30-Day Encouragement Challenge

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 09:31:51 -0400

Hello my fellow Wives, Mother’s & Friends:

Just found out that today is national “Husband Appreciation Day” and a dear friend challenged me to show my Husband appreciation in some special way today. So, first thing I did was texted my Husband, “ ... today is Husband appreciation day” ... "I appreciate you telling me which day of the year will be wife appreciation day. So there.” LOL

I did later find out as well that “Wife Appreciation Day” will be third Saturday in September and on I went with my efforts of taking this challenge to heart when I found a great 30-day encouragement challenge that I stepped up to and wanted to share and invite you to join in.

Crystal’s Day # 1:

Today, I salute my Husband. Everything he does to serve others through Mighty Swings and the love he pours into our daily family life, I admire and respect. His works do not go unnoticed and is appreciated more than he knows.

Dear Coley,Thank you for choosing me to be your wife. Many things are happening all around us but it’s your love that I desire more than the air that I breath! I desire to be a blessing to you today and all the days of my life. You hold my heart and have my trust and just like a young lady shining with blushes and giggles; you have never failed to walk into the room and light up my eyes like no one else ever could. “Always & Forever” So cheers to our Marriage and to celebrating our young love of yester years that sparked over 20 years ago and cheers to a Fire that is
burning stronger today than ever!

30-DAY ENCOURAGEMENT CHALLENGE

We're so glad you've decided to accept the "30-Day Encouragement
Challenge" to encourage your husband! Your decision means that you truly
want to be a blessing in your home. This challenge will also result in
spiritual growth in your own life.

We'd like to encourage you to keep track of what God does in your
marriage over this next month. We hope you'll take time to share what
God does in your home as you bless and encourage your spouse.

