boat - Don't Miss It

Love Isn't Just for Valentine's Day

How do I love Thee, Lord Jesus?

1.    He demonstrated His own love toward me, that while I was still a sinner, 

Christ died for me (Romans 5:8).

2.    For God so loved the world (me) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever 
believed in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

3.    For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for me, that I might become the 

righteousness of God in Him (II Corinthians 5:21).

4.    Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on me, that I 

should be called a child of God (I John 3:1).

5.    By this I know love, because He laid down His life for me (I John 3:16).

6.    But the Lord is faithful, who will establish me and guard me from the evil one (II Thess.3:3).

7.    He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was 

manifest in these last times for me (I Peter 1:20).

8.    For I was like a sheep going astray, but have now returned to the 

Shepherd and Overseer of my soul (I Peter 2:25).

9.    For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring me to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit (I Peter 3:18).

10.    I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God 

while I have my being (Psalm 104:33).

Celebrate this Valentine's Day knowing your Heavenly Father 

loves and embraces you just the way your are!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

3 Things We Know About God's Love

The True Definition of Love...

Love begins when a person feels another person's needs to be as important as his own.    

~ Henry S. Sullivan

Love is a peculiar thing... it can often be a fleeting emotion or a stirring euphoria.  

Love is a verb - often encompassing the notion of cherishing or holding dear the object of your affection.

I Corinthians 13:4-13  is one of the most quoted Scripture passages in the Bible - especially during wedding ceremonies.

I began to think about the Apostle Paul's reminder to those in Corinth (and to us as well) to use our spiritual gifts in love.

In Gary Chapman's book  The 5 Love Languages  he lists number 4 as "acts of service". That brought me to a place of self-reflection with regards to my spiritually mismatched marriage.

Am I using my "acts of service" Love Language  with my spouse?  

How is he viewing it?

Here is my personal application of I Corinthians 13:4-8; 13  in my own unequally-yoked marriage:

1.       Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up (vs 4)

     ~  I am learning to have patience in the little things.  My husband is now fully retired, and that means he's home nearly all day every day. Be careful not to over-inflate your ego regarding your own “Christian” position. Don't be so full of yourself that you overlook their needs and desires.  Simple loving actions mean the world to your spouse – especially for us after being together for over 30+ years.  Familiarity can breed contempt, and you need to remind yourself that every day is a new day to show forth the love of Christ to your spouse.

2.       ... does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; (vs 5)

     ~ Applying my Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are essential when ministering to my spouse.  It is easy to get overwhelmed and lose your temper.  I often pray an SOS prayer for God to help me with my replies (words) and my body language (actions) so as not to offend him.  I have to take my thoughts captive (II Corinthians 10:5) and redirect my wayward mindset.  I must resist being prideful and rude.

3.       ... does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; (vs 6)

     ~  I continually ask God to forgive me when I knowingly sin. If I say I do not sin, I deceive myself (I John 1:8-9).  I rejoice in the truth that God's love prevails and that His Sovereign will reigns. No matter what I face during times of turmoil and difficulty - God's love conquers all.

4.       ... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things 
(vs 7)

     ~  There is nothing that I cannot do with God's help.  Though I may bear the brunt of yelling or others' frustrations, I can treat them with respect and dignity.  I may be tired and discouraged, but I can extend grace and kindness. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) 

5.       Love never fails (vs 8)

     ~  My love for my husband needs to be unconditional - as is God's love for us.  When I am distraught and overwhelmed - my help comes from the Lord.  Agape love is a picture of Jesus living out through us in our actions and words.  We are an extension of Jesus' hands and feet.  "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

6.       And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (vs 13)

    ~  In the end, all I know is that my "acts of service" are just what my husband needs right now.  Your marriage may be in a different phase than ours.  You may be a newlywed or have a young family. Have faith that God will enable you to love your spouse as He intended.

