30-Day Husband Challenge – Day 04

Day Four: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

How are you doing with your commitment to say only good things about your wife and to others about your wife? Did you catch yourself starting to say something negative and then stopping? Did you falter and let something slip? Did you have a thought about your wife’s actions or attitude that would not be pleasing to her or to God?

Recommit yourself to the ground rules of the 30 Day Challenge:

You can’t say anything negative about your wife… to your wife… or to anyone else about your wife.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your wife… to your wife… or to someone else about your wife every day.

In fact, let’s go one step beyond recommitting to the ground rules and intentionally say something positive about your wife to someone else while she is listening. I am not talking about mere flattery; I mean a real, honest compliment that will tell someone else and your wife how much you appreciate her.

You do not have to come up with something new that you’ve never thought of, although there’s nothing wrong with that. You can choose one of the items from Day One or from the list of chores that your wife normally takes care of and tell someone how your wife makes your home and your life special when she can conveniently “overhear” what you are saying.

After she gets over the surprise, you will see a smile on her face you haven’t seen in a long time.


* Written and distributed by Claudia J. Pate, www.theanniversaryshop.wordpress.com

 

30-Day Husband Challenge – Day 03

Day Three: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

OK, you’ve done some talking and you’ve done some playing, now it’s time to put your words into action.

What can you do to help your wife today? Do the dishes need washed? Does the laundry need folded and put away? Do the kids need baths? Can you cook?

Even just a few minutes of your time to help your wife complete the tasks before her will go a long way to encourage her and make her feel loved.

Let your wife know how much you appreciate all that she does and ask her what she needs help with the most today – and do it as unto the Lord, giving thanks and without grumbling.


* Written and distributed by Claudia J. Pate, www.theanniversaryshop.wordpress.com

 

Nehemiah

  1. Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:1-7:73)
    1. Nehemiah’s Plan (Nehemiah 1:1-2:10)
      1. His Prayer for God’s Blessing (Nehemiah 1:1-11)
        1. The Condition of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:1-7)
        2. The Petition of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:8-11)
      2. His Requests of the King (Nehemiah 2:1-10)
    2. The Task of Rebuilding (Nehemiah 2:11-7:73)
      1. Nehemiah Inspects the Walls (Nehemiah 2:11-20)
      2. The Work Begins (Nehemiah 3:1-32)
      3. The Work Attacked (Nehemiah 4:1-6:14)
        1. Mockery (Nehemiah 4:1-6)
        2. Conspiracy (Nehemiah 4:7-23)
        3. Extortion (Nehemiah 5:1-19)
        4. Compromise (Nehemiah 6:1-4)
        5. Slander (Nehemiah 6:5-9)
        6. Treachery (Nehemiah 6:10-14)
      4. The Work is Completed (Nehemiah 6:15-7:4)
      5. The List of Exiles Who Returned (Nehemiah 7:5-73)
  2. Ezra Calls the People to Repentance (Nehemiah 8:1-13:31)
    1. Ezra Reads the Law (Nehemiah 8:1-18)
      1. Reading of the Book (Nehemiah 8:1-8)
      2. Response of the People (Nehemiah 8:9-18)
    2. The People Confess Their Sins (Nehemiah 9:1-38) Repentance
    3. The Israelites’ Agreement with God (Nehemiah 10:1-39)
      1. Ratification of the Covenant (Nehemiah 10:1-27)
      2. Responsibilites of the Covenant (Nehemiah 10:28-39)
    4. Jerusalem is Re-established (Nehemiah 11:1-13:31)
      1. Re-population (Nehemiah 11:1-12:26)
        1. Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1-24)
        2. Other Cities (Nehemiah 11:25-36)
        3. Priests and Levites (Nehemiah 12:1-26)
      2. Dedication of the Wall (Nehemiah 12:27-47)
      3. Nehemiah’s Final Reforms (Nehemiah 13:1-31)
        1. Non-Jews (Nehemiah 13:1-3)
        2. The Priesthood (Nehemiah 13:4-14)
        3. The Sabbath (Nehemiah 13:15-22)
        4. Regarding Marriage (Nehemiah 13:23-31)