Day One:
"The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of
gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." Prov. 31:11-
12
To refresh your memory . . . here's the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge:
for the next 30 days:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your
husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. .
. to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!
To help you get started, have you ever thanked your husband for
"choosing you" above all other women? He found you attractive as a
person, and appreciated you. Though many circumstances in your
marriage may have changed, let your husband know that you are glad
God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the
rest of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his
corner.
One of the best opportunities to express your gratitude is first thing in the
morning. How do you greet your husband each morning? Is he confident
in your love? Give him a "wake up call" that he'll never forget-a big "I love
you" and an "I'm so glad I'm your wife!"
Day Two:
" . . . through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b
How did you do yesterday with your first day of blessing and encouraging
your husband? Was it easy? Was it hard to hold your tongue when you
wanted to say something negative? We hope you're off to a good start. (If
you blew it, don't give up start again today!) There are so many practical
things you can praise, if you look for them.
Today, find some way that your husband is serving you or your family.
Does he help around the house? Take care of the car? Fix things that are
broken? If your budget allows, give him a new, small tool with a big bow
attached. But make sure he doesn't think it's part of a "Honey Do" list!
Maybe your husband's not a handyman, but does he run errands for you?
Let you go first? Take care of you when you are sick? Help you make
decisions? Praise him for his willingness to serve others. Let him know
that you see his unique service as a great strength.
Day Three:
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by
Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19
Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As you consider your Encouragement
Challenge, determine today that you will not say anything negative to or
about your husband. Speak kindly to him with words of genuine
encouragement.
If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have
noticed. Thank him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that
your husband knows how to be both tough and tender.
Sometimes it's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind or tender—especially
if he hasn't had role models in these areas. If he's not a considerate
person, appeal to him for help without complaining. Let him know that it's
hard for you to handle some things alone. Then, when he moves in to
help, don't insist that he do it your way. Be glad that he is responding,
and express your gratitude.
Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure,
loved, etc.
Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart.
Day Four:
" . . . let him labor, working with his hands what is good . . . " Eph. 4:28
We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive
words. Have you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to
your husband and to others about him? Here's a suggestion that touches
the core of your husband's world.
Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in
many ways. Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday,
or do you strengthen and encourage him with your words? A wise wife will
make her husband feel that she values and appreciates his work. Let him
know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise
his diligence and resourcefulness to others.
If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll
need to be more creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see
in him that would be a vital part of a successful career—such as
persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational
skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.
Day Five:
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is
good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."
Eph. 4:29
Another way to describe the positive side of this "30-Day Encouragement
Challenge" is by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up."
Negative comments only discourage and tear down. Positive comments
encourage and build.
Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their
eyes? This is especially important to other family members.
Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your
husband's mother know how much you love him? How about your dad?
Perhaps you can drop a word of praise into a conversation or letter. Be
creative in letting your relatives know that you respect your husband, love
him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and weaknesses he may
have.
Day Six:
". . . whatever ye 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. 23:4-5
"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill
their treasuries." Proverbs 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.
Day Eight:
How are you doing with the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge"? In case
you've forgotten, here's the challenge:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your
husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. .
. to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!
". . . but who can find a faithful man?" Prov. 20:6b
Faithfulness is a wonderful but rare quality today, especially in regard to
marriage. Do you understand how important this quality is? Your challenge
is to continue to root out all negative speaking, and plant seeds of
encouragement instead. You may be amazed at what will grow.