Here is a link to one of my past blog posts for Valentine’s Day 

that talks about showing “love” to those closest to us.   

    The Love Boat - Don't Miss It...

Finally, oftentimes I walk and pray and pour my heart out to God.  One day not long ago I said, "Lord, thank you that I have a good husband, a responsible provider, and a man that loves his family. Thank you Lord that You are my motivation and my help. You order my steps as I walk this path laid before me."

I encourage you to look deep within as you serve your spouse and use God's gifts to bring Him glory...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.   Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

The True Definition of Love...

A Valentine Gift Idea

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I wanted to introduce you to an exciting line of jewelry that I recently discovered.

The Gracewear Collection is based on God's Word - specifically Ephesians 6:10-18. Gracewear encourages women to put on the full Armor of God daily for His protection, mercy, and grace. The signature design for Gracewear is the Shield of Faith. 

Their vision is to share with women about the gift of God's Grace, and His promise that there is absolutely NO sin- great or small -that His Grace will not cover. God calls us to be ambassadors for Christ and to let His love and light shine through us. The Gracewear Collection, based on Ephesians 6:10-18 is created to offer HOPE and LIGHT- through the Power of the Shield. 

Gracewear is the perfect gift for your mother, daughter, grandmother, granddaughter, aunt, niece, or any other special person in your life, (or maybe just for yourself).  

These quality pieces reflect Gracewear's commitment to affordable, stunning designs as well as honoring God through their message.

Check out their extensive collection of jewelry at my  Affiliate Link  below. Be sure to visit their "Sale" and "New Arrivals"  items.

I just love the pieces I ordered and will wear them proudly.  I will ..."always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you..." (I Peter 3:15)

P.S.  If you think you might be interested in becoming an Affiliate Partner too - just click on the "Affiliate Referral Program" under the Gracewear Gives Back Tab at the link below:

Be Shielded with the Full Armor of God! Shop Now!

http://gracewearcollection.com/

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

A Valentine Gift Idea

Love isn't just for Valentine's Day...

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo

Love is a peculiar thing... it can often be a fleeting emotion or a stirring euphoria.   

Love is a verb - often encompassing the notion of cherishing or holding dear the object of your affection.

I Corinthians 13:4-8 is one of the most quoted Scripture passages in the Bible - especially during wedding ceremonies.

I began to think about Paul's reminder to those in Corinth (and to us as well) to use our spiritual gifts in love.

In Gary Chapman's book  The 5 Love Languages  he lists number 4 as "acts of service". That brought me to a place of self-reflection with regards to my parents, their care, and my involvement as their primary care-giver.  Am I using my "acts of service" Love Language  to help them?  How are they viewing it?

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo

If you're not familiar with my current situation in caring for my aging parents, my previous posts  Christmas - Keeping It Real  and  Moving Forward  will give you some background material. There are many decisions to be made in the near future concerning my parents that must be bathed in prayer and Godly wisdom.

Honoring my mother and father is my duty as a follower of Christ. That includes how I act and react to their ever-changing circumstances.

Here is my personal application of I Corinthians 13 to my recent interactions with my parents...

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up (vs 4)

     ~  I am learning to have patience in the little things.  Elderly parents don't like to have their schedules, daily routines, or personal "ways of doing things" changed.  Be careful not to over-inflate your ego regarding your care-giving or how much time you are spending on their behalf.  Don't be so full of yourself that you overlook their true needs and desires.  Simple loving actions mean the world to those who have limited mobility or can no longer come and go as they please.

... does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; (vs 5)

     ~ Applying my Fruits of the Spirit are essential when ministering to my parents.  It is easy to get overwhelmed and lose your temper.  I often pray an SOS prayer for God to help me with my replies (words) and my body language (actions) so as not to offend them.  I have to take my thoughts captive (II Corinthians 10:5) and redirect my wayward mindset. 

