A Very Blessed and Joyous Christmas to You!

Matthew 1:23

New International Version (NIV)

23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Christmas Play

A Blessed Christmas to everyone! You can see videos and read an excerpt from our recent Church School play, "Yo, Holmes! Christmas Ain't Your Birthday!" at the Mt. Moriah Web site, select "Ministries" followed by "Church School" for a link to our online Church newsletter:
http://mountmoriahchurch.org/

Need a good chuckle as you do final prep for Christmas? Enjoy my son's site and today's Viral Video, "A Monkey Riding a Dog at Half-time" But Wait! There's More! You'll also get "Chad Ochocinco Riding a Bul"l...sort of : )  Enjoy!
http://veryviralnews.blogspot.com/2011/12/monkey-riding-dog.html

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
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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.

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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.

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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 37: Trust

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 trusts."

Questions for Reflection:
Do you completely trust your spouse?
Does your spouse completely trust you?

Discussion:
If your answer to either question above was "no,"
then it is highly likely that your romantic life together has no hope of longevity.

Trust, in a marriage, is a vital, core principle upon which almost everything you do together will build upon. Without trust, one cannot fully realize a true loving relationship.

Homework:
Pray for guidance, then proceed with a plan to restore, or gain the trust of your spouse. Remember that we need God's wisdom and guidance. Prayer is our prime opportunity to communicate with the Father and ask for His help.

Dr. Charles Stanley, of InTouch Ministries, provides an excellent sermon on the topic, "The Thrill of Trusting God."

If you are lacking trust in your marriage, Dr. Stanley's message may help you on the road to recovery.

Click Here to watch the sermon and/or download notes.
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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-Days 34-36: Protection

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:
This weekend we begin our discussion of verse 7, "Love ... always protects."

Question for Reflection:
Is the love in your relationship protected?

Discussion: The passage of Scripture above states that "Love always protects," which is true if we don't allow outside influences to enter into our romantic lives.

Homework:
Over the course of this weekend, think about the time you spend with your spouse. Make an honest assessment about your time commitment and determine if you need to carve out more.

Protect the time you spend with your spouse. Are there activities, or events that you could sacrifice in an effort to increase your quality time together? If so, make that sacrifice and thus, add protection to your romantic life.
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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 33: Truth

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 6, "Love ...rejoices with the truth."

Question for Reflection:
Are you completely truthful with your spouse?

Discussion:In the Book of John, 8:31-32, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The truth will indeed set you free.

If you are not being truthful with your spouse, this will become a roadblock with regard to romance.

Homework:
Pray for guidance, then proceed with a plan to be truthful with your spouse. Sometimes the truth can hurt others, which is why prayer is so important. We need God's wisdom and guidance. Prayer is our prime opportunity to communicate with the Father and ask for His help.
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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 32: Dealing With Temptation

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 shift our attention to verse 6, "Love does not delight in evil..." 

Question for Reflection: 

Do you provide opportunities for evil, worldly things to enter into your relationship with your spouse?

Discussion:

It is difficult to have love in a place where evil exists. If you find that your focus is not totally on your spouse when it comes to romance, (for example, maybe you think about or lust after someone else), then evil has entered into your thinking and therefore your relationship.

We can fight temptation with God's help and keep evil out of our romantic life. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

Homework:

Are there times when you're tempted to look at someone other than your spouse with lust in your heart and mind? If so, make the effort to pray about it whenever this situation arises. 

Use an index card, or piece of paper to write down 1 Corinthians 10:13 and keep it with you for reference whenever you feel tempted.

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Thanks for reading this devotional.

Please feel free to share and pass along to others.

Have a blessed day!

--Steve Kendall

Online Bible Study: The Book of Job

Join us for our Online Study of the Book of Job @
http://biblestudyofjob.blogspot.com/2011/12/opening-remarks-about-our-online-bible.html

Romancing Your Spouse-Day 31: Record of What's Right

Topic:  Record of What's Right

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 focus on verse 5, where love, "keeps no record of wrongs," but this time, we'll concentrate on what's right in your romantic relationship with your spouse.

Question for Reflection: As we begin Day 31 of this devotional, think back over the past month and compose a list of things that have worked well in terms of romance.

Discussion:

Now that we're approaching the end of our devotional, I want to make sure that upon completion, we each have proven romantic gestures that we can both repeat and build upon.

Homework:
Begin to think creatively about a "culminating activity" for this devotional. What I mean by this is that I want you to plan a date by the end of this 40 day devotional which reflects everything you've learned about your spouse in terms of their romantic needs.

Again, it need not be expensive, but you should put prayer, creative thought and energy into planning something special. 

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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 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: 

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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! : )

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Thanks for reading this devotional.

Please feel free to share and pass along to others.

Have a blessed weekend!

--Steve Kendall

Online Bible Study: The Book of Job

Join us for an Online Bible Study of The Book of Job:
http://biblestudyofjob.blogspot.com/

Romancing Your Spouse-Day 26: Love Is Not Selfish

Topic: Love Is Not Selfish

"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)

Today we focus on verse 5, where love, "is not self-seeking."

Question for Reflection: Are you ever "self-seeking" aka "selfish" when it comes to romancing your spouse?

It is actually possible to be selfish when trying to romance your spouse. Sometimes, we're more focused on our own needs when it comes to romance. Even when we think we're doing something romantic for our spouse, we're really thinking of ourselves and what we want.

To break out of this mold, we really have to put ourselves in the shoes of our spouse. Ask yourself, "I'm I doing this for them, or for me?"

Homework: Review the romantic gestures you've made toward your spouse thus far during the course of this devotional. What worked? What didn't?

Focus on what worked, and continue those efforts, but also examine what didn't work and why
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Thanks for reading this devotional.

Please feel free to share and pass along to others.

Have a blessed first day of December!
--Steve Kendall