Contemporary culture often entices men to be unfaithful to their wedding
vows and spiritual commitments. Appreciate your husband's faithfulness—
how he is loyal to you. Let him know that you are glad he has "stick-to-it-
iveness" in your marriage.
Appreciate his faithfulness to God. (If you have an unfaithful husband, this
is a difficult area for you. Pray, speak the truth in love, remain faithful
yourself, and discover ways to encourage faithfulness in your mate. The
Bible says that husbands may ". . . be won by the conduct of their wives"
[1 Pet. 3:1]. You may also want to seek counsel from a mature, godly
individual or couple.)
Day Nine:
We are often so busy speaking that we don't take time to listen. We are
so quick to offer a comment - negative or positive—that we don't really
"hear" our husband's heart. Remember: we have two ears and only one
mouth. We need to listen more!
As you continue in your 30-day challenge, not speaking negatively and
focusing on positive encouragement, hear the Lord's admonition today:
"Be swift to hear." If listening is a real problem for you, play a game with
yourself. See if you can listen to your husband for one whole day, only
speaking when asked a question. If your husband notices the difference,
explain that you are learning to listen more-not only to God, but also to
him.
One easy way to express admiration for your husband is to ask a question
about something he enjoys, and then listen to his response. If it's an area
of personal familiarity, keep asking questions until you learn something
you didn't know, then tell him, "Wow, I didn't know that!"
Day Ten:
We all crave appreciation. We want to know that we are valued and loved.
Early love letters probably reflected our admiration, but if we're not
careful, our spouse will forget why we were drawn to him. If you still have
any of your old love letters, re-read them for clues to deepen your current
level of appreciation for your spouse. When we spend time criticizing our
husbands, we lose time that could be spent admiring them. As you
consider various ways to encourage your husband, ask, "How can I admire
him?"
Does your husband know that you think he is attractive? What was one of
the characteristics in your husband that first drew you to him? Was it a
physical characteristic, or something else?
Was it his gentle, compassionate eyes? Kindness or concern for others?
An easy-going confidence? A steadiness that comes from trusting in the
Lord? Strength of character in a culture that lacks integrity? Do you see at
least a glimpse of that characteristic in him today? Whatever it is, tell
him!
Day Eleven:
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Eph. 5:22
Women who are constantly negative toward their husbands—especially by
speaking evil of them to others—show great disrespect. Determine not to
do that today (or ever!). This challenge to encourage is closely connected
to submission.
Men respond to women who respect them. What do you respect about
your husband? Part of that respect includes submission to his authority.
Let your husband know how respecting him makes it easier to submit to
his leadership. Show your respect in public by listening to him and smiling
at him when he speaks. Place your hand in his as you walk together.
If you feel there is nothing to respect, search harder . . . nearly every
man has some core characteristic that can be nurtured and respected. In
any case, you must still cultivate a submissive spirit to his position of
leadership . . ."as to the Lord."
Day Twelve:
"With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one
another in love." Eph. 4:2
Part of the difficulty you may face as you continue in this 30-day challenge
to encourage your husband is that you really are struggling to find
positive things to praise. Perhaps the problem is not with your husband.
Have you checked your own heart?
Sometimes we get disillusioned because of our own unreasonable or
unrealistic expectations (Prov. 13:12). It may not be that our mates are
doing something wrong; it's simply that we expect too much in some
areas. Our expectations must be met in God alone, and then we will have
the right perspective to ask God for the healing and grace we need to
respond to others.
How sad that we give more grace to others than to those in our own
homes. Today, try to look at your husband through eyes of grace. Verbally
thank your husband for what he is already doing.
Day Thirteen:
"I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me." Song of Solomon 7:10
The sexual relationship. It's one of those elements—along with money and
children—that can derail a marriage through negative comments.
Negativity destroys intimacy, but encouragement builds and strengthens
the marriage bond.
Let's get practical here. Is your husband a "good lover"? Have you told
him so? Be specific. Let him know when he pleases you. Most husbands
genuinely want to please their wives, especially in this important area of
marriage.
In moments of intimacy, do you find your mind wandering? This can
change as you focus on something wonderful about your husband. Realize
that your husband wants intimacy with you . . . his desire is toward you.
Does this area of your marriage need some work? Remember that this is a
sensitive area for men. Be sure to encourage his lovemaking and
masculinity in positive ways.
Day Fourteen:
"The righteous man walks in his integrity . . ." Prov. 20:7a
Every week there are news reports about men who gave in to temptations
and compromised what they said they believed. We hear countless reports
about dishonest business dealings, hidden infidelity, and hypocritical
leaders. It's so easy to focus on these things and ignore those who are
being honest, faithful and genuine. As you continue in the "30-Day
Encouragement Challenge," determine to look for ways that your husband