... does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; (vs 6)

     ~  I continually ask God to forgive me when I knowingly sin. If I say I do not sin, I deceive myself (I John 1:8-9).  I rejoice in the truth that God's love prevails and that His Sovereign will reigns. No matter what I face during this time of turmoil and difficulty - God's love conquers all.

... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (vs 7)

     ~  There is nothing that I cannot do with God's help.  I may bear the brunt of yelling or others' frustrations, but I can treat them with respect and dignity.  I may be tired and discouraged, but I can extend grace and kindness. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)  

Love never fails (vs 8)

     ~  My love for my parents needs to be unconditional - as God's love is for us.  Agape love is Jesus living out through us in our actions and words.  We are an extension of Jesus' hands and feet.  "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 

 In the end, all I know is that my "acts of service" are just what my parents need right now.  I was out last week with their two little dogs, and I remember talking with the Lord while we walked.  I said, "Lord, thank you that I still have my parents and can minister to them through your strength."  "Thank you Lord that You are my loving motivator and You order my steps as I walk this path laid before me."

I encourage you to look deep within as you serve others and use God's gifts to bring Him glory...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Love isn't just for Valentine's Day...

Valentine's Day - Do You Have That "Loving Feeling"?

Love is in the air... 

But is it in your marriage?  Do you demonstrate your love to your husband in the little things you do?  Does he see your love in action - even in the private moments?

Ephesians 5 commands us to walk in love towards one another. Paul was teaching on submitting to one another in the fear of God (verse 21). Husbands are admonished to love their wives just as Christ loved the church. The great mystery Paul talks about not only has to do with the “leaving and cleaving” in a physical union between and man and woman, but also of Christ and His Church. We leave the world and cleave unto Him.

When we marry, we forsake all others for our husband. We are his alone. Just as Israel played the harlot and was unfaithful to God, we too can become “unfaithful” in our marriage concerning our allegiance to our spouse. Our husband is our gift from above – our  completer, not our competitor. God wants our focus to be on our mate and our marriage. 

Paul’s last point in Ephesians 5 is, “Let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”  This is the point:  women generally have no problem “loving” – but they often have difficulty “respecting” their husband. Honor and respect goes a long way in forging a lasting and healthy relationship. This applies whether you are both Christians, or if you are unequally-yoked in your marriage. God wills that the wife love and respect her husband.

The message that was given to the church at Ephesus in the book of Revelation was to the point and quite startling.  Jesus acknowledged their works, labor, patience and endurance. He commended their perseverance, but He also reprimanded them for one important thing:  they left their first love.  He told them to repent and do the first works.  

That got me to thinking...  If you don't abandon your first Love, you won't abandon your second love (your spouse).  Christ is the key to loving your husband in a way that brings glory to God.

God sent us a Valentine in Jesus...

He demonstrated His own love toward me, that while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me (Romans 5:8).

For God so loved the world (me) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believed in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

  

Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on me, that I should be called a child of God 

(I John 3:1).

By this I know love, because He laid down His life for me (I John 3:16).

Love Is In The Air -  (this will take you back a few years! - Disco style)

Show some love... I shared this list on my  Anniversary Blog Post  (January 2nd 2012)

“30 Things I Love Most About My Husband"

1. Funny
2. Romantic
3. Generous           
4. Careful
5. Sacrificial
6. Organized
7. Mindful
8.   (etc...)

Finally - share with me your thoughts on love...

What verse do you claim when you're not  "feeling the love" ?

What verse gives you the grace to love like Christ does in your marriage?

 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Valentine's Day - Do You Have That "Loving Feeling"?

Valentine's Day Giveaway Winner Announced (Now Closed)

And the winner is ~

Thank you for your participation in the Valentine's Day Giveaway.  There has been wonderful, insightful sharing here!

Choosing a winner is never easy - I appreciate your heartfelt answers to the questions posed to you.  That being said, reading the diverse comments and variety of answers was encouraging and comforting!

