Romancing Your Spouse-Day 40 of 40: Love Never Fails

Scripture:

"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails."
 --1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (from the NIV: New International
Version of the Bible)

Our Focus:
Today we conclude our 40 day devotion with verse 8, "Love never fails."

Question for Reflection:
What do you love most about your spouse?

Discussion:
Well, you made it to the final day of our devotional! Congrats! : )

Simply put, I thank you for reading this devotional, whether it was just one entry, or the entire series.

I thank Mr. Harris, from our Bible Study group, for being the inspiration for
this devotional.

I learned a great deal while writing each entry and hope all of you did as well.

Please read the all of 1 Corinthians 13 to get the full context of Paul's letter to the Church at Corinthian. In sum, Paul was told the church that although many of them were using their spiritual gifts, all of those gifts were nothing without love.

Also read the King James Version of this chapter as the Elizabethan language used is poetic and beautiful.

Homework: 
The work doesn't end here. Take all that you've learned over the course of 40 days and make a point to apply what works.

Free Gift:
You are invited to download a free PDF of our devotional booklet,
Love Never Fails.

Click Here to reach the download page
-----------------
Thanks for reading this devotional.

Please feel free to share and pass along to others.

Continued Blessings and Success to You!
--Steve Kendall

Romancing Your Spouse-Day 39: Perseverance

Scripture:

"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails."
 --1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (from the NIV: New International
Version of the Bible)

Our Focus:
Today we conclude our discussion of verse 7, with "Love ...always perseveres."

Question for Reflection:
Will your love for your spouse persevere?

Discussion:

"The course of true love never did run smooth."

  -William Shakespeare

          A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Act i. Sc. 1.

Several translations of verse 7 above use the word "endures," a synonym for persevere. Love can endure many things. There will always be ups and downs in any relationship, but true love has the power to overcome the valleys in our romantic lives.

When things don't go as planned, remember that love always endures as the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth above.

Homework: 
Tomorrow marks Day 40, the last day of our devotional. Review the various romantic gestures and dates you carried out during this time. Make plans moving forward to use what worked. Plan a date that celebrates the completion of your 40 day journey.

As I reflect back over our 40 days, I'm thankful for the unplanned times that we ate out and the new things we tried, like going to a comedy club.

-----------------
Thanks for reading this devotional.

Please feel free to share and pass along to others.

Have a blessed day!
--Steve Kendall

Romancing Your Spouse-Day 38: Hope

Scripture:
"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails."
 --1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (from the NIV: New International
Version of the Bible)

Our Focus:
Today we continue our discussion of verse 7, with "Love ...always hopes."

Question for Reflection:
What do you hope for in terms of romance and your spouse?

Discussion:
"Love always hopes." What a positive affirmation of love and it's power in our lives. When one has love, one has hope and where there is hope, you'll typically find faith.

All of which reminds me of Hebrews 11:1:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Homework: 
Our Question for Reflection merits repeating: "What do you hope for in terms of romance and your spouse?" With just a few days remaining in our devotional, continue to look back over what works and project forward and think about what you hope to accomplish moving forward.

-----------------
Thanks for reading this devotional.

Please feel free to share and pass along to others.

Have a blessed day and a wonderful week!
--Steve Kendall

Romancing Your Spouse-Day 30

Topic: Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs

Scripture:

"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails."

 --1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (from the NIV: New International

Version of the Bible)

Our Focus:

Today we focus on verse 5, where love, "keeps no record of wrongs."

Question for Reflection: Do you keep a mental list of wrongs you believe your spouse has committed?

Discussion:

Whether we admit it, or not, we sometimes maintain "mental lists" of things. For me, before I was married, I kept a mental check list of the type of woman I wanted to marry. 

Perhaps you have a mental list? If it's a list of wrongs, it's time to erase that list. Move forward with truly trusting your spouse, which should allow your mutual love to flow freely without mental road blocks.