stands against the culture.
Is your spouse a man of integrity? Is he fair in his dealings with people?
Does he understand the meaning of justice? Is he honest in business?
Unhypocritical in his faith? Consider all the ways a man can live in
integrity, and praise your husband for one of them. As you have the
opportunity—as it is appropriate—share examples of your husband's
honesty and integrity with others.
Day Fifteen:
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
. . ." 2 Pet. 3:18a
Sometimes we live so close to our spouse that we fail to see him as
others do; we only see our husband's faults. But take a step back.
Perhaps he is growing spiritually in ways you have failed to appreciate.
How can you encourage his growth in a fresh, new way? Remember—your
husband is accountable to God for his spiritual development. You are
accountable to God to encourage and not hinder that growth.
Can you identify an area of spiritual strength in your husband? Does he
pray or read his Bible regularly? Does he like to read about or discuss
spiritual matters? Does he go to church with you? Is he a spiritual leader?
What do others say about him? If you can identify a specific area, praise
him for that. If not, pray earnestly that God will work in his heart, and
watch for signs of spiritual growth in the future.
Day Sixteen:
"And the LORD God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will
make him a helper comparable to him." Genesis 2:18
God says that it is not good for man to be alone. But the way some
women criticize their mates, the husbands may long for solitude. Be
careful today not to criticize your mate, but look for ways to encourage
him personally and publicly.
Speaking of communication, does your husband communicate with you?
God has made you a companion and helper for your husband, and part of
being "one flesh" with him is the privilege of sharing and discussing
personal needs and concerns. Thank God for that wonderful gift. Thank
your husband for communicating with you. If your spouse does not
communicate as you wish, look for ways that he communicates that are
normal for him—smiling at you, nodding his head, even a pleasant
"grunt!"—and then thank him for letting you know that he cares. Perhaps
he needs to be lovingly taught how to communicate. Be patient with him .
. . and listen when he does speak.
Day Seventeen:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of
the Holy One is understanding." Prov. 9:10
Are you a wise woman? Do you open your mouth with wisdom, as
Proverbs 31:26 suggests? As you continue in your 30-day challenge,
remember that a wise woman encourages her husband. Is your husband a
"wise man?" Does he have a godly perspective that comes from knowing
God and walking with Him in obedience? Does he have a sense of purpose
for his life and vision for your home? Tell him how much this means to
you.
If you are not sure about your husband's vision for your home, ask him,
"Honey, what do you want to accomplish with our marriage and home in
the years to come?" and "How can I help you accomplish that?" If he
does not have a vision, your questions may inspire him to develop one.
If your husband is not walking with God—or perhaps, does not know the
Lord - you have the opportunity and responsibility to practice your faith
and create a thirst for God. Thank God for giving your husband a place in
his heart that only He can fill, and keep praying that he will turn to the
Lord to fill that vacuum!
Day Eighteen:
"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.
Day Nineteen:
Read this description of a wife's description of her beloved—Song of Solomon
5:10-16
Criticism leaves scars; but encouragement can bring healing. Remember
that today as you focus on your "30-Day Encouragement Challenge."
Almost nothing is as devastating to a man as the belief that his wife finds
him repulsive. Sadly, many women unwisely criticize their husbands'
bodies.
Have you ever considered how wonderfully God designed men and
women? No matter how a man looks—by the standards of the world - a
loving God designed them all, and they are all "beautiful" in His sight.
Encourage your husband today by praising his uniqueness.
As you look over your husband's body, from the tip of his toes to his bald
or bushy head, thank God that your husband is "wonderfully made," then
admire your husband verbally. (Strong arms? Hairy chest? Firm hands?
Big feet? Rugged chin? Wide shoulders? Compassionate eyes? Broad
smile?)
Day Twenty:
"And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as
God in Christ also forgave you." Eph. 4:32
It's time for some heart examination. As you continue in this 30-day
challenge, have you found any roots of bitterness that are contaminating
your relationship with your husband? Do you understand that as long as
you are unwilling to forgive your husband—by God's grace and in His
power —you will not be able to encourage him? Your own resentment will
keep getting in the way. Now is the time to deal with any unforgiving
attitudes. Forgive him, even as God has forgiven you.
Is your husband a forgiving man? Does he keep short accounts of your
problems? Express your thankfulness for such a man.
Does your husband—rightly or wrongly—harbor grudges against you?
Again, are there things you need to change, or do you need to ask for his
forgiveness for an offense? Help your husband be more forgiving by
quickly forgiving him for his mistakes.
Day Twenty-one:
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these
things shall be added to you." Matt. 6:33
If we are living in light of eternity, everything we think, do or say is seen
from an eternal perspective. We will someday give an account for our
failure to speak words of love and encouragement. Determine today that
your words will be sweet and helpful.
Does your husband have an eternal perspective that allows him to reject
