2018 ICB Men's Kickoff Breakfast ICB_ANNUAL BREAKFAST KICK-OFF_2018_WEB READY FILE- | Page 34

2018 Kickoff Breakfast #4 Enjoy a special movie night. DVD teachings are a great way to share in studying the things of God. Most of the time we hear of a “movie” or “DVD” we are thinking entertainment. But every once in a while, invest in a DVD focused on marriage or the Bible. Most are in segments so you can watch a little bit at a time and discuss it afterwards. You can watch great biblical based messages for free online at websites like exploregod.com or thebibleproject.com. Warning: Do not use these activities to substitute for personal time with your Heavenly Father. Do not use them as an alternative to church. Your ability to lead in the home flows from your time with God! Personally speaking, I have often struggled to hold down a consistent devotional time with my beautiful wife. We’ve done several things through the years and had fun doing them (some more than others). Four children in the midst of career changes, school, and full-time ministry always seem to change our lifestyle. Abandoning our time together would have been the path of least resistance. But early in my relationship I made a commitment to pray FOR my wife, pray OVER her, and speak LIFE to her. Early on I started to bless my wife because I knew she was an irreplaceable gift. I don’t just say, “God bless you” when she sneezes. I say it when I’m leaving the home, saying goodbye, or just thinking of her. I make it a point to bless my wife. Before marriage I asked her to pray for me because I needed it. I still do. So she prayed. She continues to pray. She is my greatest prayer partner. She is my best friend. And none of that happened by chance. With God’s grace, and our obedience, we have built this partnership in Christ. 34 As men, we want immediate and tangible results! Sorry, brother. God doesn’t work that way. He rewards FAITHFULNESS. He wants you to diligently seek His face. And if you operate by faith, the rewards will be awesome: • Your wife will respect you more. • Your wife will trust you more. • Your wife will be more sure and secure in your love • You will experience an increase in your love for your wife. • You will both see things God’s way on major life issues, and experience both greater agreement, and greater confidence that you are making the right choices. • Your spiritual and emotional intimacy will increase • You will enjoy greater peace, joy and awareness of God’s Presence in your home Love is friendship set to music. Take the lead in the dance. In every moment together, you are inviting your wife to dance. In every experience you share, you are the first couple on the floor. So be the man. Be proactive. Reject spiritual passivity. Accept your responsibility as the husband. Step out and lead courageously. And believe God for a great reward. “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV Dr. Onorio Chaparro