Crowns

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Missing these little princesses and our afternoon ice cream boat treats.
August 18
"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, 
he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."  
James 1:12

"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."
1 Peter 5:4

I have absolutely no idea what had me off and researching the five crowns in heaven, but it happened.
Elmer Townes, the co-founder Liberty University has an excellent article on the site below, which will take you into a little more depth about these rewards for the faithful.
http://www.biblesprout.com/articles/heaven/crowns/

Dr. Townes explains the Bema seat of Christ's judgement, where the believer's crowns will be given.

"For we all must appear before the judgement seat of Christ; so that each of us may receive 
what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
 2 Corinthians 5:10
He goes on to list and describe the five crowns mentioned in scripture.

The Incorruptible Crown is for "faithfulness in self-control."  I Corinthians 9:25-27
The Crown of Rejoicing is for "faithfulness in service."  I Thessalonians 2:19
The Crown of Righteousness for "faithfulness in testimony." II Timothy 4:7,8
The Crown of Glory for "faithfulness in tending those entrusted to you.  1 Peter 5:2-4
The Crown of Life for "faithfulness in temptation." James 1:12

The self-evaluation process that has come out of this research for me is to ask:
Am I faithful in self-control, in service, in my testimony, in tending to those entrusted to me and in resisting temptation?

Not sure about you, but it is good for me to ponder these things.

Day Eighteen of Encouraging Your Husband
'You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy . . . Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!" Ps. 16:11a; 144:15b
"A merry heart does good like medicine." Prov. 17:22a

 It's hard to criticize others when we are enjoying their company. Instead of speaking negatively to your husband today, enjoy him! Encourage him! As you experience fullness of joy with God, share some of that joy with your husband.
Does your husband have a playful side? A great sense of humor? Is there a "little boy" that wants to escape from time to time, reflecting the joy in his heart?
This is a wonderful part of who he is, and a great strength. Let him know that you appreciate his joyfulness and his playful spirit. Find opportunities to join him in positive play times.
If your husband can sometimes be overly serious, coax him out occasionally for some play times. It will help him relieve stress and relax. 

Journal thought: What are some things you've done in the past that makes your husband laugh?

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