Homework: 

-----------------

Thanks for reading this devotional.

Please feel free to share and pass along to others.

Have a blessed day!

--Steve Kendall

Romancing Your Spouse-Days 27-29: Love Is Not Easily Angered

Devotional Weekend Edition

Topic: Love Is Not Easily Angered

Scripture:

"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails."

 --1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (from the NIV: New International

Version of the Bible)

Our Focus:

Today we focus on verse 5, where love, "is not easily angered."

Question for Reflection: Does anger ever get in the way of romancing your spouse?

Discussion:

I heard someone once say, "In relationships, we all carry baggage. Some of us have more than just carry on luggage to deal with."

Yep, we all have baggage--stuff we carry around that we probably should just unpack and leave behind. Anger about past issues in a relationship can stunt the growth of true romance. 

If we have trust, or other issues with our spouse, how can we truly have the faith necessary to love them with all our heart and soul?

Use Christ's love for us as the example of how we should love our spouse. He wipes clean, the slate of our past when we accept Him. 

Homework: This weekend, make a list of issues/problems you have with your spouse. Then, destroy the list. 

Accept your spouse as they are. Wipe the slate clean. Unpack the anger and issues--and you won't be charged hidden baggage fees! : )

-----------------

Thanks for reading this devotional.

Please feel free to share and pass along to others.

Have a blessed weekend!

--Steve Kendall

Romancing Your Spouse-Day 9: Servanthood

Topic for Day 9: Servanthood

"Love is patient..."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (New International Version)

A Week of Patience:

We continue our week of patience with a focus on the first 

three words of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8,  

"Love is patient..." (New International Version)

This is the week we focus on being patient with our spouse. 

Question for Reflection:

How can I be of service to my spouse everyday--

especially with tasks I don't wanna do? 

The Patience to Serve:

Patience can often involve doing something we know

we CAN do, but DON'T feel like doing.

This may be the case with your spouse. 

Homework:

Find something you can do for your spouse to 

lighten their load today. 

I like to do things for my wife without her 

noticing so that I don't have to take credit

for it. 

Word of advice from someone who learned an

expensive lesson once--pick something that you

can't mess up.

As for my lesson in servanthood gone wrong, let's

just say that the movie version would have been

called, "Honey, I Shrank A Buncha Your Delicate

Clothes."  : )

----------

Have a blessed, service filled day, everybody! : )

            --Steve Kendall

Romancing Your Spouse-Day 7: Being Attentive

Topic for Day 7: Being Attentive

"Love is patient..."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (New International Version)

A Week of Patience:

We continue our week of patience with a focus on the first three words of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8,  

"Love is patient..." (New International Version)

This is the week we focus on being patient with our spouse. 

Question for Reflection:

Do you pay attention when your spouse speaks to you?

Learning to be Patient:

A large part of learning to be patient, in my opinion,

centers around putting the needs of others ahead of ours.

When it comes to our spouse, addressing their needs requires

focus and attention on our part.

Homework:

Spend this week truly focusing on what your spouse says

to you. Don't drift off and multi-task in your head (doing

a shopping list, thinking about what you're missing on TV,

etc.)

Make eye contact. Look into their eyes. Hold hands, when

appropriate to your conversation.

Last, but certainly not least--listen. You can't pay

attention if you don't listen. 


Hear what your spouse has to say

and don't reply unless

a question is asked of you.

----------

Have a blessed, attentive day, everybody! : )

            --Steve Kendall

Romancing Your Spouse-Day 6: Patience

Topic for Day 6: Patience
"Love is patient..."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (New International Version)


Hope you had a blessed and happy weekend.


Thank you for reading this devotional. Please share it with others.


Before we move forward, let's review the opening days of this devotional.


Question for Reflection:
Think about how your spouse reacted to your request to date.
How did you react to their reaction? 