Okay -  drum roll please...

The winner of the Valentine's Day Giveaway is

 Daixin  Lin

Daixin - please email me or reply to your post so I can send you the Giveaway package!

            

Because all of the participants showed "courage" in answering the questions, and shared from the depth of their hearts - I'd like to offer each of you a Free Download of my book "Mission Possible" (ebook format of your choice) from Smashwords.  Just email me at  deb@alabasterboxpublishing.com , and put "Valentine's Day Giveaway" in the Subject Line. 

Thank you all again for visiting my blog God Mission Possible.  You are special to me and the Lord...

Valentine's Day Giveaway Winner Announced (Now Closed)

Valentine's Day Giveaway - It Takes Courage To Make It !

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.


In honor of NATIONAL MARRIAGE Week  (Feb. 7th -14th)  I'm hosting a giveaway featuring a copy of the new movie COURAGEOUS along with a few other goodies!

Here's what you have to do for a chance to win this Valentine's Day Giveaway package:   

Simply answer one of the questions at the end of this devotional on 'Courage', and I'll choose a Winner on February 9th and announce it on this Blog.  Don't forget to write your answer in the "Post a Comment" box (below) and check back for the winner.  I'll be mailing out the gift package right away!

 

 The gift package will include the movie COURAGEOUS on DVD, microwave popcorn, a few Valentine goodies, and a copy of my paperback book MISSION POSSIBLE. 

"Courage" is showcased in the Bible 

In Joshua Chapter 1 God told Joshua to be courageous before he led the Israelites into the Promised Land.  He commanded him to exhibit courage three separate times. Gideon was also extolled to be courageous in the book of Judges, as was Zerubbabel in the book of Haggai. 

There are also several women in the Bible who were courageous. Three of my favorite examples are Sarah, Moses' mother, and Eunice.  

In Genesis 12 we find Sarai (Sarah) following Abram to Egypt during a time of famine in Canaan.  He convinced her to tell the Egyptians that she was his sister, and not his wife, for fear of losing his life. It took great courage for her to agree to the plan, one in which God Himself intervened.  

Exodus Chapter 2 gives us the story of Moses' mother, who going against orders from the King of Egypt, hid her young son in the bulrushes and trusted God to protect him from harm.  Her courage and obedience led the way for Moses to become the leader of his people, and an instrument of God against Pharaoh.

II Timothy Chapter 1:5 tells us that the Apostle Paul reminded young Timothy of his family heritage, including the fact that his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were instrumental in his spiritual upbringing.  I conclude that Eunice was courageous in her instruction and example of raising her son as a Jewish believer, while it is widely accepted that Timothy's father was a Greek.

The movie COURAGEOUS is a wonderful story of redemption, renewal and re-commitment to family values and leadership within the home. It's a "feel good" flick for men and women alike. Living in a spiritually mismatched marriage presents its own set of challenges and hurdles to overcome.  This film will minister to both sexes as it helps to define biblical roles within the family unit - especially as it pertains to fathers and husbands.  

Our society has diminished a man's role in his family by often portraying them in a negative light in movies, TV, and commercials.  Hollywood stereotypes and role models have left many longing for the "days of old" when it comes to men and their true worth.  The movie COURAGEOUS  brings a sense of hope and encouragement to families that have struggled with life's twists and turns, and gives men a godly example to emulate.

On of my favorite Bible verses regarding courage is this:  "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!"  (Psalm 27:13-14)

 

Question:

We know it takes COURAGE to live in a spiritually uneven marriage.   

What would you say has been the most courageous thing you have done in your 
marriage with regards to your unsaved spouse?     

                                                                   or

 How does the Lord give you the courage to stay committed to your spouse in your unequally-yoked marriage?

Don't forget to leave your answer in the "Post a Comment" box (below) for a chance to win the Valentine's Day Giveaway package.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Valentine's Day Giveaway - It Takes Courage To Make It !