Yesterday I was on the internet for a little too long. I didn't get to study for class - I had used an hour of free time to take care of internet things, then went to a team meeting, then to IKEA to get our Christmas tree. By the time we got home it was nearly 10pm, bedtime.

Our team meeting was very good, we talked about many things as always and enjoyed a time of prayer together. I really felt God's love & forgiveness, my need for his healing of historic hurts that I caused and that were put on me. My relationship with the Lord is growing deeper as I increasingly focus on His love for me and others.

Mark 1-4
The measure you use... Jesus said, "Consider carefully what you hear, with the measure you use, it will be applied to you - and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."

Open your heart to God and you will receive more of God in the future; close your heart to God and you will receive less of God in the future. God is love. God is truth. God is Mercy. God is grace. I want more of God.

The Power of a Praying Husband Ch. 1

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Proverbs 3:27

I am called to love my wife, to show her compassion, to be her protector and provider. I can do these things. I do not have to be her fixer, I can just listen. I do not have to give her diamonds and pearls, but I can bless her with them if I am able, more than that she wants my heart. Jaime wants to know that I care about her, that I want to listen to her hurts and comfort her. I definitely shouldn't be the cause of her pain or problems.

One who turns away his ear from the hearing of the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. Proverbs 28:9

God has shown me twice this morning that I need to turn increasingly towards Him to hear His voice through the Word, to talk with Him face to face, and to be transformed by His power.

Prayer
The first chapter of The Power of a Praying Husband has been so good, I hope it just gets better and better. Using the guidance of this book, I have been stretched. Praying for the life God's wants for me is much better than trying to force myself to become who I think I should be. God is so much better at rewiring my head and heart, which then direct my mouth and movements.

Praise God! Thank you God for drawing me close to you, softening my heart, and giving me your Spirit. Continue to bless me so that I can bless others with your gifts of love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and honor.