Let's strive to be more aware of non-verbal communication as it
relates to your spouse. One of the major concepts I remember from
a college class on interpersonal relationships is: 
"One Cannot Not Communicate."
(A theory of psychologist Paul Watzlawick)


In other words, no matter how hard we try, our emotions and reactions to others are communicated in some form. It may be through body language, or something as simple as eye contact, or the lack thereof.
---------------
A Week of Patience:
This week we'll focus on the first three words of  
1 Corinthians 13:4-8,  "Love is patient."


This is the week we focus on being patient with our spouse. 


Have you been impatient with your spouse recently? If not,
then, skip today's devotional and God bless ya! : )


Think about why you were impatient. Let's tackle something
small first. Perhaps your spouse has a habit, or behavior you
don't like.


Here's how we'll apply patience--don't try to change
your spouse, change your reaction to their action.


Again, find something minor that you can deal
with this week.  For example,
if you become impatient when your spouse...
--doesn't pick up dirty clothes--then you pick them up
--doesn't wash, or clean the house--how 'bout you clean it this week?
etc., etc., you get the picture, pick something that shouldn't bother you about your spouse and 
change how you deal it because you're
doing this out of love and God has given
you a wonderful gift--your spouse
-----------------------------

Have a blessed, patient day, everybody! : )

            --Steve Kendall

Days 3-5: I Wanna Hold Your Hand

Weekend Topic (for Fri.-Sun.): Holding Hands

(Special Sunday assignment can be found below)

Assignment: Find opportunities this weekend to hold

hands.

Even if you find yourselves too tired after work today to go out on a date, hold hands while watching TV.

If possible, go out for a short walk after dinner tonight and

hold hands. Discuss at least one thing you'd each like to do

for an upcoming date. Perhaps something you haven't done

in a long while, or ever. Talking about it now will permit you 

time to plan the date well in advance. 

Most of us folks in the United States will be changing  

our clocks this weekend and getting an extra hour of sleep, 

but losing an hour of evening daylight, so take advantage 

of the Fri./Sat. evening sunset.

Scripture: Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 each day.
You can download a free PDF of my devotional
on this topic at:
http://www.biblestudycafe.com/freestuff.html

(Click on the Red book cover, Love Never Fails
and it should take you to the free download page.)

Prayer: Pray in private each day for guidance in

adding more romance into your relationship.

Also, pray with your spouse, and begin
by thanking God for bringing them into your life.

Sunday's Assignment:

Simply put, attend worship service this weekend. 

Whether it be the traditional Sunday morning service,

or some other form of weekend worship, such as Bible study, 

GO TOGETHER and therefore, GROW TOGETHER 

in your relationship with Christ and with each other.

Hold hands on your way in and out of your house of worship.

If appropriate, and it feels comfortable, hold hands

during the worship service.

------------------------------------------

              Thanks for reading this devotional and 

                     have a blessed weekend!

                                              --Steve Kendall

Day 2: Romancing Your Spouse--The Neck Kiss! : )

Today's Topic: The Neck Kiss

Assignment: Give Your Spouse A Kiss On the Neck 
(the side, back or near the collarbone, but not the front of the neck--that's kinda awkward)

Remember, tell your spouse you want to start dating again. If they
ask why, you are welcome to blame this devotional and send them
a link to it. : )

Scripture: Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 each day.
You can download a free PDF of my devotional
on this topic at:
http://www.biblestudycafe.com/freestuff.html
(Click on the Red book cover, Love Never Fails
and it should take you to the free download page.)

Prayer: Pray in private each day for guidance in adding more romance
into your relationship.

Also, pray with your spouse, and begin
by thanking God for bringing them into your life.

--Okay, get to it. I already kissed my wife on the neck. Now,
I'm gonna do it again, friend! : )

Day 1: Romancing Your Spouse--I Love You!

Today I begin a new 40 day devotional entitled,
Romancing Your Spouse. I'll return to our novel,
The Substance of Things Hoped For very soon
and post a link to it's new location.