materialism and temporal values? Express your gratefulness for his value
system, and praise him for putting eternal things before riches and other
things of this world. If this is a problem area for him, consider how you
might alter your own value system and live for eternity in front of him,
encouraging him to do the same. Only two things will go into eternity . . .
the Word of God and people. Be sure that you are focusing on the right
things.
Day Twenty-two:
"Let your speech always be with grace . . ." Col. 4:6a
Focus today on how you represent your husband in your home, your
church, and your community. In this challenge to encourage, ask: "If all
my family and friends knew about my husband came from a filter of what
I've said about him, what would they think of my husband?" Do you need
to change the filter? Do you talk positively about your husband to others .
. . or do you complain and criticize?
Your speech should reflect 1 Cor. 13 love. Your words should be kind, and
should never "rejoice in iniquity" (v. 6). Refrain from listing your husband's
faults to others. Satan likes to trick us in this area—be wary of sharing
barbed "prayer requests." Remember, "Love will cover a multitude of sins"
(1 Pet. 4:8b). Present your husband before others today in a strong,
positive manner. Slip in a "good word" for your spouse.
Resist the urge to correct or belittle him in front of others. Some of what
you say may come back to him—and you want your words to be sweet,
building him up and never tearing him down.
Don't forget: you are always criticizing—or encouraging—before an
audience. God hears your conversations when you are alone with your
husband in your own home. May your speech be always seasoned with
grace.
Day Twenty-three:
"Let your speech always be with grace . . ." Col. 4:6a
You're moving toward the home stretch of your 30-day challenge! Just a
reminder of what you've committed:
You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your
husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. .
. to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!
"In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works . . ."
Titus 2:7a
Does the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" seem like hard work? Or is it
becoming a pleasant exercise in genuine Christ-likeness in your home?
You are only scratching the surface of ways to encourage your mate. Is
your husband organized? Is he diligent? Is he persistent? These are all
related to a pattern of personal disciplines that are worthy of your praise.
Affirm him for one or more of these traits that you see in him.
Some men have not developed these qualities because they are naturally
more spontaneous. You can praise his spontaneity! Perhaps God has called
you alongside to help him with disciplines he has not yet developed - but
this does not include nagging. You can keep him organized.
Whatever the need, you can be your husband's cheerleader, encouraging
him when he wants to give up.
Day Twenty-four:
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them
up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Eph. 6:4
Children can be quite a challenge to the marriage relationship. A wise wife
will support her husband's leadership in the home as much as possible,
and will praise him for his fathering skills. Negativity makes a man feel
like a failure, and may make him to want to give up.
Does your husband discipline your children wisely? Does he show them
love and encourage them? Does he take an interest in their activities and
dreams? Does he spend time with them? Does he take part in developing
their character? Praise him for these important life skills.
If you don't have children—is your husband positive and encouraging
around other people's children? Let him know that you have noticed. If
your husband does not experience positive relationships with children, you
will need to figure out why. Perhaps he had negative experiences as a
child with his own parents, and needs to learn how to respond. Perhaps
you can lovingly and patiently show him how to parent—while still
maintaining his authority in the home.
Day Twenty-five:
". . . seek peace, and pursue it." Ps. 34:14b
"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You." Is. 26:3
Before you consider whether these verses describe your husband, consider
your own presence in the home. Do you promote an atmosphere of peace,
or do critical words often flow from your mouth? Do you struggle with
anger? If so, before you continue with your Encouragement Challenge,
confess these sinful habits to the Lord, and determine to speak words of
peace to your family today.
Does your husband bring an atmosphere of peace into your home? Is his
presence a calming influence? Does he bring music, entertainment, books
or people into your home that build a sense of serenity? Let him know
how much you appreciate this wonderful quality, and support his choices.
If, on the other hand, he is quickly angered or he creates chaos rather
than calm, ask God to give you an abundance of the kind of peace that
will speak to his heart. Be patient and loving. Create an inviting
atmosphere of peace, as much as possible.
Day Twenty-six:
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and
men." Luke 2:52
If you have faithfully encouraged your husband, you will no doubt have
seen some changes in his life . . . and your own life, as well.
Encouragement is a wonderful habit that we hope you will continue for the
rest of your life.
The important thing is to keep growing in Christ and obeying the Word of
God as you respond to your husband. As you consider today how to bless
your husband and not tear him down, think of ways that you can
encourage balance in your home.
Jesus led a balanced life. He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and