* LESSONmaker Outlines + the Ryrie Study Bible

Ezra

  1. The First Return of the Exiles Under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1:1-6:22)
    1. Cyrus Allows Volunteers to Return (Ezra 1:1-11)
    2. The Families of the First Return (Ezra 2:1-70)
      1. Leaders (Ezra 2:1-2)
      2. Families (Ezra 2:3-20)
      3. Cities (Ezra 2:21-35)
      4. Priests (Ezra 2:36-39)
      5. Levites (Ezra 2:40-42)
      6. Nethinim (Ezra 2:43-54) Temple Servants
      7. Solomon’s Servants (Ezra 2:55-58)
      8. Uncertain Genealogies (Ezra 2:59-63)
      9. Totals (Ezra 2:64-70)
    3. Rebuilding the Altar (Ezra 3:1-6) Sacrifices
    4. Rebuilding the Temple (Ezra 3:7-13) Foundation
    5. Enemies Try to Discourage the Building (Ezra 4:1-5)
      1. Compromise (Ezra 4:1-3)
      2. Campaign (Ezra 4:4-5)
      3. Climax (Ezra 4:6-24) Appeal to Ahasuras (Xerxes)
    6. Building is Resumed (Ezra 5:1-17)
      1. Prophets Preaching (Ezra 5:1-2)
      2. Protest of Tattenai (Ezra 5:3-17)
    7. The Completion of the Temple (Ezra 6:1-22)
      1. Darius Supports the Construction of the Temple (Ezra 6:1-12)
      2. The Temple is Completed (Ezra 6:13-15)
      3. The Temple is Dedicated (Ezra 6:16-18)
      4. The Passover is Celebrated (Ezra 6:19-22)
  2. The Second Return of the Exiles Under Ezra (Ezra 7:1-10:44)
    1. Artaxerxes Authorizes a Return to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:1-28)
      1. The Leader (Ezra 7:1-10)
      2. The Letter (Ezra 7:11-28) Artaxerxes
    2. The Families of the Second Return (Ezra 8:1-14)
    3. God Protects the Travelers and Their Treasure (Ezra 8:15-36)
    4. Ezra Laments Intermarriage in Jerusalem (Ezra 9:1-15)
      1. Condition of the People (Ezra 9:1-4)
      2. Confession of Ezra (Ezra 9:5-15)
    5. The People Confess Their Sin (Ezra 10:1-44)
      1. Covenant of the People (Ezra 10:1-8)
      2. Cleansing of the People (Ezra 10:9-44)