I was inspired to write this new devotional by a friend
who reminded me of how important it is to date
your spouse with the same interest and passion as
when you first met.

Today's Topic: Tell Your Spouse, "I Love You!"

Assignment: Simply put, find time today to tell your
spouse, "I love you!"

Perhaps you'd like to send an unexpected email with this message, or write it as a note to sneak into their lunch bag?

Whatever method you choose, be sincere and after you say, "I love
you," let your spouse know that you want to start dating again. If they
ask why, you are welcome to blame this devotional and send them
a link to it. : )

Scripture: For the next 40 days, read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 each day.
You can download a free PDF of my devotional
on this topic at:
http://www.biblestudycafe.com/freestuff.html
(Click on the Red book cover, Love Never Fails
and it should take you to the free download page.)

Prayer: Pray in private each day for guidance in adding more romance
into your relationship.

Also, pray with your spouse, and begin
by thanking God for bringing them into your life.

--Okay, get to it. I'm about to tell my wife that I love her! : )

Day 19--Faith, Not Fear: YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THAT!

October is breast cancer awareness month.

You can learn more about early breast cancer detection, treatment options, and how you can get involved, at the American Cancer Society site:
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/Features/what-you-can-do-about-breast-cancer
-----------------------------------------------------------
CLICK HERE for a printer-friendly PDF file of this devotional.  

Welcome to Day 19 of our Bible based, Christ focused devotional.

Purpose: With so many people suffering during these tough economic times, I wanted to create a daily devotional which would promote faith in God as a solution to overcoming anger and fear.

Each devotional will provide a daily passage of Scripture for you to reflect on throughout the day. In addition, an “Action Item” will assign a daily, simple task to help you address your fears with faith and move forward with God's plans for you.

Thank you and God bless you for reading this devotional--please share it with others!

Steve Kendall
---------------------------------- 

DAY 19:  YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THAT!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE FOR REFLECTION:    

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.  

Matthew 7:13-20 (New International Version)

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------                     

OPENING PRAYER:                          

In your opening prayer, in addition to anything else you want to pray about, ask God to help you to stay true to what is right, and not take the easy road to what you know is wrong for your life.

--------------------------------------------------                                      

You Know Better Than That!

Today I felt a bit better, but was still weak from only being able to eat toast, saltines and drink ginger ale--my morning sickness diet : )

As my appetite began to return during the day, I was tempted to eat some food that I didn’t want to go to waste. But…I told myself, “You know better than that!”  

I’ve been down this road many, many times before. While recovering from the stomach flu, or some other illness, I have to gradually move from not being able to eat anything, to the morning sickness diet, to my normal meals. If I jump ahead, and eat solid food right away, I’ll pay for it big time. My stomach will hurt and I’ll slow down my recovery.

There were times today when I wanted to work on some things around the house, but I was too tired and needed a nap. I was tempted to keep moving, but I told myself, “You know better than that!”  If I don’t get enough rest, my body will really, really make me pay. 

This evening, as I ate saltines and drank ginger ale while typing today’s devotional, I thought about some of the times in my life when I moved forward with something that I knew was wrong. These were things and situations that I knew God would not agree with, but, like a stubborn child, I did it anyway, and of course, had to pay for it big time.

It’s often just so much easier to do that which we know is wrong. 

I probably thought about this all day long so that I wouldn’t be tempted to eat the wrong things and not get enough rest. There was a time when I would get frustrated about all of this, but I can say that it has taught me patience through prayer.

In fact, I appreciate food sooooo much more given that I can’t eat what I want most of the time.

After my first nap/rest break of the day, I wanted to write this devotional, but found myself still too tired. I wasn’t going to check my email, but I’m glad I did because my day was blessed and brightened by a wonderful email I received from someone who was inspired by one of the recent devotionals. 

