Hey everyone! I am so sorry that I have not been posting the daily challenges, but my computer broke down on me last Friday and I am just now got it back up and running so below is days 7 - 11 for the encouragement challenge.
Hope everyone had a great weekend. Please don't forget to go to www.blessedbuckets.com and http://graciousgreetings.myspstore.com
God Bless You!
Day 7: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives
"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!...for riches certainly make themselves wings..." Proverbs 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 him 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.
Is he 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.
Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Taken from Nancy Leigh DeMoss' 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives . Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com
Day 8: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives
"...but who can find a faithful man?" Proverbs 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 ther 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 Peter 3:1]. You may also want to see counsel from a mature, godly individual or couple.)
Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Taken from Nancy Leigh DeMoss' 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives. Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com
Day 9: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives
"... be swift to hear, slow to speak..." James 1:19b
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!"
Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Taken from Nancy Leigh DeMoss' 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives . Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com
Day 10: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives
"Behold you are handsome, my beloved! Yes, pleasant!..." Song of Solomon 1:16a
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!
Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Taken from Nancy Leigh DeMoss' 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives. Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com
Day 11: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Ephesians 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."
Copyright Revive Our Hearts. Taken from Nancy Leigh DeMoss' 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives. Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com
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