The Love Project M A twenty-eight day challenge for husbands and wives to enjoy and grow together in Marriage, God s Word, & Prayer.
INTRODUCTION You can quote me: Marriage is extremely important. If you are married you know that marriage is something that takes love, patience, kindness, and about a million other things each day. This book is designed to help married couples get the best out of their marriage by looking unto God s Word for the answers. No marriage is perfect and we are certainly not saying that every marriage is filled with problems. Maintaining a successful marriage is not an easy task because disagreements and difficult decisions exist. We simply want to work on our marriages because they are extremely important. In the Bible the marriage relationship is compared to Christ and the Church. Think for just a moment on the full impact that marriage has upon our lives. This series is designed to help our marriages improve. Garland Elkins once said: The largest room in my life is the room for improvement. May we all strive to have this attitude when it comes to every aspect of our lives and especially our marriages. This series is very simple for married couples because it involves twenty eight days to spend time in God s Word and in prayer. Each day has a scripture for you to discuss together and some suggestions for prayers that will help you encourage, support, and uplift one another before God. In total you will find that the time spent together in Scripture and Prayer will be worth it all. In His Service, Jonathan Burns
DAY ONE And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:5-9). Today s prayer should emphasize our thankfulness for the creation account and the fact that God placed inside of man the living soul. Without creation we are literally nothing and fail to see the beauty in marriage.
DAY TWO And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed (Genesis 2:22-25). Today s prayer should emphasize that marriage is a blessing from God. It should remind us that God has placed man and woman together to encourage, strengthen, and uplift one another.
DAY THREE And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? (Matthew 19:4-5). Today s prayer should emphasize that marriage is a blessing that should be viewed as unity. Marriage should be the concept where a man and a woman come together to become one in marriage.
DAY FOUR Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thin Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband (Ephesians 5:22, 24, & 33). Today s prayer should emphasize that the wife is the greatest blessing in marriage to the husband. She is the friend, companion, supporter, encourager, helpmeet, and love of your life. Pray that she might be exalted before God.
DAY FIVE For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church (Ephesians 5:23, 25, 28, & 29). Today s prayer should emphasize that the husband should be viewed as the house band. He should be the one who holds everything together and uplifts his spouse. Pray that he might be more like Christ.
DAY SIX For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:30-32). Today s prayer should emphasize that marriage and the church are used together many times in the Bible. Marriage is so important that it is compared to the Church and the Church is the Bride of Christ. Pray for the success of your marriage and for the fact that your marriage is extremely important.
DAY SEVEN Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, & 13). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage love must be understood and practiced. Pray that you both will be sacrificial in your love.
DAY EIGHT Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:1-4). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage comes one of the greatest blessings of life: Children. Pray that you will be the parents you need to be for your children. Pray that your children will listen to your encouragement that comes from God s word.
DAY NINE Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation (Hebrews 13:4-7). Today s prayer should emphasize that marriage should be respected by our world and especially by those who are in marriage. Pray that you will be the couple that respects marriage.
DAY TEN Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel (Proverbs 5:7-9). Today s prayer should emphasize that marriage is under attack in a world that is influenced by evil. Husbands are under pressure from the world to live as the world lives. Pray for his resolve to be faithful and to always be faithful to his wife.
DAY ELEVEN I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). Today s prayer should emphasize that marriage is something that requires forgiveness. No one is perfect but we must remember that each spouse has imperfections. Pray that you will be more forgiving in your marriage.
DAY TWELVE The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me (Song of Solomon 3:3-4). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage we must remember the one whom our soul loves. Pray that we might see our spouse each day as someone that is precious and deserving of our affection, love, and attention.
DAY THIRTEEN Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar (Proverbs 31:10-14). Today s prayer should emphasize that we must recognize the greatness in our wives. They work tireless to make sure that the family has what it needs. Her value is beyond description and she will do anything for her family. Husbands let s pray that we value and trust our wives.
DAY FOURTEEN A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident (Psalms 27:1-3). Today s prayer should emphasize that in life men need the prayers of their wives. Each day men face different challenges and temptations. This prayer should focus upon the things that might make men feel overwhelmed.
DAY FIFTEEN O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies (Song of Solomon 2:14-16). Today s prayer should emphasize that marriage should be filled with unity. Pray that you both are filled with the qualities of unity that bring about a fragrance as if you are walking through a field of lilies.
DAY SIXTEEN For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging (1 Peter 4:6-9). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage we should be filled with qualities that bring out the best in our spouses. Pray that you both will have the attitude that promotes faithfulness to Christ in your household.
DAY SEVENTEEN Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me (John 14:27-30). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage we should be aware of the things that make our spouse insecure. Pray that we will always look unto God s Word for the direction of life.
DAY EIGHTEEN Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:22-25). Today s prayer should emphasize that marriage is something that is lived daily. It is a wonderful thing to encourage each other and spend time in worship together. Pray that you provoke each other unto love.
DAY NINETEEN Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love (Proverbs 5:17-19). Today s prayer should emphasize that you married your spouse for a reason. Husbands and wives need to remember their spouse of their youth to remember why you fell in love. This prayer should remind you why you love your spouse and spark your romantic love.
DAY TWENTY And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen (Ephesians 3:19-21). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage and all relationships Christ needs to be in the center. In marriage Christ must be the center so we can understand the proper relationship we should have. Pray that when life is filled with worry that Christ is the center of your life.
DAY TWENTY-ONE Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous (1 Peter 3:7-8). Today s prayer should emphasize that marriage is something that should be active. Husbands and wives should spend time together to dwell in the knowledge of God s Word. Pray that you both will live together in the knowledge of Christ.
DAY TWENTY-TWO And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage we should be striving to produce the fruits of righteousness. Both husbands and wives should be working daily to promote the life of Christ. Pray that the fruits of righteousness will be in your marriage.
DAY TWENTY-THREE Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:36-38). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage we should be a people of mercy. Compassion and mercy need to be shown in marriage. Mercy can be defined as an act of kindness and love. Today s prayer should help us give mercy to our spouse.
DAY TWENTY-FOUR Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates (Proverbs 31:28-31). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage our wives do so much to make our families, homes, and lives better. From the children to the husband the wife deserves our praises. This prayer should praise the wonderful things your wife does daily for your house.
DAY TWENTY-FIVE Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Romans 12:9-12). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage we must be devoted to each other. In love, affection, preference, and life we must define our marriage so that it promotes service to the Lord. Pray that you will prefer one another in your marriage.
DAY TWENTY-SIX Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:17-21). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage we should live without fear in our lives and marriages. We understand love because God showed the world true love. Pray that in all of our relationships we should have the love of God.
DAY TWENTY-SEVEN B R When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now (John 2:9-10). Today s prayer should emphasize that in marriage we need to bring out the best of our spouse. During the dating years we put on our best and during our married years we should strive for perfection. Pray that you will remember your wedding day and bring out the best in each other daily.
DAY TWENTY-EIGHT Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God (Philippians 2:3-6). The final prayer in this series should emphasize that in marriage we need the mind of Christ. Christ displayed the ultimate mindset upon the earth and we should strive daily to promote such a mindset in our marriage. Pray that we will be one in marriage and keep Christ as our focus.