* LESSONmaker Outlines + the Ryrie Study Bible

Second Chronicles

  1. Solomon, King of Judah (2 Chronicles 1:1-9:31)
    1. Solomon Asks God for Wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:1-17)
      1. Wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:1-13)
      2. Wealth (2 Chronicles 1:14-17)
    2. Solomon Builds the Temple of God (2 Chronicles 2:1-7:22)
      1. Solomon Gathers Materials for the Temple (2 Chronicles 2:1-18)
      2. The Construction of the Temple (2 Chronicles 3:1-4:22)
      3. The Ark is Brought to the Temple (2 Chronicles 5:1-6:11)
        1. Installing the Ark (2 Chronicles 5:1-14)
        2. Speaking to the People (2 Chronicles 6:1-11)
      4. Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication (2 Chronicles 6:12-42)
      5. God Inhabits the Temple (2 Chronicles 7:1-22)
        1. God’s Glory (2 Chronicles 7:1-3)
        2. Sacrifices and Feasts (2 Chronicles 7:4-11)
        3. God Speaks to Solomon (2 Chronicles 7:12-22)
    3. The Greatness of Solomon (2 Chronicles 8:1-9:31)
      1. Solomon’s Kingly Activities (2 Chronicles 8:1-18)
        1. Cities (2 Chronicles 8:1-6)
        2. Subjects (2 Chronicles 8:7-11)
        3. Offerings (2 Chronicles 8:12-13)
        4. Levites (2 Chronicles 8:14-16)
        5. Navy (2 Chronicles 8:17-18)
      2. The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon (2 Chronicles 9:1-12)
      3. Solomon’s Wealth (2 Chronicles 9:13-28)
      4. Solomon’s Death (2 Chronicles 9:29-31)
  2. The History of Judah After Solomon (2 Chronicles 10:1-36:23)
    1. Rehoboam Succeeds Solomon (2 Chronicles 10:1-12:16) 931-913 BC
      1. Israel Rebels Against Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10:1-11:17)
        1. Rehoboam Causes Division (2 Chronicles 10:1-19)
        2. Rehoboam Follows God (2 Chronicles 11:1-17)
      2. Rehoboam is Humbled by an Egyptian Attack (2 Chronicles 11:18-12:16)
    2. Abijah, King of Judah (2 Chronicles 13:1-14:1) 913-911 BC
    3. Asa, King of Judah (2 Chronicles 14:2-16:14) 911-870 BC
      1. God Honors Asa’s Faithfulness (2 Chronicles 14:2-15)
        1. Early Reforms (2 Chronicles 14:2-8)
        2. War in Ethiopia (2 Chronicles 14:9-15)
      2. Asa Eliminates Judah’s Idols (2 Chronicles 15:1-19)
      3. Asa Resorts to Earthly Security (2 Chronicles 16:1-14)
        1. War with Baasha of Israel (2 Chronicles 16:1-10)
        2. Asa’s Death (2 Chronicles 16:11-14)
    4. Jehoshaphat, King of Judah (2 Chronicles 17:1-21:3) 873-848 BC
      1. Jehoshaphat’s Faithfulness and Revival (2 Chronicles 17:1-19)
      2. Jehoshaphat Goes to War Alongside Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1-19:3)
      3. Jehoshaphat’s Reforms and Appoints Judges (2 Chronicles 19:4-11)
      4. Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon (2 Chronicles 20:1-21:3)
    5. Jehoram, King of Judah (2 Chronicles 21:4-20) 848-841 BC
    6. Ahaziah, King of Judah (2 Chronicles 22:1-9) 841 BC
    7. Jehoida: a Faithful Priest Preserves the Dynasty (2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21)
      1. Athaliah (2 Chronicles 22:10-23:15) 841-835 BC
      2. Joash Follows the Lord (2 Chronicles 23:16-21)
    8. Joash is Anointed King (2 Chronicles 24:1-27) 835-796 BC
      1. Following God: the Temple is Repaired (2 Chronicles 24:1-16)
      2. Forsaking God (2 Chronicles 24:17-27)
    9. Amaziah, King of Judah (2 Chronicles 25:1-28) 796-767 BC
      1. Following (2 Chronicles 25:1-13)
      2. Forsaking (2 Chronicles 25:14-28)
    10. Uzziah, King of Judah (2 Chronicles 26:1-23) 790-739 BC
      1. Following (2 Chronicles 26:1-15)
      2. Forsaking (2 Chronicles 26:16-23)
    11. Jotham, King of Judah (2 Chronicles 27:1-9) 750-731 BC
    12. Ahaz is Defeated by Aram and by Israel (2 Chronicles 28:1-27) 731-715 BC
    13. Hezekiah Succeeds Ahaz (2 Chronicles 29:1-32:33) 715-686 BC
      1. Hezekiah Purifies Judah (2 Chronicles 29:1-36)
      2. Hezekiah Celebrates the Passover (2 Chronicles 30:1-31:1)
      3. The Revival of the Priests and Levites (2 Chronicles 31:2-21)
      4. God Rescues Judah from the Assyrians (2 Chronicles 32:1-23)
      5. Hezekiah Grows Proud in His Old Age (2 Chronicles 32:24-33)
    14. Reversal of the Reforms (2 Chronicles 33:1-25)
      1. Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:1-20) 695-642 BC
      2. Amon (2 Chronicles 33:21-25)
    15. Josiah, King of Judah (2 Chronicles 34:1-35:27) 640-609 BC
      1. Josiah Reforms Judah’s Worship (2 Chronicles 34:1-13)
      2. The Book of the Law is Found (2 Chronicles 34:14-33)
      3. Josiah Celebrates the Passover (2 Chronicles 35:1-19)
      4. The Death of Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:20-35:27)
    16. The Last Kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 36:1-23)
      1. Jehoahaz ( Joahaz) (2 Chronicles 36:2-4) 609 BC
      2. Jehoiakim (2 Chronicles 36:5-8) 609-597 BC
      3. Jehoiachin (2 Chronicles 36:9-10) 597 BC
      4. Zedekiah (2 Chronicles 36:11-14) 597-586 BC
      5. The Fall of Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:15-23)
        1. Unfaithfulness to God (2 Chronicles 36:15-21)
        2. The Decree of Cyrus (2 Chronicles 26:22-23)

