23 December 2015 + Love Dare Day 23

Reading & Memorising Scripture

Scripture:

• Romans 6:12

Observations:

I like this passage; it's really nice and straightforward: "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions."

Don't let sin reign in your body. Don't let sin make you obey its passions. Those are the two statements in this passage. Note, though, how they're intertwined. Sin cannot make you obey its passions unless it is reigning in your body. This is a very important facet of much of the book of Romans, that we are no longer bound to our sin, but to Christ. If Christ reigns in us, then sin does not. If Christ reigns in us, the we are not made to obey it. If Christ reigns in us, we have his power to resist temptation.

Application:

Forsake sin and turn to God. If there's any area in your life which you haven't taken to God, but you've kept to yourself, thinking you can manage it, or because you enjoy the way it makes you feel, that can still remain an area in which sin has rulership and you will sin in it again. Give it all over to God and be free from the obligation to sin.

This is something I'm learning. I was actually praying over this concept yesterday, talking with God and thanking him for the place he has brought me to.

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The Love Dare

Day 23: Love Always Protects

"Unfortunately your marriage has enemies out there. They come in different forms and use different strategies, but nonetheless they will conspire to destroy your relationship unless you know how to ward them off.
Some are clever and seem attractive, only to undermine your love and appreciation for one another. Others try to lure your heart away from your spouse by feeding you unhealthy fantasies and unrealistic comparisons."

Yep. This is what happened to me. The first probably started happening a longer time ago, but the second is what did me in.

Some of the things listed as enemies of marriage are harmful influences (internet, TV, work schedules), unhealthy relationships (bad confidants/advisors, risk with opposite sex friendships), shame (how do you speak re: your spouse in public?), and parasites (addictions, anything consuming your thoughts, time, and money). These are things which should be actively guarded against, like a good shepherd watching over his flock, not sacrificed for our own comfort and entertainment.

"Men ...  You are the one responsible before God for guarding the gate and standing your ground against anything that would threaten your wife or marriage. ... It requires a heart of courage and a head for preemptive action."

So, that's where I stand. As I mentioned above, I was praying over the idea of not being beholden to sin and, thanks to the work God has done in me, I am more able to put energy into repairing my marriage. This idea of defending it from enemies preemptively is a big factor, I think, that will help on the repair process.