socially. As you see your husband branching out in these areas, is there a
pattern of growth? Is your husband striving for balance in his life? If so,
let him know you have noticed, and ask how you can further encourage
that balance.
If your husband is out of balance—focusing on one area to the exclusion
of the others—consider whether there are things you can do to help
restore or create balance in his life. Can you encourage times for sports or
exercise? Keep the children quiet for a study time? Invite friends over for
dinner? Stimulate his mind?
Be sure you are working toward balance in your own life, as well. Be an
example!
Day Twenty-seven:
"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope
in the LORD." Ps. 31:24
You have almost completed the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge."
Perhaps it has taken you a tremendous amount of courage to speak words
of encouragement consistently to your husband. Courage comes as we
place our trust in God. Have faith that God will continue to work long after
your encouraging words have been shared.
There are lots of "tough guys" in the world, but true courage comes from
the Lord. Does your husband exhibit the courage to take an unpopular
stand, perhaps even to stand alone against evil? Is he courageous in his
faith? Does he work hard to change injustice? Is he a stickler for the
truth? Does he protect you or your family from the attacks of the Enemy?
Psalm 27:14 says this kind of courage comes from "waiting" on the Lord
for His strength. If your budget allows, "award" your husband with a
medal, trophy, framed picture of a brave knight, or some other token that
represents his courage as a man of God. Praise evidences of your
husband's courage in protecting you, your marriage, your family, or your
home.
Day Twenty-eight:
"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is
humility." Prov. 15:33
Sometimes, when we just "know" we are right and our husbands are
wrong, it takes great humility to honor them. It is difficult to speak well of
our husbands when our own hearts are puffed up with pride.
As part of your Encouragement Challenge today, pray that you will
respond to the Lord in faith and humility before you react to your
husband. Speak wisely and well, and leave the results to God.
The humility that comes from a right relationship with God—the humility
that comes when a man is willing to listen to God and be taught from His
Word—is indeed a beautiful quality. Jesus was an example of this kind of
humility when he was willing to submit to His Father's will (John 6:38;
Matt. 26:39).
Does your husband have that kind of humility? Is he willing to learn from
and submit to direction from the Lord? Let your husband know how
precious this is to your marriage relationship.
Day Twenty-nine:
"A prudent man foresees evil, and hides himself; the simple pass on, and
are punished." Prov. 27:12
As you near the end of your Encouragement Challenge, take time to think
about your husband's responses to the wickedness of the culture, the
media, etc. Does your husband recognize and avoid evil? Does he
regularly turn his back on pornography, sexual temptations, and the urge
to lie and cheat?
This is a valuable character trait. Like Joseph in the Old Testament, who
fled from the wicked advances of Potiphar's wife, this takes an
understanding that these kinds of sins are first and foremost, sins against
God (Gen. 39:9).
Praise your husband when he recognizes and turns his back on
wickedness. If you can think of a circumstance where your husband stood
for righteousness, remind him of that today-and express your gratitude.
Day Thirty:
". . . This is my beloved, and this is my friend . . ." Song of Solomon
5:16b
Friends can be completely honest with each other, but friendships are
strained when truth is not spoken in love. How are you speaking to your
beloved? Are you so "used" to him that you don't appreciate the wonder
of his friendship? That is your challenge today. Is your sweetheart your
best friend? Does he know this? Have you told him, or do you assume he
"just knows"?
Friendship is something that is cultivated through the good times and the
bad. Friends can share their hearts, but they don't step on each other's
hearts. The way to have and be a good friend is to cultivate and celebrate
the relationship. As you end this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge,"
celebrate your friendship with your husband. Get alone and reflect on your
beloved friend. Write him a letter, listing the qualities you admire and
appreciate about him. If you are creative with words, write and frame a
poem about him.
Perhaps you can prepare a special meal, just for the two of you, and read
the letter or poem to him. Ask if you can pray for him, and if he is willing,
thank God for your love and friendship, asking for His blessing on your
home. Encouragement, as you have seen these past 30 days, is a synonym for
love in action. How has this challenge changed your heart and life, dear
friend? Did God encourage you as you planned ways to encourage your
husband? Were there difficult days where you simply needed to trust that
God was working? Days when it was hard to leave the results to God?
Remember that God is faithful, and He will bless you for your willingness
to obey Him. His ways are not our ways, and perhaps He will honor you in
ways you do not expect, but one thing is sure—you will never be the same
because of your commitment to be more like Christ!
What kinds of victories have you experienced in your home since you
started the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge"? Would you take a
moment to share these victories with us?

Thank you for taking the challenge along with us and
May God Bless your home!

The Mighty Swings blog

30-Day Encouragement Challenge

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