* LESSONmaker Outlines + the Ryrie Study Bible

30-Day Husband Challenge – Day 02

Day Two: A happy heart makes the face cheerful. Proverbs 15:13

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw

How did you do with your list of things you admire about your wife? Did you start off slow and gain momentum? Did you find it hard to come up with even one thing to be thankful for? I certainly hope not!

As a husband and wife live together on a daily basis, taking care of the kids, the house, the pets, the bills, and everything else that goes into daily life, we tend to forget to have fun together – to play.

Ask your wife to join you outside to play frisbee or go for a walk or look at the stars. Take her out for coffee and enjoy the drive. Do something together that you enjoyed while you were dating.

I know you love your kids and you love spending time with them, but you need to take time to spend time with each other without the kids to remember what it feels like to be Bill and Nancy or Ted and Alice, not just Mom and Dad.

Sure the bills and the dishes and the tax forms all need your attention, but take time to enjoy being friends, not just husband and wife or Mom and Dad.

Today’s assignment for encouraging your wife is to do something fun together today that will make you forget the cares of the world and make you feel like young lovers again.


* Written and distributed by Claudia J. Pate, www.theanniversaryshop.wordpress.com

 

30-Day Husband Challenge – Day 01

I found something interesting that the Men of Steel can do over the next 30-day period. This 30-day challenge might take you down paths you haven’t been before. It will require contemplation, vulnerability, and action. Some steps along the way may be scary because you haven’t thought these thoughts or spoken these words in a long time, but the thoughts and feelings are there and both you and your wife need to hear and experience them.

For the next 30 days, these two ground rules will be the basis of your relationship with your wife:

  1. You can’t say anything negative about your wife… to your wife… or to anyone else about your wife.
  2. Say something that you admire or appreciate about your wife… to your wife… or to someone else about your wife every day.

Keep track, mentally if not in written form, of the changes that you see take place in your wife, your marriage, and your home as you take part in this 30 Day Wife Encouragement Challenge.

Day One: The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’ Genesis 2:18

As a Christian, you must know that men and women bring to the marriage different strengths, gifts, and outlooks on life and love. Think about some ways that your wife is “good for you,” ways in which she makes you and/or your life better. Is she the one that brings color to your life by decorating the home and making it enjoyable to come home? Does she inspire you to try new things that you wouldn’t have tried otherwise? Do you still get that warm, gushy feeling when she looks at you and smiles to tell you that she is glad you chose her?

  1. Make a list of ways your life is better because of your wife.
  2. Share the list with your wife and tell her how good it is that she is your helper and that you are not alone.

These words, coming from the most important man in her life, will bring great joy and encouragement to your wife.