Just that short, wonderful message made my day. It took my mind off my so-called problems (I remind myself that although I can’t eat much right now, there are folks who don’t have any food at all).

That single act of kindness, expressed in an email, was just what I needed to force me to turn off the computer and get back into bed. I had a nice, long nap and woke up with enough energy to write this devotional.

I enjoy producing these devotionals as I don’t know what I’ll write from day to day.  Each morning I just pray about it and share whatever the Lord brings forward from my heart and mind as I deal with strengthening my faith during difficult times.

In closing, I want to share info about two sermons I listened to while resting today:

1.     The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans: Among other things, Dr. Evans described how our faith in Christ is like some of the planets in our solar system and how they behave based on their distance from the sun.

Dr. Evans went on to discuss how the planets Mercury and Pluto are both in the solar system, but they are not the same because they do not share the same proximity to the center of the system, which is the sun. 

Like planets, Dr. Evans pointed out that if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are in the “system.” The question is, “what is your position within the system?” How close are you to the Son?

He talked about “Pluto Christians,” who because of the distance they keep from Christ, are constantly cold in their faith, and often feel defeated and discouraged. 

“Mercury Christians,” he explained, are on fire for Christ, as they stay close to Him. 

Dr. Evans argued that most of us are “Earth Christians,” because the Earth is seasonal and we go through different seasons of our faith. “Situations rotate you into a seasonal circumstance,” said Evans. Sometimes you’re on fire for Christ, sometimes you are cold to Him, etc.

I enjoy listening to Dr. Evans because he has a down- to-earth way of explaining things, often with humor. 

To listen to his message, CLICK HERE, then look for the “October 12, 2010” sermon, “Revival: The Return of God to His People”

2.     The second sermon I enjoyed today was “Intouch with Dr. Charles Stanley.” Dr. Stanley talked about God’s purpose in the storms of our lives. Specifically, God doesn’t send storms our way to sink us, but to cleanse and sanctify us and to develop our character. 

The storms of life, says Dr. Stanley, can often serve to pull us back to God when we get off track. 

When we’ve been through a storm with God’s help, when can then minister to, and help others who are experiencing difficult times because you’ve “been there” and “done that” (my words, not Dr. Stanley’s) : )

For Dr. Stanley’s sermon, CLICK HERE and look for October 12, 2010, “God’s Purpose, Part 1” 

Dr. Stanley also has a helpful, daily devotional you can read and/or listen to called, “Advancing Through Adversity”:

 ------------------------------------------------------------

ACTION ITEM:

For today’s Action Item try to listen to one, or both of the sermons listed above and think about how they apply to your life.

Until tomorrow, have a blessed day!

------------------------------------------------------------

CLOSING PRAYER: For the remainder of our devotions, please pray about whatever the Lord places in your heart and mind. I also ask that you pray for me as well. I pray daily for everyone who comes in contact with these devotions and feel blessed as a result.

-------------------------------------------------

STAY IN TOUCH:  You are cordially invited to share how things are going with you and our devotions thus far. I welcome comments and suggestions as well. You can reach me via Facebook or my personal email address: Steve@BibleStudyCafe.com

-----------------------------------------------------

FREE STUFF FOR YOU!

Stop by sometime soon to visit my ministry Web site, Bible Study Café, and download free stuff including a prayer journal. Join Bible Study Café on Facebook and follow my twitches and tweets on Twitter.

------------------------------------------

A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD:

If you would like a relationship with God, the only way to do it is through His son, Jesus Christ. This is supported in the Bible: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. --John 14:6 (King James Version) 

We begin this relationship by first accepting Jesus. Click Here for a link to more info.

Day 18--Faith, Not Fear: PERSEVERANCE

October is breast cancer awareness month.

You can learn more about early breast cancer detection, treatment options, and how you can get involved, at the American Cancer Society site:
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/Features/what-you-can-do-about-breast-cancer
-----------------------------------------------------------
CLICK HERE for a printer-friendly PDF file of this devotional.  

