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Overview
Make your marriage the best it can be by putting God at the center.
Marriage is a beautiful blessing when husband and wife remain under God’s umbrella of wisdom and guidance. He holds answers to every challenge, healing for every hurt, provision for every need, and is the source for every joy. God’s Wisdom® for Your Marriage has been created to emphasize togetherness—not just with each other, but with Him—in all aspects of your relationship. Topics such as God’s Plan, God’s Guidance, God’s Provision, and more, highlight the importance of caring and sharing together as an absolute way of life so your marriage will remain steadfast for a lifetime.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781400320486 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Nelson, Thomas, Inc. |
| Publication date: | 05/21/2012 |
| Sold by: | HarperCollins Publishing |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 208 |
| File size: | 872 KB |
About the Author
Jack Countryman is the founder of JCountryman gift books, a division of Thomas Nelson, and is the recipient of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association's Kip Jordan Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the past 30 years, he has developed bestselling gift books such as God's Promises for Your Every Need, God's Promises for Men, God's Promises for Women, God Listens, and Red Letter Words of Jesus. Countryman's books have sold more than 27 million units. His graduation books alone have sold nearly 2 million units.
Read an Excerpt
God's Wisdom for Your Marriage
By Jack Countryman
Thomas Nelson
Copyright © 2012 Jack CountrymanAll right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4003-2022-6
Chapter One
God's Plan for your Marriage
GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
Pray Together
Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23–24
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14–15
Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. Matthew 18:18–19
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22
I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1–2
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6–7
GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
Praise God Together
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord. Psalm 104:33–34
You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen. Deuteronomy 10:20–21
Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! ... Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding. Psalm 47:1, 6–7
Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. Psalm 63:3–5
Let my mouth be filled with Your praise And with Your glory all the day.... But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. Psalm 71:8, 14
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:1–3
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100
GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
Serve God Together
If it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15
What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul? Deuteronomy 10:12
If you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the Lord your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil. And I will send grass in your fields for your livestock, that you may eat and be filled. Deuteronomy 11:13–15
Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1–2
Take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Joshua 22:5
Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:2–3
You shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. Exodus 23:25
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; ... distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Romans 12:10–11, 13
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
Draw Closer to God
It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works. Psalm 73:28
The Lord is righteous in all His ways, Gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. Psalm 145:17–19
As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:2–3
I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14–19
Meditate on [ Jesus' teachings and God's commands]; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:15–16
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
If anyone cleanses himself from [dishonor], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:21–22
Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7
Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:7–8
GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
Stand Strong Together
Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17
We do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16–18
[We] glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3–5
If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. Luke 9:23–24
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:57–58
He who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:8–10
Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 10:35–36
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:12–13
God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." ... If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 1 Corinthians 12:18–21, 26
GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
Obey God
Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known. Deuteronomy 11:26–28
Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:18
Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. Jeremiah 7:23
If you love Me, keep My commandments.... He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him. John 14:15, 21
Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10
Moses called all Israel, and said to them: "Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them. . . . You shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess." Deuteronomy 5:1, 32–33
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1 John 2:3–6
So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days. 1 Kings 3:14
GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
Follow God Together
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16
Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts. I long for Your salvation, O Lord, And Your law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me. Psalm 119:173–175
But He who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25
Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments. Psalm 119:104–106
Do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Proverbs 3:1–2
Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:3–5
God's Guidance
GOD'S GUIDANCE
For Your Finances
Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:17–19
You will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the Lord charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed. Indeed I have taken much trouble to prepare for the house of the Lord one hundred thousand talents of gold and one million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond measure, for it is so abundant. I have prepared timber and stone also, and you may add to them. 1 Chronicles 22:13–14
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:5–10
He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6–7
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38
You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who delights greatly in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth; The generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his righteousness endures forever. Psalm 112:1–3
(Continues...)
Excerpted from God's Wisdom for Your Marriage by Jack Countryman Copyright © 2012 by Jack Countryman. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Pray Together....................2Praise God Together....................4
Serve God Together....................7
Draw Closer to God....................10
Stand Strong Together....................13
Obey God....................16
Follow God Together....................19
For Your Finances....................22
To Know His Will....................25
For Your Marriage....................29
For Your Family....................32
For Being a Husband....................34
For Being a Wife....................37
For Your Needs....................42
Of Health....................45
Of Protection....................49
Of Strength....................53
Of Wisdom....................56
Of Patience....................59
Of Courage....................62
Of Joy....................64
Of Comfort....................67
Of Peace....................70
His Love....................74
His Mercy....................77
His Faithfulness....................80
His Divine Intervention....................83
His Spirit....................86
His Strength....................89
His Rest....................92
Fruitfulness....................95
Hope....................98
Abundance....................101
Your Heavenly Father....................106
Jesus: Your Savior....................108
The Holy Spirit: Your Helper....................110
His Word....................112
Heaven: Your Home....................115
Christ's Return....................118
Heavenly Rewards....................121
Turning Back to God....................124
Prayer....................127
Healing....................130
When There Is Anger....................134
When There Is Disappointment....................136
When There Is Failure....................139
When There Is Financial Trouble....................142
When There Is Heartbreak....................145
When There Is Sexual Impurity....................148
When There Is Stress....................151
When There Is Temptation....................153
When There Is Worry....................156
When There Is Worldly Influence....................159
Compassion in Marriage....................164
Commitment in Marriage....................166
Contentment in Marriage....................168
Endurance in Marriage....................171
Forgiveness in Marriage....................173
Generosity in Marriage....................175
Honesty in Marriage....................177
Humility in Marriage....................179
Love in Marriage....................182
Purity in Marriage....................185
Steadfastness in Marriage....................187
Thoughtfulness in Marriage....................189