Way Back When...Pop and the Ball

My man up to his tricks in middle school.
Isn't he fabulous!

August 5-6

What is on your "To Do" list today? Does it seem impossible?
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 
Do you remember the over the top pregnancy stories of Mary and her cousin Elizabeth?
"And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God,"
Luke 1:37-38

Well, nothing is impossible for God when it comes to using us for his glory in the most ordinary of circumstances in our day. Some of you are on summer vacation and lodging with a load of people, maybe you are sitting in a hospital awaiting a surgery outcome or you are by the bedsides of a loved one somewhere, others are gearing saying good-bye to their summer vacay and gearing up to teach the next 10 months or possibly you are walking into your office dreading the feat ahead of you today; some of you may be pulling up to the grocery store to perform that shopping task once again, someone else may have just loaded up the car for errands or a long trip and your child has just announced they need to go potty!!!  Let's keep our eyes open and realize God is at work in every scenario of life.

Let's Pray:
Father, give us eyes to see needs which relate to eternity.  We may need to drag our bottom out of a beach chair to encourage another who is down trodden.  We may need to postpone an activity to give someone else a much needed break.  Jesus lived the ultimate sacrificial life, stir our hearts to live lives of love like our Savior. In Jesus' Name, Amen

On the side we are still working on encouraging our husbands.

Day Six

"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God". (1 Cor. 10:31b)

Do you recognize and appreciate your husband's creativity? Or do you criticize and demean his efforts? Instead of negativity, determine to be positive. Perhaps you can help your husband see that his efforts are an opportunity to glorify God.

Is your husband the "creative" type? Does he have any artistic gifts? What is that special "knack" he has? Affirm him for his handiwork—a hobby, music, gardening, tinkering with cars, working with wood, etc. Remember: Even if he doesn't measure up to your standards, praise his efforts. If your budget allows, buy him a book or magazine that will continue to encourage his special skill or talent.

If you have a hard time finding his "creative side," understand that men's creativity

sometimes is related to their work. Find something he does to make his job run more

smoothly or something he does that adds value to his work . . . and let him know that you have noticed.

Make his day . . . Praise his accomplishments in public, while he is listening.

Day Seven

"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! . . . for riches certainly make themselves wings." (Prov. 23:4-5b)

"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."

(Prov. 8:21)

Money is the root of much marital discord. Ask yourself, "Am I being negative toward my

husband in the area of finances?" Determine not to speak evil of your husband in this area. Discover ways to encourage and help him instead.

Does your husband handle finances wisely? Does he make good financial investments, based on biblical principles? Does he have a budget? Does he make wise decisions about purchases—checking many sources before he buys? Is he a good steward of his money before the Lord? Let him know how much you appreciate his strengths in financial matters.

If he is weak in this area, encourage any good decisions that he does make. Perhaps you can help him, if he's open to the idea, by organizing financial files or providing other practical assistance. Or, if he wants you to handle the finances, ask for his input before you make decisions that will affect him.

© Revive Our Hearts. Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com