Welcome to Day 18 of our Bible based, Christ focused devotional.

Purpose: With so many people suffering during these tough economic times, I wanted to create a daily devotional which would promote faith in God as a solution to overcoming anger and fear.

Each devotional will provide a daily passage of Scripture for you to reflect on throughout the day. In addition, an “Action Item” will assign a daily, simple task to help you address your fears with faith and move forward with God's plans for you.

Thank you and God bless you for reading this devotional--please share it with others!

Steve Kendall
---------------------------------------------------

DAY 18:  PERSEVERANCE

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE FOR REFLECTION:    

“…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”   Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version)

(Read Romans Chapter 5 for the full context.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------                     

OPENING PRAYER:                          

In your opening prayer, in addition to anything else you want to pray about, ask God to give you the strength to persevere through problems with His help.

--------------------------------------------------                                      

Perseverance

I woke up this morning with the word “perseverance” on my mind. The flu-like after effects of my recent medical treatment continue to linger, and progress from chills and a queasy stomach to headache and weakness. “Perseverance” came to mind because I’ve experienced these flu-like symptoms many, many times before. I’ve been on meds that have caused side effects far worse than what I’m currently dealing with. Each time, God brought me through it.

Given all of this, I’m not concerned about how I feel right now because dealing with it in the past gives me confidence and assurance that I will feel better soon.

Our problems are often handled in the same manner. When we go through a problem for the first time, without consulting God, we may find ourselves feeling alone and afraid of the outcome.

When you go through problems, praying in faith, God can give you the strength to cope and get through the midnight hour of your despair.

We don’t always get the outcome to problems that we want. Sometimes, the suffering continues, but God can still comfort us and guide us.

Simply put, we may not get all the answers to why certain things happen in our lives while we are here on Earth.

The Bible tells us that there will be suffering in the world, that the poor will always be among us, and that there will be wars, and rumors of wars.

With our human perception of time and circumstance, it is sometimes difficult to see that our ultimate reward lies ahead in Heaven. Our permanent home is in Heaven. We are just renting space down here while we do God’s will.

Therefore, I have the confidence that God will see me through another round of illness, and if I don’t get better, I will still praise Him as He holds the answers and deserves my obedience and appreciation.

I recently heard a preacher say that if God did nothing else for you, from this moment forward, you still couldn’t repay Him for the many blessings He’s given you. So be thankful and content with were you are and what you have because there is always someone with greater problems than yours.

Amen to that!

------------------------------------------------------------

ACTION ITEM:

For today’s Action Item, I just want you to think of a time when God brought you through a difficult period in your life. Use this memory the next time you find yourself wondering how you’ll get through a problem.

Until tomorrow, have a blessed day!

------------------------------------------------------------

CLOSING PRAYER: For the remainder of our devotions, please pray about whatever the Lord places in your heart and mind. I also ask that you pray for me as well. I pray daily for everyone who comes in contact with these devotions and feel blessed as a result.

-------------------------------------------------

STAY IN TOUCH:  You are cordially invited to share how things are going with you and our devotions thus far. I welcome comments and suggestions as well. You can reach me via Facebook or my personal email address: Steve@BibleStudyCafe.com

-----------------------------------------------------

FREE STUFF FOR YOU!

Stop by sometime soon to visit my ministry Web site, Bible Study Café, and download free stuff including a prayer journal. Join Bible Study Café on Facebook and follow my twitches and tweets on Twitter.

------------------------------------------

A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD:

If you would like a relationship with God, the only way to do it is through His son, Jesus Christ. This is supported in the Bible: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. --John 14:6 (King James Version) 

We begin this relationship by first accepting Jesus. Click Here for a link to more info.

Day 17--Faith, Not Fear: FORGIVE AND LIVE

Welcome to Day 17 of our Bible based, Christ focused devotional.