* Written and distributed by Claudia J. Pate, www.theanniversaryshop.wordpress.com

 

Discipleship is Caught, Not Taught

I suppose that from the very beginning of my spiritual life, back in high school, I have been fascinated with the process of growing into the image of Christ (2 Peter 1:3-11, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6, 2:8, Ephesians 4:11-16, Philippians 1:6). It is a long process and I know I have not arrived (no one can do it in this life) but our goal is to get closer each week. Going to church can help, but it’s one thing to study the Bible and learn from it. It’s another to take that knowledge and translate it into life change. How often do we simply go through the motions of being people of faith? We believe the right stuff but have no clue on how to put it into practice. 

How does one even hear God, much less become obedient to Him? Would it not make sense to be around people who are what you want to become? There’s biblical precedence (2 Timothy 2:2). Timothy had a “Paul” to help him grow up in the faith. Another example is the relationship between Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:20). 

Elijah had defeated the prophets of Baal in an historic victory on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:21-22, 38-39). Then for some reason he tucked his tail and ran away from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:2-4) fearing for his life. He was discouraged to say the least, and felt so alone; but was he alone? God was with him through it all. God spoke through the still small voice (1 Kings 19:12-13) and reassured him that he was not alone (1 Kings 19:18). Then the very next story is the appointment of Elisha to be the prophet’s helper and successor (1 Kings 19:19). 

Look at what happened. When Elijah handpicked Elisha as his successor, Elisha immediately killed his twelve set of oxen and ran after Elijah just to be with him (1 Kings 19:21). No doubt he knew what a great privilege it was to be selected by the great prophet. Killing the oxen meant there was no turning back. He chose what he wanted and took dramatic steps to follow though on his commitment. But, it was not enough for Elisha to be handpicked. He also wanted a double portion of Elijah’s anointing (2 Kings 2:9). As we read the miraculous activity of Elisha, it appears that God answered this prayer. 

If you want to grow in your Christian life, ask God to lead you to another man who is far ahead of you spiritually and simply start hanging out with them. As you walk alongside him you will begin to catch what he has. You will begin appropriating the anointing that is on his life that will mix perfectly with your unique gifting and talents. 

We need more people today who are willing to run after their “Paul” or “Elijah.”

Kingdom Economics

I was reading Os Hillman today, who wrote an interesting piece on the economy we find in Kingdom living. On the heels of my writing about Moses, his excuses and obedience, Hillman’s key verse is Joshua 24:13 – “So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.” 

In the world of business we are taught to do whatever it takes to produce a desired outcome. Competitive forces can drive companies to go beyond the limits of ethics and integrity to achieve a desired outcome. Men and women can become work-a-holics as the need for competitive advantage is passed down the various management levels in order to meet sales and marketing goals. This sweat and toil mentality contradicts God’s Kingdom Economy.

 The Kingdom Economy is found in the above verse in Joshua. When the people of Israel were coming out of Egypt, a place of sweat and toil and slavery, God was trying to teach them a new economy of receiving. Instead of sweat and toil, He wanted them to learn obedience. Now their income would be based on their obedience, not their skill or their sweat and toil.

 This new Kingdom Economy meant that there would be times when what you receive from your efforts might be less than the commensurate time invested. Yet, there would also be times when you would receive more compared to your time invested.

 I used to determine whether I would meet with a person based on my perceived return on that investment. I justified that behavior as being a good steward. God says we are to determine if He wants us to meet with that person or be involved with an endeavor based on His leading alone, not based on the perceived outcome. It is His responsibility to bring fruit from the activity.

 This will result in a new freedom in your work life. Stay vertical with God and let Him determine your next activity. 

The very next verse goes on to emphasize service – Joshua 24:14 (obedience if you will). The interesting part about this is that we are given a choice (Joshua 24:15). We can look at this Kingdom Economy and still choose to live as if we are in slavery, back in Egypt. Keith Green wrote a song 30 years ago with that same title, So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt. We conclude that the wandering Israelites are foolish for desiring the familiarity of Egypt (along with it’s slavery) rather than to embrace the next great adventure that God had in store for them. Are we that much different than them?