Purpose: With so many people suffering during these tough economic times, I wanted to create a daily devotional which would promote faith in God as a solution to overcoming anger and fear.

Each devotional will provide a daily passage of Scripture for you to reflect on throughout the day. In addition, an “Action Item” will assign a daily, simple task to help you address your fears with faith and move forward with God's plans for you.

Thank you and God bless you for reading this devotional--please share it with others!

Steve Kendall

--------------------------------------------------

DAY 17:  FORGIVE AND LIVE

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE FOR REFLECTION:   
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.  
Ephesians 4:31-32 (King James Version)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------      OPENING PRAYER:                       
In your opening prayer, in addition to anything else you want to pray about, ask God to forgive you for any anger you may have toward others.
--------------------------------------------------                                      
Forgive and Live
I wasn’t able to attend church this morning as I’m experiencing a few side effects from my recent IVIG medical treatment. I feel blessed as the side effects thus far are nothing I’m not used to—flu-like, queasy stomach, blah feeling, etc.

However, I was able to watch Dr. Charles Stanley’s Intouch program today, and his message, “Anger and Forgiveness,” fits quite well with the theme of our 40 day devotional. 

I’ll be brief with today’s devotional as I need to get some rest, but I wanted to call your attention to the excellent outline for Dr. Stanley’s message. Here’s a link to it:
http://www.intouch.org/resources/this-weeks-sermon-outline

I related to a lot of the points Dr. Stanley made about anger and forgiveness as I’ve been guilty of a lot of them.

Specifically, two items from his sermon spoke to my personal experience:
1.    Our fellowship with God suffers when we refuse to release others from their sins against us.
2.    As a believer, you have the responsibility to take the initiative in dealing with unforgiveness.

I chose “Forgive and Live” as the title for today’s devotional because personally, I really couldn’t move on with my life and deal with problems until I learned to forgive others, ask them forgiveness, and most of all, ask God for forgiveness.

As I said, Dr. Stanley’s sermon today was excellent and applies to many of us. I encourage you to look over the sermon outline with the link above, and when you have time this week, watch, or listen to his sermon online: http://www.intouch.org/broadcast

Dr. Stanley is also on a book tour for his latest work, Surviving In An Angry World, and today’s powerful sermon was probably a glimpse of what one can find in the book.

In closing, I also want to remind folks that October is breast cancer awareness month.

You can learn more about early breast cancer detection, treatment options, and how you can get involved, at the American Cancer Society site:
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/Features/what-you-can-do-about-breast-cancer
 

------------------------------------------------------------

ACTION ITEM:

During this week, deal with any anger you have toward someone using Dr. Stanley’s suggestions in his sermon.

If you are not angry with someone, think of someone you should apologize to—whether it is over something recent, or in the past, and offer an apology and perhaps the gift of a card, flowers, or some gesture on your part to brighten their day.

Until tomorrow, have a blessed, wonderful Sunday!

------------------------------------------------------------

CLOSING PRAYER: For the remainder of our devotions, please pray about whatever the Lord places in your heart and mind. I also ask that you pray for me as well. I pray daily for everyone who comes in contact with these devotions and feel blessed as a result.

-------------------------------------------------

STAY IN TOUCH:  You are cordially invited to share how things are going with you and our devotions thus far. I welcome comments and suggestions as well. You can reach me via Facebook or my personal email address: Steve@BibleStudyCafe.com

-----------------------------------------------------

FREE STUFF FOR YOU!

Stop by sometime soon to visit my ministry Web site, Bible Study Café, and download free stuff including a prayer journal. Join Bible Study Café on Facebook and follow my twitches and tweets on Twitter.

------------------------------------------

A TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD:

If you would like a relationship with God, the only way to do it is through His son, Jesus Christ. This is supported in the Bible: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. --John 14:6 (King James Version) 

We begin this relationship by first accepting Jesus. Click Here for a link to more info.