 Joshua encouraged the people to make a choice. If it is disagreeable to follow God (like you can still weigh the pros and cons and choose not to) you still need to choose this day whom you will serve. Bob Dylan penned the words… You gotta serve somebody, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody. Let’s choose to embrace the Kingdom Economy; serve God, follow in obedience, receive His guidance, and desire the best that He has in store for us.

Give Me Revelation

I am a fan of listening to Christian radio, and the station in town for me is 90.7 FM. I often hear a group called Third Day who has a new song out entitled Revelation, which is on target regarding the topic of seeking direction from God. Check out these lyrics: 

My life has led me down the road that’s so uncertain,
And now I am left alone and I am broken,
Trying to find my way, trying to find the faith that’s gone.
This time I know that you are holding all the answers,
I’m tired of losing hope and taking chances,
On roads that never seem to be the ones that bring me home.

 (Chorus)
Give me a revelation, show me what to do,
Cause I’ve been trying to find my way, I haven’t got a clue.
Tell me should I stay here, or do I need to move?
Give me a revelation,
I’ve got nothing without You,
I’ve got nothing without You.

 My life has led me down this path that’s ever winding,
Through every twist and turn I’m always finding,
That I am lost again,
Tell me when this road will ever end.

(Chorus)

 I don’t know where I can turn, tell me when will I learn?
Won’t You show me where I need to go?
Let me follow Your lead,
I know that it’s the only way that I can get back home.

 Do you ever feel like that? These are powerful words of a man in desperate need to hear from God; one who desires to make the right choice. You might notice that the theme verse for my site is Jeremiah 29:13… I like that, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” He’s not in a cosmic hide and seek game, but He will only be found by those who earnestly seek Him. If one only wants to casually look for God, no wonder He can’t be found. 

So, just how do we find direction in life? Psalm 119:105 is a good starting point. Get into God’s Word, it helps us develop a heart like His and gives us wisdom to make good choices.

How often do we pray for direction and wonder if God ever heard our prayers? At times I pour out my heart to God in prayer seeking His will for some area in my life. Then I hear nothing; just silence, like my prayer never made it past the ceiling. So, not wanting to wait, I press on ahead in my own strength, failing to sit and wait. After all, there’s no time to wait, because I need to act now, someone needs an answer. 

Yet, when I examine Scripture, God consistently teaches us to sit, pray, and wait. 

  • Jesus began His ministry by fasting forty days alone in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).
  • He spent an entire night alone in prayer before choosing His twelve disciples (Luke 6:12).
  • Esther fasted and prayed for three days before she took the bold and courageous step of going before the king on behalf of her people, knowing it could mean her death (Esther 4:8-16).
  • Elijah went into the wilderness for forty days to hear the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-18).

 What do these great people of faith teach us? In order to know God’s leading and to hear His voice, we must listen and wait. Maybe we think God is silent because we never take the time to sit in God’s Word and simply wait. 

Do you need direction right now? Try following these steps: 

Read God’s Word: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says that Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. The Spirit of God was actively involved in the writing of Scripture. It is the authoritative Word of God written to speak truth into your life.

Study God’s Word: 2 Timothy 2:15 says that we are to correctly handle the word of truth. When you study the Bible, He plants His Word deep within your heart. His Spirit then takes the Word and bends your heart in His direction, enabling you to hear His Voice.

Pray God’s Word: Isaiah 55:11 says that God’s Word will not return to Him empty, but will accomplish what He desires, and it achieves the purposes for which He sent it. When you pray in faith, you hold God’s Word back up to Him in prayer. You put Him in remembrance of His Word, and His promise is that Word will not return void, accomplishing that which He purposes and pleases. George Muller taught me to pray the Scripture back to God. He spoke the Scripture back to God in prayer with boldness. You must be using the right words when you quote God’s own words back to Him! 

How does God want to move in your life? Are you seeking revelation? Tell God that you haven’t got a clue and you need His intervention. 

Search His Word for verses that speak to your situation. Write them down on a card, commit them to memory, and pray them back to God. Wait and watch for God to do a mighty work. Share your with the Men of Steel. We can celebrate God’s faithfulness with you.